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Weymouth Harbour

Weymouth is a traditional seaside town located on the Southern tip of Dorset along the stunning Jurassic coastline. With beautiful golden sandy beaches, safe shallow waters, a picturesque harbour and castles aplenty, you’ll find an abundance of things to do in Weymouth.

With a beautiful blue flag sandy beach sitting against the backdrop of an elegant Georgian esplanade, this seaside wonder is a firm favourite for families. Whilst Nothe Fort and Portland Castle are great days out for those interested in the history and heritage of Dorset.

For a perfectly nostalgic English seaside holiday, you can ask for no more. We have compiled a list of the very best things to do in Weymouth…


Things to do in Weymouth

1. Weymouth Beach
2. Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Centre
3. Nothe Fort
4. Portland Bill Lighthouse
5. Weymouth Harbour
6. Portland Castle
7. Alexandra Gardens
8. Sandsfoot Castle
9. Chesil Beach
10. Abbotsbury to Ferrybridge Walk
11. Bennetts Water Gardens


1. Weymouth Beach

Weymouth Beach

There is nowhere quite like Weymouth Beach with its beautiful scenery, safe swimming and soft golden sands. The beach is perfectly located just minutes from the town centre and the historic harbour, perfect for those looking for family-friendly things to do in Weymouth.

With traditional attractions like the Punch & Judy show and donkey rides for the kids, there is an activity for everyone. For those looking for more lively attractions such as live music, beach volleyball championships and summer firework displays, then you won’t be disappointed Make sure you don’t miss the sand sculptures that Mark Anderson has been astounding visitors with, it’s amazing what somebody can do with just sand and water.

Not only is it the perfect location with plenty to do for everyone but Weymouth is renowned for having the best sunshine record in England, even in the winter. Access to the beach is free, but there are some pay and play activities located around including trampolines, pedalo hire and of course mini golf.

Location: Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 7AN
Parking: If you’re driving there is a park and ride at Mount Pleasant which stops along the whole seafront.
Opening times: The beach is open all year round, although dogs are only allowed on the beach out of season.


2. Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park

Feeding seals at Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park

Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park takes you on a journey both above and below the ocean. Whether you love sharks, turtles, seals clownfish, otters, penguins, octopus or stingrays, there are over 1,000 amazing creatures to be seen in this magical underwater world. If you’re looking for exciting things to do in Weymouth for the whole family, this is for you!

Throughout the day, you can enjoy educational talks and feeds which could be great to find out more about your favourite underwater animal or maybe find a new love for one you didn’t know anything about before.

There is a splash zone to cool you off in the summer months that is full of jets and sprays with a pool as well, but beware you will get wet. Take on a new adventure and head to Caribbean Cove which hosts a large outdoor play area for toddlers and children alike. Overall a great day out for all the family with lots to keep everybody busy all day long. It’s also the only SEA LIFE Adventure Park in the UK with half of the Park situated outdoors.

Location: Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park, Lodmoor Country Park, DT4 7SX
Parking: There are short term pay and display council car parks available nearby, or you can use the Weymouth Park and Ride to avoid some of the stress and traffic.
Opening Times: Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park is open from 11 am to 4 pm during off-peak and 10am-5pm during peak. Please check the website before your visit to avoid disappointment.


3. Nothe Fort

Nothe Fort Weymouth

Built by the Victorians to protect Portland Harbour, Nothe Fort is one of the best-preserved forts of its kind and is a popular place to visit in Weymouth.

You don’t need to be a military enthusiast to enjoy a visit to Nothe Fort, the Fort is a labyrinth of underground passageways and outdoor areas with stunning views of the Jurassic Coast. It is constructed over 3 floors and is filled with displays charting the whole of its history.

There is plenty to do for all the family in addition to the historic interest and amazing views. For kids they can see the collection of giant guns, find out what it was like for children during the war and can even go ghost hunting.

The site has been known to have a legendary ghostly whistling gunner and many claim to have heard his eerie whistling in the Forts underground passageways. Tales of a ghostly presence have been talked about for decades and there is even a passageway fondly dedicated just to him. Check out the most haunted locations in Dorset to find out more.

