Bowleaze Cove

A small cove, not Weymouth Beach

Bowleaze Cove is a small sand and shingle beach near Preston, just northeast of Weymouth. It is a separate place from the long town sands at Weymouth Beach: quieter, with a small pier dividing the beach near where the River Jordan reaches the sea. The surface is mostly shingle and shell with some sandy areas, so wear sturdy footwear. The Grade II listed Riviera Hotel, built in 1937, stands above the cove.

Facilities and parking

Weymouth Town Council lists a cafe open to the public all year, with outdoor seating in summer, and public toilets opposite the Oasis Cafe at the entrance to Bowleaze Coveway. On-street free parking is available. The Council describes the park as wheelchair accessible, with some steep inclines.

Dogs

Dorset Council lists Bowleaze Cove among the beaches open to dogs all year. The council’s rules can change, so read its beach dog page before travelling.

Swimming

No lifeguard cover is listed for the cove. Weymouth Town Council says RNLI lifeguards patrol Weymouth Beach from May to the end of September, which is a different beach. Treat swimming here with caution and heed any signs.

Roman temple and the coast path

Jordan Hill Roman Temple is on the hill above the cove. English Heritage lists free entry at any reasonable time during daylight hours, with roadside parking on Bowleaze Coveway a few hundred metres from the site. John Constable painted the cove in 1816 and 1817 during his honeymoon. The South West Coast Path’s 3.6 mile walk leads east to Osmington Mills, where a pub sits above a rockier shore.