The regency resort  Lyme Regis is a pretty enough town in its own right, but is best known for the Cobb, its artificial harbour, build around 1250. Following its contraction Lyme developed as a town and port but declined somewhat in 1700s. The growing fashion for sea-bathing rescued it in then late 18^th century and the town became a resort.

The Victorian pioneer fossil-hunter Mary Anning unearthed the first complete Ichthyosaurus and Plesiosaurus extinct marine reptiles here, and you can see her story in the Lyme Regis Museum.

The Cobb is the main draw for photographers. In its original form it was constructed of oak piles with loose stones in between. Rebuilt in 19^th century, this time of Portland stone, the Cobb snakes out to sea forming the harbour  and protecting the town from erosion.

This Cobb breakwater  gives great views along the coast and to the Georgian houses along the seafront.It can be spectacular in stormy weather with waves crashing over it.