Things to do in Weymouth Holiday Guide

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. The Cinema, Bowling alley and Amusements
10. Weymouth Walks
11. The Museums
12. At Night

You'd hope to find lots of things to do at any seaside resort but Weymouth really sets those standards high, many holidaymakers who visit Weymouth will agree that there are just so many things to do in Weymouth and the surrounding villages and towns that 'you just can't fit it all in in a week'.

A number of Weymouth attractions make this resort special, top of the list is the beautifully golden sandy Weymouth beach - in fact, there are plenty of things to do on Weymouth beach in itself. The wonderfully picturesque and vibrant Weymouth harbour, the scene of many Weymouth events through the year also tops Weymouth's attractions. If its museums you're looking for, Dorset has lots to choose from, with museums in Weymouth and plenty more throughout Dorset. There's all sorts of boat trips from Weymouth harbour, beautiful walks to take including short walks in Weymouth to longer Dorset walks along the Jurassic coast.

A holiday to Weymouth provides a English holiday experience that really is hard to beat. So lets waste no time and take a look at some of our favourite things to do in Weymouth and nearby. If you've struck a little unlucky and need to find things to do in Weymouth in the rain, don't worry, there's plenty of stuff on our rainy day things to do in Weymouth list too, just click the link.

Things to do on Weymouth Beach

Being on the south coast, Weymouth benefits from some of the best weather in the UK, perfect spending a day at Weymouth beach. Weymouth beach is a clean, safe and sandy beach with beautiful scenery and lots of attractions ensuring there are always plenty of things to do at Weymouth beach.

Things to do at Weymouth beach for kids

Weymouth beach is transformed every summer season when 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 donkey rides are another traditional seaside favourite for the kids.

The Weymouth beach Punch and Judy show is a real treat, another traditional seaside favourite, the Weymouth beach Punch and Judy show is one of the last remaining beach Punch and Judy shows in the UK and is watched by children and adults alike!

The sand on Weymouth beach is perfect for sandcastle building - generations of Weymouth sandman have used this fine sand for their incredible creations over the years and there's always one being built at the sandman's hut on the beach, the kids will enjoy hours of fun with their bucket and spade on Weymouth beach.

Things to do at Weymouth beach for everyone

There are plenty of refreshment huts on Weymouth beach so why not enjoy an ice cream, a snack or a coffee down on the beach with that fantastic view across Weymouth bay? Deckchairs are available at locations all along Weymouth beach and the promenade where you can just grab one, buy a ticket when the ticket seller comes round and enjoy the view.

The water at Weymouth beach on a nice day is often as calm as a lake, the depth changes gradually on the sandy beach, perfect for a paddle! The water does get deeper more quickly down towards the Preston end. There are lifeguards at Weymouth beach through the summer season, enhancing the safety of the beach.

Metal detecting on Weymouth beach is a common sight and shell hunting further along is popular too. Throughout the year Weymouth beach is the focal point of the resort where it hosts events from volleyball competitions and the Weymouth beach Motocross to Dragon boat races and the Weymouth bonfire and fireworks extravaganza on Bonfire night. Fireworks are a popular Weymouth attraction on selected nights throughout the summer as well as on carnival night where they are launched from a platform out in Weymouth bay.

Pedalos and kayaks, deckchairs, windbreaks and beach huts are all available for hire from Weymouth beach. Clearly if the weather allows for it, you will be busy with plenty of things to do on Weymouth beach alone.

Quick suggestions for things to do on 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. 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 centuries from the Roman invasion of Weymouth, Weymouth in World Wars, Weymouth's civil war battles to recent history.

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

Other Weymouth Forts and Castles

Weymouth has been an important port on the south coast for many centuries and various forts have been built to protect it 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 an outer arm of Portland harbour (the fort is derelict and not open to the public). Portland Castle is another Henry VIII fort, this time built on Portland, Portland castle is under the care of English Heritage and open to the public.

Yesterdays defensive forts make fantastically 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.

Visit Portland - there are lots of things to do on Portland for a day out

Portland castle is one of many Henry VIII era forts built on the South coast to protect England against attacks from mainland Europe. Now under the care of English Heritage, Portland castle is one of the best preserved Henry VIII forts in the country and is open as a museum.

