A small sand-and-shingle beach near the village of Preston, just northeast of Weymouth, sitting on the World Heritage Jurassic Coast — with rather more history than its size suggests.
A coastal path runs east from Bowleaze, past the Broadrock cliffs and Redcliff Point, on to Osmington Mills. Look inland along the way and you'll spot the Osmington White Horse, a hill figure cut into the chalk above the village.
Bowleaze sits along the same stretch of coast as Weymouth and Portland, where the sailing events were held for London 2012. It is still a brilliant place to sit back and watch the water.
Up on Jordan Hill above the cove are the ruins of a Romano-Celtic temple, first dug up in 1843 and shown by later excavations to have been in use from around AD 69 right through to the 4th century.
Bowleaze Cove is a sheltered sand-and-shingle beach with wide views across Weymouth Bay. It is a relaxed place for a paddle, a beach walk, or a slower day by the water, with The Beachside close by for coffee, ice cream and fish and chips.
A regular bus runs to Bowleaze Cove from Weymouth seafront. On foot, follow the Esplanade out from town, then either head up Bowleaze Hill or continue along the beach for the final stretch. Driving? There's a car park right by the beach.
