Museums in Weymouth and Portland

Weymouth has a couple of museums to visit, the Nothe Fort is by far the largest and you can easily spend a day there. The Tudor House on Trinity Street, though not open every day, is definitely worth a visit to see how a Tudor merchant would have lived in the town. Sandsfoot castle, though not a museum is a ruin worth seeing just off Old Castle Road. The small ruin and gardens overlook Portland Harbour. On Portland, there are a few more museums, the Portland Museum can be found near Church Ope Cove whilst Portland Castle and the D-Day museum are must visits too. A little further out in Dorchester, you have a number of museums to visit as well as Maumbury Rings and Maiden Castle.

The Nothe Fort

The Nothe Fort is a Victorian fort built to protect Weymouth and Portland Harbours. After being decommissioned by the MOD, the fort fell into dereliction and was vandalised before being saved and turned into a museum telling the forts history. It is a hugely popular museum, includes underground tunnels, ground level rooms, a parade ground and fantastic views from the ramparts. Its an excellent place to spend a day in Weymouth. With views over Weymouth Harbour, Portland Harbour, the beach and out to sea, the other side is surrounded by the lovely peaceful Nothe Gardens, a great place to have a picnic or just admire the view.

Weymouth Tudor House

The Tudor House in Weymouth is a real Tudor merchants house. Although its not open everyday, its well worth visiting to see how a Tudor Merchant would have lived right by his ships all those years ago. Although the house would have originally stood on the waters edge, the inlet has now been filled in and Trinity Street created - where the Tudor House can be found.

Sandsfoot Castle

Sandsfoot Castle is a Tudor Fort built on the orders of Henry VIII as part of his defence against French invasion. It also saw action in the Civil War where it was held and captured by both Parliamentarians and Royalists. Today it is a small ruin that stands on the waters edge just off the Old Castle Road. The Nothe Fort seen from the opposite side of Weymouth Harbour. Sandsfoot Castle would have once defended Portland Harbour. The Tudor House - a wealthy Tudor Merchants House in Weymouth.