Lyme Regis Fossil Festival 2025 Full Guide to Events, Fossil Walks & Family Fun
Introduction: Step into 185 Million Years of History
There’s something undeniably magical about standing on the shingle shore of Lyme Regis, scanning the rocks for ancient ammonites, the waves whispering stories from another era. That magic comes to life in full force during the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival, a dynamic annual event returning this year on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th June [2025] . With a jam-packed programme of fossil hunts, science talks, hands-on activities for kids, and a vibrant celebration of Jurassic Coast heritage, this is the ultimate weekend for families, geology enthusiasts, and curious adventurers alike.
In this complete guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your visit — from what to expect and how to get involved, to where to stay and what to eat, all while learning how this UNESCO World Heritage Site continues to shape science and imagination.
What Is the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival?
The Lyme Regis Fossil Festival began in 2005 and has since become one of the UK’s leading science and natural history events, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Set against the iconic backdrop of the Jurassic Coast, the festival blends geology, palaeontology, marine biology, and climate awareness with coastal culture and local charm.
It’s more than just a weekend about rocks – it’s a celebration of life, earth, discovery, and family fun. Expect engaging talks by world-class scientists, fossil walks with experts, hands-on workshops, and exciting exhibits from institutions like:
The Natural History Museum
The Paleontological Association
Geological Society of London
Jurassic Coast Trust
Mary Anning Rocks
And many more!
Fossil Festival Highlights for 2025
🦕 Live Fossil Walks on the Beach
Join local experts for daily fossil walks from the beach just beyond the Cobb. You’ll learn to spot ammonites, belemnites, and maybe even fragments of ichthyosaurs — just like Mary Anning did over 200 years ago.
Event Guide (check the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival website)
Walks are suitable for all ages
Bring sensible shoes and waterproofs!
🔬 Interactive Science Tents on the Seafront
Drop into the science and fossil discovery zones along Marine Parade, where families can:
Hold real fossils
Chat with paleontologists
Try their hand at cleaning and identifying specimens
Explore microscopes and excavation stations
🎭vPerformances, Storytelling & Street Theatre
Enjoy family-friendly performances that bring dinosaurs, prehistoric sea creatures, and the life of Mary Anning to the stage. Expect street performers, interactive characters, and pop-up storytelling for children throughout both days.
🖌️ Workshops for All Ages
Fossil casting & clay moulds
Jurassic crafts and colouring zones
Build-your-own ammonite kits
Art workshops with local creatives
Dino-themed face painting
🎤 Talks & Lectures
With guest speakers from universities and museums, enjoy digestible, engaging talks on topics including:
“How Fossils Tell Earth’s Climate Story”
“Mary Anning and the Legacy of Women in Science”
“Living Fossils: Creatures That Time Forgot”
“What the Jurassic Coast Can Teach Us Today”
A Family-Friendly Day Out by the Sea
The festival is carefully curated to make it easy and enjoyable for families, offering:
Baby-changing facilities
Pop-up play zones
Child-friendly food stalls
Gentle beach access and buggy-friendly promenades
New for 2025: The “Mini Mary’s Trail” — a child-friendly treasure hunt through the town, ending with a prize at the fossil tent. Educational and fun!
🧒 Tip: Kids under 10 can enter a “Jurassic Costume Parade” on Sunday at 2 PM — dinosaur tails encouraged!
Local Food & Drink: Where to Refuel Between Fossil Hunts
One of the joys of visiting Lyme Regis is enjoying its fantastic local food scene. Here’s where to eat during the weekend:
🥖 For a Quick Bite
The Galley Café – Artisan coffee and homemade cakes
Amid Giants & Idols – Delicious street food by the sea
Herbies Dino Burgers (Festival Only) – Pop-up dino-themed food truck for kids
🧀 Picnic Supplies
Pick up fresh pastries, cheeses, and locally made juices from the Lyme Regis Farmers’ Market on Friday, or head to The Town Mill Bakery for picnic-worthy bites before heading to the beach.
🍽️ Sit-Down Spots
Swim – Beachfront dining with sea views
Tom’s Lyme Regis – Small plates, fine wine, relaxed luxury
The Millside – Local seafood, wild mushrooms, and warm ambience in the old Town Mill Quarter
Where to Stay for the Fossil Festival
Lyme Regis fills up quickly during festival weekends, so booking early is key. Here are a few handpicked options:
🏠 Stay at No.12: A Boutique Coastal Retreat
Just 75m from the beach, No.12 offers couples a beautifully styled self-catering escape. Think coastal Cotswolds meets Jurassic charm: elegant interiors, crisp linens, a sunny courtyard for morning coffee, and moments from the Cobb.
Ideal for:
Couples seeking a quiet space close to the action
Visitors who want to explore at their own pace
Guests interested in the history and romance of Lyme Regis
📍 Book direct for best price & availability
Getting There & Festival Essentials
🚗 By Car
Parking is available at Holmbush, Charmouth Road, and Cobb Gate. A park-and-ride may be in operation — check the Lyme Regis Town Council site for up-to-date info.
🚌 By Public Transport
Buses run regularly from Axminster (train station) and Bridport. Local connections via First Bus and Stagecoach are recommended.
🎒 What to Bring
Refillable water bottle
Sensible walking shoes
Light raincoat or windbreaker
Fossil ID booklet (available at the event or online)
Reusable tote for beach treasures and festival flyers
Festival Tips from Locals
Arrive early for fossil walks and science tents — they get busy by midday.
Try Local Ice Cream from Baboo Gelato near the seafront (they do sea-salt caramel and elderflower).
Evening stroll on the Cobb after the crowds leave is pure magic.
Bring a field notebook or sketchpad — many kids get inspired to draw their finds!
The Sunset from Langmore Gardens is the perfect end to your Jurassic day.
FAQs
Is the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival free?
Yes! Most activities are free. Some fossil walks and lectures may require booking and a small fee.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are welcome on the prom and in outdoor areas but may be restricted in indoor venues. Always check signage.
What if it rains?
Most indoor events continue as planned. Bring waterproofs and a sense of adventure!
Why the Fossil Festival Matters
Beyond the fun, the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival carries an important message: Earth’s history matters. As we face challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss, looking back can help us move forward.
It’s a rare and wonderful event that connects science with storytelling, and ancient history with present-day family fun. Whether you’re cracking open your first ammonite or discovering a new perspective on the planet, this is a weekend where every moment adds up to something unforgettable.
Conclusion: A Weekend to Remember
The Lyme Regis Fossil Festival 2025 isn’t just an event — it’s a celebration of the past that connects us to our planet in the present. With its rich programme, inspiring surroundings, and community-led charm, it’s the ultimate excuse to pack your bag, head to the coast, and make a few discoveries of your own.
So whether you’re a seasoned fossil hunter, a curious traveller, or a parent looking for a brilliant family day out — Lyme Regis is calling.
🦴Join us June 14–15 — and unearth the magic.
Further Reading:
How To Plan A Fossil Hunting Trip In Lyme Regis
Lyme Regis Through The Ages: A Love Story In History
Uncovering The Fossil Heritage Of The Jurassic Coast
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