Express reporter Toby Codd has visited 43 British seaside towns during his career, and he has now named his favourite. Originally from the south coast of Devon, Codd says his job has taken him to resorts up and down the country. Asked to pick just one, he set criteria including beach and seafront, peace and quiet, scenery and character, food and drink, and tourist attractions.
Many of the towns he has visited score highly in several categories. Weymouth is famed for its sweeping beach, Llandudno has the best pier in the UK, St Ives is often considered the most scenic, Blackpool was great for attractions and Padstow offers some of the best fish and chips in the nation. But one town stands out from the rest.
Lyme Regis: the 'Pearl of Dorset'
Lyme Regis, known as the 'Pearl of Dorset', is the resort Codd recommends people to visit. He praises its stunning seafront, charming and relaxed atmosphere, quirky shops, good pubs and places to eat, and friendly locals. Located on the Jurassic Coast, the town was named the third best seaside resort in the UK last year. With a population of around 4,000, it boasts a quiet atmosphere and is perfect for a weekend away all year round.
The town's main shopping strip, stretching from Silver Street down to Broad Street, is brimming with shops and cafes. The steep hill, lined with quirky independent shops and eateries, runs down to the town's beautiful seafront. From Marine Parade, which leads onto the beach, Codd says he was greeted with stunning panoramic views out to sea and along the Jurassic Coast. For him, it is the most beautiful stretch of coastline he has seen in the UK.
Four beaches and plenty of places to eat
Unlike other seaside towns that typically have one stretch of beach, Lyme Regis has four separate beaches. Town Beach, near the harbour, is ideal for swimming and building sandcastles, while Church Cliff Beach is known for its rockpools. East Cliff Beach is famed for its quiet atmosphere, and Monmouth Beach is famed for its fossils.
For food and drink, Tom's Lyme Regis on Marine Parade offers award-winning seafood, Eat at Millside serves local produce, and Bell Cliff Restaurant, a 16th-century building, sells modern British cuisine. There are also cafes and ice cream parlours, including Town Mill Bakery and Baboo Gelato. During his visit, Codd ate at the Rock Point Inn, which boasts stunning views out to sea.
Shops, attractions and a friendly welcome
In the 'artisan quarter' at Combe Street and the Town Mill complex, visitors can find a host of gift shops and galleries. There are also independent shops in the town centre offering arts, crafts, jewellery and local products. The Marine Aquarium and the independently operated Dinosaurland Fossil Museum are both popular, and the town also welcomes a Jazz and Blues Festival during the summer.
Above all, Codd says Lyme Regis is comfortably among the friendliest places he has visited. Everyone he spoke to was friendly and greeted him with a smile, and he cannot wait to go back.
