Explore Weymouth in a Day: Top Activities for Time-Bound Visitors
Weymouth, a picturesque seaside town in Dorset, England, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that makes it an ideal destination for a day trip or a longer holiday.
During the summer months, Coastline Cruises provide a daily ferry service from Portland to Weymouth, taking approximately 40 minutes. This scenic journey offers stunning views of the Jurassic Coast. A return ticket for one adult costs £11.
Upon arrival in Weymouth, visitors can explore the town's rich history at Nothe Fort, a Victorian-era three-tiered military fort. The fort houses dimly lit underground passageways and exhibits showcasing Weymouth's history, from its maritime past to its role in World War II. On the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month, visitors can witness uniformed Fort Artillery firing antique cannons. Atop the fort, there are WWII anti-aircraft guns still in place.
Weymouth Beach, renowned for its golden sands and sparkling water, is a family-friendly haven with donkey rides, Punch & Judy shows, pedal boats, and sand sculpture displays. The beach holds a Blue Flag and Seaside Award and was voted 'Best Beach in the UK' in TripAdvisor's 2025 Travellers Choice Awards. The esplanade offers picturesque views of the Jurassic Coast and Jubilee Clock.
For those interested in marine life, the Sea Life Centre, operated by the Sea Life group, is a must-visit. This aquarium features themed worlds with rescued sea turtles, seals, penguins, and rays. It also has a large play area and a mini theme park. The centre is highly respected for its conservation efforts.
Lodmore Country Park and LeisureRanch, a large public park near Preston Beach, offers walking trails, picnic areas, a wetland nature reserve, and wildlife. It features a pirate ship play park, a model railway, and the LeisureRanch funfair, which includes attractions like a giant bumpy slide and go-karts.
Pirate Adventure Golf, situated within Lodmore Country Park, is a pirate-themed mini-golf course offering fun challenges around pirate ships and treasure chests. Discounted combo tickets with the Sea Life Centre are available.
Weymouth's historic harbour area includes Brewers Quay, a former Victorian brewery now housing the Weymouth Museum, reflecting the town’s maritime history. The harbour is lively with cafes and restaurants, making it an ideal spot for a meal.
For those seeking adventure, Weymouth's beach is ideal for swimming and watersports, with paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and RIB boat rides available.
The journey between Weymouth and Portland by bus takes about 30-40 minutes, and a return ticket costs £4.50. First Bus run a frequent bus service between the two towns, with the number 1 service.
King George III visited Weymouth in 1789, which made it an instant tourist hotspot. Today, Weymouth remains a beautiful, traditional British seaside town, known for its beach and Georgian seafront.
One local resident would recommend these top tourist attractions in Weymouth: Weymouth Beach, Sea Life Centre, Lodmore Country Park and LeisureRanch, Pirate Adventure Golf, Nothe Fort, Weymouth Harbour and Brewers Quay, Abbotsbury Sub-Tropical Gardens and Swannery, and the popular fish and chip shops such as Fish 'n' Fritz, The Marlboro, Bennett's Fish and Chips, and King Edwards. These attractions provide a mix of outdoor activities, historical sites, family-friendly entertainment, and natural beauty, making Weymouth a well-rounded destination.
- After exploring the historical Nothe Fort or enjoying a meal at the bustling Weymouth Harbour, one can experience an adventure by trying out the various watersports available at Weymouth Beach, such as paddleboarding or kitesurfing, or visit the Sea Life Centre to discover the marine life.
- To add some culture to your lifestyle, consider a tour of the Abbotsbury Sub-Tropical Gardens and Swannery, or spend a day in the picturesque gardens of a home-and-garden setting like Lodmore Country Park and LeisureRanch, where you can enjoy a pirate-themed mini-golf course and other family-friendly activities.
