/ Isle of Wight Trip Activities / Mary Anning’s World of Discovery
Lyme Regis Museum is a uniquely inspiring destination for students, standing directly on the site of the childhood home of Mary Anning, the world’s most famous fossil hunter. For school groups on a week-long residential, the museum serves as a brilliant focal point for both scientific discovery and historical inquiry. Youngsters can explore the very rooms where pioneering finds were made, bringing the story of the Jurassic Coast to life through an internationally significant collection of marine reptiles, ammonites, and local treasures.
The experience is designed to be highly interactive, ensuring that pupils are active participants in their learning journey. From examining real fossil specimens in the rotunda to participating in dedicated workshops like fossil polishing, youngsters are encouraged to think like palaeontologists. These hands-on sessions are specifically tailored to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world science, helping students understand the incredible processes that preserved these ancient creatures for millions of years.
Beyond the fossils, the museum offers a rich tapestry of local history that helps pupils understand the social and maritime heritage of the region. Whether exploring the Writers’ Gallery or learning about the town’s role in historic maritime trade, the venue provides a diverse educational landscape. The stunning seafront location and the purpose-built learning centre provide a safe, secure, and stimulating environment that empowers students to discover, question, and learn while enjoying the sheer fun of a seaside adventure.
Here's some of the most frequently-asked questions about school visits to Lyme Regis Museum, posed by teachers and other group leaders
The primary emergency assembly point is the flat promenade area directly outside the museum’s seafront entrance.
Students are required to wash or sanitise their hands thoroughly before and after handling any fossil specimens or using the interactive gallery displays.
First aid kits are located in the main entrance hall and the Learning Centre.
The museum is a vertical building with a unique spiral staircase; however, a lift is available for those with mobility needs. Due to space constraints in the galleries, large groups are often split into smaller teams to rotate between the museum and the workshop.
If the visit includes a guided fossil walk on the beach, students must wear sturdy, waterproof footwear with good grip. Wellies or hiking boots are essential, as the foreshore is often slippery and muddy.
