Seasonal banmixed beach

Preston Beach

Weymouth · South Dorset

Dogs banned May 1 – September 30

Dogs banned 1 May–30 September. Bowleaze Cove immediately to the north is dog-friendly year-round.

Year-round alternative: Bowleaze Cove (just north) is dog-friendly year-round

About Preston Beach

Preston Beach is a shingle beach near Weymouth, popular with dog walkers and sea anglers. It is generally quieter than other Weymouth beaches. At low tide, a strip of sand is revealed, offering a different experience for visitors and their dogs.

Notable features: Shallow waters, reef close to shore, RSPB Lodmoor nature reserve behind the beach, cliffs with access from the end of the beach, strip of sand at low tide.

🐾 Dog Information

Dog Tips

Dogs are permitted all year round beyond the stone groyne towards Overcombe beach. During 1st May and 30th September, dogs are not allowed on the main sections of Weymouth Central or Lodmoor. Keep dogs on a lead on the promenade.

Best Time to Visit

Year-round access on the stretch from Greenhill Groyne to Overcombe and Bowleaze Cove. Visit at low tide for a firmer surface. In summer, visit early morning or evening to avoid hot shingle on dog paws.

Hazards to be aware of

Steep shingle banks (taxing for elderly dogs or those with joint issues). Strong undertow during rougher weather. Adder risk on adjacent grassy banks and nearby Lodmoor Nature Reserve (March-October) — keep dogs on paths. Dogs must be on lead on the promenade at all times.

Parking

There is paid parking available at the beach with disabled spaces. One source indicates parking for 3,000 cars, another mentions 281 spaces. The car park is located on Preston Road.

Postcode for sat nav: DT4 7RW

Facilities

Cafe/restaurant, Toilets, Disabled facilities, First aid point, Lost child centre, Shop, Deck chair hire, Beach hut hire, Slipway, Promenade. No lifeguard service.

Accessibility

Disabled facilities are mentioned, but one source states 'No disabled access' and 'High drop around 2m to get down to sea level'. Therefore, accessibility for wheelchairs is UNKNOWN, but there are disabled facilities. Paths to the beach are not explicitly mentioned as steep, but the drop to sea level suggests potential difficulty for less mobile individuals.