Things to do in Weymouth

1. Weymouth Beach
2. The Nothe Fort
3. Portland Castle, Sandsfoot Castle and Rufus Castle
4. Portland Bill and Church Ope Cove
5. Thomas Hardy Links
6. Weymouth harbour boat trip
7. Fishing
8. Weymouth Harbour
9. Amusement arcades and the shops
10. Weymouth Walks
11. The Museums
12. At Night

From its award winning sandy beach and picturesque harbour to museums, shops and walks, there's plenty of things to do in Weymouth for everyone. Whether its enjoying the golden sands of Weymouth beach on a fine summers day or looking for things to do on a rainy day in Weymouth, theres plenty of things to do in Weymouth to keep you happy, whatever the weather.

Visit the Beach

Things to do at Weymouth beach with kids

Every summer season, Weymouth beach is transformed into a golden seaside resort, rides and attractions are placed all along the top end of the beach, trampolines, a helter-skelter, swing boats, rides and plenty more will keep the kids entertained for hours. Weymouth beach retains some of the old time favourites too with the Weymouth beach donkey rides, the sandman and Punch and Judy shows too.

And more things to do at Weymouth beach for everyone

Weymouth beach is one of the finest in Dorset, the main beach offers fine golden sands, gently sloping down to crystal clear, calm water. The feeling of that warm sand on your feet as you walk along the beach on a hot summers day transports you to the sands of a far off, tropical beach. What makes Weymouth beach one of the best beaches in Dorset? There are some fantastic beaches on the south coast but Weymouth beach has it all covered, not only does it offer fine sand, fantastic views and clear water, it also has everything you could need, there are beach huts serving hot and cold drinks, food, alcohol, ice cream and beach goods - you can grab a refreshing drink at one of the beach huts and enjoy the view or take it with you as you walk along the promenade.

Can I take my dog on Weymouth beach
Whether your a dog lover or not, Weymouth beach caters for all, the majority of the beach is dog free out of season but there is a dog friendly section too.

Things to do on Weymouth beach? you can hire a pedalo or kayak and deckchairs are available too. Further along, you can hire a beach hut. If you want to walk. then you can walk along Weymouth beach for miles, from the golden sands near the town, to Bowleaze cove - the sand gradually turns to shingle and pebbles as you progress. If you don't fancy the sand then Weymouth Esplanade runs parallel to the beach, with the fine Georgian buildings across the road making up the large number of Weymouth seafront hotels. The Jubilee clocktower is part way along the seafront whilst Victorian shelters and seating means there's ample resting points to enjoy the view. Weymouth beach is just a few minutes walk from the centre of the town and the harbour whilst there's parking close-by too (some of the parking does get very busy in the summer). With all that it has to offer, Weymouth beach really is quite unbeatable.

Events on Weymouth beach
Weymouth beach also hosts a number of the festivals through the summer including the beach motocross as well as a large beach bonfire and fireworks for the free Weymouth bonfire night celebrations.

So to summarise the things to do at Weymouth Beach

- Enjoy a coffee or Ice cream on the beach
- Let the kids enjoy the rides along the beach
- Build a sandcastle
- Go for a paddle on Weymouth beach
- Watch the Weymouth beach Punch and Judy show
- Hire a Kayak or Pedalo
- Simply take a book and relax with deckchair on Weymouth beach

Visit the Nothe Fort - one of the top Weymouth attractions

The Nothe Fort, a Victorian fort stands on the Nothe Peninsula where it looks over Weymouth harbour and all across the bay. Since being decommissioned by the MOD, the Nothe fort has survived dereliction and vandalism, avoided demolition and is now one of the most visited Weymouth attractions where it has become a brilliant museum retelling Weymouth history through the wars.

There are many life size models and displays depicting different eras of Weymouth's history, the Victorian cookhouse, build up to the D-Day landings and much more. With underground tunnels, life size displays, fantastic views across Weymouth and the coast from the ramparts, a cafe, a picnic area and the beautiful Nothe Gardens, a visit to the Nothe Fort is a great Weymouth day out for all.

