Many people will be rushing at the chance of heading abroad this summer to enjoy the beautiful coastlines after two years of travel restrictions. Others have found a newfound adoration for some of the beautiful beaches the UK has to offer, and we're certainly not short of them in the south west.
Cornwall is home to some of the highest-rated beaches in the UK and some of Devon's spots have been likened to parts of the Mediterranean. And with two lengthy heatwaves this summer, it can certainly feel like you're in the south of France or Spain this year.
Just a two hours drive south of Bristol is the popular resort of Lyme Regis, dubbed as the 'Pearl of Dorset'. What used to be quite an old-fashioned coastal town has become cool and trendy, with some great new restaurants and bars, reports SomersetLive.
Read more: Beach three hours from Bristol named one of the best in the UK
It is the perfect place to go for a midweek break during this week's heatwave, with unbroken sunshine, beaches to die for and delicious fresh seafood.
In the height of summer, the clear blue skies reflect onto the glistening turquoise sea, which gives you a sense of being in the Mediterranean. With brightly coloured beach huts, lovely cobbled streets, little artisan shops and cafes, Lyme Regis is unique in the West Country.
It is a historic town with lots to see if the beach is not your thing. Famous for fossils and its place on the wild Jurassic Coast, there are stunning walks to Golden Cap or nearby Charmouth. There is also a theatre with live performances most evenings and lots of music events, regattas and festivals. It can get crowded in summer but there are lots of hidden beaches just a walk away where you can avoid the rush.
The seafront is full of the usual ice cream parlours and gift shops, but if you step behind onto the lovely cobbled back streets you will easily get away from it all. You will feel like you are in the south of France as you sit by the river Lym and drink an ice-cool craft beer or refreshing rose wine.
There are lots of good places to eat in Lyme Regis. The Millside is a brilliant seafood restaurant and at Lyme Bay Cafe and Bar right on the seafront you can enjoy a wonderful catch of the day while overlooking the ocean.
Kiosk, which is a hole on the wall at the beachfront, is a hidden gem. Homemade croissants and brownies made fresh every morning, crab sandwiches, toasties, delicious coffee and juices it is a stunning place to eat breakfast on the beach.
The seaside town is not without its excellent pubs, old seafaring inns and some of the best fish and chip shops at the world-famous Cobb - believed to date back to Edward I. Shave Cross Cellar boasts an impressive selection of beers with a specially designed tap wall where customers can pour their own pint.
Lyme Regis is a great beach for children, with hardly any current it is safe and calm and youngsters can play safely all day with no massive tides or waves. It has a great atmosphere, lots of places to go and different beaches to try out, some pebbly some sandy.
It is dog-friendly too and dogs can bounce happily in the sea on some of the town's designated beaches, and you can bring your pooch into almost all the bars and restaurants. It's definitely one for the list for those looking to stay in the south west this summer.
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