As the sun shines over west Dorset, holidaymakers and locals have flocked to Hive Beach which has been hailed as one of the best in the area. 

With temperatures reaching 26C, many people took this opportunity to relax and sunbathe. 

Dorte and Andy Lucas from Crewkerne have been coming to the beach for 14 years as it is their "favourite place" for sea swimming.

(Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

Dorte said: "We really enjoy the water. It’s the first swim of the year and it’s been so lovely and calm.

"It’s getting a bit hot now but it was pleasant when we first arrived. It’s our favourite beach. And favourite place for sea swimming. You don’t have to wade in like in Charmouth for a while but here it gets deep really quickly.

Alice Vine and Rob Portal regularly come to the beach for staycations and say it is a relaxing beach, praising it for its clean water and lovely surroundings. 

Rob Portal enjoying beers in the sun Rob Portal enjoying beers in the sun (Image: Katie Heyes)

Alice said: "We live only a mile away and we come here quite a lot. We love it. We had a week off so we’re doing a staycation. It’s nice that it’s so hot.

Rob added: "It’s very nice indeed. It’s a big beach, they have lovely ice creams, fine sand and nice clean water which is perfect for swimming."

Hive Beach is located on the Jurassic Coast and is surrounded by sandstone cliffs. Due to cliff falls which have happened in recent years, an area of the beach remains off-limits to the public. 

(Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

A local couple, who wished to remain anonymous, described the beach as one of the best in Dorset however say it is a shame that they can't venture further across the beach. 

A woman said: "We’re locals here. We come down here all the time. We like the sun. I think for Dorset it’s one of the best.

Her husband said: "It’s just a shame we can’t go further down because of the cliffs. We know the area and that it’s so undercut, we feel like it could come down any moment.

Andrea from Somerset said: “It’s lovely not too busy for such a hot day. It’s very busy and very clean. My uncle’s visiting from China and he said it’s very beautiful. We come quite a bit live an hour away in Somerset. Took him down for the day.

Her mother Nina said: “Everybody is working so hard nowadays. It’s a stressful life these days. And a day at the beach like this is very comfortable and good for mental health. You come here for the day, you’re chilled and relaxed and ready for next week’s work.

Wendy and Simon Ellis from West Coker, near Yeovil, say Hive is their beach of choice. Simon said: "This weather is a long time overdue. This beach is less commercial, and you can park very close."

Wendy and Simon EllisWendy and Simon Ellis (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

Lorraine Yeandle and Judith Franz are at the beach to make the most of the good weather.

Judith said: "We are taking advantage while it lasts because the good weather is going to break next week."

Lorraine Yeandle and Judith Franz  (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)