Langmoor and Lister Gardens

Located in the sweeping slopes above the beach, Langmoor and Lister gardens comprise a mixture of grassy banks, mature trees and shrubs, planted borders and gently curving paths.

The seafront gardens provide an oasis of calm, a great place to unwind while taking in the breathtaking views. The elevated gardens afford far reaching panoramic views across the coastal landscape, to the West overlooking the Cobb and to the East along the dramatic Jurassic Coast taking in Stonebarrow and Golden Cap and on a clear day, as far the Isle of Portland.

The shaded woodland boardwalk on the upper level offers a perfect vantage point to take in the surroundings and here you can get up close with nature with bird feeders along the way to enco. A recent addition is the evening illumination of the woodland area with colourful lighting. The new lighting display was officially switched on by the mayor of Lyme Regis, Cllr Brian Larcombe MBE, in September 2019.

The eastern section is known as Lister Gardens, named after Joseph Lister, the pioneer of antiseptics who lived in Lyme. Here you will find mini-golf, table tennis tables and Hix fish restaurant.

There’s plenty of benches dotted around so you can sit back, relax and admire all what’s around you.

While exploring the gardens you’ll come across various contemporary sculptures dotted about, comprising the Lyme Regis Sculpture Trail. The outdoor art installation features carefully selected exhibits from local artists.

History

The gardens were opened in 1913, with the land being bought through a bequest to the town from Joseph Moly of Langmoor Manor, Charmouth with the gardens being named in honour of the donation. The land was particularly vulnerable to movement and throughout the 20^th century several landslips occurred with the most significant in 1962 when several houses were destroyed.

The opportunity to finally stabilise the gardens came as part of Phase 2-3 of the Lyme Regis Environmental Improvement scheme which aimed to provide long term coastal protection and reduce the threat of landslips. Major land stabilisation and remodelling was undertaken between 2005 and 2007 that shaped the gardens as you see them today.