Summer in Weymouth

People enjoy the summer weather on the beach in Weymouth. As schools in England and Wales break up for the summer holidays this week, many seaside resorts are gearing up to what they hope will be a bumper summer season Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images

Overseas trips fell by 15% in 2009. Similarly, this year many Britons are opting to spend their holidays in the UK, due to the weak pound and continuing economic woes Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images

Last year visits to Spain alone declined by 19%, as many swapped popular resorts such as Benidorm or Alicante for our own beaches - and if they were lucky caught some Spanish-style sun as well Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images

Deck chairs await customers on the beach front. For many, a trip to the British seaside is an exercise in nostalgia and coastal resorts are swapping their 80s image of drab decline for one of retro charm Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images

Seaside buckets and spades vie for attention with more modern beach toys at this seafront stall Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images

As well as traditional seaside attractions, Weymouth also boasts the 2012 Olympic sailing venue, the upgraded Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images

The games could see tens of thousands of spectators lining Weymouth's beaches to watch the world's best sailors compete - good news for the resort's hotels and businesses Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images

With temperatures hitting 30C in some parts of the country this month, sun-seekers have already been flocking to Weymouth's sands Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images

Here's hoping that the good weather continues now the schools are out so we can indulge in our favourite summer sport Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images

Some passtimes never go out of fashion Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images