Beaches in Weymouth
Discover the Best Beaches in Weymouth
Whether you’re planning long days spent building sandcastles with the children, heading out on a paddleboard at sunrise, enjoying a coastal walk, or simply finding somewhere to relax with a good book, Weymouth is home to some of Dorset’s finest beaches.
Most people immediately think of Weymouth’s famous sandy bay, but one thing we’ve come to appreciate after living in Dorset is how much choice there is within a few miles. Alongside the award-winning main beach, you’ll discover quieter coves, dramatic Jurassic Coast scenery and hidden corners that many visitors simply drive past.
The beauty of staying in one of our Weymouth holiday cottages is that all of these beaches are within easy reach, making it easy to discover somewhere different every day of your holiday.
Weymouth Beaches to Explore
As a family, we’ve spent years exploring this stretch of coastline. Some of our favourite family photographs were taken here. Years ago, it was crabbing nets, buckets, bodyboards and melting ice creams; these days it’s paddleboards, kayaks and the occasional swim before breakfast. Although our children are older now, Weymouth Beach is still somewhere we keep returning to. Whether it’s an early morning swim or a warm summer evening to watch the fireworks over the bay.
There are many more Weymouth beaches to explore, too. On this page, we’ve shared the beaches we return to time and again, along with our local tips and links to detailed guides covering everything from parking and facilities to accessibility, dog-friendly beaches, and nearby places to eat.
Which Weymouth Beach is Right for You?
One of the questions we’re often asked is which beach we’d recommend. The honest answer is that it depends entirely on the kind of day you’re hoping to enjoy.
If you’re visiting with younger children, it’s hard to look beyond Weymouth Beach. Its wide expanse of soft sand, safe swimming, traditional seaside atmosphere, and easy access to cafés, ice cream kiosks, and attractions have helped make it one of Britain’s best-loved family beaches.
Our Curated Tip: If you’re visiting Weymouth Beach during the school summer holidays, we usually arrive around 9.30 am. The beach is peaceful, parking is much easier, and it’s the perfect time for a paddleboard or a swim before stopping for breakfast along the Esplanade. If you’re staying for the evening, don’t miss the Monday night fireworks in August; they’re one of our favourite Dorset summer traditions. Also, on Tuesday nights in summer, bands perform on the beach by the Boat Café. Often, the excellent Leggomen are the star act, as they are one of Weymouth’s best local bands.
If you’re bringing paddleboards or kayaks, we often recommend Bowleaze Cove, especially outside the busiest holiday periods. With plenty of open water and easy access, it’s one of our favourite places to paddle on the sea.
For something quieter, Castle Cove offers lovely views across Portland Harbour and often feels a world away from the bustle of the Esplanade, despite being only a few minutes away.
If dramatic coastal scenery is more your style, Ringstead Bay is well worth the short drive. With its unspoilt setting and spectacular Jurassic Coast views, it’s reminds you how special Dorset’s coastline is.
Staying Close to Weymouth’s Beaches
One of the things we love most about staying in this part of Dorset is how easily a great beach day flows into an unforgettable evening. Spend the morning swimming or paddleboarding in Weymouth Bay, enjoy lunch by the historic harbour, then return to your cottage to relax before heading out again as the sun begins to set
Many of our luxury holiday cottages in Dorset are within easy reach of Weymouth’s beaches, while our collection of dog-friendly holiday cottages makes it easy to enjoy coastal walks throughout the year with your four-legged companion. If you’re looking for somewhere to unwind after a day by the sea, several of our holiday cottages with hot tubs offer the perfect place to relax beneath the stars while planning tomorrow’s Dorset adventure.
And if you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to make your holiday even more memorable, our Curated Experiences can help you experience Dorset in a completely different way. We can arrange everything from a private chef preparing dinner in your cottage to unforgettable sunset cruises aboard a privately chartered boat from Weymouth Harbour, where you’ll watch the Jurassic Coast glow in the evening light from the water.
Whether you’re searching for a romantic coastal escape, a family holiday cottage filled with beach days or a luxury getaway with friends, we’d love to help you discover this beautiful stretch of coastline that we’re fortunate enough to call home.
Why Trust Our Recommendations?
Every beach, café, walk and attraction we feature has either been visited by us personally or recommended by people who know Dorset as well as we do.
We don’t try to include every place you’ll find in a guidebook. Instead, we share the beaches we’d genuinely recommend to our friends and family, alongside practical advice drawn from spending time here ourselves throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Weymouth Beach is one of the finest sandy beaches on the south coast. The soft, golden sand is ideal for families, swimming and traditional seaside days.
Weymouth Beach is the best-known and most popular, particularly for families. For something quieter, Castle Cove offers a more secluded feel. Bowleaze Cove is great for families seeking space and facilities, while nearby Ringstead Bay offers a more natural, unspoilt setting.
From 1 May to 30 September, seasonal restrictions apply on the main central section of Weymouth Beach, but dogs are allowed in designated areas year-round and on nearby beaches such as Overcombe Beach, Bowleaze Cove and Ringstead Bay.
Yes. Castle Cove and Ringstead Bay are both quieter alternatives to the main beach.
Yes. Weymouth Beach is one of the more accessible beaches on the Dorset coast. The main promenade is wide, level and easy to navigate with wheelchairs or pushchairs, and there are step-free access points from the esplanade down onto the sand.
During the main season, beach wheelchairs are often available to hire, making access onto the sand easier (it’s always worth checking availability in advance). Accessible toilets and nearby parking are also located along the seafront.
Yes. On calm days, Weymouth Bay is one of our favourite places in Dorset for paddleboarding. The sheltered bay often offers ideal conditions for both beginners and experienced paddlers. In the summer season you can hire paddle boards and kayaks from Bowleaze Cove.