Weymouth Inclusive Beach Access
Help Shape Inclusive Beach Access at Weymouth Beach
Weymouth Beach is set to become one of the UK's leading examples of inclusive beach access, making it easier for everyone to enjoy the beach and sea, regardless of ability, health condition, or mobility needs.
We're seeking your views on proposed improvements and encourage you to complete our survey. Your feedback will help shape the final design and ensure it meets the needs of the community and visitors.
Take the survey here: [INSERT LINK.
Survey closes: 30 September 2026
About the Project
Building on the existing provision of beach wheelchairs and access matting, Weymouth Beach will see new accessible facilities designed to further improve access to the beach and sea for people with disabilities, health conditions, reduced mobility, and families with young children.
Being by the coast can have significant benefits for health and wellbeing. However, many people face barriers that can make it difficult to access and enjoy beaches including limited parking, inaccessible routes, and a lack of suitable facilities. This project aims to remove those barriers by providing safe, direct, and inclusive access to the beach and water for people who may currently struggle to enjoy the beach.
The project is inspired by the vision of Will Behenna, founder of the Beach Access Project. As a wheelchair user, Will has worked tirelessly to improve opportunities for people with a wide range of access needs to safely reach and enjoy Dorset's coastline. Together with a growing network of partners, the project leads the way in a shared ambition for Dorset to be recognised as the UK's leading inclusive blue space capital.
This partnership project is between Weymouth Town Council, Dorset Council, Weymouth Surf Life Saving Club, Dorset Coast Forum, and Will Behenna, founder of the Beach Access Project. Funding has been secured through Dorset Council's Local Regeneration Fund and Community Infrastructure Levy.
Proposed Beach Access Improvements
The following accessibility improvements are being proposed near the Weymouth Beach Office within the lifeguarded area:
- Accessible parking close to the beach
- Changing Places facility and accessible toilets
- Accessible beach shelter and changing area
- Beach access boardwalk and matting
- Beach and water wheelchairs, with supporting equipment
- Assisted access to the beach and sea
- Improved information and signage
Weymouth Surf Life Saving Club will provide trained volunteers to help people safely access the beach and water and support the use of specialist equipment.
These concept designs have been developed and visualised by DMW Architects - click on the image to enlarge.
Image 1: Proposed design and structure of improved beach access facilities at Weymouth Beach (DMW Architects)
Images 2 & 3: Artistic impressions of proposed improved beach access facilities at Weymouth Beach (DMW Architects)
We Need Your Feedback
We are particularly keen to hear from:
- People with disabilities
- People living with long-term health conditions
- People with limited mobility
- Families with young children
- Anyone who finds accessing the beach or sea challenging
Your feedback will help guide us in making Weymouth a leading example of inclusive beach access for everyone to enjoy safe, direct access to the sea and be able to engage in meaningful beach activities and experiences.
Complete the survey
[INSERT SURVEY LINK]
Survey closes: [INSERT DATE]
What's Next?
The feedback received will help refine the proposals before the final design is developed.
Subject to community engagement feedback and delivery timescales, the new facilities are expected to be launched in Spring 2027.
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Phone 01305 224346 Email dorset.coast@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
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New project aims to make Weymouth Beach a leading example in beach accessibility
Weymouth Town Council: Project manage capital works - lead on the installation of new and enhanced infrastructure, equipment, parking provision (working with Dorset Council), signage, and promotion of user journey.
Weymouth Surf Live Saving Club: Lead on the development of a pilot training programme (working with Will Behenna and Weymouth Town Council) on training lifeguards, volunteers and beach staff to support people with disabilities to safely access the water.
Will Behenna, founder of the Beach Access Project: Consulting with the project team and stakeholders to ensure the project objectives are delivered. Offering specialist advice relating to access to the water for people with disabilities and health conditions.
Dorset Coast Forum: Project coordination through linking partners, engaging with stakeholders and communities and managing funded contracts.
George Haynes, Head of Membership & Programmes, SLSGB says:
“Surf Life Saving Great Britain is committed to creating safe, welcoming and inclusive coastal environments for everyone. We are proud to support initiatives that remove barriers to beach access and enable more people to enjoy the physical and wellbeing benefits that our coastline offers.
The partnership being developed at Weymouth represents the very best of what can be achieved when Surf Life Saving Clubs, local authorities and community organisations come together with a shared vision. By investing in volunteers and supporting the safe use of accessible beach equipment, Weymouth Surf Life Saving Club can break down barriers and ensure that everyone can experience the freedom and enjoyment of the coast. We believe this initiative can become a leading example of inclusive beach access, not only across Dorset but as a pioneering model for communities throughout the UK.
We hope this project marks the beginning of a model that can be shared widely, demonstrating how local collaboration can help make our beaches truly accessible for all.”
