17 Best Things to Do in Weymouth, Dorset in 2024

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Weymouth is a beautiful seaside town in England and is the perfect place for a relaxing trip. Located in Dorset, Famous for its beautiful sandy beaches and charming pier, but there are plenty of things to do in Weymouth for all types of travellers.

There are so many different things to do and see while visiting the South Coast of England, but I cannot recommend this town enough. There’s such a great mixture of history, beaches, and seaside activities, plus it’s just an absolutely beautiful place with a lot of history.

17 Incredible Weymouth Attractions

So, whether this is your first time in Dorset, or you’re returning for the 5th time, these are some of the most incredible places to visit in Weymouth, Dorset.

1. Wander Around Weymouth Harbour

Cost: Free

The harbour is easily one of the Weymouth attractions. The pretty painted houses and restaurant terraces are a step back in time to the 18th century.

The harbour is home to the town’s Sailing Club and there are often races going on at weekends, with boats moored up around the edge of this tranquil waterside spot.

It’s also filled with all sorts of dining options. You’ll find fish and chip shops, places selling ice creams, cafes, pubs, and tea rooms. One of the more popular attractions is catching crabs by using a crabbing line and bait. You can try your luck in summer at one of the quayside.

You’ll also be able to walk to the Weymouth Museum and the Tudor House Museum from here, which are also a good choice to visit.

2. Explore the Nothe Fort

Cost: £9.95 per adult

Nothe Fort is one of the few remaining Napoleonic forts in Britain. The fort is situated on a hill overlooking the town and harbour. It was constructed between 1806 and 1808 to protect against any possible invasion by Napoleon’s forces from France.

The cannons positioned around the site date back to 1714. The fort is open daily and the historical gem and one of the best things to do in Weymouth.

3. Relax on Weymouth Beach

Cost: Free

Weymouth has a beautiful 3-mile-long stretch of sandy beach. It’s a great spot to enjoy from dawn until dusk, as activities range from simple sunbathing on hot days to fishing or walking along the shoreline.

From the harbour, you’ll need to take a short walk across the Weymouth town bridge to reach the beach. You can also explore the town on the way with its pretty shops and markets.

Weymouth Beach is the perfect quintessential British seaside experience and the perfect way to spend an afternoon by the sea.

4. Explore Greenhill Gardens

Cost: Free

If you’re wondering what to do in Weymouth which isn’t the beach, the Greenhill Gardens may be right up your street. It’s a beautiful park that’s perfect for a Sunday afternoon stroll. Wander past the orchard, water lilies, and willow trees which all make this place feel peaceful.

Located on the edge of the town centre, the gardens are open mostly during the summer season from dawn to dusk with free admission.

Plus, as well as the greenery and flowers themselves, the views from the gardens are amazing and stretch across Dorset’s coastline. It’s no wonder these gardens have won awards for their beauty!

5. Visit Chesil Beach

Cost: Free

Chesil Beach is a very impressive 18-mile-long stretch of pebbles and sand that’s the longest shingle beach in Europe. It stretches from West Bay to Portland, with an average width of one mile across its north end.

It’s one of the most iconic sights in all of Dorset and one of the best things to do in Weymouth.

The best way to explore this beautiful coastline is by walking along it. Although if you are tempted with a coastal stroll, be warned, it isn’t the easiest beach to walk on. Flint, chert, and quartzite pebbles are piled high. Plus, the beach can be as wide as 100 meters in some parts.

However, from Portland to the village of Abbotsbury, you can enjoy beautiful views of both the beach and The Fleet. Europe’s largest tidal lagoon borders this coastal spot. You won’t be disappointed that you chose to explore it.

When you park, there is also a small visitor centre with a cafe, toilets, and information about the wildlife that you can find in the area. If you love birdwatching, you’ll love it here.

6. Climb Portland Bill Lighthouse

Cost: £8.50 per adult

Overlooking the bay from the south, Portland Bill Lighthouse is one of the best things to see in Weymouth. This stunning 20th-century lighthouse is still fully functioning today.

It offers tours that include going looking out across the treacherous stretch of water known as the Portland Race. The lighthouse plays a crucial role in ensuring safe passage for ships travelling in these waters.

Portland Bill marks the southern end of England’s Isle of Portland. For a breathtaking panorama of the Channel and to see the current catadioptric Fresnel lens, you can go up the 153 steps to the lighthouse’s Lantern Room and observation tower. 

