LYME REGIS – Situated on the world-famous Jurassic Coast.
The town is regarded as the ‘Pearl of Dorset’ and is renowned for its natural beauty, fossils, literary connections and extraordinarily rich heritage, it is also famous for being the birthplace of Mary Anning, one of history’s most important fossil collectors and palaeontologists.A memorial to Mary Anning up on the Coastal Path.09.30 walking down towards The Cobb, in Lyme Regis after a pleasant, meandering drive of 20 miles or so from The Shrubbery.Open for business A very quiet scene….by midday the town was very busy.Beach hutsThe sun barely breaking through on a breeze free coastal scene.The harbourA walk along the sea wall .An extension of huge rocks from the end of the wall.Low key rollers – there were paddle boarders and swimmers on the more protected beach.A pleasant stroll along the prom with its mixture of cafes and houses brought us to this signpost – much “Literary” history is associated with Lyme Regis.
Making our way towards the Coastal path we came across another local hero with a sea faring pedigree.
Not many I’m afraid!Well designed board walk.Gaining some height above Lyme RegisOn the Coastal path.Quite wide to start but it soon narrowed down.We turned around at this point as we had no intention to walk too far – just to get a “ feel” for the path – and anyway it was coffee time.Some pleasant seawards views .
It was a most enjoyable morning in what is a charming resort – no high rise buildings or “ tat” – Lyme Regis retains a traditional English seaside atmosphere and seems to be doing very well with it remaining so.
Sunday afternoon in Ilminster
Ilminster takes its name from the River Ile and the Minster church dating from 1450. The town grew up around the church and some of the oldest buildings are close to the churchyard including the former grammar school founded in 1549. Sundial on the school wall
In Victorian times the town was an important staging post for travellers with east-west and north-south routes converging there. The town is now by – passed by the A 358 & A 303.
This abandoned church was the Arts Centre. Such a beautiful building too.I turned right here and came down to the market square.I then walked uphill passing some independent shops en route.A great bit of signage.Looking upwards at the “ hanging gardens” of Ilminster!Romantically named “ Love Lane”An unusual placement for this water pump.At the top of the hill, I turned left again and facing me were two gatehouses, either side of an imposing if somewhat mysterious driveway . This one was up for sale.It must have led to some sort of grand house I would surmise.
The other one looks as though it’s receiving some much needed TLC !
Moving on,a first glimpse of Ilminster’s pride & joy.The Minster.A brief resume of its history.This stained glass window is of interest because it was created as a memorial to the owner of the Shrubbery – our hotel – formerly a private house.The Shrubbery Hotel – we enjoyed our stay here – good,home cooked food and a very hardworking,friendly staff.Ilminster is a sleepy, friendly place – I wish I had the time to follow its Treasure Trail
ensuitepilgrim's Blog 
Jurassic Coast is beautiful with so much to search!