In case you haven’t heard, the UK is braced for another heatwave in mid-August, with temperatures expected to exceed 30C once again, and with foreign travel still in a state of flux popular beaches across the country are likely to be packed.
However, the meticulous beach scouts here at My London have found another seaside gem for all the family to enjoy.
READ MORE: The tiny city unlike any other in England 3 hours from London perfect for a mini break
Shell Bay in Dorset is a great alternative to the notoriously busy beaches of Brighton and Whitstable.
It’s a two and a half-hour drive from West London and boasts miles of unspoilt golden sand.
The white sands of Shell Bay don’t attract as many visitors as you might think
(Image: Creative Commons)
The beach is at the tip of Studland Peninsula and is managed by the National Trust.
In fact, the Trust has maintained it so well that the beach has hardly changed since the 1950s, making it one of the most picturesque beaches along the south coast.
Shell Bay is on the south side of the mouth of Poole Harbour and connected with Sandbanks by the Sandbanks Ferry, which regularly runs across the entrance to the harbour and carries vehicles, foot passengers and cyclists.
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The ferry takes about 30 minutes and costs £4.50, but it’s well worth the journey, if not for the clear waters and spotless beachfront, then for its award-winning food.
The Shellbay Restaurant and Bistro is a Michelin listed eatery with fine views over Poole Harbour and Brownsea Island.
The Sunday Times named the restaurant number three in its list of 20 top seafood restaurants in the country, it’s so popular that people travel to Shell Bay just for the food.
One review said: “The views continue to be worthy of paradise, and the food remains as supreme in this part of Dorset.
Shell Bay is one of the most unspoiled beaches in the country
(Image: Chris Leather/Creative Commons)
“Seafood and fish continue to be delicious, and they are served with scrumptious sauces. It balances fine cuisine with freshness.”
Another happy customer said: “A family meal at the end of a few days celebrating my son’s wedding.
“It was a chilly Sunday evening, but the manager arranged for a heater to be put by the table, checking throughout the evening that the temperature was suitable.
“The food was delicious and served promptly. The waiting staff were attentive and cheerful.”
The restaurant and beach offer wonderful views over the bay to nearby Bournemouth and is also a good viewpoint for watching the ships passing in and out of Poole Harbour, including the Condor Ferries to the Channel Islands.
Although the beach isn’t overwhelmed with shops, there are still enough places for you to grab a bucket and spade, but we recommend searching for seashells along the shore.
The beach is littered with them, as its name suggests.
Will you be visiting Shell Bay this summer? Let us know in the comments below.
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