Autumn at the Alexandra, Lyme Regis

7 August 2014

Savour the calm after the summer crowds as the picturesque coastal town of Lyme Regis returns to a relaxed way of life after a busy season. From breathtaking coastal walks along the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast to discovering a new skill at a poetry workshop or learning how to forage at a food festival, the so-called ‘Pearl of Dorset’ is brimming with autumnal opportunities.

Stay in the heart of Lyme Regis at the Alexandra Hotel and Restaurant, a boutique bolthole with private gardens, direct access to the beautiful beach and magnificent views overlooking the harbour and bay.

6-7 September:

Guitars on the Beach

Deep Purple frontman Ian Gillan will join over 2,000 guitarists for a run through of “Smoke on the Water“ on the Main Beach at Lyme Regis. This fun and unique event is an attempt for the world record for most guitarists playing a song together at the same time. Last year, 2,267 guitarists met on the beach to set the record for Britain’s Biggest Band. Music starts at 11 am.

Food Rocks Festival

A mouth-watering weekend of cookery demonstrations, masterclasses and tastings around the town. Catch a cookery display from renowned local chef Mark Hix, discover how chocolate goes from bean to bar at the Malthouse and learn how to forage for dinner with River Cottage’s Steve Lamb.

20-28 September: Lyme Regis ArtsFest

Meet artists in their studios, follow the art trail through the town, visit exhibitions and learn a new skill at one of the many workshops including stained glass, dance, poetry, street theatre, stone-balancing sculpture and busking.

4-5 October: Jaunt with Jane

Jane Austen adored Lyme Regis and featured the town in her novel Persuasion.  Meet one of the author’s relations, Diana Shervington, join guided walks over sunlit clifftops and watch the sun rise over the highest point on the south coast, the Golden Cap, on this Jane Austen-themed weekend – the ultimate Janeite experience.

1-9 November: Lyme Regis Walking Festival

Lyme Regis lies at the heart of the 95-mile long Jurassic Coast, sitting on a stunning section of the celebrated South West Coastal Path – regarded as one of the finest walks in the world. The scenery becomes even more dramatic as the seasons change and autumnal colours abound.

8 November: Fireworks and Bonfire Night at The Cobb

Watch a fantastic firework display over Lyme Bay and then warm up by the huge bonfire on the beach. The best spot to watch from is the deck at the Alexandra where delicious warm drinks and cocktails – including warmed apple and rum, mulled wine and hot chocolate – will be served.

One night’s B&B at the family-owned Alexandra Hotel and Restaurant costs from £177 per double room (two sharing)/ £89 per person. As well as stunning views, a superb location and award-winning restaurant, the hotel has a treatment room, gym, children’s play area and free WiFi hot spot.

For more information visit www.hotelalexandra.co.uk, or call 01297 442 010 to book.

Ends

Press: For further information and photography call Lisa Farrell or Camilla Colley at Travel PR on 020 8891 4440 or email l.farrell@travelpr.co.uk or c.colley@travelpr.co.uk.