There are plenty of things to do on Portland and places to see, probably the most obvious being the red and white stripped lighthouse at Portland Bill but there are lots of other places to visit on Portland too.

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 - a really beautiful view over 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.

After enjoying the views, head towards Easton - after passing the pretty Easton Square, you will be on a very wide road, at the bottom of which is Portland museum and one of Portland's hidden treasures - Church Ope Cove.

After visiting Portland Museum, follow the lane down and you will find yourself out at a viewing point high above Church Ope Cove 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!

If you follow the steps down towards the beach, you will come to the path that leads to Church Ope Cove pirates graveyard halfway done - 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 much searched for Portland pirates grave.

Heading back up to the road again and away from Easton you will see the signs to Portland Bill, the remote tip of Portland with its red and white Portland Bill lighthouse, the newest of 3 lighthouses that stand here - one is a private residence and one is a bird observatory, Portland is a great place for birdwatching. Why not climb the steps to the top of the lighthouse? Pulpit rock can be found right on the tip of the island here too.

On a stormy day, Portland Bill sees some fantastic waves crash over the cliffs here making it a great place to visit in winter on a dry but stormy day if you want to see some waves. 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

Thomas Hardy - Fans of Thomas Hardy will have this one right at the top of their list of things to do in Dorset

Thomas Hardy one of Dorset's most famous sons was born at Lower Bockhampton and grew up at Hardy's cottage - a quaint chocolate box thatched cottage built by his father. Hardy was apprenticed as an architect before making his name as one of England's favourite writers.

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

On his death, his heart was removed and buried in his beloved Wessex (Dorset) at Stinsford church, 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.

The houses are well worth a visit and the grounds are lovely, following the Thomas Hardy's links through Dorset is a great idea for things to do in Dorset.

Enjoy a boat trip 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 on one of the historic white motorboats and a cruise around the Jurassic coast. Fishing trips from Weymouth harbour and dive charters can be booked too.

If you like an adrenaline rush then join one of the rib 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.

Do some fishing in Weymouth or try your hand at crabbing

You can get fishing boat trips from Weymouth harbour but if you'd rather keep your feet on dry land, there's plenty of opportunities for that too. Where to fish in Weymouth from land? Fishing is popular along both Weymouth pier and the jetty, it fact its rare to walk up either and not see any fishing activity.

Crabbing is extremely popular along the harbour walls as well, kids and adults alike can be seen enjoying catching the crabs all around the harbour and along the pier, one has to wonder just how many times a typical crab is caught around here - they must enjoy the game too. Do make sure you keep them in plenty of water and put Weymouth's crustaceous residents back though.

If you're into fishing then whether its from the pier, the jetty or off a boat, a days fishing is probably high on your list of things to do in Weymouth.

Spend the day around Weymouth harbour

Weymouth harbour is one of Weymouth's attractions and is close to many other Weymouth attractions.

The Nothe Fort dominates the view from many points along the harbour and offers a full day out whilst the close by Nothe gardens and Newtons cove give a place for some peace and quiet. The Nothe gardens are a particularly good spot for a picnic in Weymouth.

Tudor house and the Weymouth museum can be found on the same side whilst Weymouth beach and town is just over the town bridge on the other side.

The sight of Weymouth bridge lifting always attracts the crowds and offers a good photo opportunity as the bridge lifts to let tall boats pass into the marina.

As already mentioned there are plenty of boat trips from Weymouth harbour, be it a white knuckle motorboat ride, a ferry across to Portland or a days fishing, there's a trip for everyone.

Why not spend a day enjoying the attractions around Weymouth harbour, the views are wonderful, there are plenty of restaurants, bars and character inns around the harbour to enjoy a drink and something to eat as you watch the many boat people going about their daily business.

With fish and chip shops, ice creams and cool refreshing beers, a chilled out day around Weymouth harbour and visiting the close by attractions could be just what you need.

Weymouth is such a compact town that you can be round the harbour 1 minute, in the town or on the beach the next.

