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Lyme Regis Philpot Museum

Lyme Regis Philpot Museum

Lyme Regis Philpot Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
"A delightful and remarkable museum, a gem" - Sir David Attenborough. Extended in 2017, discover 185 million years of history at this charming and friendly museum with stunning views of Lyme Bay. Families are very welcome - it's free for children to visit and there is plenty to keep them busy in the new interactive geology gallery and learning centre. There are fossils galore, and you can combine your visit with a fossil walk to really make the most of your day out. Inside you will find a wonderful interior and displays that tell fascinating stories about fossil collecting and geology on the Jurassic Coast, and the personalities who played a key part such as renowned fossilist Mary Anning. You will also find displays about the artists and writers inspired by Lyme including John Fowles and Jane Austen along with the story of the famous Cobb, the Civil War and every aspect of the town's rich history. Please check website for seasonal opening times and for entry prices.
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  • David S
    Great Malvern, United Kingdom742 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Well worth a visit
    You do have to pay for entry. There are excellent displays in an interesting building. Not just fossils, but local history was well. There is a lift, but not to top floor were there is a display about the railway that used to go to the town. The gift shop could have catered for the more serious visitor with a better range of publications. Nothing on the local railway, now closed, for example.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 22, 2023
  • MrGJ2000
    Manchester, United Kingdom47 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Don’t tell Tooony!
    On arrival we were invited to come inside. Me and my friend Sarah had a great time, Sarah’s husband Tooony would be very jealous of our visit as he loves fossils so we didn’t tell him. Would recommend a visit here.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written November 8, 2023
  • review269
    Greater London, United Kingdom129 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE THANKS TO OUR WONDERFUL EXPERT CHRIS ANDREW
    What a wonderful and educational experience thanks to Chris Andrew, who is such a knowledgable and fun character that he turned all ten of us into enthusiastic amateur palaeontologists. Chris's presentation was both entertaining and rewarding, we were given a comprehensive overview about fossils by someone who has a passion for the subject. After our instructional talk we then ventured down on to the beach to find our own fossils, which was quite a revelation. Thanks Chris for making it a truly memorable experience for all of us, you were amazing, hope you managed to catch the bus home.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written November 21, 2023
  • LiquidLil
    Exeter, United Kingdom13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Events at the museum who knew
    I went to the Christmas wreath making event today that I heard about through a friend. How fabulous - a really lovely lady helped to make the wreaths in the upstairs room with all materials provided. Loved it! I joined as a member which also gets me into the museum for the next year and while there heard about the mulled wine event in conjunction with the town lights switch on tonight. What lovely volunteers...all so helpful. A great day and such good value that I was more than happy to give a donation too. Thank you to all of you!
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written November 25, 2023
  • Michaela P
    Melbourne, Australia14 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Knowledgeable staff and DIY fossils!
    This museum is really great! Small, but so informative about the long history of the area around Lyme Regis. The staff were very knowledgeable, real boffins, who happily answered our questions about fossils, the siege of Lyme Regis, and other things. There was also a free “polish your own ammonite” workshop for kids (and adults!). We spent almost two hours here - worth the entry fee.
    Visited December 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written December 29, 2023
  • DavidW Salisbury
    Salisbury, United Kingdom139 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Wonderful Museum with an Amazing Array of Artefacts
    What a wonderful museum with an amazing array of artefacts from the local area. We went with our little boy who thoroughly enjoyed it. Particularly the fossils. He has recently got into fossil collecting so this was particularly exciting. We all enjoyed the family quiz as you went round and the spiral staircase with the 16th Century bell is truly remarkable. We will return, thank you.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written March 11, 2024
  • Emma J
    63 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A packed little museum,worth a visit
    Wow this museum feels like a tardis. Looks tiny from the outside but there is loads to see. Lots of background information on Mary Anning. Loads of fossils and history. Lots about Lyme itself including the railway. They even manage to fit in some modern art and Lyme in literature. They have toilets and a gift shop. The little education room has stunning views across the bay. Only thing lacking is a tea shop ( think they struggle to fit anymore in) a very important aspect when you visit with a husband who reads every label!
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written March 31, 2024
  • BackPacker764351
    11 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Interesting small museum.
    Interesting small museum worth having a look around. Lots of fossils and history of lyme regis. The kids (and parents) had great fun joining in helping a member of staff make a large papier mache dinosaur skull as part of the Easter holidays activities.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written April 5, 2024
  • love2holiday2010
    122 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great insight into the area and Mary Anning
    Our trip to Lyme Regis was inspired by my 8 year olds school topic on Mary Anning and fossils. The museum was great with lots to see and read about. We was lucky enough the day we visited to have a go at fossil polishing. A big thank you to the friendly staff on the cash desk and to the patient staff and volunteers of the fossil polishing. A lovely little gift shop as well with reasonable prices.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written April 8, 2024
  • Jess
    Liskeard, United Kingdom24 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth a visit!
    I wasn't sure what to expect as this was my first trip to Lyme Regis but was pleasantly surprised by this little museum and the artifacts it held! There was lots to see and the building itself was just lovely! We got involved with a fun print making workshop and spent some time chatting to the lovely ladies working that afternoon. Would recommend!
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 15, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles537 reviews
Excellent
365
Very good
137
Average
31
Poor
3
Terrible
1

