The Axe estuary at high tide is an excellent spot for most water sports, including windsurfing, canoeing and dinghy sailing, and in Lyme Bay water skiing, yachting and Scuba diving are all on offer.

The Axe Estuary and Seaton Marshes
With its impressive variety of marine and plant life the estuary is a favoured haunt for twitchers.

The Axe estuary and surrounding marshes have changed greatly over the years as movements have diverted the river mouth towards the east and man’s various attempts at drainage have reduced the marshes.

The estuary is made of mud flats, islands, salt marsh and reed beds, and is particularly interesting for its birdlife viewed from roadside on the east or a tram on the west.

Seaton Marshes, reclaimed from the sea from 1660 onwards, are fresh water grazing marshes which have recently been designated as a local nature reserve and are now undergoing management to increase their interest while wetter areas near Axmouth and Colyford are protected under countryside stewardship agreements. They are not open to the public but a footpath runs along the edge of the Seaton reserve and the marshes above Axmouth can be observed from gateways along the B 3172.

The flora is diverse. Primroses in flower can be seen throughout the winter months, as is also red campion. In Spring Alexandus, a plant introduced by the Romans, blooms near the coast. Orchids in variety include:- green winged, fragrant, bee and southern marsh. Two rare plants are the purple gromwell - lithospermum purpurus - caerulum, and heath lobelia - lobelia urens.

Of the 14 species of bat in Britain, 7 species are known in the Axe Valley area, and include some 40% of the population of the second rarest in Britain, Bechstein's bat.

Salmon and sea trout both occur in the River Axe.

The coast and countryside around Lyme Regis is exceptionally beautiful and rich in native wildlife, particularly woodlands and herb rich meadows tied together within a tapestry of ancient hedges sliced through by the sea. (please also visit our coastline page).

This is 'classic' English coast and countryside and is at its very best
during the spring and early summer - before the hay is made and the summer heat dries the land. At other times of year it provides great rambling and a network of footpaths and long distance trails pass through the area.

Walking the Undercliff
This is a strenuous walk and the path is often muddy, especially after wet weather. There is only one access and that it the Coast Path between Lyme Regis and Axmouth, distance 7 miles. Allow at least three and a half to four hours for the walk and don't rush it for there is much to take in on the way. An ideal combination is to use the local Lyme Regis to Seaton bus for one leg of the route. At Lyme, the path starts at the far end of Holmbush car park above Cobb Road, the steep road leading down to the harbour.

Whether you cast a line from the Chesil Bank (famous for its many local and national competitions) or prefer the quiet of inland lakes, West Dorset and South East Devon will reward you with endless hours of fishing pleasure.

From the Cobb at Lyme Regis or West Bay, you can fish from the pier, take a mackerel boat round the bay, or seek deeper waters for cod, conger, skate or pollock.

Sea fishing trips can also be organised from Branscombe, leaving from the beach with the local fisherman.

Inland there are well-stocked lakes aplenty, Coarse fishing runs from mid-June to mid-March, while trout lakes provide excellent sport from March through to October and the River Frome tempts with salmon and sea trout.

With peaceful villages and rural market towns to explore, and always a glimpse of fields and flowers, woods and seascapes, West Dorset is made for cycling and there are plenty of shops from which to hire your bikes.

The Wessex Way
Two exciting new cycle routes are being developed in Devon, which will provide picturesque rides at both ends of the county. The biggest scheme by far, is the Wessex Way. It will link Weston Bay, in North Somerset, all the way down to Lyme Bay and on to Seaton in East Devon. Once complete cyclists will be able to ride from the Bristol Channel to the English Channel.

There is an excellent selection of golf courses around Lyme Bay, including Honiton, Axmouth, Lyme Regis, Sidmouth and Budleigh Salterton.

Axe Cliff Golf Club
Breathtaking views from the Haven cliffs overlooking Lyme Bay and the Axe Estuary. Bar, restaurant, pro shop, sun terrace. Holes: 18 Par:   70
Squires Lane
Axmouth
Seaton
Devon
EX12 4AB
Contact: Helen Kenworthy
Tel: 01297 24371

Pleasure and Diving Trips
These are operated in and around Lyme Bay from Lyme Regis.

Power Boat Racing
races are held several time a year off Lyme regis and is a great sport to watch.

Beer Sailing Club
A well established club situated in historic fishing village between Sidmouth & Lyme Regis. Guests welcomed.