Dorset Beaches: Weymouth

Weymouth’s fine Georgian seafront is an impressive backdrop to the beach which has once again received a National Seaside Award for being clean, safe and well-managed.

Where is it? The beach runs the length of the town.

Best feature: Weymouth Beach is nationally renowned for its clean golden sand and shallow waters that make the beach ideal for families.

Local facilities & shops: Weymouth town centre has a full range of high street shops, chemists, eateries and pubs plus a theatre and multi-screen cinema. There is also a first-aid post, lost children’s centre and inshore lifeguard.

Great for the kids? Perfect. As if sand, sea, amusements, shops and wet weather entertainments weren’t enough, the beach also has a sand sculptor, Punch and Judy, a helter-skelter, swing-boats, stalls and donkey rides.

How far are the loos? Toilets are situated at various points along the beachfront.

Parking: Room for approximately 3,000 cars.

Public transport: There is an hourly rail service from London Waterloo plus regular services from South Wales and Bristol. National Express runs regular coach services to the resort and local bus firms run continual services in and out of Weymouth and over to Portland.

How about pets? Dogs banned, except for one area, from May 1 until September 30.

Wet weather options:

Brewers Quay, Hope Square Old brewery with more than 20 shops, eating places, pub, science centre and Timewalk historical journey. Free entry, parking nearby. Open daily, 10am-5.30pm, July 22-August 31, 10am-9pm. 01305 777622.

Deep Sea Adventure, Custom House Quay, Old Harbour Journey through underwater exploration, marine exploits past and present. All-weather adventure playground. Open daily 9.30am-8pm. 0871 222 5760.