Lyme Regis Museum

01/06/2026

Visitor Esther found these wonderful ichthyosaur vertebrae, some of which are articulated, on the beach at the weekend and brought them to us here at the museum for identification.

Articulated vertebrae like these are a genuinely special find, meaning the bones are still in their original position just as they were when the creature died over 180 million years ago.

Mary Anning herself began her fossil hunting life on these very shores and it's wonderful to see that spirit of curiosity and discovery alive and well today. Well done Esther - we think you might have the fossil hunting bug for life!

ℹ️Find our more about our guided Fossil Walks via the link in bio.

29/05/2026

Despite the recent dry and settled weather, our fossil walks are still turning up some fantastic discoveries!

Just this week, walkers have made these great finds - a set of articulated ichthyosaur vertebrae, an ichthyosaur vertebra and a beautiful Gryphaea (devil's toenail) - proof that there are still amazing finds waiting to be spotted along the beach in Lyme Regis.

Want to try your luck and learn from our expert guides? Join one of our guided fossil walks and discover what secrets the Jurassic Coast might reveal.

ℹ️Spaces can fill quickly, so book ahead to avoid missing out! Start your adventure here⬇️
https://www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk/whats-on/fossil-walks/

27/05/2026

Regretfully we’ve had to cancel today’s Fossil Polishing due to the high temperatures. Sorry for any inconvenience caused!

Looking for something different to do this half term? Drop in on 27th May between 10am–3pm and have a go at polishing your very own fossil to reveal the hidden details inside. It's a fun, hands-on activity for all ages... and the best part? You get to take your finished fossil home with you!

Perfect for families, fossil fans and anyone looking for something a little different this week. We'd love to see you there!

📅May 27th, 10am-3pm
🎟️Museum admission required (small charge for chosen fossil)
ℹ️For full information about our Half Term family activities, see:
https://www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk/family_activities/

26/05/2026

The latest addition to our Fossil Festival merchandise collection has arrived and we are absolutely love it! Featuring the iconic Fossil Festival logo, this exclusive, limited edition embroidered patch is perfect for personalising jackets, bags, backpacks and more. A brilliant keepsake and collector's item for fossil fans of all ages!

And while you're there, don't forget to check out the rest of our 2026 merchandise collection:

👕 Brand new t-shirt designs 📌 Collectible pin badges 🪡 Sew-on patches 👜 Tote bags 🪧 Stickers 📖 Official festival programme

Available online now and at the Fossil Festival on 13th & 14th June. Stock is limited so don't miss out!

ℹ️Start shopping here:
https://www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk/product-category/shop/fossil-festival/

26/05/2026

The next Talk hosted by the Friends of Lyme Regis Museum is a Fossil Festival Special entitled ‘Sea Monsters Past and Present’ and will take place on 12th June at 3pm in the lead up to the big event! Come along to hear from renowned author and palaeozoologist Dr Darren Naish as he dives into the enduring mystery of sea monsters.

Ever since ancient times, people have believed that giant, monstrous animals inhabit the seas. If such creatures are real, could they have a direct relationship to the giant sea reptiles - in particular the long-necked plesiosaurs - of the geological past? Join esteemed author and palaeozoologist Dr Darren Naish as he explores our developing ideas about sea monsters past and present, a subject that combines developments in palaeontology with studies of mythology and popular culture.

ℹ️Tickets are available in advance and also on the door. For more information, please see the poster. Online ticket link here:
https://www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk/about-us/friends/

26/05/2026

Bring your finds to be identified this afternoon!

Ever picked something up on the beach and wondered what it is and if it's a fossil?
This May half term, bring your finds along to 'What's That Rock? '- our free (with admission) drop-in fossil identification session with Learning & Engagement Officer Kieran Satchell, taking place on Tuesday 26th May here at the museum.

Whether you've been fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast or have had a mysterious specimen sitting on your shelf for years, Kieran will help you uncover exactly what you've found and the remarkable story behind it. Open to all ages - no experience or booking needed, just turn up and bring your treasures.

📅26th May, 2pm (drop-in activity)
🎟️FREE with Museum Admission
ℹ️For visiting information, please see the link in our bio.

22/05/2026

Have a go at making your very own Ferocious Fish, inspired by the amazing fossilised sea creatures found here on the Jurassic Coast! Simple 3D making, cutting and sticking with local Artist Darrell Wakelam.

Perfect for budding young artists and fossil fans alike and a brilliant way to spend a half term day by the sea.

📅May 28th, 10am-4pm
🎟️FREE with Museum Admission
ℹ️For full information about our Half Term family activities, see:
https://www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk/family_activities/

21/05/2026

Looking for something different to do this half term? Drop in on 27th May between 10am–3pm and have a go at polishing your very own fossil to reveal the hidden details inside. It's a fun, hands-on activity for all ages... and the best part? You get to take your finished fossil home with you!

Perfect for families, fossil fans and anyone looking for something a little different this week. We'd love to see you there!

📅May 27th, 10am-3pm
🎟️Museum admission required (small charge for chosen fossil)
ℹ️For full information about our Half Term family activities, see:
https://www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk/family_activities/

21/05/2026

Born on this day in 1799 into a poor Lyme Regis family, Mary Anning went on to become one of the greatest scientists this country has ever produced. From the shoreline she knew better than anyone, she gave us ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs and a window into a prehistoric world that had lain hidden for millions of years.

This stunning image by Hope Lawrence Images captures her statue beneath the Milky Way - the same sky that looked down on Mary as she worked the shore below, all those years ago.

At Lyme Regis Museum we are proud to celebrate her life, her discoveries and her enduring legacy. Here's to you, Mary.

📸 Hope Lawrence Images

18/05/2026

Fossil Festival ACTIVITY on the Marine Parade
Fossil Polishing with Lyme Regis Museum
Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th June

Don't miss the opportunity to have a go at Fossil Polishing at the shelters on Marine Parade! Polish your own piece of 200 million year old history to take home as the ultimate souvenir from the Festival... all ages welcome!

📅Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th June, 10am-12.30pm & 2-4.30pm
📍Marine Parade
🎟️Small charge for your chosen fossil (drop-by)
ℹ️For more information see programme:
https://fossilfestival.com/lyme-regis-fossil-festival-programme