Weymouth beach is consistently rated one of the best in the whole country. But that’s just one of the resort’s many attractions.
We’ve put together a list of things to do in Weymouth – there’s plenty to keep you busy for days.
What you can do for free in Weymouth
Weymouth beach
Weymouth keeps winning awards for its popular beach. That’s no surprise, because thousands flock to the sands all year round.
The town works hard to keep the beach clean, and to keep it busy. It’s home to a variety of popular attractions and festivals, including the well-loved seaside donkeys. In high summer it hosts a popular volleyball tournament.
Parents and children love the beach because the sand is fabulous for building castles, and you can wade out a long way before the water becomes very deep.
There are loads of kiosks and shops right by the beach, making it really easy to get ice creams, drinks, beach gear and more.
Crabbing in Weymouth harbour
In the summer the quayside is lined with enthusiastic crabbers, dangling lines down into the harbour. Tempted out by the promise of a piece of raw bacon, the covetous crustaceans are hauled out of the water and plopped into buckets.
Crabbing is great fun but take care not to put too many crabs in one bucket, and don’t keep them for too long.
Weymouth now has special bins on the harbourside where you can safely dispose of crabbing gear.
Chesil beach
Where can you hear a sound that’s unique to our corner of Dorset? Visit Chesil Beach and listen to the sea rolling back millions of pebbles as every wave retreats.
No other beach sounds like this.
Chesil is an impressive bank of pebbles, stretching for miles from Portland to Abbotsbury. It’s continually changing shape, as the waves remodel the slope facing the sea.
Rock pooling at Newton’s Cove
Newton’s Cove is one of Weymouth’s secret places – often missed by the crowds that flock to the main beach and the harbour.
It boasts an expanse of rocks that are exposed as the tide retreats, leaving loads of pools that teem with life and are waiting to be explored.
Enjoy the adventure of finding different sea creatures but please treat them with respect.
Explore Nothe Gardens
Enjoy fabulous views of the Dorset coast and Portland Harbour from the garden beside Nothe Fort. You’ll find a cafe, kiosk, nature trail and more.
It’s a great place to enjoy a picnic, or simply to stroll through as you explore the town.
There are two RSPB reserves in Weymouth – at Radipole and Lodmoor. Birds that you might see include marsh harriers, bearded tits, kingfishers and Cetti’s warblers. Both reserves are alive with wildlife, both in the air and on the ground.
Stone Pier
Take a stroll along the south side of the harbour, go past the RNLI station and Weymouth Sailing Club, and keep following the path beneath Nothe Fort. Eventually you’ll reach the Stone Pier, a breakwater that offers glorious views of the coast in many different directions.
There’s a little lookout tower at the end that you can climb for an even better view.
Fun places to visit in Weymouth
Alexandra Gardens
Every respectable English seaside resort has funfair rides for children and at least one arcade packed with 2p slot machines.
Alexandra Gardens has hosted holiday entertainment for generations. Today you’ll find a carousel, dodgems, rides for little ones and, of course, the obligatory rows of copper coin pushers.
Nothe Fort
Now one of Weymouth’s premier attractions, it’s hard to imagine Nothe Fort as a derelict ruin. That’s what it was, 40years ago. Today it’s home to exhibitions, entertainment and a maze of tunnels – not all of which have been discovered. There’s also rumoured to be a ghost or two.
The historic fort was Winner of Small Visitor Attraction of the Year 2021/22 in the Dorset Tourism Awards.
By the way – if you say it as as two syllables – ‘not-the’ fort – you’ll give away that you’re not local! Think of it as being on a nose of land. That’s more the sound you’re looking for.
Sandworld Sculpture Park
Sand sculpture has long been a popular pastime in Weymouth, thanks to the remarkable properties of the material on our beaches. SandWorld draws on nearly a century of sculpture tradition in one family. Enjoy some spectacular creations and have a go at making your own.
Putting at Greenhill Gardens
Putting – the art of knocking a little white ball into a hole cut in the turf – is another popular seaside activity. Weymouth’s putting green offers spectacular views of the bay, from its location in Greenhill Gardens.
Sealife Centre
The Sealife centre is home to sharks, turtles, seals, penguins and many more. It includes play areas and splash zones for children.
Pirate Adventure Mini Golf
Right next door to Sealife, and available on a joint ticket, Pirate Adventure Mini Golf has you looking for treasure as you explore the tricky 18 holes.
Lodmoor Country Park
Entry to the park is free and it includes a cafe, Pirate Ship Play Park and two green gyms – for adults and children. Paying attractions include the Rio Grande model railway, a small pitch-and-putt, go-karts and a giant slide.
Tudor House
Weymouth was once one of England’s premier ports. The Tudor House is a rare survival from those prosperous times – a merchant’s home that once looked out onto a harbour inlet.
Fantasy Island Fun Park
Located at the popular Bowleaze Cove, the Fun Park offers a number of rides and other fun activities for children.
Even more to do in Weymouth
With fresh fish and seafood being landed daily on the harbourside, it’s inevitable that Weymouth has become home to some wonderful restaurants. Walk around the harbour or along the Esplanade – you’re spoilt for choice!
Sandsfoot Gardens
Today Sandsfoot Gardens are a tranquil oasis a little off the beaten track. A feature is the small castle ruin that’s teetering on the edge of the cliffs. Unfortunately, this precarious position means it’s closed to visitors, but the gardens make a delightful space to enjoy a cuppa and snack from the kiosk, and take in the glorious views over Portland Harbour.
Take a scenic tour along the seafront and harbour with the land train. The 30-minute circular route takes in the Esplanade, harbour bridge and Hope Square.
Bennetts Water Gardens
Home to the National Plant Collection of water lilies, the 8 acres of water gardens have been designed in a Claude Monet style. Discover the Japanese Bridge, Tropical House, Woodland Walks and Museum.