Weymouth Harbour

Weymouth harbour is nestled in the centre of this beautiful seaside town and is for many, its crowning glory. At the height of summer, (apart from the beach) you won't find anywhere busier than the picturesque Weymouth old harbour with its historic buildings on both sides, from the quaint and colourful Weymouth harbour cottages to fashionable pubs right on the harbourside. Whether you are using a Weymouth harbour mooring, staying at a harbourside cottage or are simply visiting for the day, Weymouth Harbour is a very special part of Weymouth.

Weymouth Harbour History

Weymouth harbour is split into two distinct areas, the seaward part to Weymouth town bridge is known as Weymouth Old Harbour, whilst the rest of the harbour behind the bridge is more of a modern marina style harbour. The River Wey feeds into Weymouth harbour and it is around this that the town has prospered throughout the centuries. From starting out, fishing and trade from foreign ports would have taken place around the harbour. The town gradually growing around it into the Weymouth we see today. There is evidence of Roman galleys sailing up Weymouth harbour/the river Wey all the way to Radipole lake to land supplies for distribution by road further inland. In later centuries, Weymouth harbour is known as the port through which the black death arrived in England. Boats sailed from the harbour to save troops at Dunkirk and many troops left via the harbour for the D-Day preparations. The harbour, until recently also operated ferries over to the Channel Islands - a few years ago, these large ferries were a regular sight and could be seen from the beach coming into view in Weymouth Bay before entering the harbour. A now disused Weymouth tramway used to ferry passengers to the harbour station.

Weymouth Harbour Boat Trips

Today Weymouth harbour is still a very busy harbour, from providing Weymouth harbour moorings that are ever popular for visiting sailing yachts and motor cruisers to simply being a wonderful place to sit and enjoy the view. Still a busy fishing port, its common to see the Weymouth fishing boats going out to sea early in the morning and unloading the days catch later in the evenings. There is also the opportunity to enjoy many of the Weymouth Harbour boat trips - the Weymouth to Portland ferry, Weymouth RIB rides, cruises around the Jurassic coast a Weymouth sea-fishing trip or a trip on one of the dive boats. A trip across the harbour from one side to the other on the Weymouth Harbour Ferry provides a leisurely way to cross the harbour without the walk.

Weymouth Harbour Accommodation

Weymouth harbour lies at the heart of Weymouth, restaurants and bars, traditional old inns and fish and chip shops can be found here. Fish and chips are a typical seaside tradition and where better to eat them than around the harbour. There's plenty of accommodation at Weymouth Harbour - quaint harbourside cottages are available for self catering Weymouth holidays whilst there are also a number of guesthouses around Weymouth Harbour and more dotted along Weymouth seafront and around the side streets. Weymouth is a small town so wherever you stay, you should be in reach of all the main highlights. The old harbour is situated at the centre of the town, the golden sands of Weymouth beach are just across the harbour whilst the Nothe Fort and gardens, Newtons Cove and Hope Square are just off the other side of Weymouth harbour.

Weymouth Harbour Festivals

Throughout the season, there are many Weymouth harbour festivals - the seafood festival and the folk festival are ever popular, while the Weymouth carnival and music by the harbourside also ensure Weymouth harbour is the place to be. On a typical summers day, Weymouth Old Harbour will be packed with people enjoying fish and chips, a drink, crabbing along the walls or simply enjoying the walk around this beautiful picturesque part of Weymouth.

Weymouth Harbour Cottages - A Picture Postcard

Looking across Weymouth Harbour from the town side, you will see colourful rows of cottages lining the harbour and more still, higher above. The Lifeboat station and the Nothe Fort also lie on this side. The bridge lifting to let boats through to the inner harbour is another one of Weymouth's 'picture postcard favourites' - a modern version of the Elizabethan bridge built to join the 2 ports many centuries ago. The colourful mix of fishing boats and pleasure boats, the bridge and quaint cottages make Weymouth Harbour one of the most beautiful parts of Weymouth and not surprisingly a scene depicted on many a picture postcard of the town. A Tall Ship Enters Weymouth Harbour past the Stone Pier. The Sun Sets over Weymouth Harbour Bridge.One of the many Weymouth Harbour Festivals. A number of festivals take place around Weymouth harbour throughout the year. A Festival at Weymouth Harbour looking towards the other side. Boats and Ships of all kinds visit Weymouth Harbour Weymouth Harbour at Night, as the dark rolls in, Weymouth harbour is still active. The rows of colourful fisherman's cottages at Weymouth Harbour seen from the Stone Pier. Many are now Holiday Lets around Weymouth Harbour. Weymouth Lifeboat with the Stone Pier and the Jurassic coast in the background. Colourful fisherman's cottages along Weymouth Harbour. Fishing Boats at Weymouth Old Harbour.