Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium

You're walking along the seafront in Lyme Regis when the aquarium catches your eye - a modest Victorian building that punches well above its weight. Inside, it's all bubbling tanks and that particular smell of salt water and seaweed that takes you straight back to childhood seaside trips. The collection focuses on local marine life, which is genuinely interesting if you're the sort of person who actually cares what's swimming just offshore rather than generic tropical fish.

The seahorses and pollack are the stars, but there's real character in the smaller exhibits - anemones doing their thing, crabs sidling about, the occasional shy octopus. Kids will spend a solid hour here, maybe ninety minutes if they're the type to read every label. Adults without small children? You'll probably want forty minutes, unless you're a proper marine biology enthusiast.

It's free admission - or was last time anyone updated the website properly - which takes the sting out of a rainy afternoon. The place is small enough that you won't feel ripped off by the size, and close enough to Bridport for a quick visit between other Dorset activities. If you're staying at one of the local parks - Seadown is barely two miles away - it's worth the walk down to the harbour. Not a destination in itself, but a solid supporting act to a proper seaside holiday.