I visited the UK’s best beach and would go back for 1 big reason | UK | News
Toby visited the seaside resort on a sunny afternoon in May (Image: Jonathan Buckmaster)
Located on the iconic Jurassic Coast in Dorset, Weymouth is considered one of the UK’s leading seaside resorts. It consistently tops national rankings, winning the title of Best UK Beach from The Times and The Sunday Times in 2023, and was ranked high in similar TripAdvisor rankings in both 2017 and 2024.
Having grown up in the South West, I was well aware of the beauty of the Jurassic Coast and after hearing that Weymouth had won the title of the 20th best beach in all of Europe, I decided to visit the area. During my two-day stay, which included a visit to beautiful Lyme Regis, I traveled to Weymouth to see if the resort had maintained its acclaimed reputation.
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Weymouth Observation Wheel opens once again ahead of summer (Image: Jonathan Buckmaster)
After parking in the city center on a sunny afternoon in May, I walked down the idyllic promenade lined with cafes, eateries and craft shops. From the promenade at the edge of Weymouth beach, I had panoramic views of both the sea and the rows of well-preserved Georgian buildings that nod to the town’s rich history.
Aside from immediately noticing the golden sandy beach and blue water, a perfect spot for walking and relaxing, one of the first things that struck me was the imposing Observation Wheel. Standing 26 meters high and able to accommodate 108 passengers, the massive attraction offers visitors spectacular views of the city and has been compared to the iconic Ferris wheel in Skegness.
The wheel, funded by Danters, operator of the local fairground, was welcomed to Weymouth’s central beach last summer and has since returned ahead of next season. In my eyes, this has already become one of the main factors that helps attract around two million day trippers to the town every year.
The wheel is hidden at the end of the beach (Image: Jonathan Buckmaster)
Despite concerns from some residents that the wheel was ruining the shoreline, I didn’t think that was the case. The addition of the wheel doesn’t make a huge difference to the coastal views on offer, as the beach stretches for nearly three miles, making it one of the longest beaches in the country.
The Wheel is located opposite Alexandra Gardens at the end of the beach, meaning there’s plenty of pristine sand for visitors to enjoy. Meanwhile, the wheel offers a unique appeal to visitors of all ages but is expected to be particularly popular with young families.
From the top of the giant wheel I could see across the beach, across Weymouth Bay and into the bustling town centre. Panoramic views stretched to the Pavilion, Greenhill and across Dorset to Portland, Dorchester and Chickerell.
The wheel is a great addition to the city (Image: Jonathan Buckmaster)
It was also notable how popular the attraction was, with families queuing up to ride the pods and enjoy the view. A ride on the Observation Wheel, which also has a larger compartment for wheelchair users, usually takes two to four minutes, including two full rotations.
It officially reopened on March 21 before beginning daily operations, which will continue daily from March 27 through October. It is planned to return to Weymouth every year until 2029 and I think this will give the town a huge boost.
For me, the wheel is the perfect addition to a traditional seaside town because it offers something different than the usual fairground rides. If you visit Weymouth on a sunny day this summer be sure to take a stroll, you won’t be disappointed.
