Discover the Best Seaside Town Near London – Do You Agree?

As a child growing up in Somerset, I fondly recall our annual summer trips to Lyme Regis, a journey of about an hour from our home in Taunton. The decision to load up the car and take the A35 was an easy one, as Lyme Regis boasts the finest beach in the region, retaining its charming allure even today. A recent study highlighted Lyme Regis as the seventh-best staycation destination in the UK, with only St Ives in Cornwall ranking higher within the south-west. It is not surprising that Lyme Regis has garnered such acclaim.

The town possesses a nostalgic quality, starkly contrasting with many typical British seaside resorts, which often feature large arcades and extensive promenades. Instead, Lyme Regis offers visitors a delightful blend of golden sands, tranquil swimming spots, quaint ice cream parlours, and delicious fish and chips enjoyed by the sea. Just a stone’s throw from the beach, dramatic cliffs await those keen to hunt for dinosaur fossils dating back 200 million years on the Jurassic Coast.

Exploring Nearby Beaches and Attractions

While there are other attractive beaches in the vicinity, such as Seaton and Sidmouth in Devon, and Weymouth further along the Dorset coastline, Somerset’s beaches predominantly face the Severn Estuary, known for its significant tidal range. This reality made it a natural choice to venture into Dorset, with Lyme Regis being the ideal destination. For those travelling from London, Lyme Regis is conveniently accessible by train, taking approximately two and a half hours from Clapham Junction.

If you believe Lyme Regis deserves the title of the UK’s best seaside town, there is an opportunity to cast your vote in an ongoing poll. The town is brimming with traditional fish and chip shops, some of which serve outstanding dishes. Herbie’s takeaway kiosk, located right on the promenade, offers generous portions of classic fare—just be wary of the seagulls eager to snatch your meal. For those in search of a more refined dining experience, Rockfish Lyme Regis presents a delightful sit-down restaurant option, while The Royal Standard pub, boasting a history of 400 years, features a lovely beer garden and an excellent selection of real ales. No visit to the seaside is complete without indulging in an ice cream, and Baboo Gelato, situated on Marine Parade, is highly recommended.

The Unique Charm of Lyme Regis Beach

Lyme Regis has rightfully earned its nickname as ‘the pearl of Dorset’, largely due to its stunning beach. The main Front Beach, located near the harbour, is a unique hybrid of sand and pebbles. Church Cliff Beach and East Cliff Beach also feature a mix, while Monmouth Beach is predominantly pebble-strewn. Front Beach is where the majority of activities occur, and while it can get busy, it serves as a fantastic venue for games and sandcastle building. The water is particularly inviting for swimming, as The Cobb, the historic stone breakwater, provides shelter from the waves, making it a safer option compared to more exposed beaches.

Unlike many larger seaside resorts, Lyme Regis lacks a traditional pier. However, The Cobb offers breathtaking views of the harbour, enhancing the town’s picturesque appeal. Though there are arcades, they are modest compared to the sprawling entertainment complexes found in places like Weston-super-Mare or Weymouth. Many of the activities centre around Lyme Regis’ prime location on the Jurassic Coast, renowned for its fossil-rich landscape. Visitors can explore the Lyme Regis Museum, which showcases an impressive collection of finds, or the Dinosaurland Fossil Museum, featuring an astounding 12,000 specimens.

Understanding the Costs of a Seaside Getaway

It is important to note that a seaside excursion is no longer the budget-friendly experience it once was. A pint at a traditional establishment like The Royal Standard typically costs between £4.50 and £5.50, particularly for local Dorset ales such as Palmers. The price of a classic 99 ice cream has also increased, now starting at around £3.50 for a soft serve Mr Whippy. A takeaway box from a popular spot like Herbie’s will set you back approximately £11, while a sit-down meal is likely to be more expensive.

Accommodation is where visitors will truly feel the financial strain. Prices soar during the peak summer months of July and August, with basic rooms averaging around £150 per night, and some establishments enforcing minimum stay policies over weekends.