A Revitalising Riverbank Lodge Stay
Located in UpLyme, but a lovely nature walk stroll away from the centre of Lyme Regis, we were so excited to stay at Riverbank Lodge for a weekend of refreshment and relaxation . As we pulled into our own parking space we couldn’t help but marvel at the scandi-structure of Riverbank Lodge, nestled within the trees it already promised a rejuvenating stay.
Entering through the front door, the high pitched ceilings immediately grab our attention and flood the room with warm light, the porthole windows themselves look like wonderful little halos shining through glittering sunlight. The glass-fronted log-burner also promises some cosy evening in, relaxing on the sofa and basking in the flickering firelight.
A further exploration leads up the glass fronted mezzanine as we enter the bedroom that looks like it’s straight of the front page of ‘Ideal Home,’ bright, airy and ideal for a lazy morning relaxing in bed as sunlight streams through the iconic porthole window!
As we head back down, we promise ourselves a further nosy around as the cookbook stoked kitchen tempts us in, then furhter into the lounge we notice there is a view from the bathtub to fireside in the lounge, incredible!
For now though, it’s time to head down the nearby nature walk that takes us straight into the centre of Lyme.
It was wonderful knowing that we were leaving the car behind as we followed the River Lym signs towards Lyme Regis. Already the nature walk was immediately lovely as we headed down Mill Lane, it was incredibly peaceful as we encountered the odd-dog walker or late morning stroller. It dips wonderfully through narrow fern lined paths, grassy fields and the trails that run parallel to the flowing River Lym. A breezy 16 minute walk following the bubbling water and we emerged onto Coombe Street, continuing to follow the river we passed the wonderful Blue Shutter Mill (A future stay at The Lyme Nook might be in order?!) Before heading down the ‘hidden’ route into the Town Mill Quarter.
The gentle nature walk was the perfect activity to get our appetite up for a brunch/lunch at The Town Mill Bakery. One of the arguably best spots in Lyme Regis, the warm atmosphere and delicious smells are enough to tempt you in!
Perching on the long bench and ordering some tea, pancakes & cooked veggie breakfast (incredible!) you can see why this spot has bagged the Good Food Guide ‘Local Gem’ so many times, the ambience is lovely and watching the chefs hustle and bustle around the open kitchen is an absolute treat.
Fuelled up on delicious food, we pop into their adjacent deli for a mooch and eye up some local sourdough to bring back to Riverbank Lodge for tomorrow’s breakfast before heading further into Lyme Regis.
We never get tired of the sea views in Lyme, it’s always a joy to wander down the old streets with the sea peaking between the buildings, before all at once opening up in front of our eyes and stretching across the bay. Golden Cap was looking particularly beautiful on this day, with the iconic ridge catching the warm sunshine.
As we meandered along Marine Parade towards the Harbour we had an absolute treat in store for us today as we had booked onto the Lyme Bay Rib Charter to explore our wonderful coastline from the waves!
Captain Brian met us on the harbour and set us up with our lifejackets before introducing us to the Rib that would be taking us out onto the Bay. Many chuckles were had as we clambered onboard and sat on the surprisingly comfy seats - perched perfectly so we had amazing 360° views! As we began drifting out of the harbour, once we cleared the walls and with an encouraging word from Brian we were off! Starting slow but building up we were soon whizzing across the waves, salty air recrafting our hair and the sun glistering off the waves as we streamed past, it was exhilarating!
Between the excitement we also had some gentle drifting where we really got to take in the view and marvel at the Jurassic Coast from the bobbing waves. Brian also imparted some wonderful knowledge, allowing us to learn even more about our local coastline.
We can’t recommend Lyme Bay Rib Charter enough, and with our own Lyme Regis Stays 10% discount on top, it made for an unforgettable experience! Although soon we were toddling back into the harbour and clambered back ashore, our faces grinning from ear to ear and with a parting goodbye and chuckle to our captain we once again headed back towards Marine Parade.
Still reeling from the exhilarating Rib Ride, we decided to wander along Marine Parade and up into Langmoor Gardens to enjoy the Jurassic Views. It’s so easy to relax and explore the gardens as the different terraces are an absolute treat in all seasons. On our particular visit the flowers were in full bloom, drifting in the wind with the sea as their backdrop always makes for a lovely walk. We also headed up towards the top of the gardens, where a shaded wooden pathway offers the most incredible views over Lyme Regis, it was very reminiscent of the hanging walkways in the Kuala Lumpar eco-forest!
Soon it was time for an early dinner as we were excited to explore the new Rockfish Restaurant, nestled next to us in Langmoor Gardens, Mitch Tonks’s new spot overlooks The Cobb and beyond, a spot we’ve been looking forward to!
The new interior was immediately welcoming and the staff were lovely as they seated us at a two-person table overlooking the Bay. After ordering two free drinks (another Lyme Regis Stays perk, exclusively for our guests!), we dove straight into exploring the foodie delights as the menu bursting with delicious fresh seafood sustainably caught on our local shores. A short while later our table was ladled with a range of delicious treats, the star of the show however was the Lobster, cooked to perfection and caught right here in the South-West!
After filling our stomachs with the most incredible local seafood we strolled (waddled?) out of Rockfish and back into Langmoor Gardens. It was high time we meandered back along the nature path to Riverbank Lodge. The walk back was a wonderful length to settle our food and as we walked up the gravelled drive towards the lodge, we felt like it was the perfect time to nip into the Sauna & outdoor Waterfall Shower, for a refreshing treat after a wonderfully busy day.
We pulled our flipflops on and strolled the brief walk to the wooden sauna, an absolute treat to have this private perk all to ourselves. It heated up incredibly quick and nestled amongst the steamy interior it was lovely to gaze out amongst the flowering borders and blooming bulbs. Hopping out of the sauna and turning the waterfall shower to cold, we truly embraced our own version of the Wim Hof method as the icy water streamed over our heads before plunging back into the steamy sauna.
After our revitalising hot & cold dip we tootled back to Riverbank Lodge after one of the most marvellous days. Soon we were pouring a glass from the local Lyme Bay Winery and melting into the sofa with the firelight flickering up towards the high ceiling. Centred in our own private Lodge, we reflected on what was already a wonderfully rejuvenating trip, Riverbank Lodge truly was the perfect base for relaxing after an incredibly busy period, offering it’s own little scandi-escape from the outside world.
