The best seaside towns in south west England

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South Western Railway May 6, 2025 6 min read

In this article, you'll learn the following:

1. Bournemouth
2. Weymouth
3. Lyme Regis
4. West Lulworth
5. Sidmouth
More must-visit seaside towns in the South West
Plan your seaside escape with SWR

South West England’s coastal towns are some of the best in the UK, home to sandy beaches, picturesque harbourfronts, and classic seaside attractions like amusement arcades and fish and chip shops. Whether you’re looking for seaside day trips from London by train or a staycation, we’ve compiled a list of our favourites to help you narrow down your choices. Read on to discover more about each location and find out how to get there on our network.

1. Bournemouth

BOURNEMOUTH

Bournemouth is the largest resort in Dorset and one of the most popular seaside towns in the South West. With seven miles of award-winning sandy beaches, promenades, gardens and iconic piers, Bournemouth is a lively coastal town.

If you’re looking for the best Bournemouth beach things to do, why not rent one of the traditional beach huts for a day, visit the independent cafés on the seafront or soar to new heights with RockReef’s PierZip experience?

For more inspiration, check out our guide to spending 48 hours in Bournemouth to plan your seaside escape.

How to get there: We operate regular services to Bournemouth from London Waterloo and Weymouth.

2. Weymouth

weymouth beach (1)

Weymouth is a picturesque seaside town in Dorset with plenty to offer, from Blue Flag beaches to its quaint harbour and historic landmarks. If you’re looking for the top Weymouth tourist attractions, there’s plenty to see and do here for families, couples and solo travellers. Visit Nothe Fort – a Victorian fort built to protect Portland Harbour – and SeaLife Weymouth to learn more about an array of fascinating ocean creatures.

Looking to explore the outdoors in Weymouth? Hire Beryl Bikes and cycle along the seafront or venture out of town on a walking trail along the stunning Jurassic Coast. Get inspired to plan your trip here with our guide to spending 48 hours in Weymouth.

How to get there: Hop on a train to Weymouth from London Waterloo, Southampton Central or Bournemouth.

3. Lyme Regis

lyme regis 1520 (1)

Lyme Regis is well known as one of the best Jurassic Coast seaside towns for fossil hunting, so it’s a great spot for families and archaeology enthusiasts! Take a trip to Front Beach and Church Cliff Beach and keep your eyes peeled for prehistoric souvenirs.

Alongside Lyme Regis’ fossil hunting beaches, you’ll also find a pretty harbour and plenty of seafood bars, bistros, and restaurants where you can sample the catch of the day! Don’t miss Lyme Regis Museum for impressive fossil exhibits, and head to Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium to learn more about local sea creatures.

How to get there: The nearest train station is Axminster. From there, ride the X51 or X53 bus for 25 minutes to get to Lyme Regis.

4. West Lulworth

The quaint village of West Lulworth is adorned with thatched cottages and surrounded by rolling hills, but it is primarily known as the home of Lulworth Cove. This stunning horseshoe-shaped bay is considered one of the best beaches in Dorset and Devon, perfect for swimming or coastal walks. It’s also famous for the abundance of natural rock formations, like Stair Hole and Lulworth Crumple.

If you’re looking for Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door walks, head along the South West Coast Path to see both of these beautiful spots within half an hour, as well as more breathtaking sea views along the way.

How to get there: Catch a train to Wool, then hop on the X54 Jurassic Coaster bus, which will take you to West Lulworth and Lulworth Cove.

5. Sidmouth

With Regency architecture, charming gardens and award-winning beaches set against the backdrop of vivid red cliffs, you’re bound to fall in love with Sidmouth from the moment you arrive. Take a stroll along the picturesque coastal path, explore the local shops, cafés and restaurants, and relax on Sidmouth’s best beaches, which are a combination of shingle and sand.

How to get there: The nearest train station is Honiton. From there, take the number 9 bus to Sidmouth – a 30-minute journey.

More must-visit seaside towns in the South West

Discover more of the top seaside towns in the South West, from Dorset to the Isle of Wight.

Christchurch, Dorset

Christchurch beach

With a prime position on the seaside, the riverside and in the countryside, the historic harbour town of Christchurch is undoubtedly one of the region’s best seaside towns. It’s quieter than Bournemouth and Weymouth and boasts several award-winning beaches, nature reserves and heritage attractions, so there really is something for everyone to enjoy here! While you’re in Christchurch, make sure you walk or take the land train down to Hengistbury Head for picturesque views.

How to get there: Take the train from London Waterloo, Poole, Southampton Central or Winchester to Christchurch.

Bridport, Dorset

Bridport is a quirky and lively market town with an amazing antiques quarter. Get the best of both worlds and enjoy art, culture, food and independent shopping before heading to the Jurassic Coast’s dramatic cliffs and beautiful beaches. What more could you want from a seaside retreat?

How to get there: The nearest train station is Axminster. From there, take the X51 or X53 bus to Bridport – the journey takes around an hour.

Poole, Dorset

Poole quayside

Wildlife, water sports and award-winning beaches make Poole a bustling seaside town. Located in East Dorset, Poole is home to Europe’s largest natural harbour, and its shallow waters make it a watersports haven, from windsurfing to sailing and kayaking. Back on dry land, you can explore the lively quayside and the beautiful historic old town, with plenty of relaxing spots on the waterside.

How to get there: Hop on a train to Poole from London Waterloo, Southampton Central or Weymouth.

Ventnor, Isle of Wight

Ventnor

If you’re looking for a quintessential English seaside town, then Ventnor on the Isle of Wight should be at the top of your list. You’ll find beach huts made from Victorian ‘bathing machines’, cafés selling fresh local seafood, amusement arcades and so much more.

Ventnor’s unique microclimate made it one of Britain’s most famous Victorian health resorts, and it’s still an amazing suntrap today – perfect for sunbathing and swimming.

How to get there: The nearest station to Ventnor is Shanklin. From there, hop on the number 3 bus for 13 minutes.

Plan your seaside escape with SWR

Ready to plan your seaside escape to the South West coast? Explore our range of ticket types to find the best option for your journey. Our Advance tickets offer the best prices, while our Semi-Flex Return and Sunday Out tickets give you extra flexibility if plans change on the day.

If you’re travelling with family and friends, our GroupSave tickets are the ideal choice, saving you money on your journey. You can save even more with Railcards and discounts, so don’t forget to check your eligibility!

Plus, our customers can take advantage of exclusive discounts at the South West’s best attractions, restaurants, hotels and more with SWR Rewards.

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