UK top 20 seaside town boasts one of Europe's best beaches and a wonder of the world

Boasting golden sands and one of the most stunning naturally occurring landmarks in the country, Weymouth in Dorset has been hailed as "the epitome of a picturesque British coastal town."

A part of the dramatic Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site - also known as the Dorset and East Devon Coast - Weymouth is just a 30 minute drive from the photogenic and awesome Durdle Door, one of Dorset's most iconic landmarks and a popular beauty spot. And it was recently named in a list of top 20 coastal towns to visit, coming in at number 11.

Weymouth Beach, lined by colourful beach huts, is regularly named in lists of the top 20 beaches in Europe, and has won a Blue Flag, the international quality mark for beaches. Impressive Georgian manors back the beach and a stroll down to the harbour feels like stepping back in time.

Visitors enjoy walking down Trinity Terrace past the colourful harbourfront houses and taking in the pleasant scene with some of the best fish and chips in the land. Or you can take up one of the deckchairs that are sprinkled around the beach, while families play in the safe shallow waters.

The Jurassic Coast offers the chance to take up Weymouth's scenic trails for stunning views of the craggy and wild coastal region, with the town described as a superb base to explore the spectacular coastal scenery on a walk or a cycle ride, including guided rides. Durdle Door, located on the Lulworth Estate in south Dorset, is a magnificent natural limestone arch formed by powerful waves eroding the rock and forging a large hole right through the middle. It was designated England's first natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2001, making it part of a worldwide group of natural wonders including the Grand Canyon and the Great Barrier Reef.

The beautiful Lulworth Cove is nearby too, boasting a white pebble beach with sparkling turquoise waters. Known for its unique geology, amazing landforms and panoramic views, it was formed by the combined forces of the sea and a river swollen by melting ice at the end of the last Ice Age.

The areas are rich with wildlife, being home to various animals, plants and insects, some of which can only be found here. Meanwhile, the areas offer the opportunity to take up watersports and activities such as coasteering, rockpooling, donkey rides, horseriding, boat hire, and more.

In the evening visitors can dine at Weymouth's restaurants, serving fresh seafood and hearty pub grub. And many foodies enjoy dining with an ocean view or grabbing a takeaway for a beach picnic.

The town centre has been awarded a Purple Flag, given to town centres that are recognised for having a well-managed, safe, and vibrant evening and night-time economy. This means visitors can feel assured of an entertaining, safe and enjoyable night out.

As for entertainment, Weymouth often puts on seafood festivals, music events and beach motocross competitions. Weymouth Sealife Park is home to sharks, turtles and stingrays.

As for entertainment, Weymouth often puts on seafood festivals, music events and beach motocross competitions. Weymouth Sealife Park is home to sharks, turtles and stingrays.

The stunning Nothe Fort is thought to be Weymouth's number one museum and heritage attraction, giving visitors the opportunity to explore a maze of underground tunnels, see the Victorian Gun Deck and sit on an impressive WW2 gun high up on the ramparts before discovering the secret underground nuclear bunker. And one of the highlights is enjoying the 19th century former Navy fort's breathtaking 360 degree views of the Jurassic Coast.

And of course, as you would expect from one of the UK's most popular seaside towns, there are plenty of nearby holiday parks, camp sites, or holiday cottages to choose from to suit your accommodation needs.