Swanage

Victorian railway carriages still trundle into this Purbeck stone town, carrying day-trippers who've discovered what locals have always known - Swanage punches well above its weight. The beach stretches for nearly two miles of proper sand, backed by Belle Époque hotels that wouldn't look out of place in Brighton.

Climbing up from the seafront, the town reveals its quarrying heritage in every building. Purbeck stone built half of London, they say, and you can see why at the George Augustus Cavendish-Bentink Memorial, where the pale grey limestone catches the light beautifully. St Mary's Church sits solid and reassuring, while the Swanage Water Act Obelisk reminds you this was once a proper working port.

But it's the surrounding landscape that really takes your breath away. Ballard Down rises dramatically behind the town, offering cracking views across Poole Bay. The walk to Old Harry Rocks along the South West Coast Path is a bit of a trek, but well worth every step. Studland Hill and Godlingston Hill frame the bay perfectly, while Little Sea provides a gentler alternative for those who fancy a freshwater paddle.

Getting here couldn't be easier - the heritage railway from Wareham is half the fun, though the A351 does the job if you're driving. Poole's your nearest big town, about 20 minutes up the road.

Staying at one of the holiday parks around here makes perfect sense. You're close enough to pop into town for fish and chips, but far enough out to enjoy the proper Dorset countryside. Ulwell Holiday Park sits particularly well for exploring both the coast and the Purbeck Hills.