Weymouth is a seaside town in Dorset known for its safe and shallow waters, beautiful sandy beaches and pretty harbourside. With something for everyone, it’s not hard to see why this Georgian resort is a popular town to visit for romantic weekend getaways, days out with kids and even a weekend with the family.
As well as being known for the iconic donkey rides that have taken place on Weymouth beach since the 1800s, the resort is known for hosting the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. During the games, ten sailing events and 12,500 athletes and officials were hosted here and thanks to this, Weymouth has seen a lot of investment in recent years.
Weymouth harbour
Quieter than some of the big cities that are the obvious choices for city breaks, we think the town makes one of the best weekends away in the UK. By train, Weymouth is less than three hours from London Waterloo and direct trains depart at least every hour. The station itself is centrally located, just minutes from the beach. Make a weekend of it, and read our guide on how best to spend 48 hours in Weymouth.
Deck chairs on the seafront at Weymouth
Day 1: Your first day in Weymouth
Visit Weymouth Beach
Visiting the beach should be top of any visitor’s list of things to do in Weymouth. If the weather is nice and you’re looking to relax, why not rent a deckchair and sunbathe to your heart’s content? Or sample an ice cream from one of the many ice cream vans that visit the beach.
Ice cream at the seaside
If you’re looking for things to do in Weymouth with kids, a Punch and Judy Show is not to be missed. Weymouth is home to one of the few shows of its kind still running in the UK and 20-minute performances can be caught most days from the end of May until late September.
As with any beach, during the summer holidays it can get very busy, so we recommend arriving early to beat the crowds and secure the perfect spot.
Enjoy lunch at HiVe Café
There are countless coffee shops and cafés to choose from in Weymouth, but HiVe Café is one of our favourites. In fact, it’s one of the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in the south west!
Conveniently located in the town centre, HiVe offers a cosy atmosphere and extensive menu. With plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options, it’s also the perfect place to visit if you need somewhere that can cater for different dietary requirements. Stay for lunch or make a quick pitstop for coffee and cake.
The HiVe cafe in Weymouth
Visit Nothe Fort
Nothe Fort is a nineteenth-century fort that was built back in 1860 to minimise the risk of invasion from France. Perfect for family days out, the fort now incorporates a museum that delves into its history and caters for a range of ages. The views of the Jurassic Coast are fantastic from the fort, so it’s well worth a visit even if you’re not into history.
The fort is open every day from 11am to 4pm, with last entry at 3pm. Children under five go free, while entry for older children and adults is £4 and £9.50 respectively.
Go Shopping in St Alban Street
Just a 15-minute walk from Nothe Fort is St Alban Street, which is the perfect spot for a little shopping. Wander between the beautiful Georgian townhouses, stopping off at record shops and boutiques selling locally crafted clothes. With over 20 shops to choose from, there’s something for everyone.
A large range of shops await to be discovered in Weymouth
Stop for Dinner at Nicetta
Nicetta is a family-run Italian restaurant on a pretty, pedestrianised shopping street set just slightly back from the seafront. A little taste of Sicily in Weymouth, the restaurant serves handmade pizza, pasta dishes and authentic Italian desserts.
The restaurant’s owners pride themselves on taking allergies, intolerances and dietary requirements seriously so vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free diners will be well looked after. Bookings are recommended, especially at weekends, and can be made online.
Day 2: Your second day in Weymouth
Head to Durdle Door
Jump on the X54 or number 30 bus for half an hour and head to Durdle Door. Part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, Durdle Door is a limestone arch that stands roughly 200 meters above sea level. The arch is approximately 10,000 years old and is one of the most renowned stone arches in the world.
This fascinating geographical phenomenon is one of Dorset’s most iconic (and most photographed) landmarks, and it’s not hard to see why. The arch emerges almost vertically from the sea, framing the horizon as you look out across the English Channel.
Although privately owned by the Lulworth Estate, Durdle Door is open to the public.
Have Lunch at 1652 Coffee Bar
Named after the year it was established, 1652 Coffee Bar was Weymouth’s very first coffee shop. Today, 1652 is known for serving delicious bagels as well as a selection of fresh coffees and cakes. The setting is simple but pretty – the perfect place to stop for lunch. If you find yourself visiting in the early evening, the café also has its own bar that serves an array of rums and gins.
Visit SEA LIFE Adventure Park
With indoor and outdoor areas to explore, SEA LIFE Weymouth Adventure Park & Aquarium is one of the best things to do in Weymouth in the rain, especially during family weekend getaways. The park has enough wildlife to occupy all ages, with turtles, jellyfish, stingrays and sharks being just some of the residents you’ll get to see.
Highlights include a pirate-themed mini golf experience and Caribbean Cove Adventure Playground. Penguin Island is also worth a visit as the first place in Europe to successfully breed Fairy Penguins, the world’s smallest species of penguin.
Have Dinner and Drinks at Hall’s Kitchen
A favourite with the locals, Hall’s Kitchen is the place to go if you’re looking for a delicious meal and relaxed atmosphere. Although seafood is the speciality, the menu also features a whole range of contemporary British dishes and vegetarian and gluten free options. This restaurant has a full-service bar too, which makes it very popular for evening drinks, so booking is advised.
Classic seafood to enjoy when visiting Weymouth in Dorset
After a busy weekend, it’s time to head home. Browse our flexible range of ticket types, and book your train tickets in advance to get the best prices. And make sure you check out the railcards and discounts available to you to save even more.
