Before the weather gets too bleak, we'll all need to make a quick escape and get away for the weekend. If a beach trip is on your agenda, Chesil Beach in Dorset should be at the top of your list. This 18-mile stretch of shingle is one of Britain's most unique natural wonders, often referred to as the 'eighth wonder of the world'.
The thin peninsula juts out from the mainland, creating a land bridge to the Isle of Portland off Weymouth. With water lapping both sides, the beach widens to about 200 metres at its broadest point, with the size of the shingle decreasing from west to east. Despite its rugged Jurassic surface, the views are simply breathtaking.
Anglers will be in heaven here, with the surrounding sea teeming with fish. It's also home to Fleet Lagoon, one of the last undisturbed lagoons of its kind in the world. A string of charming seaside villages dot the coastline, offering pubs and cafes serving delicious local fare.
Or you can just kick back and soak up the scenery from the beach itself. Pack a picnic, grab a good book, and spend a few hours basking in the sun and listening to the waves. And don't forget your four-legged friend - this beach is dog-friendly.
However, be prepared to share the beach with fossil hunters as Chesil Beach is a hotspot for these ancient treasures. You can either join a guided fossil hunting tour or venture out on your own. If history is more your thing, there's a historic lighthouse at the southern end of Portland Island offering breatht.
