Beach on the south coast, any gems?

[nhsmanagersanonymous]

Taking dd for post a level road trip. We are doing Ludlow then down to bath then down to the south coast for a night. Ideally a hotel v near a beach with parking. I wondered about Weymouth or Swanage. .Any thoughts? Not super expensive, around 200 for the night maybe max

I'd opt for Southbourne in preference to Weymouth (chavvy) or Swanage (small beach, nondescript town)

Great thanks. Don’t want chavvy!

Stoke Lodge Hotel near Blackoool Sands in Devon is a real gem. It feels like a real escape and it’s so beautiful down there

What about The Knoll Hotel on Studland peninsula, that’s down that way. May be a bit isolated though
Or one of the hotels right on the tip of Sandbanks?

Not a hotel recommendation but do visit Durdle Door whilst you are here and you won’t be disappointed.

Also walk up to Old Harry Rocks from The Banks Arms pub in Studland and then drive to nearby Corfe and have a cream tea in the National Trust tea shop overlooking Corfe Castle. Wonderful history of Lady Mary Banks defending the castle as a cavalier stronghold during the civil war.

I live within driving distance and this is my very favourite day out.

There is a hotel very close to Old Harry Rocks which used to be great (beautiful old building right on the clifftop) and affordable but was taken over by the London brigade some years ago and is now part of a small and very expensive chain. It is called The Pig on the Beach.
Fine if you have cash to burn and like ponced about food “foraged” by artisanal milkmaids or some such bollocks. Otherwise I wouldn’t bother.

What about somewhere like Moonfleet Manor just outside Weymouth? They do really good afternoon teas and has lovely grounds to relax in. FWIW, I really dislike when a whole town is written off as ‘chavvy’ it’s a lazy slur and for the most part, untrue.

Great tips, thanks! I will take a look.

I’m flirting with Lulworth cove. Any thoughts?

Lulworth cove is beautiful

It's very nice but I only went for the day !