Weymouth Beach
Weymouth, South West England
It’s got some stiff competition, but Dorset’s Weymouth Beach might just be England’s best beach—it’s won several awards, at least. The long arc of sand flanked by elegant Georgian facades along the seafront make Weymouth Beach both a naturally beautiful and culturally interesting place. A favorite of King George III in the late 18th century, it’s still a summertime hotspot.
The basics
The sand at Weymouth Beach slopes gently into the sea, meaning it’s generally a safe and calm place to swim. In the summer, you can try water sports, including family-friendly pedal boating. Many people visit independently, but lots of tours take travelers to this stretch of Dorset’s coastline as a stop on a half- or full-day Jurassic Coast itinerary. These tours combine time at Weymouth Beach with other scenic spots, such as Corfe Castle, Lulworth Cove, and the Isle of Portland.
Things to know before you go
- Wheelchair matting is available and beach wheelchairs can be booked online through the Weymouth Town Council.
- Several public restrooms and baby changing facilities are available along the seafront.
- Between May and September, dogs aren’t allowed on the beach and cycling is not allowed on the promenade during the day.
- Lifeguards patrol at busy times.
How to get there
Weymouth Beach is on England’s South Coast, about 5 miles (8 kilometers) south of Dorchester, Dorset’s county town. The closest major city is Bristol, about 43 miles (70 kilometers) to the north. Renting a car is the easiest way to visit Weymouth Beach, but you can also catch a train on the South Western Railway.
When to get there
Summer (June–August) is the best time to visit Weymouth Beach if you want to swim. Lifeguards patrol on the weekends throughout April and daily between May and September, from mid-morning until early evening. Outside of peak season, you may not be able to swim, but you can still enjoy a walk along the beach or a coffee at the seafront. A sand sculpture festival is held in late March.
Beach-hop to another royal favorite
Less than an hour’s drive west along the coast from Weymouth Beach is another beautiful and popular Dorset beach: Lyme Regis. Famous for its fossils—which used to tumble from the cliffs onto the beaches—and walkable stone seawall, the town was favored by King Edward I way back in the late 13th century. You’re unlikely to find any fossils—or kings—on the beaches anymore, but it’s still one of England’s best beach towns.
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