Ok, the weather hasn’t been fantastic this Summer so you may not have had too many days down on Weymouth Beach. However, when the sun does shine the famous stretch of golden sand that is literally a few minutes walk from Weymouth town centre is arguably one of the best beaches in the UK.

Weymouth Beach

Weymouth Beach History

Weymouth Esplanade

Weymouth’s popularity as a seaside resort began in the 1780s and continued with King George III regularly visiting Weymouth from 1789 to 1805. It was the King himself who started the tradition of sea bathing here in Weymouth. A painted statue of the king stands on the seafront, which was renovated in 2007/8 by stripping 20 layers of paintwork, replacing it with new paints and gold leaf, and replacing the iron framework with stainless steel one.

You can also see the White Horse on the hill as you approach Weymouth from Osmington. The mounted horse is carved into the white chalk hillside is supposed to represent the King. The horse faces away from the town, and a myth developed that the king took offence, believing it was a sign that the townspeople did not welcome him.

The Esplanade that stretches along the beach-side of the town is made up of impressive Georgian terraces, many of which have been converted into hotels, apartments and guest houses. Designed by architects such as James Hamilton, they were originally commissioned by wealthy businessmen, including those that were involved in the growth of Bath. The multi-coloured Jubilee Clock, erected in 1887 to mark the 50th year of Queen Victoria’s reign is a great landmark that epitomises an era of Victorian popularity with Weymouth.

Weymouth Beach Today

Weymouth Punch and Judy

Today the beachside kiosks are a hive of activity, there are beach huts and pedalos for hire and actvities for the kids to enjoy such as trampolines and slides. If the weather is fine you are likely to find the donkey rides running which makes the beach feel like a real seaside town. Look out for the Punch and Judy Show and the famous Sand sculptures.

The beach itself is perfect for families with young children as the water gently slopes away, so is ideal for paddling and playing water games..

Enjoy a walk along the Esplanade that stretches from one end of Weymouth Bay near the Pavilion almost 2 miles to Overcombe Corner. It is flat pretty much all the way so it is perfect for an evening stroll or taking a pushchair.

Windsurfing and Kitesurfing in Weymouth & Portland

When it is windy the windsurfers and kitesurfers come out to play. Weymouth Bay and Portland is renowned for its sailing and watersports and you will find a number of watersport shops in both Weymouth and on Portland that offer tuition, hire of equipment and advice. Overcombe corner offers fantastic waves when the conditions are right, whilst Portland Harbour offers a safer area to practice, with shallower waters and prevailing winds.

Weymouth Sailing & 2012

Nick Dempsey - Gold in 2012? Fingers crossed!

2012 is when it all happens for Weymouth & Portland as the Sailing Academy plays host to the 2012 Olympics Sailing events. The Academy provides direct access to Portland Harbour and Weymouth Bay which have been credited as some of the best sailing waters in the World.

The Olympic sailing events will take place between 28 July and 11 August 2012, and Paralympic events will be between 31 August and 5 September. One course will be in Portland Harbour and four out in Weymouth Bay. Sailors from all over the world will compete for 48 medals in the Olympic Games and 18 medals in the Paralympic Games. With a number of Olympic hopefuls living locally including Nick Dempsey and his wife Sarah, the event promises to be a tense time for Weymouth.

Weymouth really is a vibrant seaside town with plenty to see and do. If you are visiting Weymouth on holiday or camping nearby why not visit The Outdoor Store where we have a great range of camping equipment and walking shoes. If you are unlucky enough to get caught in a rain shower, we are the largest retailers of Regatta Clothing in Weymouth.

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