From Britain with Love

Sitauted at the heart of the Jurassic Coast is Lyme Regis, also known as the 'Pearl of Dorset'. Less than three hours by train from both London and the Midlands, it is a popular destination for holidaymakers and an internationally recognised centre for fossil hunting.

Steeped in local history and made famous by The French Lieutenant's Woman, Lyme (as the locals call it) is the archetypal classy seaside town. Boasting a wonderful beach, iconic harbour, great hotels and restaurants, and a coastline famed for its fossils, the town continues to draw visitors from far and wide. Nearby Axminster is home to TV chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and the area has become increasingly famous for all things River Cottage.

Yes, there are many independent shops tucked away selling wonderful food, clothes, and of course fossils! There’s a fantastic garden shop called Ginger Beer on Broad Street which sells a range of new and vintage garden accessories, while Blue Lias Gallery and Coombe Street Gallery are both good places to visit for local art and jewellery, or pay a visit to The Town Mill Bakery for their delicious artisan breads and homemade cakes. Of course, our bespoke swings and swingseats are also created here in our workshop in Lyme Regis, each one made by hand using sustainably sourced wood from native British trees.

For great views, try Mark Hix's fabulous fish restaurant Hix Oyster & Fish House which overlooks the harbour (pictured), or pay a visit to Masterchef winner Matt Follas' restaurant The Wild Garlic in nearby Beaminster. For an informal lunch, pop into The Town Mill Bakery where you can sit at long refectory tables and share huge jugs of milk and water with your neighbours, but for me the best place is the Harbour Inn situated right on the seafront.

The Alexandra Hotel is a really great traditional hotel in a fabulous setting overlooking the sea, or for something more contemporary try Hotel 1, a boutique townhouse hotel situated in the heart of Lyme. For self-catering accommodation, a visit to the Lyme Bay Holidays website will reveal a selection of good quality holiday properties from which to explore the area.

Lyme Town Mill is a working watermill which is also home to several art galleries, cafes and craft studios where you'll find many talented local artists, as well as an artisan cheese maker and micro-brewery. In the centre of town The Terrace is a funky place to enjoy a cup of coffee, right on the sea front. There’s also a wonderful Art Deco Cinema, The Regent.

Lyme is always busy at the weekends and any time the sun is shining, but it's also popular over Christmas when the town is quieter and you can enjoy a bracing stroll along the beach.