Season: spring
A weekend by the beach at Weymouth in decent weather is guaranteed to bring the crowds out and that was the case for this seasonal visit. The fine arc of the beach encourages promenading along the esplanade past the Victorian clock tower that stands out halfway along the walkway. Concessions and entertainment are available to beachgoers. One of my interviewees, John, is part of four generations that have hired out donkeys on the beach here.
The beach through time and generations for John and Sue.
By the water at the bay in Weymouth.
Season: autumn
Weymouth was the venue for the sailing events at the 2012 Olympic Games, featuring superb vantage points from the shore across the bay. The town sits on the Jurassic Coast and the sands and safe water of the sheltered bay are some of the finest in the country. Throughout the year, the beach also hosts several major events, including the International Beach Kite Festival, fireworks, tag rugby, handball and international volleyball. The town is vibrant, upmarket and full of character, situated right next to the beach.
Bill enjoys his morning walk along the seafront.
Under the clock tower on Weymouth sea front.
The beach for me means solace, space, beautiful light and huge skies. It’s a place for a coffee, a glass of wine, a picnic, a paddle or something more adventurous like kite surfing or sailing. You get all that and more in Weymouth…. it’s incredible and right on my doorstep… I’m extremely lucky.
To me the beach is a spiritual place that allows me to get away from the stresses and strains of everyday life by contemplating the vast emptiness of existence. It is a place I like to visit no matter what the season and I am grateful for the opportunity it allows me to explore or simply walk amongst the pebbles and sand.