A clean, safe and sandy beach runs the length of the town of Weymouth, situated 8 miles south of Dorchester and 5 miles north of the Isle of Portland. Weymouth has had a strong tourism tradition since the 18th century and the beach remains a busy place, home to a sand sculptor, a Punch and Judy show, a helter-skelter, swing boats and donkey rides.
It is popular with both swimmers and water sports enthusiasts and the waters of Weymouth and Portland, credited by the Royal Yachting Association as the best in Northern Europe, will host the sailing events of the 2012 Olympics. As well as water sports the beach plays host to a number of beach volleyball and handball events each year including the international handball championships.
The beach at Weymouth is also home to an international kite festival which can attract up to 40 000 spectators each May.