Alexandra Hotel and Restaurant

Buzzy seaside towns in Dorset may hum with activity in the warmer months, but the coastal hideaway of Alexandra Hotel in Lyme Regis – perched high up in the cliffs – feels a world away from the hubbub.

The spacious lawns of Alexandra Hotel in Lyme Regis are charming to wander through – glass of fizz in hand – and enjoy a moment of tranquillity. The views and mature gardens are complemented by smart interiors designed in eclectic country style, and there’s something interesting to catch the eye on every shelf and wall – especially in the maritime-themed sitting room.

However, beyond all these attractions, foodies favour the 18th-century hotel for its contemporary British cooking. The Ammonite restaurant in the orangery is a vision of floral loveliness, thanks to its elegant decor and views over the attractive gardens (it also has a glassed-over ancient well in the middle of the floor). Hotel guest? Enjoy breakfast amid the cool blues of the seashell-adorned Alexandra Dining Room.

Expect a relaxed vibe, beautiful surroundings, friendly staff and excellent food that celebrates the rich larder of the South West in dishes such as Lyme Bay mackerel rillettes tartlet with roasted beetroot, torched mackerel and Granny Smith apple.

Trencherman’s tip

Private dining for two in the Lookout Tower is a special experience here. And if your significant other says ‘yes’, you could even return to get hitched in the hotel’s old chapel.