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Weymouth Harbour, the perfect place for a family holiday

Weymouth in Dorset has so much to offer making it the perfect location for a family holiday.

With its award-winning sandy beach and crystal waters, this vibrant little town hosts the best of both worlds with Dorset’s pleasant countryside just a 5 minute drive from the shore.

Dream Cottages Pitt Cottage


Weymouth Beach

People on Weymouth Beach, Dorset

Located minutes from the town and harbour, Weymouth beach has a 3-mile curved expanse of fine sand that’s perfect for the children to make sandcastles. The sea offers an adventure and activity in itself! The water is shallow and there is a lifeguard which makes it a great beach for the whole family to go swimming and splash around on a summer’s day.

On land, children remain entertained with donkey rides, snail rides and traditional Punch and Judy shows. Don’t forget to keep your eyes open for summer events from competitive beach volleyball championships to live music and free summer firework displays.


Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park

The children will love Weymouth Sea Life Adventure Park. Explore 14 zones with over 1,000 creatures, splash zone and pool plus Caribbean Cove – a brilliant adventure playground.

There are indoor and outdoor features that give the children a true glimpse of nature with new arrivals from Australia, The Fairy Penguins. The underwater ocean tunnel, rainforest and interactive rockpool are particular favourites!

In addition, there are educational talks and feeds all day, as well as the opportunity for the children to get involved and inspired in conservation through quiz trails and special events. Weymouth SEA LIFE park is one of our favourite rainy day activities in Dorset!

Rockpool at Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park, Dorset


Pirate Mini-Golf

Pirates A-Hoy! A family holiday wouldn’t be the same without a game of miniature golf! Pirate Adventure Mini Golf next to Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park is a swashbuckling challenge for the whole family. Tackle galleons, treasure chests and gunpowder barrels at every hole. Along your journey you’ll learn about the world’s most famous pirates!


The Nothe Fort

Nothe Fort Courtyard, Weymouth, Dorset

Located at Weymouth Harbour, the Nothe Fort is a haunted, historical fort that is perfect for a family outing. The children can wonder through a maze of underground passageways and run wild in the outdoor area, while you can relax (just about!) with stunning views of the Jurassic Coast. The fort has three levels that are filled with interesting displays, guns and an informative cinema area.

The fort is on the edge of the Nothe Gardens and overlooks Weymouth Harbour.


Sandworld

Another family attraction in Weymouth is Sandworld, where you will see a number of fascinating sand sculptures. For those that don’t know, sand sculpture is an art form first used by the Egyptians in 4000 BC and is, basically, a construction made only of sand and water. Weymouth sand is particularly perfect for sand sculptures because the sand grains have a slight angle which helps to make larger sculptures.

The sculptures range from sandcastles to other architectural forms as well as people, animals and objects. In addition, the sculptures have been preserved with a light PVA solution to preserve their shape for the duration of a six month exhibition period.


Bowleaze Cove

Bowleaze Cove is a great beach for families as well as a popular location for watersports enthusiasts! The water is safe and shallow with separate zones for swimmers and jet skiers.

The children will love playing on the large grass area above the beach too. If you get time, you must visit the ruins of the Roman temple the top of the hill (Jordan Hill).

There is also a café, shops and a family pub, as well as Fantasy Island. At Fantasy Island, the children can enjoy a wide range of rides including a spinning tea pot, the big wheel, a helter skelter, bumper cars and flying elephants!


Cresta Run Giant Slide

A perfect addition to your family day out after looking at some amazing sand sculptures, this bouncy-castle-come-slide costs only £2.50 (for an all-day slide!) and is located right next to Sandworld!


Formula K Go-Karts

Arrive and drive! Children vs parents! You’ll find the go-karts right next to Sandworld and the Cresta Run Giant Slide. There are both single and double go-karts available, all single drivers must be over 4′ 9″ (1.45m tall). However, children under this height may ride as a passenger with an adult driver.


Weymouth Harbour

To finish off your stay, head to Weymouth Harbour for fish and chips and crabbing!


For more holiday inspiration check out our Top Things to do in Weymouth or take a look at our range of holiday cottages in Weymouth and enjoy a Dorset getaway to remember!