01929 481547
Weymouth Beach, in Dorset
Explore

Why Visit Weymouth & Portland?

Come and explore the seaside town of Weymouth.  The town, coast and surrounding countryside have so much to offer for visitors to the area.  Find out why Weymouth is so popular with hundreds of thousands of visitors every year!

 

Weymouth Cottages
Weymouth Beach
Walk along the sandy shores of

Weymouth Beach

Weymouth is deservedly famous for its long, sandy beach.  The beach is long and wide, with safe shallow batheing water.  In winter you can take your dog for a bracing stroll.

In the summer the day starts early – before 7am horse riders are allowed on the beach and can often be seen cantering along the shoreline or enjoying a dip.  The parade is a favourite spot for runners who take advantage of the cooler temperatures.  As the day wears on the sandy beach bcomes a magnet for those that love safe, clean batheing waters.  The beach is the hub of the town where you will find trampolines, volleyball,  fair ground rides and traditional donkey rides.  Several excellent cafes and coffee shops border the shore road, along with several award winning ice cream parlours.

Weymouth Quay at Dusk
Discover

Quay and Harbour

This vibrant working harbour is a delight to enjoy.  The harbour is still home to a small fishing fleet and gateway to Weymouth marina.  An array of restaurants and olde pubs line the harbour, where you can enjoy watching the boats go through the bridge and out into the Bay.  Here you can enjoy locally produced food and freshly caught seafood.  If you are lucky catch a glimpse of a dolphin in the harbour.

The harbour is home to several events throughout the year, the most famous being the Dorset Seafood Festival.

The sea is at the heart of the harbour.  You can take a cruise to the channel islands or a boat trip along the Jurassic Coast.  You can charters boats to enjoy a day of mackerel fishing.

Eating out in

Weymouth

There is such a variety of places to eat out and enjoy locally produced food in the town.  Of course given its own harbour, seafood is often to be found on the menu. The Hive Cafe at Burton Bradstock comes highly recommended if you love seafood.  Equally popular is the Crab House Cafe with an impressive review rating.

Weymouth Lighthouse
Enjoy

Weymouth's Attractions

Apart from the main beach, the town is home to a wealth of attractions.  The SeaLife centre is Weymouth ‘s largest attraction and provides a good days entertainment – booking online is recommended to save you some pennies.  In good weather remember to bring the kids swimming costumes so that they can enjoy the plunge pool and water fountains. Bennetts Water Gardens is one of those hidden gems, right in the heart of the town. Nothe Fort is open most days to explore but is often the home to historic reenactments.

Statue of King George in Weymouth
The History of

Weymouth

The town was first noted in the 13th Century as a seaport.  It was vulnerable to attack from French raiders so Henry VIII built both Sandsfoot castle and Portland Castle (which you can explore today).

Historically speaking, Weymouth is perhaps most famous for its maritime connections and beautiful Georgian seafront.  The town first saw fame as a seaside resort when it became the favourite holiday hotspot for George III, who after suffering from ill health sought to recuperate by the sea.  The beautiful esplanade was built between 1770 and 1855 being designed by architects such as James Hamilton.

Weymouth was an important port during both World Wars.  In World War One it was used as a convalescing point for over 120,000 Anzac troops after the battle of Gallipoli and was also an important embarkation point during the D-Day landings.  Much of the filming for the recent Dunkirk film took place on Weymouth Beach.

Explore

Weymouth Areas

Weymouth has grown over the years and now incorporates several former villages, all with their own distinct atmosphere.

Upwey – Weymouth

Take a step back in time and visit Upwey Village, this pretty area used to regularly bring holiday makers from the seafront to the village to taste the waters in the Wishing Well and enjoy tea in the tea gardens.  Today you can visit the Wishing Well tea rooms and enjoy a traditional cream tea or roast dinner.

There is a bus service running quite regularly that will take you to the outskirts of the village from Weymouth town centre and another that runs mornings only that will take you to the heart of the village.

Chickerell – Weymouth

Chickerell is very close to Fleet Lagoon with Chesil Beach running along the length of the village.  Chickerell is also home to Bennetts Water Garden, which is next to Chickerell Downs run by the Woodland Trust.

