Bowleaze Cove
Bowleaze Cove is a small sand and shingle beach, near the village of Preston, just to the northeast of Weymouth, Dorset, England. The cove is on the Jurassic Coast and is known for its geology.[1]
The beach is made up of mainly shingle and shell with some sandy areas. It is a popular family beach during the summer season and has a slipway for launching small craft. Rock pools are exposed at low tide and a small pier divides the beach near the River Jordan outflow. It is often a mark for anglers during late evening especially further along the beach heading towards Overcombe.
Bowleaze Cove provides excellent views over Weymouth and during the peak weeks of the summer the weekly Weymouth firework displays can be seen from here. A Roman temple remains are located on Jordan Hill, leading down to Bowleaze. Just to the west is Furzy Cliff. There is a coastal cliff walk from Bowleaze passing the Broadrock cliffs, Redcliff Point, and onto Osmington Mills to the east. The hill figure of the Osmington White Horse can also be seen from the area.
In culture
In 1816–17, the artist John Constable painted Weymouth Bay: Bowleaze Cove and Jordon Hill while on his honeymoon. The painting is now in the National Gallery, London.[2]
Commerce
The cove is dominated by the Riviera Hotel which is a Grade II listed Spanish-style 1930s building.
There are also the Fantasy Island Funfair, a takeaway, and a gift shop. During the warmer months from Easter onwards every Monday there is a market and car boot sale based in the car parking areas.
References
- ^ Ian West, Bowleaze Cove to Redcliff Point, east of Weymouth, Dorset; Geology of the Wessex Coast, 14 April 2009.
- ^ Weymouth Bay: Bowleaze Cove and Jordon Hill, The National Gallery, London, UK.