CHESIL Beach has been championed as one of the best beaches in Britain in a new tourism guide from Time Out.

The book - entitled Seaside - illustrates the beauty of the country's coastline in an effort to get holidaymakers to look closer to home.

Travel writers chose Chesil Beach as one of the top 30 beaches in England, Scotland and Wales for its cultural and geological heritage'.

Time Out has put together Seaside to try and encourage Britain's tourists to explore the coastal spots on their doorsteps.

In the book Chesil Beach is described as oceans apart from the crowd' and is also lauded for Abbotsbury Swannery, the only sanctuary of its kind. Seaside also urges holidaymakers to visit the Riverside Restaurant in West Bay and The Pulpit Inn on Portland for their fresh seafood and fine views.

Book editor Hugh Graham said the array of beaches in Seaside proves tourists do not need to travel for hundreds of miles in the pursuit of paradise.

He said: "It is absurd that Brits continue to pay good money to holiday in resorts where they can look forward to a patch of sand the size of a beach towel.

"Britain's beaches are not just for those mindful of their carbon footprint.

"Seaside destinations such as Chesil Beach are living proof that the British coast can be lovelier - come rain or shine - than the tropical fantasies people spend their lives chasing."

Seaside includes 30 intimate portraits of some of Britain's finest scenery and undiscovered coastal gems.

As well as Chesil Beach it features natural wonders such as Slapton Sands and Robinson Crusoe idylls only a few hours from London.

Other spots highlighted include Holkham Beach, Norfolk and Bedruthan Steps, Cornwall.

Seaside costs £16.99 and the book is available from www.timeout.com/shop and all good bookshops.