Preston – Weymouth

Preston is a suburb of Weymouth and lies on the coast to the East of the main town.  The area is home to the remains of a Roman temple, today it is a lovely holiday spot with quaint cottages down to the coast at Bowleaze Cove.  The village church of St Andrews is a 14th Century example built on the site of an earlier Saxon church.  Preston neighbors the village of Sutton Poyntz.

The village of Preston has some old interesting building, including Manor Cottage.  This cottage was once home to the Wesley family, the founders of Methodism.  More information can be found Preston History

Wyke Regis – Weymouth

Wyke Regis situated West of the main town centre and harbour.  All Saints Church dominates the area and was built in 1455, though records indicate that a church was built as early as 1172.  Above the main door is the coat of arms of Henry VIII, which is said to have been brought from Sandsfoot Castle.

Sandsfoot Castle, built by Henry VIII lies within the parish of Wyke Regis.  The tudor ruins can still be explored and lie along the Rodwell Trail.

Enjoy A

Calendar of Weymouth Events

What are the must see events in Weymouth?  The list of local events is long with something for every age and taste, we have put together a list of all your favourite Weymouth Events here.  From the nationally renowned Dorset Seafood Festival to The Motocrosss Beach Race – the yearly itinerary is fresh and inviting.

Early in January, those wanting to keep the festive spirit going a little but longer may wish to visit Abbotsbury Gardens, who run the winter Illuminate event.  The beautiful gardens are dramatically lit for visitors to enjoy a winter wonderland.

August brings some flash and bang to Weymouth with weekly fireworks displays for the many visitors who flock to this coastal town.

October brings an exciting new noise to the town and beach.  Motocross riders take up there position on a specially built track, right on Weymouth beach.  Being a fresh course on deep sand, the going can be tough and the spills spectacular.  But those especially talented riders wow the crowd with huge jumps and expert technique.

 

 

 

 

Magnolia Cottage image
Magnolia Cottage
Weymouth
4.9/5
A welcoming stay awaits you in this three bedroom holiday let built from a mix of local Portland stone and brick.
6
3
2
0
Contact us for prices
View & Book
Save 15% on stays before 27th February
+4 more discounts
Littlecot image
Littlecot
Weymouth
5/5
A gorgeous, detached family home within stones throw of Smallmouth Bay and the Rodwell trail. Ideal for those who want a comfy base for friends or extended family.
8
4
2
2
Holiday prices from  £550
View & Book
Save 20% on stays before 13th February
Save 10% on stays before 27th February
Hill View image
Hill View
Weymouth
5/5
Set in the peaceful Weymouth suburb of Preston, Hill View offers a delightful retreat for couples or small families.
4
2
1
1
Holiday prices from  £330
View & Book
Sea Tower image
Sea Tower
Weymouth
0/5
Breathtaking holiday home with wide ranging coastal views and exquisite interior for a luxury break.
6
3
2
0
Holiday prices from  £742
View & Book
Save 10% on stays before 27th February
3 Puddledock Cottage image
3 Puddledock Cottage
Sutton Poyntz, Nr Weymouth
5/5
Enjoy soaking up the Dorset sunshine in this newly renovated countryside cottage, tucked away in the quiet village of Sutton Poyntz.
6
3
1
0
Holiday prices from  £431
View & Book
Save 20% on stays before 27th February
Cheesemans Cottage Perfect Country Retreat In The Dorset Countryside External 2
Cheesemans Cottage
Muckleford, Dorchester
4.6/5
This traditional home embodies all the distinct qualities of a quintessential English country retreat in Dorset. This ‘chocolate box’ thatched cottage, located on a quiet country lane is surrounded by a beautiful garden.
5
2
1
3
Contact us for prices
View & Book
Save 10% on stays before 27th February
Markham House image
Markham House
Weymouth
5/5
A spacious family home with off road parking and large, enclosed garden. The house is ideal for family and friends who want to stroll through the town to the Harbour and beach.
5
3
2
1
Holiday prices from  £423
View & Book
Save 20% on stays before 6th February
+2 more discounts
Dream Cottage image
Dream Cottage
Portland
5/5
A stylish, compact cottage - ideal for friends and small families to get together to enjoy the coast, walking and watersports.
6
3
2
0
Holiday prices from  £340
View & Book
Stay Connected
Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest updates and offers.