Lyme Regis grande dame, the Alexandra Hotel, celebrates 125 years

Perched above Dorset’s Lyme Bay, on a stretch of Jurassic coastline famed for fossils, coves and cliffs, sits the Alexandra Hotel – a Georgian house that has quietly watched the tide and its visitors come and go for more than a century. Celebrating 125 years open as a hotel in 2026, the property was built in 1735 for the Dowager Countess Poulett, and has been run by the Haskins family for over 40 years. Blending historic character with effortless charm, lawn-fronted gardens lead directly down to the beach, offering a rare mix of privacy and easy access to the winding streets and harbour of Lyme Regis.

The hotel has 23 individually styled rooms, some with sweeping views across Lyme Bay, others offering a cosy, quiet escape, plus two courtyard apartments sleeping up to six, making them ideal for families or small groups. All of the rooms feature Egyptian cotton bedding and Bath House vegan toiletries in refillable bottles.

Dining centres around the Ammonite Restaurant – named after the spiral-shaped fossils scattered along the shoreline below the hotel – with dinner served daily from 6.30 pm – 8.30 pm (9 pm Fridays and Saturdays) and afternoon tea from 2.30 pm – 5.30 pm (vegan option included). The menu follows the rhythm of the coast and surrounding countryside with thoughtfully curated dishes such as Brixham crab, Lyme Bay scallops and pan-fried sea bass sitting alongside Creedy Carver duck, vegan gnocchi, seasonal desserts and a selection of West Country cheeses.

Weddings and celebratory events at the Alexandra are designed to feel intimate and personal. The 18^th century Chapel offers a characterful setting for ceremonies of up to 60 guests, while the garden-facing Orangery provides a light-filled space for smaller celebrations (40 seated, 60 buffet or cocktail). The Dining Room accommodates up to 60 guests for a seated meal or 100 for a reception, or for something more private, guests can opt for the Lookout Tower (six seated, eight standing). Fully licensed for ceremonies, vow renewals, and receptions, guests will enjoy the dramatic natural backdrop of the Jurassic Coast and The Cobb.

We’re celebrating 125 years at the Alexandra, yet it still feels wonderfully in step with its surroundings. Lyme Regis has a way of surprising you — one moment you’re paddling in the bay, the next you’re wandering winding streets, discovering fossils, galleries and bakeries you hadn’t noticed before. We love seeing our guests discover those little moments for themselves – tasting freshly caught crab, finding a quiet stretch of beach, or simply sitting in the garden watching the tide roll in. Kathryn Haskins, Director

The town itself is a lively mix of history and coastal charm with fossil hunters combing the beaches and 2026 marking the 25^th anniversary of the Jurassic Coast becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site – England’s only natural UNESCO site. Unsurprisingly, Lyme Regis has famously made appearances in blockbuster films such as Persuasion, The French Lieutenant’s Woman, and Ammonite.

The Town Mill area of Lyme Regis has become a hub of artisans, with a microbrewery and the award-winning Town Mill Bakery, while the Marine Theatre hosts a year-round programme of performances. For relaxation and wellness, the Shoreline Sauna on the beach, provides a welcome spot to warm up and enjoy the views overlooking the bay.

PRICE: A one-night stay is from £215 per room / £107.50 per person (two sharing), including a full English breakfast. Minimum two-night stay at weekends. Call the Alexandra on 01297 442 010 (www.hotelalexandra.co.uk).

ENDS – 18 March 2026 

Notes to editors

• A selection of images of the Alexandra Hotel can be downloaded here: https://we.tl/t-o7GuVvwbe3

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