Weymouth and its surrounding countryside offer more than sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, and coastal walks.
Scattered across the hills and lanes of West Dorset are historic churches that quietly tell the story of the region through stone, stained glass, and centuries of community life.
Lots are still in use, whilst others sit more quietly as landmarks and heritage sites. Each one rewards those who take the time to step inside.
Here are five interesting churches within easy reach of us that are well worth a visit.
St Catherine’s Chapel, Abbotsbury
Few churches in Dorset have such a commanding position as St Catherine’s Chapel. It’s a distinctive landmark on the coast road west towards Bridport and Lyme Regis.
Perched high above the village of Abbotsbury, this late 14th-century chapel was built by the monks of Abbotsbury Abbey and dedicated to St Catherine of Alexandria. It served as a place of pilgrimage, prayer, and refuge for sailors out at sea.
The chapel is built entirely of local stone, with walls so thick they could withstand the centuries of gales that sweep in from the west. The space inside is plain and unadorned, with an atmosphere of tranquillity and strength. Local tradition once encouraged visitors to make wishes by placing their hand inside niches known as “wishing holes”.
The chapel is cared for by English Heritage and is free to enter. It is reached by a short but steep walk up from Abbotsbury village, so good footwear is advisable. On a clear day, the views across the Fleet Lagoon and the Jurassic Coast are unforgettable.
St Catherine’s is a 30-minute drive from us. You can park in Abbotsbury or at the nearby Swannery. In the village you’ll find a few remains of the Abbey, including a huge tithe barn.
St Mary’s Church, Weymouth
At the heart of Weymouth town stands St Mary’s, a Regency church that opened in 1817. This Grade 1 listed building is on the site of an earlier church that was frequented by King George III when he was in town. His granddaughter, Princess Charlotte, heads the list of donors to the new building. This list has been displayed just inside the door for over 200 years.
Its most notable feature is a painting of the Last Supper by Sir James Thornhill, a celebrated local artist who also decorated the cupola of St Paul’s Cathedral and the Painted Hall at Greenwich. St Mary’s continues to serve an active congregation, but visitors are welcome to step inside and admire the sense of space and dignity that the building conveys.
A number of monuments have stories to tell, with some dating from the earlier building.
The church is also home to Mustard Seeds, which sells craft items made by local people. This is open Monday to Saturday. It also hosts occasional performances of classical music.
Located on St Mary Street, close to Weymouth’s harbour and shops, the church is open every day, although on Sunday it’s mostly for services. It is easy to combine a visit with a stroll along the quayside or the nearby beach. The building is still used for services on Sundays.
St Mary’s Church is a 20-minute drive from us. There are plenty of local car parks in Weymouth.
St Ann’s Church, Radipole
Just a short distance from Weymouth’s bustle, in the quieter suburb of Radipole, stands St Ann’s Church. Parts of this building date back to the 13th century, making it one of the oldest surviving churches in the immediate area. Later centuries added their own touches, resulting in a building that mixes medieval stonework with Victorian restoration.
St Ann’s was the original church for much of today’s town of Weymouth. It lost this status in the early 1600s, when the first church on the St Mary’s site was opened.
The church has a compact, almost rustic charm. Inside, you will find a medieval font and memorials that chart the lives of Radipole’s parishioners across generations. Outside, the churchyard is a peaceful spot, often filled with birdsong. A number of the headstones are a reminder of how dangerous shipwrecks could be in years gone by.
St Ann’s is Grade II listed and remains in use for services. Visitors are welcome, though it is wise to check opening times locally before planning a trip. There is a small car park opposite.
The church is about a 15-minute drive from us, with parking nearby.
St George’s Church, Portland
On the rugged Isle of Portland, just a few miles from Weymouth, stands St George’s Church, one of the most architecturally striking churches in Dorset. Built in the 18th century, it was designed by the architect Thomas Gilbert and completed in 1766.
St George’s replaced St Andrew’s, a medieval church on the east side of the island, which suffered from landslips.
Of course, the building is made of Portland stone, in a style popular in Georgian England. Its symmetrical façade, tall round-headed windows, and grand interior give it a sense of dignity and order, quite distinct from the medieval parish churches scattered elsewhere in the county.
Inside, the original galleries and box pews are still in place, as are twin pulpits. Many of the pews were owned by local families, and their payments helped fund construction.
The church is now cared for by the Churches Conservation Trust, which ensures its preservation and makes it accessible to visitors. It’s no longer used for regular services.
The surrounding churchyard, with its views across the island, is packed with headstones, many of which have a story to tell. If there’s a volunteer guide on duty, they’ll be able to direct you to some of the more interesting monuments.
St George’s Church is free to visit and is open daily. You can park nearby, and the site is easily combined with a wider exploration of the Isle of Portland.
The church is about a 30-minute drive from us.
All Saints Church, Wyke Regis
For centuries, sailors have used All Saints Church as an aid to navigation. It’s a distinctive landmark on the coast, marking the approach to Weymouth.
Built in the late 15th century, the church reflected the importance of the parish. It was the most substantial church building in the area until St Mary’s was built.
The church is built of sturdy local stone, with a spacious nave and wide aisles that give it a sense of grandeur. Inside, you’ll find a fine 15th-century font, carved stonework, and memorials to local families who were closely tied to the sea. The churchyard slopes down towards the coast and is dotted with weathered gravestones that speak of centuries of seafaring and shipwreck.
As with many other local churches, All Saints remains an active parish church and is usually open daily to visitors.
The church is about a 20-minute drive from us. You can park nearby in Wyke Regis, and the church is within walking distance of coastal footpaths that connect to Chesil Beach and Portland.
