Chesil Beach

Chesil Beach isn't your typical sandy seaside - it's a 18-kilometre shingle bank that's genuinely remarkable once you understand what you're standing on. The pebbles are graded by size, smallest near Weymouth and largest towards Portland, and locals will tell you that smugglers once used this gradient to navigate back to shore in the fog. You won't find a traditional beach experience here with deckchairs and ice cream vans, but you will find space, dramatic geology, and that particular quality of English coastal drama.

Walking the length of it is serious exercise - the shingle is tough on the legs and shuffles underfoot constantly. Most people spend an hour or two here rather than an entire day. The fishing community still operates from the beach, so you'll see proper working boats rather than tourist attractions. In rough weather the beach lives up to its reputation as treacherous; in calm weather it's oddly meditative.

This appeals far more to walkers and geology enthusiasts than to families wanting bucket-and-spade fun. Older children might find it interesting for about 90 minutes. The beach is free to access and open year-round, though winter storms make it properly wild.

Staying at Chesil Beach Lodge Park puts you right on top of it - literally a three-minute walk away - which makes sense for the geology-focused or anyone planning longer explorations. For a standard seaside holiday though, Weymouth's more traditional beaches might serve you better.