Weymouth

The golden curve of Weymouth Bay stretches for three miles, backed by a proper old-fashioned promenade that hasn't lost its Victorian swagger. This is seaside Britain done right - no pretension, just honest family fun with a dash of royal heritage thrown in for good measure.

King George III put Weymouth on the map when he started taking his summer holidays here in the 1780s, and Victoria's Statue still watches over the harbour where the royal bathing machine once trundled into the waves. The town wears its history lightly though. One minute you're admiring the Georgian terraces, the next you're queuing for the Pirate Adventure mini golf or watching kids shriek with delight at the Southside Funfair.

Weymouth Bay itself is the star attraction. The water's surprisingly clean, the beach shelves gently, and there's enough space that it never feels cramped even in peak summer. When the little ones tire of sandcastles, the Sealife Centre provides a proper rainy day refuge, while the Weymouth Bay Miniature Railway chugs along the seafront with all the charm of a bygone era.

Beyond the bay, Dorset's dramatic coastline unfolds in both directions. The towering limestone arch of Durdle Door lies just 20 minutes south, while the Fleet Lagoon and Chesil Beach stretch west towards Portland. It's spectacular walking country, though you'll want to pack layers - the weather can turn quicker than a Dorset accent.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense. Bowleaze Cove and the various Haven sites put you within spitting distance of the action, while places like Ringstead Bay offer a quieter base for exploring the wider coastline. The A354 connects Weymouth to Dorchester in 20 minutes, making day trips to Thomas Hardy country a doddle.