East Beach

Golden cliffs rise dramatically behind this proper stretch of shingle and sand just west of Bridport's main harbour area. The beach runs for about half a mile, offering decent space even when the car parks at West Bay fill up during summer weekends.

Fossil hunters will love the constant erosion here - I've found ammonites and belemnites after winter storms have done their work on the Jurassic Coast cliffs. The swimming's decent at high tide, though the shingle can be murder on bare feet. Low tide reveals rock pools that'll keep younger children occupied for ages.

Parking can be tricky in peak season, but there's usually space if you don't mind a five-minute walk. The cliff-top path towards Golden Cap starts from the eastern end - well worth the climb if you've got proper walking boots and an hour to spare.

Families staying at nearby parks like Parkdean's West Bay or Highlands End will find this less crowded than the main West Bay beach. It's particularly good for evening walks when the light hits those cliffs just right. Dogs are welcome year-round, unlike some Dorset beaches that ban them in summer. Just watch the tides - they come in fast here and can cut off access to the western end.