Rufus Rift

You'll need to scramble down a steep coastal path near Weymouth to reach this one, but Rufus Rift is genuinely worth the effort. It's a proper sea cave carved into the Dorset cliffs, the kind of place where you can actually feel the geology happening around you - layered sandstone walls, the occasional drip of water, and that particular smell caves have.

The cave itself runs back a fair distance, though how far you can explore depends on tide and your nerve. Low tide is essential - get this wrong and you'll be paddling out faster than planned. The rocks underfoot are slippery and unforgiving, so proper shoes matter more than most coastal walks.

This appeals most to people who enjoy a bit of geological geeking and don't mind getting their hands dirty. Kids will find it exciting for maybe twenty minutes, then they'll want to know when they can leave. It's not a sit-down-and-relax sort of spot.

Based near Weymouth, you're perfectly positioned for this. Waterside and Chesil Beach Holiday Park are both within easy driving distance, which means you can time your visit around the tides without stress. If you're already doing the Dorset coastal walk, it's a logical detour. It's free to visit, naturally, since it's just a cave in the cliffs. Allow 45 minutes to an hour if you're exploring properly and not rushing back to catch the tide.