Bowleaze Cove
Bowleaze Cove is one of the most versatile beaches on the Dorset coast and, for us, one of the easiest places to recommend when guests ask where to spend a day by the sea. Just a few minutes from Weymouth Beach, it offers a completely different experience, combining clear water, watersports, family attractions and sweeping views across Weymouth Bay.
Unlike the soft sand of Weymouth Beach, Bowleaze Cove is a mix of sand, shingle and pebbles, giving it a distinct character and making it particularly popular with swimmers, paddleboarders and kayakers. The gently curving bay offers plenty of space, while the surrounding cliffs and coastline create a wonderful backdrop that feels far more natural than at the town beach.
There’s a slipway for launching paddleboards and kayaks, a small pier popular with anglers, and, uniquely in the Weymouth area, it’s the only beach where jet skiing is permitted. Despite its popularity during the summer holidays, we’ve always found it surprisingly easy to escape the busiest areas. A short walk along the shoreline is often all it takes for the atmosphere to become much quieter.
Why We Love Bowleaze Cove
We’ve been coming to Bowleaze Cove for years, and it’s a beach that’s changed with us as a family.
When the children were younger, we’d often combine a beach day with a visit to the amusements, then finish with fish and chips overlooking the sea. It was one of those places where everyone found something they enjoyed, making it an easy choice whenever we couldn’t decide where to spend the day.
Today, we probably visit even more often than before.
The food and drink offering has improved enormously over the past few years, and we’ll happily spend an afternoon moving between the beach Either having lunch at The Shack , Drift or Southside Bar & Grill. Or watching live sport on the giant outdoor screen during Wimbledon, or when football matches are on TV. Bowleaze Cove has a relaxed holiday atmosphere that’s hard not to enjoy.
Swimming has also become something of a tradition for us here, too. The water is clear, and we’ll often swim out to one of the marker buoys before heading back to shore. In some seasons, there’s even a sauna overlooking the cove, making the combination of a sea swim followed by warming up afterwards one of our favourite Dorset experiences.
If conditions are calm, we’ll often launch the kayaks from the slipway, paddle towards Redcliff Point, then continue to Osmington Bay. It’s one of our favourite stretches of coastline to explore by water, with the cliffs looking completely different from sea level. We usually finish with a well deserved drink from the Cheeky Tipple, a fantastic mobile cocktail bar. (Curated Tip: Just make sure you have cash, as they charge a refundable £2 per plastic glass.) And if you’re staying into the evening, keep an eye out for live music and seasonal events around the bars and cafés. Watching the sun begin to set over the bay with a drink in hand is one of our favourite ways to finish a summer’s day.
Staying Nearby
Bowleaze Cove is within easy reach of many of our Weymouth holiday cottages, while guests staying in our Dorchester holiday cottages can also reach the beach in around 20 minutes by car, making it an excellent option for a day beside the sea before returning to the countryside.
Also, if you’re looking for somewhere to relax after a day at the beach, our collection of luxury holiday cottages in Dorset includes beautifully designed luxury retreats, dog-friendly cottages and properties with private hot tubs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. There is free roadside parking along parts of the approach road, though spaces fill quickly during the school holidays. A large pay-and-display car park beside the beach is an excellent alternative and is particularly convenient if you’re bringing paddleboards, kayaks or beach equipment.
Yes. Bowleaze Cove welcomes dogs throughout the year, making it one of our favourite beaches to recommend to guests staying in our dog-friendly holiday cottages in Dorset. If you’re looking for a coastal walk afterwards, it’s also a great starting point for the South West Coast Path.
Absolutely. The clear water makes Bowleaze Cove one of our favourite places for sea swimming around Weymouth. Conditions can change with the weather, so it’s always worth checking the sea before heading in. On calm days, it’s a fantastic place to swim, paddleboard or kayak. You can also hire paddle boards and kayaks at Bowleaze Cove.
The beach is not lifeguarded, so it’s best enjoyed by confident swimmers and families who are comfortable assessing conditions on the day.
One of the things we enjoy most about Bowleaze Cove is that there’s plenty to do beyond the beach itself.
Families will enjoy the Southside Funfair, while walkers can join the South West Coast Path towards Osmington Mills and Ringstead Bay, a favourite walk along this stretch of coastline.
The cove is also only a few minutes from Weymouth Beach, making it easy to enjoy two very different beach experiences during your stay.
One of the things we enjoy most about Bowleaze Cove is that there’s plenty to do beyond the beach itself.
Families will enjoy the Waterside Amusement Park, while walkers can join the South West Coast Path towards Osmington Mills and Ringstead Bay, a favourite walk along this stretch of coastline. The cove is also only a few minutes from Weymouth Beach, making it easy to enjoy two very different beach experiences during your stay. For more inspiration explore our guides to Weymouth Beach, Ringstead Bay and to the best beaches in Weymouth.