BEACHES

Weymouth Beach is one of the UK’s most loved family seaside destinations—and for good reason. Its safe, shallow waters and soft golden sand make it ideal for children, swimming, and long relaxing days by the sea. If you were to design the perfect family-friendly beach, it would look very much like this.

Sheltered by rolling Dorset hills and framed by the elegant Georgian buildings of the Esplanade, Weymouth Beach offers a classic seaside experience. Traditional favourites are still very much part of the charm: children can enjoy gentle donkey rides along the sand, and the timeless sounds of Punch & Judy carry along the promenade on warm summer days.

A stroll north along the beach takes you past the colourful Jubilee Clock towards Greenhill. Here, the sand gradually becomes shingle, offering a quieter setting and lovely views across the bay. Continue a little further and you’ll reach Preston and the Sea Life Centre, a favourite for families. Whether you prefer walking the sea wall or relaxing on the peaceful shingle, there’s plenty to enjoy.

Heading south from Weymouth Beach brings you to some of the area’s hidden gems. Nothe Fort overlooks Newton’s Cove, a pretty, sheltered spot perfect for rock-pooling and peaceful swims. At the end of Stone Pier, a small shingle cove offers a calm place to paddle before settling at the Stone Pier Café for a cream tea while watching boats come and go—you may even catch sight of the lifeboat launching.

For those who enjoy coastal walks, follow the South West Coast Path around the Nothe towards Portland. Along the way, you’ll discover Castle Cove Beach, a small, lesser-known favourite among locals.

Further afield lies the striking Chesil Beach, a dramatic 15-mile pebble bank forming part of the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stretching from Lyme Regis to Portland, this extraordinary natural feature is home to rare wildlife and sweeping views. The Portland end of Chesil Beach sits beside the waters used for the London 2012 Olympic sailing events. It’s an excellent spot for picnics, watersports, or simply watching the activity on the harbour.

For exceptional panoramic views, take the Coast Road towards Bridport and stop at the top of Abbotsbury Hill—an unforgettable vantage point across Chesil Beach, Portland, and the open sea. Chesil Cove, at the southern end of the beach, is popular with scuba divers and sea anglers thanks to its clear, shallow waters and gentle currents.