Dorset House stands at the top of Lyme Regis's steep main street. It's a ten-minute walk (passing quirky boutiques, fudge shops and restaurants) to the seafront with its much-photographed, ancient breakwater, The Cobb. There's a tourist bus that links Lyme to the rest of the Jurassic Coast. Stunning walks, including the South West Coast Path, are all around. Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's River Cottage is a short drive away.
By car: The hotel is 3 hours 20 mins from London, 3 hours from Birmingham and 4 hours from Cambridge. There are two public car parks within walking distance.
By train: London Waterloo to Axminster takes 2 hours 45 mins. The hotel is a 15-minute taxi ride from the station. Book trains to Axminster.
By plane: Bournemouth Airport (56 miles)
The imposing Regency building has great bone structure, with high ceilings and large sash windows, and its beauty has been enhanced by a thoughtful renovation. Waxed wooden floors, open fireplaces and a calming colour palette of greys and blues create a very grown-up space that belongs in an interior-design magazine.
Lyn and Jason are fabulous hosts: nothing is too much trouble, their local knowledge is invaluable, and their ethos of sustainability is inspirational. Guests' names are handwritten on chalkboards on the door of their room - that's the kind of personal touch you can expect. The honesty bar is a bonus.
Terrace
- Bar
- Lounge
- Free Wi-Fi
The five rooms are elegant and romantic, each with its own character but all supremely stylish. The attention to detail is obvious in every carefully chosen piece of vintage furniture and perfectly placed throw. Little touches boost the luxury level: sumptuous bedding, fluffy dressing gowns, Bramley toiletries and homemade snacks.
Room types: Sea View, Lighthouse, Church View, Fossil, Porthole
Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with Bramley toiletries, minibar, tea and coffee facilities, locally baked biscuits or brownies, TV
Breakfast is outstanding, lovingly prepared on a 1950s AGA with top-quality local ingredients (organic where possible) and great flair. There are plenty of vegetarian, gluten-free and low-calorie options, or you can treat yourself to a full English. There's no lunch or dinner on-site, but plenty of restaurants nearby.
Breakfast: locally sourced produce, homemade granola, muesli, homemade bread, choice of cooked dishes.
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