Weymouth Beach

Three miles of golden sand running along the Dorset coast - Weymouth Beach is properly busy in summer, which tells you everything you need to know about its appeal. The shoreline curves gently, backed by a Victorian seafront that's seen better days but retains a certain charm if you squint a bit. Families absolutely love it here. Shallow water, donkey rides, beach huts dotted along the prom, ice cream vans on every corner - it's old-school seaside Britain doing what it does best.

The beach itself is wide and clean, with plenty of space to claim a spot even in peak season. Rock pools at the southern end keep kids occupied for hours, though bring a wetsuit if you're sensitive to cold - the water takes time to warm up properly. The promenade offers proper amenities: cafes, chip shops, arcades, and a decent stretch for an evening walk. Weymouth town centre sits right behind the beach, so you can nip off for shops and supplies without hassle.

I'd give it two to three hours minimum, longer if you've got small children. Best visited out of season if you want breathing room - May or September offer decent weather without the August madness. Free to access, obviously. If you're staying at Chesil Beach Lodge Park just down the coast, you're perfectly positioned for a beach day here. It won't blow your mind, but it does the job properly and kids will have a genuinely good time.