There’s a special kind of charm to Weymouth — the kind that greets you the moment you arrive. With its wide stretch of golden sand curving gently around Weymouth Bay, the town feels like it was made for slow mornings, sea air, and sandy toes. On bright days, the promenade comes to life with the hum of conversation, the scent of fresh fish and chips, and children laughing as they chase waves along the shore.
Down at Weymouth Harbour, boats drift lazily on the tide, their reflections dancing in the water as seagulls wheel overhead. It’s a town where you can lose track of time just watching the world go by — from the colourful beach huts to the calm sea glinting in the afternoon light.
Whether you’re stepping off the train at Weymouth station or arriving by car, everything is within easy reach. The atmosphere is welcoming, the pace is easy, and the town is full of simple pleasures — the kind that make for lasting holiday memories. Come rain or shine, and whatever the weather in Weymouth, this is a place where you can truly relax and soak up the best of the Dorset coast.
Weymouth’s story begins in the 13th century, when it first emerged as a bustling seaport on the south coast of England. Its exposed position on the Channel made it vulnerable to attack, especially from French raiders, prompting Henry VIII to commission two coastal fortresses — Sandsfoot Castle and Portland Castle — both of which you can still explore today.
Over the centuries, Weymouth grew from a modest harbour town into one of England’s most celebrated seaside resorts. Its transformation began in the late 18th century when King George III, seeking relief from illness, chose Weymouth as his holiday retreat. His patronage sparked a surge in popularity, and the town’s elegant Georgian seafront began to take shape. The esplanade, with its graceful terraces and sweeping sea views, was developed between 1770 and 1855 under the vision of architects such as James Hamilton.
Weymouth’s maritime connections remained strong well into the 20th century. During World War I, it served as a recovery centre for over 120,000 ANZAC troops wounded in the Gallipoli campaign. In World War II, the town played a vital role in the D-Day landings, acting as a key embarkation point for Allied forces. More recently, its historic beach and seafront were used in the filming of the acclaimed movie Dunkirk.
Today, echoes of Weymouth’s rich past can still be seen in its architecture, fortifications, and deep ties to the sea — a town shaped by centuries of history, yet always looking ahead.
Reaching Weymouth is straightforward, whether you’re traveling by car, train, or bus. Located on the south coast of Dorset, the town is accessible via the A354, which connects to the A35 at Dorchester, providing routes from the M3 and M5 motorways. For rail travellers, Weymouth train station offers direct services from London Waterloo, passing through key locations like Southampton, Bournemouth, and Poole. National Express and local bus services also connect Weymouth to nearby towns and cities, making it a convenient destination for visitors from across the UK.
Weather in Weymouth is generally mild, with warm, sunny summers and cool, breezy winters that make it a year-round destination. Spring and early autumn are ideal for walking and sightseeing, while July and August are best for beach days and water activities. Local forecasts are updated daily and easy to find online, so you can plan your activities around the latest weather in Weymouth and enjoy your stay, rain or shine.
Parking in Weymouth is convenient, with several options close to the town centre, beach, and harbour. Notable car parks include the Commercial Road multi-storey for long stays, and short-stay options like Harbourside, Cosen’s Quay, and Melcombe Regis. For those preferring to park outside the town centre, the Weymouth Park and Ride facility offers 1,000 spaces and easy access to the town via regular bus services.
Public transport in Weymouth is well-organised, offering easy access to the town and surrounding areas. Weymouth train station is conveniently located near the town centre, with regular direct services from London, Bristol, and other major cities. From there, a network of Weymouth buses connects visitors to nearby attractions like Portland, Dorchester, and the Jurassic Coast. Services run frequently, especially in summer, making it simple to explore without a car.
Checking the tide times in Weymouth is a smart way to plan your beach outings, boat trips, or coastal walks. Tides can vary throughout the day, and knowing when the water will be high or low helps you make the most of your time by the sea. Real-time Weymouth tide times are widely available online and are especially useful for visitors hoping to try crabbing, explore rockpools, or just find the perfect spot on the sand.
