SCIENTISTS, families and fossil enthusiasts will descend on Lyme Regis this June for what has become the UK’s largest public event dedicated to palaeontology.
Lyme Regis Fossil Festival, organised by Lyme Regis Museum, returns on 13 and 14 June with a weekend of science, discovery and family-friendly activities along the Jurassic Coast.
What to expect at the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival 2026
Talks and Speakers
Palaeontologist and television presenter Dr Dean Lomax joins palaeoartist Bob Nicholls to present The Secret Lives of Dinosaurs & The Adventures of a Palaeontologist, one of the headline events of the weekend.
Further expert talks come from Dr Emma Nicholls, Professor Mike Benton, Dr Tom Sharpe, Dr Dave Hone and Dr Anjana Khatwa, among others, covering a broad range of topics across the two days.
The Terrible Lizards Podcast also hosts a live event at the festival.
Activities and Walks
Guided fossil walks along Black Ven beach remain one of the festival's most popular offerings, giving visitors the chance to explore the coastline with an expert guide and try their hand at fossil hunting.
The Mary Anning Story Walk offers families the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Lyme Regis's most famous resident, while the Rock Showman returns with street performances throughout the weekend.
New for 2026
This year sees the introduction of palaeoart workshops and art and craft stalls in the Town Mill area and a new Student Talk programme in the Driftwood Café situated in the Baptist Church at the top of Broad Street.
The Museums and Arts Quarter
Interactive displays from organisations including the Natural History Museum, The Etches Collection, Charmouth Heritage Centre, Dinosaur Isle Museum and the Earth Science Centre will be installed in The Hub, joined by Bridport Museum, Portland Museum and Dorset Museum and Art Gallery.
It is a good opportunity to meet specialists from some of the country's leading natural history collections in an informal setting.
Lyme Regis Museum itself will be open throughout the weekend with reduced entry and its new exhibition ‘Folded Forms of Prehistoric Life’ by Dorset digital artist Emily Higgs will be on display in the Rotunda Gallery.
Shopping and Food
No festival visit is complete without time to browse and eat. The Lister Garden marquees bring together traders from across the country, offering fossils, minerals, gemstones and crafts to suit every budget – whether you are a seasoned collector or simply looking for a memento of your visit.
Traders also line Marine Parade, adding to the lively atmosphere along the seafront.
A selection of food stalls provides plenty of options for refuelling throughout the day, with something to suit all tastes.
Entry to exhibition venues is free, with a small charge for walks and talks. The Lyme Regis Fossil Festival takes place on 13 and 14 June 2026. Full programme and ticket information at www.fossilfestival.com.