Easter in Lyme Regis: Family Fun by the Sea

There’s nothing quite like Easter in Lyme Regis. The days are longer, the gardens have come back to life and the town has the smell of salt air.

Sitting on the hillside above Lyme Bay, the Alexandra is perfectly placed to make the most of it all. A short walk from the town centre, with gardens that lead directly down towards the seafront, it's the ideal base for a family holiday. 

Here’s the Easter activities we recommend during your stay.

Easter Events Not to Miss

The Easter Bonnet Parade

Easter Sunday, 5th April 2026 (3pm, Broad Street)

Each year on Easter Sunday, the streets of Lyme Regis fill with feathers, flowers and painted eggs. The Easter Bonnet Parade is one of those events that's just as much fun to watch as it is to take part in. 

Prizes are awarded across age categories (0–5, 6–10, 11–16 and adults), entries close at 2.15pm on the day.

The Easter Monday Duck Race

Easter Monday, 6th April 2026 (12pm, Windsor Terrace)

Hundreds of numbered yellow rubber ducks are released into the River Lym to tumble their way through town, with the Town Crier officially starting proceedings. 

It's joyful for children of every age. The whole event takes about twenty minutes and leaves everyone in an excellent mood for lunch.

Easter Fun at the Town Mill

30th March to 12th April 2026

The Town Mill is a beautifully restored working watermill right in the heart of town. Throughout the Easter holidays it hosts a full programme of family activities, including Mini Millers sessions for young children (running Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the fortnight) and Easter-themed crafts. 

It's worth dropping in at any point; the working flour mill alone is worth the visit.

Easter Printing Workshop

Lyme Regis Museum, 31st March 2026 (10am)

The museum is always a highlight for families, and the Easter printing workshop is a lovely way to start the holidays. 

The wider museum offers interactive fossil exhibits, dressing-up opportunities and guided fossil walks, making it a reliable option whether the sun is shining or not.

What Makes Lyme Regis Special at Easter

Fossil Hunting on the Beach

Lyme Regis sits on the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Easter is a beautiful time to get out onto the beaches. 

Monmouth Beach at low tide is one of the best spots for finding ammonites. For families who'd like some expert guidance, the museum runs fossil walks throughout the year.

The Cobb and the Harbour

The great curved stone harbour wall known as The Cobb is one of the most photographed spots on the Dorset coast.

Walking out to the end on a bright spring morning is one of those simple experiences that stays with you. At the far end you'll find the small but delightful Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium, where the kids can meet crabs, lobsters and starfish up close.

Boat Trips from the Harbour

Spring is a lovely time for a boat trip, and Lyme Bay Boat Trips and Lyme RIB Rides both offer excursions from the harbour. 

Whether you opt for a leisurely coastal cruise or something more exciting, you'll often spot seabirds, grey seals and occasionally dolphins.

Treetop Adventures at Tunnel Tree Tops

Just outside town, Tunnel Tree Tops offers zip lines, rope bridges and climbing challenges through the canopy, brilliant for older children and teenagers who need something a bit more active.

A good half-day activity that tends to leave everyone pleasantly tired.

Exploring the Town Itself

It's easy to spend hours simply wandering around Lyme Regis. The independent shops along Broad Street and Marine Parade are genuinely worth exploring: fossil shops, bookshops, galleries, gift shops and a baker or two. 

Follow the Discovery Trail (a self-guided walking route) to find all the town's best corners.

Staying at Alexandra During Your Easter Break

Alexandra has been welcoming guests to Lyme Regis for well over a century.

The Ingram room is an excellent choice if you're travelling with the family, accommodating up to two children under 12.

And for those who'd prefer more independence, the two self-catering courtyard apartments sleep up to four (six with the sofa bed), perfect for those who like the option of cooking their own breakfast on a lazy Easter morning.

The Ammonite Restaurant brings the local catch to the table in its light-filled orangery, and the Garden Terrace, with those sweeping views across Lyme Bay. An idyllic spot for lunch on a fine spring day. There’s also a children's menu.

When you're ready to head out, the gardens lead directly down towards the seafront, and the town centre is a short walk away. It's the kind of location that’s perfect for a spring break.