Weymouth

That sweeping curve of golden sand stretches for miles, backed by a Victorian seafront that still knows how to put on a proper seaside show. Weymouth's got that rare knack of feeling both nostalgic and lively - donkey rides and Punch and Judy sharing space with modern beach bars and water sports centres.

The town splits neatly into old and new. The historic harbour area buzzes with fishing boats and waterfront pubs, while the main beach delivers classic bucket-and-spade territory. But it's Chesil Beach that really sets this stretch of coast apart - that extraordinary 18-mile bank of pebbles connecting the mainland to Portland. Walking it feels like stepping onto another planet.

Beyond the seafront, Dorset's rolling countryside kicks in fast. Abbotsbury Swannery lies just down the coast, home to hundreds of mute swans in a setting that's genuinely magical. The ancient past lurks everywhere too - Hell Stone Burial Chamber and Hampton Down Stone Circle remind you this landscape's been special for millennia.

For a proper walk with views, Corton Hill and the surrounding peaks offer cracking panoramas across Lyme Bay. The network of ancient woodlands like Cockwell Coppice and Whitmoor Coppice provides cool shade on hot days, perfect for picnics away from the beach crowds.

Weymouth sits bang on the main railway line from London, making it dead easy to reach. The A354 drops you straight into town if you're driving. Staying at one of the holiday parks scattered around gives you the best of both worlds - easy beach access when you want the seaside buzz, quick escapes to the countryside when you fancy something quieter. Dorchester's only 8 miles north if you need proper shopping or cultural diversions.