Golden sandy beach known as birthplace of british seaside holiday

With the weather finally heating up, many of us will be planning a beach trip, and there's nothing quite like a visit to the British seaside. One of the South Coast's top

destinations is Weymouth, home to stretches of glorious golden sand. Complete with a parade of fish and chip shops, independent retailers and a lengthy promenade for walking the dog, it

makes a lovely day trip being that it's two hours away from Farnham in Surrey. The coastal town is rich in history too. Weymouth has long been known as the birthplace of the British

seaside holiday. When King George III dipped his toe into Weymouth Bay in 1789, he not only made swimming in the sea fashionable, he set in motion a love affair with the coast that continues

to this day. Fast forward to 2025, and Weymouth is still one of the UK’s most beloved (and award-winning) beach destinations. Sea swimming remains a cherished ritual for locals and visitors

alike, celebrated not only for its nostalgic appeal but its proven wellness benefits. And this summer, Dorset Museum and Art Gallery located inland from the sea, shines a light on the

town’s influence through Jane Austen: Down to the Sea, exploring Austen’s connection to Dorset’s coastline, her naval ties, and her fondness for the rejuvenating effects of the sea.

Celebrating the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth in 1775 this exhibition will explore the sea as a setting for her fictional worlds and its influence on her. She loved a dip in the

sea, often went there on holiday and had two brothers in the navy. Focussing on the Dorset coastal towns Jane visited or wrote about it will explore leisure, fashion, entertainment and

wellbeing at the seaside. The sea as a location for romance and danger will also be revealed through imagined and real-life experiences of the people who went there. In the exhibition space,

costumes will show what cutting-edge fashion both men and women were expected to show off at the seaside, as well as a pink feather cockade worn by the author. Running from June 14 to

September 14, a first edition of the novel Persuasion from the author’s house in Chawton will be on display as well as local Regency guidebooks, postcards, evening dresses, paintings and

games highlighting how people spent their time on holiday by the sea. HOW TO VISIT DORSET MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY * PRICE: Entry is free with museum entry. Tickets cost from £13.50 for

adults, £10.80 for young people (ages 16-25) and children go free. * OPENING TIMES: Daily 10am to 5pm. Last entry 4pm. * ADDRESS: High West Street, Dorchester, DT1 1XA. * BOOK: Visit

dorsetmuseum.org.