Best things to do in Weymouth
Formerly a busy port, Weymouth’s star turn is its long sandy beach, although there is a smattering of cultural attractions and its Georgian-era buildings are well worth a nose.
Viewpoints and panoramas
Nothe Fort: Erstwhile military base and Cold War nuclear bunker, this hulking bulk affords lofty views over both Weymouth Bay and Portland Harbour – a terrific spot from which to capture some stunning photos.
Bowleaze Cove: This little-frequented cove rates tremendous views of the coastline and the River Jordan, while the beach itself is known for its ancient rock formations. Good spot, too, for flying kites.
The best districts
Harbour area: Weymouth’s throbbing heart, the harbour is lined with quaint pubs and restaurants, ideal for dining alfresco while watching the boats come and go.
Brewers Quay: A shopping and leisure complex set in a converted Victorian brewery, home to an enticing mix of eateries, and arts and crafts outlets.
Parks and gardens
Greenhill Gardens: Situated just north of the main beach, these beautifully manicured gardens offer plenty of solitude with stunning sea views and acres of space for children to roam.
Lodmoor Country Park: A large park ideal for family outings, with attractions like miniature railway, Sea Life Centre and pirate mini golf.
Historical monuments
Weymouth Pavilion: An architecturally pleasing ensemble, this classic seaside theatre hosts all manner of entertainment, from cabaret to comedy.
Tudor House: Take a peek into the life of a Tudor tradesman at this superbly preserved house stuffed with period furnishings.
Day trips in the area
Isle of Portland: Connected to Weymouth by a dramatic road bridge, this rugged limestone chunk has provided stone for some of the world's great buildings, like St Paul’s Cathedral. Find the perfect stay with our offers to hotels in the Isle of Portland
Jurassic Coast: Spend a day exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a remarkable fossil-filled landscape that peaks at Golden Cap, whose brilliant outcrop of auburn sandstone is crowned with gorse. Check our range of hotels in Jurassic Coast to extend your stay in the region.
Chesil Beach: Otherworldly 29km-long pebble beach stretching from West Bay to Portland, ideal for long walks, fossil hunting and birdwatching – but note, this is not a place to swim.
Dorchester: Also known as Thomas Hardy’s town, the county town is a handsome affair, with a clutch of compelling museums and vestiges of its Roman past to delve into. Discover great deals on hotels in Dorchester.
Activities for families in Weymouth
Few coastal resorts do family fun as well as Weymouth – it has its sandy beaches of course, but there's plenty more to keep the critters entertained during your holidays to Weymouth.
Beaches: Weymouth’s soft sands and calm, shallow waters make it the perfect spot for children to play and swim, but for many it’s those most traditional of seaside pleasures – donkey rides and Punch and Judy – that live long in the memory.
Aquariums and zoos: Sea Life is a sure-fire hit, whether it’s walking through Ocean Tunnel, mucking about in the Caribbean Cove or having a play in the country’s largest man-made rock pool.
Sandworld: Marvel at artists who spend days sculpting the extra-fine local sand into fantastical tableaux – kids can even have a bash at creating their own sand masterpieces.
Nothe Fort: Not a conventional museum, but instead a vast outdoor space where kids can get lost (not literally) in dank, underground passages.
Free things to do in Weymouth
Beyond the traditional bucket and spade activities, there are many other ways you can avoid spending unnecessarily in Weymouth.
Beaches: The easiest and most obvious choice for a spend-free day, Weymouth’s beautiful and well-maintained beaches are free for the public to enjoy.
Greenhill Gardens: These beautifully manicured gardens offer a serene escape from the madness of the beachfront with stunning flower displays and wide sea views.
Jubilee Clock Tower: Located on the seafront, this iconic structure should be the starting point for a self-guided architectural tour of the town.
Radipole Lake Nature Reserve: Zone out looking for otters and kingfishers, see dragonflies zip by and generally just get back to nature at this RSPB reserve in the heart of Weymouth.
Free events: The beach is the focal point for a whole host of free events, including beach volleyball championships, live music at the bandstand and the annual Christmas Day swim (brrr…)
Nature and outdoor activities in Weymouth
The town’s beaches are a ready-made activity playground, but there are many other thrilling landscapes nearby that provide opportunities for leisurely pursuits on your Weymouth holidays.
Hiking and walking trails: One of the finest stretches of the awesome South West Coast Path is on the town's doorstep – and who knows, you may even want to keep going all the way to the end of the path at Poole.
Water sports: The sheltered waters of Weymouth Bay make it ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding and sailing – in fact, so good are the facilities that the sailing events at the 2012 Olympic Games were held here.
Cycling: Discover the scenic beauty of the area on two wheels, with routes such as the Rodwell Trail offering a safe and enjoyable path for all ages and abilities.
Birdwatching: A saltmarsh reserve, RSPB Lodmoor is home to a fantastic number of bird species – including waders, ducks and terns – making it a delightful spot for twitchers.