South Beach

The stretch of sand and shale at South Beach in Swanage is exactly what you'd expect from this corner of Dorset - wide, accessible, and genuinely good for a proper seaside day out. There's nothing fancy about it, which is rather the point. Golden sand slopes gently into the water, backed by a promenade with the usual cafes and ice cream vans, plus a decent stretch of grass if you want to escape the sun for a bit.

Families get the most from this beach. The shallow gradient means young swimmers can paddle safely, and the sand is firm enough for bucket-and-spade work without constant moaning about it being too loose. Older kids will find it dull after a couple of hours unless there's a decent swell for bodyboarding, which isn't guaranteed. Walkers might prefer heading further along the coast toward Durlston Head or Peveril Point for the proper drama - those views beat this section hands down.

Access is straightforward from Swanage town centre, and parking near the seafront fills up during summer holidays, so arrive early. There's no charge for the beach itself. Allow two to three hours if you've got young children, less if you're just after a quick dip.

For a park-based holiday, you're well placed. Ulwell Holiday Park sits just 1.7 miles away, and Swanage Bay View is only 2.8 miles off, making this a natural evening stroll when the crowds thin out. It's reliable rather than spectacular, but that's rather comforting.