Whether you’re chasing sea air, family fun, or a taste of Dorset’s rich history, Weymouth is bursting with things to see, do, and experience. Start your morning with a stroll along the golden sands, spend your afternoon paddleboarding across the bay or exploring historic forts, and end the day with fresh seafood and a harbour sunset. This is a place where you can be as active or as relaxed as you like — from adrenaline-fuelled adventures on the water to peaceful walks and quiet corners full of stories. However you like to holiday, Weymouth has it all — and then some.
There’s no shortage of fun in Weymouth for families and visitors of all ages. The SEA LIFE Centre offers a close-up look at marine life, while nearby Sandworld features incredible sculptures made entirely of sand. Nothe Gardens is perfect for picnics and play, and classic attractions like donkey rides, trampolines, and arcades along the seafront keep the holiday vibe going strong. In summer, the beach buzzes with entertainment — from Punch and Judy shows to fairground rides.
Weymouth is a dream for outdoor enthusiasts. The South West Coast Path offers spectacular walking routes with sweeping views of the Jurassic Coast, and nearby trails like the Rodwell Trail and Bowleaze Cove are perfect for easy strolls or family bike rides. Watersports lovers can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and windsurfing in the calm waters of Weymouth Bay, while beachgoers can make the most of the town’s wide, sandy shore for games, swimming, and seaside fun.
A long-time favourite with anglers, Weymouth offers a variety of fishing experiences for all skill levels. You can head out on a charter boat for a day of deep-sea or mackerel fishing, join a group trip from the harbour, or simply cast a line off the pier or along Chesil Beach. The waters here are rich in species, and the town’s reputation as one of the best sea fishing spots in the country is well-earned. Tackle shops and local guides are available to help you get started.
Weymouth’s past is never far from view, and history buffs will find plenty to explore. Nothe Fort, a Victorian coastal defence with tunnels and displays, offers hands-on history and amazing harbour views. Visit the Weymouth Museum to learn about the town’s maritime heritage, or take a walk to the ruins of Sandsfoot Castle, built by Henry VIII. You can also explore nearby Portland Castle, discover historic churches, and trace the town’s royal connections along the elegant Georgian esplanade.
Weymouth Beach is one of the town’s biggest draws — a long, wide stretch of soft golden sand backed by a bustling promenade and safe, shallow waters perfect for paddling and swimming. It’s a place that changes with the seasons and the time of day, always offering something different to enjoy.
In the early hours of summer mornings, before the town stirs, you might catch sight of horses being ridden along the shoreline — a peaceful and striking sight. From 1st April to 30th September, horses are only permitted on the beach before 9am and after 7pm, and riders are reminded never to race their horses on the sand. It’s a cherished tradition, enjoyed respectfully by local riders and early risers alike.
Dogs are welcome too, especially in the quieter months. From 1st October to 30th April, dogs are allowed to roam freely on the central beach, making it a favourite for those brisk winter walks with your four-legged companion. During summer, there are nearby dog-friendly beach zones where you and your pup can still enjoy the sand and sea together.
As the day warms up in summer, the beach comes alive. Families spread out their towels, children splash in the water, and the air fills with the sounds of laughter, waves, and seaside fun. You’ll find trampolines, beach volleyball, traditional fairground rides, and even classic donkey rides — all just steps from cafés, coffee shops, and some of Weymouth’s best ice cream parlours.
And while this stretch of beach is the heart of the town, it’s just the beginning. Weymouth is home to a variety of beautiful beaches, each with its own character and charm — ideal for exploring during your stay.
Weymouth offers more than just beautiful beaches and seaside charm — it’s also a great place to shop, eat, and unwind. Whether you’re browsing for souvenirs, looking for the best fish and chips in town, or searching for a cosy pub where your dog is just as welcome as you are, the town has plenty of local gems to discover. Here’s where to shop, dine, and make the most of your time in town, whatever the weather.
