Overcombe Beach
Overcombe Beach feels a world away from the busier parts of Weymouth, despite being only a few minutes along the coast. Looking across Weymouth Bay towards Portland, this peaceful stretch of sand, shingle and clear water offers a quieter alternative to the town’s main beaches and has long been a favourite among swimmers, paddleboarders and walkers.
The beach is just a few minutes stroll from Greenhill Beach and sits in front of the Lodmoor Country Park and Nature Reserve. On calm days, the sea is beautifully clear, making it an excellent place for swimming and paddleboarding, while the uninterrupted views across the bay are among our favourites anywhere around Weymouth.
Why We Love Overcombe Beach
Overcombe is one of those beaches we’ve kept returning to more and more over the years.
Sometimes we’ll come here simply because we fancy a swim in a quieter spot than Weymouth Beach. Other times it’s the starting point for a walk along the coast or a chance to get out on the paddleboards when the sea is calm.
One of the things we’ve always appreciated is the sense of space. Even during the summer holidays, it’s often possible to find your own little stretch of beach without feeling surrounded by crowds. This is one of the reasons we often recommend it to guests looking for a more relaxed day by the sea.
The views are another reason we keep coming back, too. Often when having a coffee or a spot of lunch at the Oasis café, which has outside seating on the beach. Looking across the bay towards Portland, with the ever-changing colours of the sea and sky, it’s one of those places where it’s easy to lose track of time.
We also enjoy combining a visit here with a walk through Lodmoor Nature Reserve. It’s a lovely contrast between the coast and the wetland, and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot a variety of birdlife before heading back towards the beach. And during spring and summer the Top Cat Kiosk is open, and a great spot to soak up the views with a coffee.
Explore More of Weymouth and Dorset
One of the things we enjoy most about Overcombe Beach is how easily it fits into a day exploring Dorset. You might begin with an early-morning swim or paddleboard here before heading to Weymouth Harbour for lunch. Or perhaps continue along the coast to Bowleaze Cove, Ringstead Bay or Weymouth Beach, each offering a completely different experience.
Many of our Weymouth holiday cottages are only a short drive away, while guests staying in our Dorchester holiday cottages can reach Overcombe Beach in about 20 minutes, making it an excellent day out from Dorset’s county town.
Whether you’re looking for a luxury holiday cottage in Dorset, a dog-friendly stay, or hoping to relax in a cottage with a private hot tub after a day by the sea, we’ve carefully selected places to stay that help you make the most of Dorset.
To make your stay even more memorable, our Concierge Services includes bicycle and e-bike hire delivered directly to your holiday cottage, making it easy to explore the coastline and surrounding countryside on two wheels. We can also arrange private chefs, paddle board and kayak hire, and unforgettable sunset cruises aboard a privately chartered boat.
Weymouth isn’t just home to some of Dorset’s best beaches, it also has one of the county’s best food scenes. If you’re looking for harbour-side restaurants, fresh seafood, independent cafés or traditional pubs, read our local guide to the Best Places to Eat in Weymouth Harbour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. There are a number of options, including parking at the Lodmoor Car Park, which is closer to Weymouth, or at the beach car park, located towards Preston.
Yes, dogs are allowed all year round and off lead. If you’re staying in one of our dog-friendly holiday cottages in Dorset, it’s always worth checking the latest local guidance before visiting.
Nearby beaches, including Ringstead Bay, also welcome dogs throughout the year.
Overcombe is well suited to families who prefer a quieter beach experience. Swimming is good in calm conditions, with plenty of space and a less hectic atmosphere than the central beach. The beach is not lifeguarded, so it’s best enjoyed by confident swimmers and families who are comfortable assessing sea conditions.
There are public toilets. And if you’re staying in one of our accessible holiday cottages, the promenade is also accessible.
The beach also has several cafés and kiosks, including the Top Cat Kiosk towards Lodmoor and Oasis Café at the Preston end of the beach. By the Oasis, there is also a Convenience Store, perfect for beach snacks and drinks. There is also the Harvester Spyglass, a short walk up the hill towards Bowleaze Cove, which has amazing views over the bay. Likewise, the charming Lookout Café is perfect all year round. A must for breakfast, for us on occasions.
Overcombe beach is well placed for things to do and visit. There is the excellent Weymouth SEALIFE Centre, Pirate Adventure Mini Golf, Sandworld, Lodmoor Country Park with its nature trail, pitch and putt, play area and green gym, Weymouth Bay Miniature Railway and the RSPB nature reserve. There is also the Front Skatepark, just set back and near the car park in Lodmoor.