You can also visit the Visitor Center and learn the story of the lighthouse and its keepers. This includes interactive exhibits, including a rather scary stormy sea simulation.

7. Visit Sandsfoot Castle and Gardens

Cost: Free

Although it used to be a majestic war fort, Sandfoot Castle is now a crumbling ruin. The castle is technically a blockhouse dating back to the 16th century and one of the many Tudor-era forts in this area.

It was decommissioned and began to fall apart when the stone from its construction was reused elsewhere. However, at the beginning of 2010, a wooden walkway was installed and the site allowed visitors to safely explore the site once more.

Unfortunately, when we went to visit, the area had been roped off once more and deemed unsafe. But it’s still one of the most interesting and best things to do in Weymouth.

There are plaques around that provide information on the history of the castle, pretty gardens to explore, and a cafe on site where you can grab a drink or a light lunch.

8. Climb Pulpit Rock

Cost: Free

This was one of the most exciting and terrifying things I did in Weymouth, but it was also completely amazing.

On the same site as Portland Bill Lighthouse, there’s a magnificent stretch of dramatic and rocky coastline. This stretches from the lighthouse, around the bay.

Along this stretch of coast, there is a rock known as Pulpit Rock, and you can climb to the top of it for wonderful views of the lighthouse, the bay, and the surrounding dramatic coastline.

The climb is a little risky though. It’s completely unmanned and, if you slip, you’ll probably fall into the ocean. There are little grooves dug into the rocks and you have to find them with your hands and feet and pull yourself up.

But the views are very impressive. If you’re a bit of an adrenaline junkie, this will be right up your street.

9. Explore Portland Castle

Cost: £7.70 per adult. Free for English Heritage members.

Portland Castle has been in existence since the turn of the 1540s. The castle was originally built as a coastal artillery fort.

It was one of several defence structures ordered to be built by Henry V111 (including the aforementioned Nothe Fort and Sandsfoot) to protect England’s southern coast.

Once you’ve bought your ticket – they cost £7.70 per adult – you’ll be equipped with an audio guide which will help you learn about the fort’s timeline, and what each chamber was used for. There’s an armed battery to explore and an unbeatable view of Weymouth Harbour from the top.

10. Visit the RSPB Radipole Lake Reserve

Cost: Free

For those who enjoy hiking in England, you’ll be pleased to know that there’s a wonderful RSPB reserve located in Weymouth. Radipole Lake Reserve offers an abundance of nature to explore.

This 83-hectare site has a large lake and is home to over 100 different species of birds. You might spot black-necked grebes, common terns, bearded tits, or great crested grebes, along with lots of other wildlife.

The reserve also encompasses a salt marsh with several interesting habitats – alder carr and reedbed, for example.

It’s perfect if you want to get away from it all. Just be sure to wrap up warm, especially if you’re visiting during the winter months.

12. Eat Fish and Chips

Cost: Around £10 per adult.

Can you really visit the English coastline and not have fish and chips? it’s pretty much a right of passage for anyone coming to the seaside and Weymouth is no exception to this.

A lot of the seafood you’ll find here is freshly caught. So, if you fancy a real treat, fresh fish and chips on the coast is one of the top things to do in Weymouth.

13. Walk the South West Coast Path

Cost: Free

When I last visited Weymouth, our accommodation was a 2-minute walk from a section of the southwest coast path. Of course, I had to go and explore and ended up going on a 7-mile walk through the countryside through fields, nature trails, reserves, and marshland.

It was beautiful and one of the best things I did on my trip there. Despite being chased by a cow at one point, which was a little bit scary!

You can’t walk the entire path from Weymouth, but you can walk a pretty good chunk of it, or you could walk to the start or end in either direction if you’re an avid hiker.

The trail winds along the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its geological significance. You’ll pass through quaint villages and lively seaside towns. It’s worth it if you love the outdoors.

14. Explore the Isle of Portland

Cost: Free to explore

By following the coastline down from Weymouth, you’ll eventually reach the isle of Portland. This beautiful destination is at the tip of Chesil Beach and, although I’ve already mentioned Portland Lighthouse and Portland Castle, the island itself is a great place to visit.

Famous for its Portland stone, the island has an industrial yet picturesque charm. You can explore the history at the island’s southern tip to the bustling Portland Harbour dotted with colourful boats.

