Built on the site of Mary Anning's home, Lyme Regis Museum stands in the heart of the town, just where the beautiful coastlines of Dorset and Devon meet on the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. The sea views from the museum's new Mary Anning Wing are stunning, and the extra space has provided all the facilities you'd expect in a modern museum including the purpose-built Fine Foundation Learning Centre - the perfect space for families and schools.The building has great idiosyncratic charm.
Built in 1902, it was commissioned by Thomas Philpot, a relative of fossil hunter Elizabeth Philpot who had worked with Mary Anning. The architect was George Vialls, who also designed the Town Hall next door. Following a chequered history, by 1991 the building was badly in need of repair. Largely thanks to a team of committed volunteers, a major refurbishment of the building and displays was carried out in the late 1990s.
Built in 1902, it was commissioned by Thomas Philpot, a relative of fossil hunter Elizabeth Philpot who had worked with Mary Anning. The architect was George Vialls, who also designed the Town Hall next door. Following a chequered history, by 1991 the building was badly in need of repair. Largely thanks to a team of committed volunteers, a major refurbishment of the building and displays was carried out in the late 1990s.
Services
This is an opportunity to join the friendly team in our iconic museum, set on the seafront in Lyme Regis. We're looking for someone with exceptional customer service skills, experience of working in a retail/hospitality or heritage environment, who is calm under pressure with an enthusiastic positive attitude, who can be flexible and enjoys working as part of a team.
At Lyme Regis Museum we pride ourselves on being the experts when it comes to Mary Anning. So, when you visit the museum, you will be standing where Mary Anning herself stood, looking out at the same stunning view of Lyme Bay and the cliffs. Much of the seafront also remains as it would have been in her day.
A new accessible interactive geology gallery telling the story of Mary Anning and Lyme's fantastic fossils. A state-of-the-art Fine Foundation Learning Centre where we can welcome and accommodate families and schools, and run exhibitions and events. A lift, ensuring all our visitors can visit the museum's first floor, plus accessible visitor toilets.
We are looking for enthusiastic and committed people to join our friendly volunteering team at Lyme Regis Museum. Our volunteers are at the heart of Lyme Regis Museum and are enthusiastic in engaging with our visitors and providing a polite and friendly service.
You don't have to be an expert in Geology or local history training and support will be given and you can learn more as you work with us but a keen interest in local and maritime history and geology would be useful.Our Front of House volunteers are at the core of the Museum. You will greet our visitors, learn how to take payments, assist with our shop and answer any questions our visitors may have.
You don't have to be an expert in Geology or local history training and support will be given and you can learn more as you work with us but a keen interest in local and maritime history and geology would be useful.Our Front of House volunteers are at the core of the Museum. You will greet our visitors, learn how to take payments, assist with our shop and answer any questions our visitors may have.
The Trustees of Lyme Regis sadly announce the tragic death of much respected trustee Paul Mason. Although a trustee for little more than two years, Paul made valuable contributions to the governance of the museum and played an active part in marking the museum's centenary. Paul was a successful international banker and was UK CEO for Qatar National Bank.
Reviews (10)
Nicole Voss
Jan 20, 2022
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Heidi Finger
Jan 16, 2022
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Emily Aelfwyn
Dec 30, 2021
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Kim Sarah
Nov 20, 2021
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Suzanne Kelly
Oct 15, 2021
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Amazing Fossil walk! Chris, our guide, first talked us through some of the fossils that are found in the area. It was explained with humour, examples and explanations as to how the creatures existed. The walk was the best explanation of how to find fossils I've been on to date. We saw firsthand as Chris pointed out (after the safety briefing) what to look for, telltale signs there may be fossils, how to split rocks. I knew a little before I went on this walk, but came back with a huge collection of fossils large and small, and with a better understanding of the subject. Fair to say everyone in
Aug 30, 2021
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Carolyn Fielding
Aug 14, 2021
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Arjun
Aug 12, 2021
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Michael Oon
Jan 02, 2019
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A lovely little museum curating the past of this part of Dorset. What is particularly well done are the exhibition of the fossils. The usual questions of why, what, when, where and how of the fossils. Particularly impressive are the examination facilities of the fossils like video microscopy. Staff area extremely helpful.
Fossil Walks
When you come to Lyme Regis, it is the fossils that you come to look at. We had 2 experts leading the tour. They were particularly entertaining and educational. They explained the history and how the fossils are uncovered, including the latest one which was carried
Fossil Walks
When you come to Lyme Regis, it is the fossils that you come to look at. We had 2 experts leading the tour. They were particularly entertaining and educational. They explained the history and how the fossils are uncovered, including the latest one which was carried
Rannia Glaridis
Aug 21, 2018
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We visited this museum while waiting for our guided Fossil hunting tour, organised by the museum (booked in advance).
The museum it's self is small but filled with wonderful treasures and local history. Plenty of fossils and bones but the best part for me (with a 4 year old in tow) was finding the playroom/ discovery room upstairs with games and toys to keep little ones entertained. It also has a stunning view over the cob!
We noticed a lovely looking cafe adjoining the museum but didn't get a chance to use it.
I highly recommend a guided walk booked through the museum, you can find them on
The museum it's self is small but filled with wonderful treasures and local history. Plenty of fossils and bones but the best part for me (with a 4 year old in tow) was finding the playroom/ discovery room upstairs with games and toys to keep little ones entertained. It also has a stunning view over the cob!
We noticed a lovely looking cafe adjoining the museum but didn't get a chance to use it.
I highly recommend a guided walk booked through the museum, you can find them on
