Meet the Makers: Local Food Producers, Artists & Craftspeople of Lyme Regis
Meet the Makers: Local Food Producers, Artists & Craftspeople of Lyme Regis
Lyme Regis, perched on the edge of the Jurassic Coast, is more than a scenic seaside town. Beyond its fossil-strewn beaches and dramatic cliffs lies a rich cultural fabric woven by independent food producers, artists, and craftspeople. For discerning travellers and curious food lovers, exploring Lyme Regis is not just about where you eat—but who makes it, how it’s made, and the story behind every flavour and form.
In this feature, we shine a light on the creative spirit of Lyme Regis. From homegrown food artisans to studios filled with hand-thrown ceramics and sea-inspired art, this is your guide to the vibrant makers scene just steps from the sea—and the perfect complement to a self-catering stay at Stay at No. 12.
The Flavours of Lyme: Local Food Producers
The Town Mill Bakery
Nestled in the courtyard of the historic Town Mill, this artisan bakery is the aromatic heart of Lyme Regis. With its sourdough loaves, seasonal pastries, and commitment to organic ingredients, it’s a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike. Each morning, the scent of fresh bread wafts through the alleyways, calling early risers to enjoy a hearty breakfast.
What to try: Their signature wild yeast sourdough, flaky almond croissants, and slow-fermented focaccia.
Moore’s Biscuits
Just outside Lyme Regis lies the family-run Moore’s Bakery, known for their Dorset Knobs—crunchy, bite-sized biscuits steeped in local tradition. Still made using 150-year-old recipes, these delicacies are perfect with a wedge of local blue cheese or a spoonful of Dorset apple chutney.
Insider tip: Visit during spring and you might catch the annual Dorset Knob Throwing Festival—a quirky celebration of this regional snack.
Lyme Bay Winery
A few miles inland, Lyme Bay Winery crafts a wide selection of English wines, meads, liqueurs, and fruit wines using locally sourced ingredients. Their Elderflower Wine and Ginger Liqueur are ideal for taking a taste of Dorset home with you.
Visitor experience: Wine tastings and on-site purchases available; the perfect accompaniment for your seaside evenings at Stay at No. 12.
Millers Farm Shop
Located just across the Devon border, this family-run farm shop has supplied Lyme locals with seasonal produce, deli items, and artisanal treats for over 30 years. They also offer French imports, creating an irresistible blend of English farm-fresh and continental charm.
What to look for: Fresh asparagus in spring, local cheeses, and handmade preserves.
Meet the Makers: Artists and Craftspeople
Town Mill Arts
At the centre of Lyme’s creative scene is Town Mill Arts, a collective housed in a restored watermill. Its ever-changing gallery space features exhibitions from local painters, potters, photographers, and textile artists. Meet the makers in person, many of whom work in the adjoining studios.
Don’t miss: ‘The Malthouse’ gallery, where new works by emerging and established Dorset artists are always on display.
Coombe Street Studios
This tucked-away creative corner is home to some of Lyme’s best-loved artists. Pop into studios and browse everything from hand-blown glass to linocut prints, ceramics, and sea-themed sculptures—much of it inspired by Lyme’s coastlines and cliffs.
Holmbush Pottery
Run by local ceramicist Robin Welch, Holmbush Pottery offers beautiful, functional pieces rooted in the natural colours and textures of the region. The studio is open to the public and often runs pottery workshops—ideal for couples or families looking to create something memorable.
Silver Stream Jewellery
For something more refined, Silver Stream offers handcrafted silver jewellery using local sea glass and stones. Each piece is completely unique, carrying a little piece of Lyme’s landscape.
A Culinary Pilgrimage: Discovering River Cottage
No exploration of local makers and food provenance near Lyme Regis would be complete without a mention of the iconic River Cottage. Just five miles from town, nestled in the lush landscape along the Devon-Dorset border, River Cottage has stood for over 25 years as a beacon of sustainability, seasonal cooking, and culinary education.
Founded by chef and food campaigner Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, River Cottage has evolved from a television series into a thriving centre for ethical food practices. Today, it offers an array of hands-on cookery courses, foraging days, and farm-to-fork dining experiences, all designed to reconnect guests with where their food comes from.
Whether you're interested in learning traditional bread-making, mastering springtime seafood recipes, or simply indulging in a memorable countryside meal, River Cottage delivers an immersive, sensory-rich experience. For guests staying at Stay at No. 12, it’s an easy day trip—and one that aligns beautifully with the ethos of conscious, connected travel.
Insider tip: Book well in advance—courses and dining events fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
Artisan Markets & Food Festivals
Lyme Regis Farmers’ Market
Held twice a month in the heart of town, this lively market features the region’s finest seasonal produce, locally made goods, and street food. Mingle with farmers, bakers, and butchers as you discover everything from handcrafted pies to organic vegetables and pasture-raised meats.
Perfect for: Self-catering visitors seeking the freshest local ingredients for holiday feasts.
Bridport Market
Just a short drive away, Bridport hosts one of Dorset’s most celebrated markets, complete with an eclectic mix of food, antiques, and vintage crafts. Here, food stalls sit alongside canvas artists and recycled jewellery designers—a sensory experience that’s well worth the detour.
Eat: Festivals
Each spring and summer, EAT: Lyme Regis and other pop-up festivals across Dorset invite visitors to meet producers, taste artisan goods, and celebrate local heritage. From live demonstrations to foraging walks and chef-led tastings, these events are perfect for cultural explorers.
Why It Matters
At a time when so much travel feels mass-produced, Lyme Regis offers an antidote. Its network of local producers and makers is deeply rooted in place, heritage, and passion. Whether you’re sipping elderflower wine made just up the road, admiring a coastal painting fresh from the artist’s easel, or baking sourdough with flour milled by hand—this is a place that feeds all the senses.
When you book a stay at Stay at No. 12, you’re perfectly positioned to immerse yourself in these experiences. With its boutique comfort, self-catering charm, and unbeatable location, your holiday becomes a true connection with the soul of the Jurassic Coast.
Further reading:
From Market To Table: Exploring Lyme Regis’ Farmers’ Markets & Food Stalls
A Foodie’s Guide To Dorset Delicacies: Tasting The Heart Of The Jurassic Coast