You can also delve into the island’s maritime heritage at the Portland Museum or simply enjoy leisurely walks along the rugged coastline, soaking in the fresh sea air and panoramic views.

11. Explore Weymouth Sealife Centre

Cost: £20 per adult online or £27 at the gate.

Perfect if you’re visiting with the whole family, the Sealife Centre is one the best things to do in Weymouth. The centre has a long and interesting history, as it was originally an aquarium that opened in 1983 – the first privately owned facility of its kind on the south coast.

It underwent an extensive redevelopment in 2016, reopening with new features including interactive exhibits like a multi-coloured starfish display, and a hexagonal ocean tank.

It’s been voted one of the best family attractions in England by TripAdvisor for its extensive range of interactive activities, from touch tanks to feeding seahorses. There’s also an outdoor waterpark, which has a mini-golf course and features a range of creatures from sharks to turtles to otters.

✅ Book tickets to Weymouth Sealife Centre

15. Visit Abbotbury

Cost: Free to explore

If you love cute English villages, you’re going to adore this spot. Located just a short drive west of the town centre, Abbostbury has been labelled Dorset’s most charming village.

Here, you’ll find picturesque streets lined with thatched cottages and historic buildings and a peaceful escape from the bustle of the seaside town. It’s also home to some of Dorset’s most popular attractions.

One of these is the Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, a lush garden brimming with exotic plants nestled in a sheltered valley.

You can explore the ruins of the 11th-century Abbotsbury Abbey, or visit the nearby Abbotsbury Swannery, home to hundreds of graceful swans, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Fleet Lagoon. I loved this spot and it’s definitely one of the best things to do in Weymouth.

16. Explore the Jurassic Coastline

Cost: Free

Dorset is famous for its natural beauty and none more so than the beautiful Jurassic Coastline. With iconic spots like Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove, this coastline shows millions of years of Earth’s history etched into its stunning cliffs and beaches.

As one of the most iconic stretches of coastline in the world, the Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its geological significance and breathtaking landscapes. You can see ancient rock formations, go fossil hunting along the shores, and see dramatic coastal scenery.

As well as this, the Jurassic Coast is home to charming seaside towns and villages such as Lyme Regis and Charmouth, with their maritime heritage, quaint streets, and picturesque harbours.

17. Admire the White Horse

Cost: Free

One of the most curious things to do near Weymouth, the White Horse is a pretty impressive sight. While thousands drive past this daily, it’s worth stopping, whether just to snap a picture, or to learn a little more about this spot.

Perched atop the chalk hills of Osmington, just a short drive from Weymouth, the White Horse is a striking figure etched into the hillside. This ancient carving is thought to date back to the late 18th century.

You can go on walks around the surrounding Dorset Downs and see good views over the English Channel from the top of the hill.

How to get to Weymouth

Getting to Weymouth is relatively straightforward. It’s located in the south of England, about a 3-hour drive from London.

For those arriving by car, Weymouth is conveniently accessible via the A354 road, which connects to major routes like the A35 and A37, providing easy access from cities such as Dorchester, Bournemouth, and Exeter.

The town is easily accessible by public transportation. Regular train services operate from London Waterloo, Bristol, and other major cities around the country directly to Weymouth’s station. National Express coaches also offer affordable and convenient travel options.

For international travellers, the nearest airports are Bournemouth Airport and Exeter Airport. However, since most major flights will come into London, it’s probably easier to arrive here and then find your own way down south either via hire car or train.

How to Get Around Weymouth

Once you’re in Weymouth, there are several different ways to get around. I personally feel that the easiest way to get around is by car. Especially if you want to travel further around Dorset and explore more of the surrounding coastline and countryside.

There is a reliable local bus service, operated by First Wessex, with routes connecting the town centre to nearby neighbourhoods.

For those wishing to explore further afield, taxis are readily available throughout the town. The town is also pretty bike-friendly with plenty of designated cycle lanes.

If you’re just exploring the town and its surrounding attractions, walking is often the most enjoyable option. You can explore the scenic waterfront, historic streets, and charming shops easily on foot.

Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Weymouth

Overall, Weymouth is a fantastic place to visit in England. It’s a picturesque town will plenty of maritime history, beaches, beautiful scenery, and historical sites.

It could be either the ideal spot for a UK summer holiday or just a long weekend away with the family. Either way, I recommend a visit. I loved my time here and I’m sure you will too.

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