Weymouth’s town centre is full of independent shops, boutique stores, and high-street favourites. You’ll find everything from seaside souvenirs and artisan gifts to handmade jewellery, antiques, and fashion. Local markets pop up regularly, particularly in the summer, offering fresh produce, crafts, and local specialties. Whether you’re stocking up for your holiday cottage or just browsing for a treat, Weymouth’s shopping scene has something for everyone
Travelling with your dog? Weymouth has a warm welcome for four-legged visitors, with plenty of dog-friendly pubs and cafés throughout town. Many spots offer water bowls, treats, and even dog menus. Popular favourites include The Ship Inn, Nautico Lounge and The Nook — perfect for a post-walk drink. It’s easy to find places where you can relax with your dog after a day exploring the coast or countryside.
If you’d rather have a quiet night in, plenty of places deliver right to your door. From takeaway favourites like pizza, curry, and Chinese to local fish and chips and even restaurant-quality meals, Weymouth is well served by delivery apps such as Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat. Several local restaurants and cafés also offer direct delivery or click-and-collect, making it easy to enjoy great food without leaving your cottage.
The town is well known for its food scene, with everything from fresh-off-the-boat seafood to global cuisine and beachside snacks. Along the harbour and esplanade, you’ll find a wide range of eateries — from traditional fish and chip shops and ice cream parlours to gourmet bistros and relaxed family-friendly restaurants. Many focus on using fresh local ingredients, making the most of Weymouth’s coastal location and Dorset’s rich food culture.
Weymouth Harbour is one of the town’s most captivating spots — a lively, working harbour with a rich maritime past and a timeless charm. Still home to a small but active fishing fleet, the harbour also serves as a gateway to the modern Weymouth Marina, where sleek yachts and traditional boats sit side by side.
Stroll along the quayside and you’ll find cosy old pubs, harbourside cafés, and excellent seafood restaurants where you can watch the boats glide beneath the lifting bridge and out into Weymouth Bay. It’s the perfect place to sample locally landed fish, sip a pint in the sun, and maybe even spot a dolphin playing in the water — they’re occasional but always magical visitors.
The harbour isn’t just beautiful — it’s a hub of activity throughout the year. One of the highlights is the Dorset Seafood Festival, which draws crowds from near and far to celebrate the region’s fishing heritage and coastal flavours.
The sea is woven into every part of life here. From the harbour, you can board a cruise to the Channel Islands, book a scenic boat trip along the Jurassic Coast, or join a charter for a relaxed day of mackerel fishing. It’s a place to connect with the sea — whether you’re setting sail or simply enjoying the view.
Weymouth has grown over the years and now incorporates several former villages, all with their own distinct atmosphere.
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 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 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 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.
Weymouth is the kind of place that makes you want to stay a little longer. Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a romantic escape, or a coastal getaway with friends, staying in this beautiful seaside town gives you the freedom to slow down and truly soak up the best of Dorset living. From early morning strolls along the promenade to relaxed evenings watching the sunset over Weymouth Bay, there’s nothing quite like waking up just moments from the sea.
Our handpicked holiday cottages in Weymouth offer the perfect base to enjoy everything the town has to offer. Stay close to the beach for easy days on the sand, or choose a cosy spot near Weymouth Harbour, where you can enjoy harbour views, seafood suppers, and the gentle rhythm of boats passing by. Many of our properties are dog-friendly, family-ready, and ideally located for exploring both the town and the surrounding Jurassic Coast.
With so much to see and do right on your doorstep, staying in Weymouth means you can set your own pace — whether you’re heading out for a hike along the South West Coast Path, spending a lazy day at the beach, or exploring the town’s historic sites and local shops.
Take a look below at our full collection of cottages in Weymouth — your perfect coastal escape is waiting.
Swanage 
4.7/5
Corfe Castle
4.8/5
Swanage
4.7/5
Weymouth
5/5
Swanage
4.9/5
Sutton Poyntz, Nr Weymouth
5/5
Kingston, Nr Corfe Castle
4.8/5
West Lulworth
4.9/5
Corfe Castle
5/5
Langton Matravers
4.9/5
01929 481547