Lyme Regis is nearby which is quaint and where the french lieutenants woman was filmed. We went there on a hot day and the beach which is part sand part shingle was packed. They've landscaped the gardens there too so although on a hill is very pretty. Also a donkey sanctuary at Sidmouth nearby. Sidmouth is also quaint and old fashioned. Weymouth is lovely. Has a lovely sandy beach and is where the sailing for next olympics is being held. .The Swannery and abbottsbury is near to Weymouth too