Other Forts and Castles around Weymouth

Weymouth has always been an important port on the south coast and various forts have been built to protect it as well as preventing a wider invasion through history. Whether it be from the French pirates of medieval times landing in Weymouth, looting and burning the town down, Romans sailing up the River Wey during the Roman invasion of England or the threat of Nazi invasion in WW2, Weymouth has had to contend with many threats.

Henry VIII built Sandsfoot castle in the 1500s, now a ruin, it stands overlooking Portland Harbour. The Portland breakwater fort is a Victorian fort constructed on the outer breakwater of Portland harbour (the fort is derelict and not open to the public). Portland Castle is another Henry VIII fort, this one built on the Portland side of the harbour, Portland castle is under the care of English Heritage and open to the public.

Yesterday's defensive forts make for fantastic interesting things to do in Weymouth today, visit the ruins of Sandsfoot castle* in Weymouth with lovely views across Portland harbour or visit the English Heritage run Portland castle for more great days out in Dorset.

*Sandsfoot castle is a small ruin and is best combined with a visit to Castle Cove beach or as part of a walk around the Weymouth coast.

There are lots of things to do in Portland...

There are plenty more things to do on Portland and places to see, probably the most obvious is Portland Bill - the red and white lighthouse standing on the end of the island. There's a large carpark and it makes for a lovely place to sit, enjoy the view or take a walk or even climb the steps of the lighthouse. Portland Bill isn't the only place on Portland you should visit though. There are a number of villages including Chiswell and Fortuneswell on the lower part of the island before climbing the steep hill where you find Easton and Southwell. When you reach the top of the steep winding road that leads to the top of Portland, you will come across one of the most beautiful views in all of Dorset - from this incredible viewpoint, you see right across Fortuneswell, Chesil beach and the fleet nature reserve. You will also find the Verne prison, Fancies farm and the Victorian High Angle Batteries - gun platforms built to protect Portland Harbour.

Church Ope Cove is another part of the island that's worth a visit. Here, you will find yourself at a viewing point high above Church Ope Cove beach with really fantastic views, the ruins of Rufus castle are perched high up on the cliff above, the ruins we see today are thought to be 15th century. JUst up the lane from the viewing point at Church Ope Cove is Portland museum too.

If you're interested in pirates, you can follow the steps down towards the beach, you will come to a path that leads to the so called 'Church Ope Cove pirates graveyard' halfway down. This is the graveyard of the ruined St Andrews church - destroyed by pirates and landslips, the church was eventually left to ruin but a number of tombs still remain including the 'pirates grave on Portland'.

Portland is a great place for birdwatching and on a stormy day its a great place to see some rough seas crashing into the cliffs. There are some lovely walks all around Portland, a number of pubs and restaurants can be found on the island and there are plenty of picnic spots and viewing points around the island. A day on Portland is high up on our list of favourite things to do in Dorset.

Things to do on Portland

- Visit Portland Bill lighthouse and climb its steps
- Visit Portland Castle
- View Chesil beach from the viewpoint and Fancies farm
- Learn about Portland at Portland Museum
- Visit Church Ope Cove and find Portland's pirate graveyard
- Take a walk around Portland's dramatic coast and enjoy a picnic

Visit the houses and links to one of the countries best Victorian writers - Thomas Hardy

Thomas Hardy, one of Dorset's most famous sons was born at Lower Bockhampton where he grew up at Hardy's cottage, a quaint chocolate box thatched cottage built by his father. Thomas Hardy worked as an architect before finding his place as one of Victorian Englands greatest writers.

After working in London, Thomas Hardy settled in Dorset on the outskirts of Dorchester at Max Gate, a house that he designed himself, here he wrote many of his many of his famous works.

On his death, his heart was removed and buried in his beloved Wessex (Dorset) at Stinsford church, whilst his ashes were scattered at poets corner in Westminster Abbey. Both Hardy's cottage at Lower Bockhampton and Max Gate are open to the public and looked after by the National Trust.

Near to Bovington, you will find another National Trust property of interest to Thomas Hardy fans, Clouds Hill. Clouds hill was the home of T.E Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) - as a friend of T.E Lawrence, Thomas Hardy visited here regularly. If you are a Thomas Hardy fan, then visiting should be one of your essential things to do whilst in Dorset.