Location: Nothe Fort Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UF
Parking: There are council car parks in Nothe Gardens, the Fort is just a short walking distance from these car parks.
Opening Times: In Summer, Nothe Fort is open daily from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm. For Autumn, Winter and Spring, please visit the website for times.


4. Portland Bill Lighthouse

Portland Bill Lighthouse

Standing tall since 1906, Portland Bill Lighthouse contains a distinctive red and white tower and has a range of 25 nautical miles.

The Portland Bill and Chesil beach are the graveyards for many a vessel that did not manage to sail through the hazardous waters. The Portland Bill Lighthouse is used to this day to guide vessels heading for Portland or Weymouth, through these dangerous conditions.

The lighthouse contains a visitor centre and is open for tours after being completely renovated in 2015. Learn all about the keepers of the lighthouse and you can even experience a stormy sea journey in the exhilarating zone ‘Into the Dark’.

You can also climb the 153 steps to the top of the tower and look out to the spectacular views of Dorset’s beautiful Jurassic Coast.

Portland Bill has a large playing field perfect for bikes, ball games and picnics, making it one of our favourite family-friendly things to do in Weymouth. The Lobster Pot is a lovely café that sits on-site with lots of lovely Beach Huts on the clifftop.

Location: Portland Bill Lighthouse, Portland DT5 2JT
Parking: There is a visitor car park very close to the lighthouse and Lobster Pot cafe.
Opening Times: The lighthouse and visitor centre is currently undergoing modernisation, due to finish in Spring 2020. Limited dates for visiting are available.


5. Weymouth Harbour

Weymouth Harbour

A trip to Weymouth wouldn’t be complete without visiting Weymouth Harbour. Old Harbour is a fine Georgian harbour and one of the prettiest in Europe. Bustling with activity from large catamarans, fishing boats and yachts, you will be captivated by the atmosphere. Eat alfresco and watch harbour life go by or sit on the harbour wall with fish and chips or treat yourself to a 99!

For the more adventurous, take a fun-filled and adrenaline-fuelled ride around the bay with the Weymouth Bay Rib Charters. You will be taken through Weymouth’s stunning harbour and into the bay, where the fun really begins and you’ll even reach speeds above 40+ miles an hour.

Weymouth has a great choice of wrecks and reefs to explore, as well as the Portland Race with an abundance of bass fish. These trips are great for complete beginners to experienced anglers.

Location: Harbour Trinity Rd, Weymouth DT4 8TJ
Parking: There are pay and display spaces around the harbour and car parks in the town.


6. Portland Castle

One of Henry VIII’s finest forts built between 1539 and 1541 to protect against invasion from France and Spain, Portland Castle is one of our favourite things to do near Weymouth. It’s now protected by English Heritage and listed as a Grade I building.

Journey back into history and explore the Castle and its gorgeous Heritage Garden. The fortress overlooks Portland Harbour and out onto the English Channel and is a must-visit Dorset attraction.

There are so many exciting activities for people of all ages to get involved in. Become a Tudor for the day and try on the outfits and armour in the Armoury. Explore the Gun Room and discover where guns used to be fired through ports.

The castle also contains a charming little tea room where you can relax and enjoy freshly made sandwiches and cakes.

Location: Liberty Road, Castletown, Portland DT5 1AZ
Parking: There is a car park located 10m from the front entrance, however, there is a charge for non-English Heritage members.
Opening Times: The Castle is open Monday – Sunday from 10am – 5pm.


7. Sandsfoot Castle and the Rodwell Trail

Sandsfoot Castle

The Rodwell Trail is a footpath from Weymouth to Ferry Bridge that follows a disused railway line. It’s now been opened up into the wild and is a true haven for wildlife including redwings, butterflies and kingfishers as well as plant life such as bluebells and meadow buttercups.

