BY ELLIE MULLAN

THIS month I have seen countless shirtless men roaming the streets, children with milky ice cream all over their faces and women fanning themselves in oversized sunglasses.

It seems, at least for the South West, that summer is finally here.

When the weather gets as lovely as it is now, I begin to appreciate what a lovely place we live in, and how much there is to do once the sun is out.

The sparking gem of this county has to be the coast and we are lucky to have miles upon miles of beautiful beaches to explore and enjoy.

Whether you fancy the hustle and bustle of Weymouth beach, full of intrepid sun worshippers and Punch and Judy performances, or prefer the quieter and more rustic pebbles of Ringstead Bay and Lulworth Cove, there is something for everyone.

And the coastline isn’t just good for sunbathing, stunning walks that hug the shore are dotted around all over Dorset.

You cannot only appreciate Dorset by land, but also by water.

Weymouth and the surrounding areas offer a variety of water-based activities, from kayaking to coasteering, all of which would be the perfect way to spend a sunny Saturday afternoon.

If beaches aren’t really your thing, it is worth spending a day visiting beautiful little villages such as Abbotsbury and soak up the rays whilst enjoying our infamous cream teas, or scaling the grassy verges of Maiden Castle to enjoy a stunning view of Dorchester.

Or, like me, you can sit in your back garden and simply enjoy the sun; whatever it is you’re doing this summer, the lovely weather is sure to brighten your day in Dorset.