Tourists have flocked to the beach as families took the chance to soak up the last of the summer sun before children go back to school.

Weymouth Beach was packed with holidaymakers from up and down the country visiting to make the most of the heat which has been missing for much of the summer of 2023.

After a dreary August, the heatwave is set to continue throughout the week with sunshine and high temperatures reaching up to 26C.

But how have businesses fared this summer? The not-so beach weather of much of August alongside an ever-present cost of living crisis presented challenges for the shops and cafes that depend on the tourist trade.

Happy Days shopkeeper Charlie said: "The business was not that great to begin with but it has picked up towards the end.

Dorset Echo: Charlie, shopkeeper at Happy Days on Weymouth EsplanadeCharlie, shopkeeper at Happy Days on Weymouth Esplanade (Image: Tom Lawrence)

"Parking and getting in and out of Weymouth, cost of living all combined have made it difficult, it really hasn't been very busy when it's raining.

"It has been very hit and miss all summer"

Benny's worker Lucy said: "It has been steady this year but not busy; not as busy as other summers. A lot of people seem to go on cheap package holidays abroad instead of coming to places like Weymouth.

"In the cost of living crisis, not everyone can afford to spend a weekend away."

Saturday and Sunday saw crowds of people flock to Weymouth beach as temperatures soared to around 25C as the school holidays drew to a close.

Dorset Echo: Tourists in Rossi's icesTourists in Rossi's ices (Image: Tom Lawrence)

Tourists also flocked into the local businesses along The Esplanade such as the ever-popular Rossi's where a large queue formed for a refreshing ice-cream.

The Bebb family came to visit from Worcestershire before their children go back to school on Wednesday

Dorset Echo: The Bebb family enjoying the last days of sun on their holiday from WorcestershireThe Bebb family enjoying the last days of sun on their holiday from Worcestershire (Image: Tom Lawrence)

They said: "It has been absolutely lovely, we have been hugely impressed by the town on our first visit."

Teacher Liz and her daughter Lucy visited from Oxfordshire before they both return to school this week.

Dorset Echo: Teahcer Liz and daughter Lucy on holiday from oxfordshireTeahcer Liz and daughter Lucy on holiday from oxfordshire (Image: Tom Lawrence)

Liz said: "We came down to enjoy the very last few rays before we go and sit in a classroom in 28C heat.

"We always enjoy Weymouth and come every year."

Paul Appleby, Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce President, said: “The poor businesses in the hospitality sector are so reliant on the weather and it has been a wet, dull summer.

“I have spoken to businesses and they have said it is a mixed pattern. When the weather has been lovely, business has been alright but when the weather has been bad, it has been very bad.

“People who do come don’t have a lot of money to spend so chose cheaper options or don’t go out for a meal.

“It is a lose, lose, lose for businesses.

“We can’t do anything about the weather, but we can do things to help with the cost of parking, the cost of business and cost of living.”