Suggestions for 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, Weymouth Museum and Tudor House
- Get the quaint rowboat ferry from one side to the other

Watch a movie, have a go at bowling and visit the amusement arcades

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 is also a bowling alley and a large cinema in Weymouth town where there are plenty of shops too including high street names, niche gift shops and coffee shops, there are plenty of indoor Weymouth attractions.

Weymouth walks

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

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 is a small cafe near Sandsfoot castle but apart from the opportunities for refreshments are limited so it would be wise to take a drink with you. There are a number of benches along the way.

The Walk along Weymouth seafront

Of course you can walk along Weymouth beach for miles but the promenade also runs the entire length from the pleasure pier to Bowleaze Cove for an effortless walk with fantastic views.

As you walk from the pleasure pier end, you will notice the beach turns from the fine golden sand of Weymouth beach to shingle and pebbles as you walk along.

Highlights include the Sandman's hut, the Weymouth Punch and Judy, the Victorian clocktower, Greenhill gardens, Sammy the Weymouth seal if your lucky and many beautiful views.

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

If you can't face the walk, why not take a ride on the Weymouth land train and enjoy the amazing views across Weymouth beach from the promenade.

The Radipole Lake nature reserve - a nature reserve in the heart of a holiday resort

Radipole Lake can be found at the back of Weymouth marina following the route of the River Wey, the nature reserve is a fantastic place to spot wildlife and one of the free things to do in Weymouth.

Walking along the boards through the lake, look out for wildlife around the reeds that grow in the lake, swans, ducks, dragonflies and read about the wildlife that lives in this little haven on the educational boards that have been placed throughout the walks.

There are lots of benches to enjoy the peace and quiet and a cafe at the beginning of the walk.

A walk taking in Weymouth Harbour, the stone pier and Newtons Cove

Heading over the town bridge from the direction of Weymouth beach, walk down Trinity street past the colourful fisherman cottages of Weymouth harbour, there are a few character inns, shops and restaurants along here too.

Continue on past Cove row and you will pass the RNLI station and the Weymouth sailing club before passing the steps from which Weymouth ferry rowboats cross from one side of the harbour to the other before reaching the 'Spanish steps' that lead up to the Nothe gardens.

Pass by the Spanish steps and you will be heading down Nothe Parade that leads down to the stone pier, passing the harbourside cafe and the Nothe Fort on your way. There is a small stony beach between the stone pier and the Nothe Fort that is popular with small birds.,

When you reach the end of Weymouth Jetty you will see fantastic views across the Jurassic coast and Weymouth beach and in the other direction back towards the Nothe Fort and Portland, a nice view looking up Portland harbour can also be seen.

Be sure to read the memorial to the Earl of Abergavenny tragedy at the start on the stone as you enter the jetty, the Earl of Abergavenny floundered in Weymouth bay in 1805 after hitting the shambles at Portland with the loss of over 200 lives.

On the way back, there are a number of steps up to the Nothe gardens you can choose to climb. The Nothe gardens are a wonderful peaceful spot with lots of wildlife to be seen and from many spots, fantastic views, as you walk towards the opposite side - you can walk around the side of the Nothe Fort or across the top of the gardens - a great place for a picnic in Weymouth.

Here you will be at the seawall on the other side of the gardens and following this path away from the Nothe Fort takes you to Newtons Cove, lovely views across Portland and the Portland breakwater including the Portland breakwater fort can be seen, there is a small beach at Newtons Cove too.

Once you've had enough, you can either climb the steps to the bridge at Newtons Cove - this takes you to a small park where you can carry on to the Rodwell trail or simply turn right and walk to the small roundabout, here you will see the Brewers Quay and can head back to Hope Square to enjoy one of the fine pubs or cafes to be found in this area, often on weekends in the summer there is also live music playing at Hope Square.

Visit the Weymouth museums

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

Weymouth Museum

Weymouth museum is open Thursday to Saturday and offers a lot of information about Weymouth history. The Weymouth museum can be found in Hope Square in part of the old Brewers Quay building and is well worth the entry fee to learn about Weymouth history.

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.

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, also well worth a visit is the Tolpuddle Martyrs in the lovely village of Tolpuddle.

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

On Portland, Portland museum can be found close to Church Ope Cove, the D-Day centre can be found at Castletown on Portland and Portland castle is also close by.

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 closeby 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, maybe the 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.