A beach in the UK has been named among one of the best in the world.
National Geographic has released a list of the 21 best seaside escapes from some of the world’s most exotic locations.
Beaches in Costa Rica, Hawaii and Australia are among those on the list, and it seems, Lyme Regis.
While there are actually four beaches on the list, it’s three that are the reason why it’s made the list – Monmouth, Church Cliff and East Cliff Beaches.
The Dorset beaches are one of the best for those hoping to scour the shores in search of rare and unique shells – and is the only one in the UK to have made the list.
It ranks among other locations perfect for shell seeking, including the aptly named Shell Beach in Shark Bay, Western Australia and Bowman’s Beach, Sanibel Island, Florida.
If you search the Jurassic Coast beach you will no doubt uncover some beautiful spiral-shaped shells and fossil remains of sea creatures from 180 million years ago.
What’s more, the Lyme Regis Museum offers guided fossil walks for those hoping to get an expert eye. Every year in May, the annual fossial festival takes place with music, plays and exhibits.
The town itself is also worth exploring. Wander the quaint tangled streets and discover the rows of independent shops.
Silver Street, Church Street and Coombe Street are particular shopping spots and antique stores litter the pretty town.
Town Mill bakery has rave reviews online, with many praising the ‘lovely service’, ‘variety of food’ and ‘tasty treats’.
The Pilot Boat pub is also a great spot to wet your whistle after a walk along the beach, situated just off the seafront.
And if you’re not tired after all of that, why explore more of the Jurassic Coast – England’s first natural World Heritage Site that’s ranked alongside the Grand Canyon and Great Barrier Reef as one of the natural wonders of the world.
Stretching for 95 miles between Orcombe Point in East Devon and Studland Bay in Dorset, the Jurassic Coast reveals 185 million years of the Earth’s history.
It takes around three-and-a-half hours to get to Lyme Regis for anyone travelling through London.
While you can get trains from London Bridge and Victoria stations, it’s quicker to go from Waterloo to Axminster and then hop on X53 bus towards Bridport.
If you’re driving head straight down the M25 and get off at the exit for Gatwick and the M23. You then need to merge onto the M3 towards Bournemouth and follow local roads.
If you do visit Lyme Regis, be sure to hunt for fossils consciously and only take those from fallen or beach material and never dig in the cliffs.
