I visited a perfect little UK seaside town - it's better than rivals in Cornwall and Devon

Hailed as the Pearl of Dorset, Lyme Regis is a truly stunning seaside town. It has everything that a coastal retreat should have - pristine beaches, diverse attractions, a picturesque harbour and a range of independent eateries.

I was lucky enough to visit the town, located on the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on a fairly quiet Tuesday afternoon in May. The sun was shining and there was a sense in the air that Lyme Regis was gearing up for the busy summer months where the population soars from 4,000 to around 20,000. Having grown up in Devon, I couldn't help but compare the town to others across the South West region. For me, Lyme Regis is as good as any of the region's more famous seaside resorts and here's why.

Towns across Cornwall and Devon, such as Salcombe, Polzeath and St Ives, regularly feature on lists ranking the best seaside spots across the nation. But Lyme Regis has a calmer and more personable vibe.

Due to its smaller population, Lyme Regis is often considered far more relaxed than other seaside resorts. I found the locals to be particularly welcoming which made for a far more enjoyable visit than some I've made to other towns.

There are four beaches in Lyme Regis - East Cliff, Town Beach, Monmouth Beach and Church Cliff. Each offers something a bit different for tourists.

The Town Beach, otherwise known as the Front Beach, is perfect for families to enjoy. It's located near the harbour and is an ideal spot for swimming and building sandcastles in the hot weather.

The promenade next to the beach is lined with colourful beach huts. It leads to the famed sea wall, known as The Cobb, which offers breathtaking views and a nice little walk for visitors.

Lyme Regis is the birthplace of renowned palaeontologist Mary Anning and remains one of the best places in the world for fossil hunting. Monmouth Beach, known for its "ammonite pavement", is a popular spot for people keen on fossil hunting.

Meanwhile, Church Cliff is great for fishing and has an abundance of rock pools. In terms of amazing views of the Jurassic Coast, the quiet East Cliff beach is unrivalled.

Lyme Regis high street is home to a number of successful independent shops, cafes, bakeries and restaurants. There are also galleries which showcase the work of local artists.

Every good seaside town should always have a showpiece fish restaurant that serves produce straight from the sea. Lyme Regis is home to the multi-award-winning Tom's which offers a variety of classic and creative seafood dishes.

The menu focuses on locally caught items such as Lyme Bay scallops, crab and lobster. Tom's emphasises the importance of using fresh and local ingredients while also catering for vegetarians.

The restaurant won an AA Rosette for Culinary Excellence, which rewards high-quality food and great service. It is also listed in the Trencherman's and Hardens guides which highlight the best restaurants across the South West region.

In August, the Lyme Regis Regatta and Carnival Week always attracts a number of tourists. It features vibrant parades, fireworks and live music.

For music-lovers, the Lyme Regis Jazz and Blues Festival is always a popular event. It takes place in November and features a range of top acts.

For those who don't fancy relaxing on the beach all day, there are plenty of other things to do in Lyme Regis. The Marine Aquarium is particularly popular among families, offering children the chance to feed fish and learn about the creatures that live in the local area.

The Dinosaurland Fossil Museum, which is independently operated, houses a collection of over 12,000 fossils. The child-friendly exhibits feature dinosaur skulls and ancient reptiles from millions of years ago.

For adults, Lyme Regis Brewery is a great spot to visit and sample locally brewed drinks. It's located in the restored Town Mill complex and is the perfect place to relax at the end of the day.

While Devon and Cornwall both boast a number of amazing seaside towns that make great places to visit in the summer, I think Lyme Regis has it all. There is truly something for everyone.