Lynne W
Norwich164 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2022 • Family
We booked to go on a fossil walk. The booking system was easy. We booked for a 10 am till 12.30pm fossil walk. The first hour was an interesting talk from our to guides for the session. Chris and Paul are a dynamic duo who made the talk really interesting for adults and children alike. They have a great sense of humour and rapport together. It was very exciting to begin hunting for fossils. Paul and Chris told us what to look for when hunting. It didn’t take long for others in the group to find and stumble upon fossils! It took us a bit longer, but it was very worthwhile and exciting once we started to find them! We came home with quite a few fossils. I found one inside a rock and the guides were extremely excited to see it! Just so you are aware whilst on the walk, you are not allowed to use your own hammers etc as you will not be covered by insurance, but once the walk is over you are free to use hammers etc at your own risk. This guided walk is worth the money and I would highly recommend booking yourself on one! Autumn/winter are good times to go as the stormy seas churn up the fossils, so I’m told!
Written October 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

FF
1 contribution
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023 • Family
The family thoroughly enjoyed the fossil walk even in the pouring rain. The session leads were superb as were the staff in the museum on the day. I would not recommend purchasing the fossil kits as at almost £30 a kit (I bought 2) were not required on the walk at all. We were told half way through the walk that because the museum needed to comply with their insurance only the session leaders were allowed to use the hammer. Consequently we carried these kits and did not use them which was disappointing but understood. I have taken off two stars because I emailed the museum a couple of days later asking if they could please send the fossil booklets included in the kits which did not survive the torrential rain. Given they are a charity I fully expected to pay all costs incurred. The response I received was curt stating the kits were bought 'at my discretion' and 'non essential' to the walk. We won't be returning. I bought the kits because I thought they would enhance the fossil walk but given the kids didn't use them on the walk (non-essential according to the museum) and subsequently can not enjoy any of the reading materials has taken the shine off of the event. This was further compounded by their handling of my request for help.
Written July 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback, we are pleased you enjoyed your fossil walk with us. The fossil kits are not obliglatory for our walks but are useful for future self-guided walks that you may take in the future and we are more than happy to refund anyone that is not satisfied with their kit for whatever reason. Indeed on this occasion we refunded you in full for the kits having received your complaint, we hope this resolved this matter for you! Many thanks, Lyme Regis Museum.
Written September 9, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Dr Tanya
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2023
We booked a fossil walk that included entry to the museum making it excellent value. The museum was packed with local history and especially fossils. Our guide for the walk, Chris Andrew was witty and very knowledgeable. A wonderful way to spend a few hours. I would definitely recommend the museum and walk to others
Written March 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

samanthajaynedark
London, UK14 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2021
I had a fossil walk today on Lyme Regis beach with my son and it was by far the highlight of our holiday. Our guide Chris was incredibly knowledgeable and really engages with kids to get them learning about fossils. He went above and beyond and extended the time on the beach to make sure my son came home with a range of ammonites he is going to treasure for years. This is a big MUST when visiting this area... thank you Chris so much!
Written May 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

KC30000
England, UK102 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2022
Great place to visit if in the area. Staff are very helpful and was pleasantly surprised at the service and attention given. Right in the heart of Lyme Regis a very picturesque seaside town, the surrounding countryside is also beautiful. Luckily the weather was also very sunny and pleasant for late February. Found the museum had plenty of interesting facts and information about the area and in particular fossils. Will be back to visit again as found the annual family ticket a bargain and on next visit also planning to go on a guided fossil walk which is an additional activity provided by the museum.
Written April 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mary B
London, UK70 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021
The fossil walk is what I want to recommend. Our guide was Chris Andrews and he was excellent. He begins with a 45 minute explanation of what we are looking for. Sounds long? Not at all. He has loads of examples, including toy models of what the creatures, explains everything very clearly- enthusiastically - and involves everyone of all ages. Then once on the beach he knows what to look for and helps everyone look fir the right thing. He talks so nicely to everyone, conveying his enthusiasm and throughout makes it all fun. He has a great sense of humour. Don’t even think it’s only 2.5 hours (as advertised), Chris will carry on for as long as anyone wants to (I did 3.5 I think). All this for £12.50). Highly recommended
Written June 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

maiden888
Galway, Ireland101 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023
We went on the fossil tour with Chris and Richard and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. The tour was informative and entertaining - not an easy combination to achieve with a large tour group - but Chris and Richard had us all in the palm of their hands. Entry into the museum is included in the price of the tour and this makes it a great value deal for families. We explored the museum a few days later and it was really interesting and unexpectedly educational on the history of Lyme Regis itself. Thanks Chris and Richard. We hope you both find the ‘big unfound fossil’ some day soon!
Written July 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Chris C
Farnham, United Kingdom2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2022
We Spent a week in Lyme Regis and the Highlight had to be the Guided Fossil walk led by Chris Andrew, The Museum's educational officer. The walk started with talk that lasted about 40 minutes and was a fun educational tallk. I learnt apparently bad weather is good news for fossil hunters amongst other things. Chris is very entusastic about fossil hunting and although the talk and walk was scheduled for a couple of Hours, but I think Chris is so enthusastic the walk appeared to go on much longer. The Mueseum itself has a lot more than just fossils in it, but will tell you much more about the history of Lyme Regis
Written March 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Brian K
Vancouver, Canada39 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022
The displays in this museum give you a really good sense of what has happened in the relatively recent history of this town , the history of palaeontology, and the long ago history of earth . If you are in Lyme Regis for rock hounding , or finding out about Mary Anning this place is a must see. And if you look around carefully has good pricing on local souvenir fossils etc compared to the shops on the high street.
Written June 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Populargrenade
27 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Family
Ok museum. Where I live museums are free so I was expecting something great for £18. It wasn’t awful but I did feel ripped off. Spent 20 mins looking around.
Also noticed that though it was £18 ish for 1 adult and 2 kids, families of 2adults with kids is only £20 ish. This really annoyed me. Very behind the times.
Written August 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback. We will certainly take this into consideration when reviewing our pricing structure in the future.
Written September 9, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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