Take one of the boat trips from Weymouth Harbour

There are plenty of options to enjoy Weymouth's coastal scenery from the water, boat trips from Weymouth harbour include a ferry over to Portland or a cruise around the Jurassic coast. Fishing trips from Weymouth harbour and dive charters can be booked. If you like an adrenaline rush then join one of the boat rides from Weymouth harbour or hire a Jet Ski. Pedalos and kayaks can be hired from Weymouth beach while a short ride across Weymouth harbour can be got on the quaint wooden rowing boat ferries across the harbour.

Weymouth is a great place for fishing, be it a sea fishing trip in the bay or crabbing along the harbour walls

Theres plenty of opportunities for fishing in Weymouth, whether it be from land or out at sea. Where to fish in Weymouth from land? Fishing is a popular pastime and can frequently be seen on both the pier and the jetty on opposite sides of the harbour. Beach fishing also occurs further down the beach near the old bandstand. If you want to go out for some sea fishing, there are plenty of fishing trips from Weymouth harbour.

Another popular pastime around the harbour is crabbing which keeps people of all ages entertained along the harbour walls. So if fishing's your hobby, then some Weymouth fishing must be one of your things to do whilst in Weymouth.

Relax and enjoy Weymouth Harbour, enjoy a drink by the harbourside and take in the atmosphere

Weymouth harbour is one of the best Weymouth attractions. Thousands visit the town because of its beautiful and active harbour, to enjoy walks around it or to enjoy the many events that take place around here each year. The harbour has been Weymouth's lifeblood since the first settlements arrived here so its no surprise that the town is built around it and many of the best Weymouth attractions are close to it.

The Nothe Fort dominates much of the harbour view, the Nothe gardens lie close by just up the steps and across from here is Newtons Cove overlooking Portland harbour and the breakwaters. The Nothe gardens makes for the ideal spot for a picnic and there are plenty of benches to enjoy the views from.

Tudor house can be found on the same side just off Hope Square, whilst the beach and town is just over the town bridge on the other side. Many boat trips can be found from Weymouth harbour or you can just enjoy the coming and going of the different vessels that are constantly using this active harbour. There are plenty of restaurants, bars and character inns around the harbour to enjoy a drink and something to eat. With fish and chip shops, ice creams and cool refreshing beers, a chilled out day around Weymouth harbour is a wonderful way to spend a day in Weymouth.

Things to do around Weymouth harbour

- Enjoy fish and chips around the harbour
- Take a boat trip from Weymouth harbour
- Visit the close by museums, the Nothe Fort and Tudor House
- Get the quaint rowing boat from one side to the other

Weymouth amusement arcades and the shops

No seaside resort is complete without a traditional amusement arcade and Weymouth has a few to choose from with the latest arcade games and seaside favourite 2p slot machines.

There are plenty of shops too including high street names, niche gift shops and coffee shops, there are plenty of indoor Weymouth attractions.

Explore Weymouth on foot

There are some wonderful short Weymouth walks and lots of long treks around the Jurassic coast.

1. The Rodwell Trail

The Rodwell trail, a short walk starting in Weymouth and ending at Ferrybridge takes you along the route of the old railway line as far as Chesil beach, offering great views across Portland harbour along the way, you will also pass Castle Cove with its lovely beach and the ruins of Sandsfoot castle. There are a number of benches along the way.

2. A Walk along Weymouth seafront

You can walk along Weymouth beach from the pier all the way to Bowleaze Cove or if you prefer, you can walk along the promenade which runs most of the way parallel to the beach before going up a steep hill where you find yourself high above the beach. From here, you can either enjoy the fabulous views across Weymouth or head down the other side down to Bowleaze Cove.

Highlights along the way include the Sandman's hut, the Punch and Judy hut, the Jubilee clocktower and Greenhill gardens. If you're lucky, you may catch sight of the Weymouth beach seal basking on the beach.

There are plenty of shelters and benches to take a break and lots of refreshment huts along the way.

