Cycling again at the age of 54 - please recommend a bike!

[Summerartwitch]

I want to buy a bike that I can use around the small seaside town I moved to 3 years ago.

I am 5.4 and I would like something light and reliable.

I cycled as a kid and a little bit when I was living in London around parks but beyond that I am a bit rusty. Mainly I will use it to go to the shops and cycle on the seafront.

I can't see anything second hand that would be suitable, so could anyone recommend something I could buy? I have a small budget (under £300).

I have a Liv (ladies Giant) bike which I bought new about 10 years ago for £1k. A second hand Liv would be my first choice. Love it and have used it a lot. I suggest you go to a bike shop and see what sort suits you - ladies bike like mine or more of a trad sit up and beg. If buying new the cheapest options are likely to be decathlon.

Oh and could you get a bike in the. Cycle to work scheme? Well worth it!

Definitely go to a bike shop - ideally a local independent one. They will be so knowledgeable. Bikes in your budget are likely to be heavy or use cheaper components which break more easily, so in parallel I’d widen your second hand search because you’ll get much better value.

Yep, you're looking at used for that budget. I would look around and see if there's a cycling charity in your area and see if they can help you. They normally train volunteers to rebuild bikes, so it's good all round.

Recently I needed to get a cheap bike for someone, and we found https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/27-5-mountain-bike-expl-50-red/_/R-p-347105?mc=8803702&c=slate%20grey this bike at Decathlon, and it is really good for the price. I rode it today and was surprised at how comfortable it was.

I bought my bike from a charity that rescues them from recycling centres and refurbs them. You get a cheapish bike but one that's been renovated by people who know what they're doing and who gave me lots of advice on choosing. Here's the one I used but there might be something similar in your area. https://www.on-your-bike.co.uk/get-involved

You can get a new bike for under £300 Hybrid Bike Grey - 120 Series RIVERSIDE | Decathlon this would be perfectly fine for pootling along the prom!
But, it won't be the lightest as cheaper bikes are usually steel frames, for lighter weight you need aluminium / alloy.
Carrera Crossfire 2 Womens Hybrid Bike - Grey - S, M, L Frames | Halfords UK
If you can stretch your budget or find one of these in the sale, even better the FX2 model FX 1 Mid-step Gen 3 - Trek Bikes (GB)

Is your town completely flat, OP? The Dutch manage with heavy bikes in context you describe, but most their towns are rather flat.

Thank you everyone for all the useful advice!

I might save a bit longer/try again with second hand bikes as I really want something light and it sound like a steel frame won't be ideal.