The most famous landmark at Lyme is The Cobb (the harbour break-water). It has been immortalised by the film The French Lieutenant's Woman, the author of which, John Fowles, lives locally.

It was probably originally wooden dating from the 13th century. For several centuries Lyme Regis was a prosperous port, exporting wool from the rich towns of Somerset. The town received it's Royal Charter in 1284 by King Edward I and the word `Regis' was added to the name.

As ships grew in size the prosperity of the port declined, but the fortunes of the town were saved by a series of famous visitors in the early nineteenth century who discovered it as a watering place. One such visitor was Jane Austin, who's novel Persuasion put Lyme Regis firmly on the Tourist map.