3. Take a walk around Radipole Lake nature reserve

Radipole Lake is at the back of the marina and follows the route of the River Wey. The nature reserve is a good place to spot wildlife and one of the best free things to do in Weymouth.

Walking along the boards through the lake, you may see swans, ducks, dragonfly and other rarer inhabitants. Read the boards as you walk along to learn more about the wildlife that live in this little haven.

There are lots of benches to enjoy the peace and quiet and a café can be found at the beginning of the walk.

4. Walk around Weymouth harbour, up the pier, along the jerry and around Newtons Cove

You can't visit Weymouth and not enjoy a trip around the harbour. A walk up the pier, around the harbour, marina, then back along the Weymouth side of the harbour, past the quaint fishing cottages, down Nothe Parade, past the Nothe Fort and along the Jetty. Several sets of steps lead up to the Nothe Gardens where you can wander back down and along Newtons Cove.

Weymouth is a beautiful place to enjoy walks. The Jurassic coast offers literally miles of breath-taking coastal walks to enjoy too.

Explore the Weymouth museums

Next on our list of things to do in Weymouth are our visits to the Weymouth museums.

The Tudor House

The Weymouth Tudor House museum is a Tudor house dating back to the late Elizabethan period close to Weymouth harbourside and just across Hope Square. Back in the 1600s, the Tudor House stood right on the harbourside on what was an inlet to Weymouth harbour, today however Trinity street stands where the water would have been. Built for a wealthy Tudor shipping merchant, Weymouth Tudor House is now a museum and set out as it would have been all those years ago, a visit is highly recommended.

The Nothe Fort

As we mentioned earlier, the Nothe Fort is a large museum with many rooms and underground tunnels to explore, a courtyard in the centre sees Victorian gun firing displays on selected days and the gun platforms on the ramparts still house guns that would have been placed here to protect Weymouth in WW2. From the ramparts, there are fantastic views across the coast, there is also an excellent cafe and picnic area, the Nothe Fort provides a great day out in Dorset.

Visit more Museums in Dorset

There are many more museums in Dorset to visit too.

In the nearby county town of Dorchester, there is the Keep Military museum and the Dorset county museum incorporating the old Dorchester courtrooms where Judge Jeffreys held a leg of his bloody assizes.

The Tolpuddle martyrs were held, tried and sentenced here. The Tolpuddle Martyrs museum can be found in Tolpuddle too.

The already mentioned Max Gate and Hardy's cottage are close by.

On Portland, Portland museum can be found close to Church Ope Cove, the Portland D-Day Centre and Portland castle can also be found on the island.

A little further afield is Bovington Tank Museum with its vast collection of tanks and the Monkey World sanctuary isn't far from here.

The National Trust care for some of Dorset's grandest houses, once the seats for some of the most powerful families in Dorset, Kingston Lacy and Montacute house are grand country houses set in vast estates run by the National Trust.

Another National Trust property in Dorset close-by is the wonderful ruins of Corfe Castle, once owned by the same family that owned Kingston Lacy and with a big role to play in the English civil war, the castle stands high above the beautiful village of Corfe and is highly recommended, audio exhibits tell the castles stories.

Still looking for things to do in Weymouth and Dorset? why not take a day trip to some of the most beautiful places to visit in Dorset, the wonderful village of Lulworth with Lulworth Cove and close by Durdle Door, the Isle of Portland, West Bay, the walled Saxon town at Wareham, the ghost Village of Tyneham, Swanage or Lyme Regis. All are beautiful and offer more than enough things to do for days out in Dorset.

Things to do in Weymouth at night

At night Weymouth takes on a different look altogether, the seafront lights shine along the seafront and Weymouth harbour at night looks pretty with lights reflecting on the water. Often people can be seen fishing in Weymouth into the night down the Jetty which makes a lovely evening walk. Being a popular tourist resort, its hardly surprising that Weymouth has plenty of pubs and bars and a couple of clubs. Around the harbour, town and along the seafront can be found a mixture of modern bars and character old pubs to enjoy a night out, so why not have a night out in Weymouth and visit some of its many bars, there's plenty to choose from.