Perched on a clifftop in fashionable Lyme Regis, The Alexandra is a charming base from which to explore the Jurassic Coast. It has the feel of a traditional English seaside hotel (I half expected to see Miss Marple taking tea on the manicured lawn overlooking the sea), but thankfully the décor has been kept up-to-date, creating a fresh, coastal feel inside the historic building. The overall effect is elegant without being too formal. A peaceful retreat for couples or families.
Lyme gets busy in summer, but the hotel is a relaxing retreat
where you can enjoy sea views without the
crowds. It's at the top of Lyme's main street, so you can walk to
the seafront, shops and restaurants, which is handy as the centre
of Lyme is compact, with narrow roads and not much parking.
The Alexandra is in an acre of private gardens overlooking Lyme Bay, 10 minutes' walk from the beach.
By car: The hotel is 3 hours 20 mins from London, 3 hours from Birmingham and 4 hours from Cambridge. There is free parking on-site.
By train: London Waterloo to Axminster takes 2 hours 45 mins. The hotel is a 15-minute taxi ride from the station. thetrainline.com
By plane: Bournemouth Airport (56 miles)
The Alex is romantic enough for couples but also suitable for families, and the area has plenty of child-friendly activities, such as fossil-hunting. The orangery, complete with an exposed well in the floor, is the perfect spot for afternoon tea or pre-dinner cocktails.
The deck at the end of the garden with views along the coast is the ideal spot for a sundowner.
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Garden
- Terrace
- Spa treatments
- Room service
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free Parking
The Countess's Room is spacious, has beautiful bay windows with sea views, and a smart, marble bathroom complete with TV. The rooms feel homely rather than luxurious, but the views from some of them (like the Countess's room) are first-class.
Peek Rooms, Poulett Rooms, Stackpoole Rooms, Hinton Rooms, Gould Room, Countess's Room
Facilities include: Queen double bed, Egyptian cotton bed linen, ensuite bathroom with shower or bath, Algotherm Cosmetique Marine products bathrobes, TV, radio, tea and coffee tray, hairdryer, free Wi-Fi
Guests are spoiled for places to eat and drink with a view - the
restaurant, conservatory, terrace or
clifftop deck. Full afternoon tea is one of the things the
restaurant does best and the sea views make it feel special.
The restaurant: fine dining, British and European cuisine, West Country produce, fresh fish, three-course set menu, seven-course tasting menu. Open daily for dinner 6-9pm. Three courses £45. Tasting menu £65 per person.
The Orangery: relaxed atmosphere, modern European dishes, set menu. Afternoon teas. Mon-Sat, 12-2.30pm. Two courses £19, three courses £25.
The bar: cocktails, fine wines and premium spirits. Open daily 11am til late.
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