Along the Rodwell Trail, you will find Sandsfoot Castle that was built by Henry VIII in 1539. The Castle is set within Sandsfoot Gardens which are beautiful and hosts a little fish pond and cafe, which overlooks Portland Harbour.

For more information, visit the Sandsfoot Castle and Rodwell Trail website.

Location: 39 Old Castle Rd, Weymouth DT4 8QE
Parking: The parking has no dedicated parking, but there are some on-road parking nearby.
Opening Times: The Castle is open Tuesday – Friday from 9 am – 5 pm.


8. Abbotsbury to Ferry Bridge Walk

Houses in Abbotsbury near Wemouth

An absolutely perfect way to spend the day if you’re looking for things to do in Weymouth on a pleasant day. For a long walk of just under 11 miles, try the Abbotsbury to Ferry Bridge trail.

This particular walk begins in the historic village of Abbotsbury, passing woodland and open, rolling fields until dropping to follow the West Dorset Heritage Coast along the shores of the Fleet Lagoon.

Finally, you will reach Weymouth and Ferry Bridge. If you want to go even further you can walk across to the rugged island of Portland. Every second of this walk will be filled with magnificent views of Chesil Beach and the Jurassic Coast.

Parking: There is parking in both the town of Abbotsbury and Ferrybridge


9. Chesil Beach

Chesil Beach near Weymouth

A beautiful 18-mile long stretch of shingle beach that goes from West Bay to Portland and is one of Dorset’s most charming features.

It forms part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and is a designated area for protecting local wildlife. It is the finest barrier beach in Europe and approximately 10,000 years old.

Hunt for fossils, take a picnic, stroll along to the Visitors Centre (Ferrybridge) and take in the magnificent views. The Centre also has a shop, wildlife events and activities and a bridge across the Fleet Lagoon to the beach itself. Home to a Little Tern Project, you can take part in a 2-minute beach clean up from here also.

The Cove House Inn and Quiddles Cafe Bar both overlook Chesil Beach and provide the perfect location for watching the sunset.

Location: Dorset
Parking: The main car park is located at DT4 9XE. There are charges that apply from Monday – Sunday at all times. For more information, visit the council website.
Opening Times: Open all year round for everyone, including dogs. Check out Dorset’s best dog-friendly beaches here.


10. Alexandra Gardens

A great, family-friendly day out in Weymouth, the ideal activity for enjoying some traditional seaside entertainment. The gardens contain fairground rides, amusements and arcade games plus plenty of candy floss!

The gardens are located in an area that once was home to Weymouth Gardens Theatre which opened in 1924. They lie on the southern end of the Esplanade and contain seating so you and the whole family can while away an afternoon.

For a more traditional garden setting, head over to Greenhill Gardens which lie at the opposite end of the Seafront and have gorgeous displays of colourful flowers and blooms.

Location: The Esplanade, Weymouth DT4 8DL
Parking: There is street parking surrounding the Gardens with a charge depending on your length of stay.
Opening Times: The Gardens are open Monday – Friday from 11 am – 10.30 pm.


11. Bennetts Water Gardens

This beautiful visitor attraction in Weymouth contains 8 acres of gorgeous gardens. Home to the most outstanding display of water lilies in Britain and a beautiful Monet Bridge.

Grass pathways will lead you past ponds and lakes, exotic plants and an abundance of wildlife. Bennetts Water Gardens are one of the more peaceful and tranquil things to do in Weymouth.

Location: Putton Lane, Chickerell, Weymouth DT3 4AF
Parking: There is on-site parking at the Gardens.
Opening Times: The Gardens are open to the public from March to September between 10 am – 4 pm. Please see their website for more information.


Weymouth Holiday Cottages

Enjoy all of the attractions and things to do in Weymouth and stay in one of these Weymouth holiday cottages. With over 200 self-catering cottages to choose from, we have the perfect place for you to enjoy a Dorset adventure.

Bring along all your loved ones and stay in one of our family-friendly properties. Or, choose from luxury apartments for a romantic getaway, a cosy terrace house with a sea view or stay in one of our dog-friendly cottages.