9 Best Things to Do in Weymouth
What is Weymouth Most Famous For?
A stalwart of southern England’s vacation scene, Weymouth is a delightful Georgian town that fulfils all of the clichés of the English seaside. From retro fish and chip shops to fossil hunting on the beach, it’s all here and it’s all as delightful as ever.
With that said, Weymouth is cultivating a newer, more refined image as vintage boutiques and artisanal coffee shops pop up across town. All of this makes Weymouth a perfect place to while away a couple of days, with the town’s proximity to the beaches of the Jurassic Coast an added incentive. Take a look at the best things to do in this much-loved seaside town, below.
What are the best things to do in Weymouth?
1. Nothe Fort
A 19th-century fort that’s home to a museum, a cafe, and cultural events
Good for: Families, History, Photo
Perched right on the coast, Nothe Fort is a striking Victorian fortress offering panoramic views of the Jurassic Coast. Built in the 1860s to defend Portland Harbour, it now serves as a fascinating museum and heritage attraction. You can explore labyrinthine underground passages, restored gun emplacements, and interactive exhibits that bring military history to life.
The fort’s scenic gardens and dramatic sea views make it a popular spot for families, history buffs, and photographers alike. With seasonal events, ghost tours, and educational programs, Nothe Fort blends history, nature, and entertainment in one unforgettable coastal experience.
Location: Barrack Rd, Weymouth DT4 8UF, United Kingdom
Open: Varies by season
Phone: +44 1305 766626
Nothe Fort
2. Weymouth Harbour
Fishing boats, chip shops and pastel-painted houses at the heart of town
Good for: History, Photo, Budget
Weymouth Harbour is a vibrant and picturesque destination on the Dorset coast, steeped in maritime history and charm. Once a bustling trading port, it now welcomes fishing boats, yachts, and pleasure craft, creating a lively waterfront atmosphere.
The quayside is lined with colorful Georgian buildings, seafood restaurants, and cozy pubs, making it perfect for a scenic stroll or waterside dining. Regular events, including regattas and festivals, add to its appeal. With easy access to the beach and town center, Weymouth Harbour offers a perfect blend of heritage, leisure, and coastal beauty for visitors of all ages.
Location: Custom House Quay, Weymouth DT4 8BG, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 1305 838423
Weymouth Harbour
3. Weymouth Beach
Where sand castles and deck chairs reign supreme
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo, Budget
Weymouth Beach offers the whole gamut of wonderful clichés and is for those seeking the quintessential seaside experience. From Punch and Judy shows to ice cream vans to carousels, there are enough activities to enjoy at this part-pebble, part-sand beach.
It pays to get here early during the peak summer months as Weymouth Beach can be extremely popular with locals and visitors alike. Renting a striped deckchair from one of the many vendors is both a practical and immensely traditional way to enjoy the beach.
Location: The Esplanade, Weymouth DT4 7SL, UK
Phone: +44 1305 779410
Weymouth Beach
4. Chesil Beach
A wild and windswept stretch of shingle beach
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo, Budget
Chesil Beach is renowned for being a rugged example of England’s south coast at its most intense. The beach stands in stark contrast to the quaint charms of Weymouth Beach. A walk along Chesil Beach is at once invigorating and relaxing, the waves providing a stunning soundtrack as they pound into the pebbles onshore.
The real treasure of Chesil Beach is its fossils. Part of the Jurassic Coast, keep your eyes open as you stroll the shingle and you’ll easily spot ammonites thanks to their distinctive spiral shells. Head to Chesil Beach at either sunrise or sunset for a truly special experience of this stunning English beach.
Location: Weymouth, UK
Chesil Beach
5. Sandworld
Incredible art made of sand
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
Sandworld is a seasonal attraction showcasing some of the finest sand art in the UK, and which has been a key fixture on Weymouth’s cultural calendar for decades. The action takes place beneath an enormous marquee, with artists often working on new pieces throughout the season.
A great family attraction, Sandworld encourages visitors to try their hand at sand sculpting under the tuition of globally renowned masters of the craft. There’s a cafe serving drinks, snacks, and ice cream while the gift shop provides an opportunity to take home postcards, trinkets, and more.
Location: Preston Beach Road Lodmoor Country Park, Weymouth DT4 7SX, United Kingdom
Open: Daily from 10:30 am to 3 pm, April to November
Phone: +44 7411 387529
Sandworld
6. St Alban Street
Weymouth’s trendiest district for handmade clothes and trinkets
Good for: Couples, Food, Shoppers
St Alban Street is a charming pedestrian lane brimming with character and color. Its cobbled path is lined with independent boutiques, artisan shops, and cozy cafés, making it a delightful spot for leisurely browsing and relaxed dining. The street’s vibrant shopfronts and hanging flower baskets create a picture-perfect setting that feels both quaint and welcoming.
Popular with tourists seeking a more local, laid-back experience, St Alban Street offers a refreshing contrast to the busier harbor and beach areas. It’s a hidden gem that captures the spirit of Weymouth’s coastal charm and creative community.
Location: Weymouth, UK
St Alban Street
7. Durdle Door
The stunning rock formation Weymouth is known for
Good for: Photo, Budget, Unusual
Durdle Door is one of Dorset’s most iconic natural landmarks, drawing visitors from around the world. This stunning limestone arch, carved by centuries of coastal erosion, stands majestically along the Jurassic Coast which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Accessible via a scenic cliff-top walk from Lulworth Cove, the beach below offers crystal-clear waters and dramatic views, perfect for photography, swimming, or simply soaking in the beauty. Its unique geology and breathtaking setting make Durdle Door a must-see for nature lovers and adventurers alike, and promises an unforgettable experience.
Location: Wareham, BH20 5PU, UK
Durdle Door
8. Weymouth’s cafe culture
Artsy newcomers or decades-old favorites? You decide
Good for: Budget, Families, Food
Weymouth’s cafés and coffee shops offer a warm welcome and a delicious break from seaside exploring. From old-fashioned hideaways serving homemade cakes to stylish spots with artisan brews, there’s something for every taste.
Many of the independent cafés pride themselves on locally sourced ingredients and friendly service, while beachside kiosks provide quick treats with a view. Whether you’re after a hearty brunch, a vegan latte, or a classic cream tea, Weymouth’s café culture is a delightful part of the town’s coastal appeal.
Location: Weymouth, UK
9. Indulge in some local seafood
Weymouth has some of England’s finest seafood restaurants
Good for: Couples, Food, Luxury
Fish and chips may reign supreme across Weymouth, yet there’s much more to the town’s culinary scene that this deep-fried delicacy. From fine-dining institutes serving up silky scallops and mighty king prawns to hip new establishments influenced by flavors from across the globe, Weymouth is the perfect place to sample freshly caught seafood.
Hall’s Kitchen is one of the town’s most respected restaurants, serving contemporary British fare with an emphasis on local seafood. For an alternate dining experience, Restaurant Les Enfants Terribles take a more experimental yet equally delicious approach to regional produce.
Location: Weymouth, UK
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