Portland Beach

Fierce winds whip across this exposed stretch of shingle that forms the southern tip of the Isle of Portland, connected to Weymouth by the remarkable Chesil Beach causeway. The beach here is proper wild - no deckchairs or donkey rides, just raw Dorset coast at its most dramatic.

Rock poolers will have a field day among the limestone ledges when the tide retreats, while families with older children who don't mind a bit of scrambling will find plenty to explore. The younger ones might find it all a bit much - the stones are large and unwieldy underfoot, and there's precious little shelter when the weather turns.

What makes this spot special is the geology. Those towering white cliffs of Portland stone rise directly behind you - the same limestone that built St Paul's Cathedral and countless London landmarks. Photography enthusiasts get cracking shots here, especially as the light catches the cliff face at sunset.

Allow a good two hours if you're planning to explore properly, though you could easily spend longer if the weather's kind. It's free to access, naturally, but parking can be limited during peak summer months.

Staying at nearby Chesil Beach Lodge Park puts you perfectly placed for coastal walks, while the location works brilliantly as part of a broader exploration of Portland's quarries, lighthouse, and that famous bird observatory that draws twitchers from across Europe.