Visit Wonderful Weymouth
Weymouth’s got seaside fun by the bucketload! Its golden sands and elegant esplanade have been attracting holidaymakers since the Georgians.
But Weymouth is so much more than just its beachfront. Make sure you take a wander round the historic harbourside during your visit. And don’t forget Chesil Beach and the Fleet. Then there’s Portland Bill to explore. And all the shops to discover. And Nothe Fort. And the SEA LIFE Adventure Park. And Abbotsbury. And the pubs and restaurants. And fishing, and sailing, and even kite surfing. In fact, there’s so much to do, maybe you’d better stay for a few days!
Weymouth is on the Jurassic Coast, a 95-mile long stretch of coastline that was England’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site; a world renowned geological marvel that represents 185 million years of the Earth’s history, recognised for its incredible rocks, landforms and, of course, fossils.
Things to see and do
Weymouth’s seaside charm and busy fishing harbour are just the start of what this historic town has waiting for you. There’s Georgian grandeur on the seafront, a fascinating Victorian fort, winding shopping streets to explore and a real adventure going on along the coast and out on the water.
Weymouth Beach
Winner of The Times’ 2023 Great British Beach Guide, Weymouth’s famous sweep of Blue Flag awarded golden sands are overlooked by a magnificent Georgian seafront. The beach has everything you could need: soft sand, shallow, crystal clear waters just right for kids, deckchairs and sun loungers, a dog beach, donkey rides and Punch & Judy, beach volleyball courts and even a place to borrow buckets and spades. No wonder George III was so keen.
Nothe Fort
Built to protect the town and Portland Naval Harbour in Victorian times, and part of the South Coast’s World War II defences, Nothe Fort is Weymouth’s number one visitor attraction. Explore the museum and the forts’ maze of underground tunnels, including the spooky ghost tunnel; visit the Gun Deck and ramparts; discover a secret Nuclear Bunker and take in the stunning views of the Jurassic Coast from the terrace.
Chesil Beach
Part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, Chesil Beach is a unique, 18-mile long shingle barrier stretching from West Bay to Portland and is one of Dorset’s most iconic landmarks, immortalised in literature and film. Behind the beach lies the Fleet Lagoon, an important natural habitat and one of the few remaining undisturbed brackish lagoons left in the world, home to the mute swan colony at Abbotsbury.
Durdle Door
Durdle Door is one of Dorset’s most famous, and most photographed, beauty spots. The magnificent natural limestone arch was formed by the power of the waves eroding a rock promontory to create the ‘door’ in the middle. The name Durdle is derived from an old English word ‘thirl’, to drill. A short walk away is stunning Lulworth Cove, whose pebble beach and rock pools are great for exploring.If you’re planning a stay, Weymouth has every type of accommodation available, from fun-filled family holiday parks to romantic boutique hotels. For inspiration, try these websites.
Dorset Holiday Cottages
At Dorset Cottage Holidays, we have over 60 handpicked holiday cottages in Dorset Whether you’re looking for a serene escape in a Dorset coastal cottage, a relaxing retreat in a modern home, or a dog-friendly escape in the countryside, we’ve got you covered. Our selection of Dorset holiday cottages offers a perfect blend of comfort and charm, making your stay unforgettable. From picturesque countryside views to the tranquil sound of the lapping waves on the beach, our cottages cater to all tastes and our holiday planners are on hand to help you find your perfect place to stay.
Love Weymouth
The Love Weymouth tourist information website is a great place to start planning your visit to the area and features a large directory of accommodation in and around Weymouth, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, rentals and holiday parks.
Visit Dorset
The Visit Dorset website is the definitive guide to every aspect of our beautiful county, including lots of ideas and inspiration for where to stay, from classic self-catering farm cottages to glamping and stylish coastal hotels.
Waterside Holiday Parks
With three stunning locations in the Weymouth area, at Chesil Beach, Bowleaze Cove and Osmington Mills, each Waterside park promises fantastic family-friendly fun, including swimming pools, kids facilities, gyms, bars and restaurants, and a fabulous entertainment programme.
If you’ve got any space left after the Festival, Weymouth is a fantastic foodie get away. You’ll be spoilt for choice with everything from traditional seaside fish and chips to gastro pubs to the finest fine dining on offer.
Catch at The Old Fish Market
Weymouth’s only Michelin listed restaurant offers a unique, sea-to-plate experience, drawn from the clear waters of the Dorset coast. Executive Chef Mike Naidoo’s menus reflect the diversity of the seasons, the weather and the tides, featuring fresh, simply prepared seafood and locally sourced ingredients, complemented by a fantastic selection of English wines.
Hatch on the Harbour
This local favourite serves wonderful #seafoodstreetfood, grilled fresh on the quayside. It’s a deliciously laid back way to enjoy locally caught, sustainable seafood, straight off the boats. It’s all about quality ingredients, taste and flavour. Think grilled Portland lobster, scrumptious crab sandwiches, diver caught scallops and irresistible Dorset oysters.
The Crab House Café
Nigel Bloxham’s famous Crab House Café looks out over breath-taking Chesil Beach and the Café’s own oyster beds. It’s a relaxed, DIY sort of affair – the Portland crabs are freshly boiled, stir-fried in garlic, chilli, ginger and herbs, then served on large wooden boards, with a hammer, nutcrackers, various picks and forks and a bib.
Billy Winters
Billy Winters is something of an institution. Mid-way between Weymouth and Portland, it’s a cool beach bar with stunning views across the bay and beyond. Expect a chilled out, no rush, lazy Sunday afternoon vibe every day, with a wood-fired pizza oven always firing and its own brewed craft lager cold and crisp.
The Ship Inn
A traditional pub on the quayside, with a grandstand view of everything going on around the harbour. The perfect spot to catch the last rays of summer sunshine in the evenings, the Ship is the place to enjoy delicious hearty pub classics, old-fashioned Sunday roasts, and Dorset-brewed Badger Beers.
The Ship Inn is part of the Hall & Woodhouse family that also includes great local pubs like The Smugglers Inn in Osmington Mills and The Duchess of Cornwall Inn in Dorchester.
