We highly recommend taking some time to visit Weymouth during a stay at Ulwell Holiday Park. Located just along the coast from our caravan and camping site in Swanage, this seaside resort is packed full of beautiful viewpoints, delicious restaurants and interesting things to see and do.
Here we list some of the ‘must-see’ attractions in Weymouth. They’re guaranteed to make your day trip from Swanage one to remember!
Picturesque harbour
Weymouth is probably best known for its historic harbourside. The beautiful harbour is flanked by bars, pubs and restaurants providing plenty of options to grab a bite to eat. Watch the extravagant yachts sail through the marina and be sure to capture a photo when they pass under the lifting bridge. You could even head out on one of the many boat trips on offer, if you fancy getting out on the water and seeing the sights for yourself.
Photo credit: Matthew Hartley, Flickr
If you need to stretch your legs, take a leisurely walk past the life boat station on your way to the Stone Pier. At the end climb the spiral staircase to the top of the small viewing tower. From here you’ll be treated to far reaching views over Weymouth Bay, the sea front and Portland in the distance.
At the moment there are sometimes as many as 10 cruise ships at anchor, waiting for the go ahead to return to work. The sheer number of liners in one place at the same time is a real spectacle not to be missed.
Photo credit: Andrew Bone, Flickr
Nothe Fort and Gardens
Continuing up the steps from the Stone Pier, you can pay a visit to the Nothe Fort. Now a community enterprise run solely by volunteers, the fort was originally built in the Victorian era and played an important role in the Second World War. Visitors can explore the forts underground passageways, follow the trail to find hidden mice and walk through life like reconstructions of shops and air raid shelters.
Photo credit: Claire Cox, Flickr
Nearby Nothe Gardens boast ample space for picnics and outdoor games. Watch the squirrels and birds from the various seating areas dotted along the pathways. If you’re in the mood for a dip, head on down to Newtons Cove. Much quieter than the main stretch of beach, this secluded spot is ideal for paddling and is dog friendly year-round. At low water plenty of rock pools are exposed, creating the perfect environment for crabbing or rock pooling.
Golden sandy beach
The golden beach is another of Weymouth’s greatest draws. Not least because of the shallow bathing waters but because of the range of activities on offer. From swing boats, donkey rides and ice cream stands to amusement arcades and fun fairs – there is plenty of traditional entertainment to keep the whole family entertained.
Photo credit: Andrew Nash, Flickr
Family attractions
For younger members of the family the Sea Life Centre is sure to be a hit. With thousands of creatures to see in various indoor and outdoor exhibits, you can explore an underwater world whilst learning lots of interesting facts about the animal’s life in the wild and current conservation efforts. The Sea Life Centre is home to various species of fish, seashorses, turtles, jellyfish, sharks, rays, penguins, otters and seals. There’s also a splash zone and a Caribbean Cove themed outdoor play area.
Other family friendly attractions nearby include Sandworld, Pirate Adventure Golf and Fantasy Island.
Culture & history
Weymouth has a rich and varied history, with plenty to offer those interested in arts and culture. Weymouth Museum has recently reopened with plenty of artefacts on display. The exhibits focus on a range of themes including maritime history, the Black death, Weymouth’s involvement in the brewing industry and local castles and fortifications. You can also take a guided history tour through the town and see some of the prominent landmarks and hear tales of their past.
Photo credit: Andrew Bone, Flickr
Along the harbour there are numerous art galleries displaying the work of talented local artists
Hidden gems
If you want to head off the beaten track and visit some lesser known places during your day trip in Weymouth, we’ve got you covered. Sandsfoot Castle overlooking Portland Harbour is a great spot for a picnic whilst enjoying the beautiful view. There’s an elevated platform within the ruins allowing you to walk inside and get an up-close look at the gun battery originally built by Henry VIII. Outside, the perfectly manicured gardens with pond provide a tranquil escape to relax and unwind. Best of all it’s free!
Photo credit: Alastair Campbell, Flickr
From here you can follow the Rodwell Trail to Small Mouth Cove. A little further and you’ll reach The Fleet, a tidal lagoon sandwiched between Weymouth and Chesil Beach. The Fleet, in our opinion, is largely overlooked by visitors, but it’s a fantastic place to spend a couple of hours, especially if you’re interested in wildlife. There’s abundant fish as well as plenty of birds seen wading in the wetlands. The Chesil Beach Centre near the Ferry Bridge end has lots of information on the various species that call the area home. There are various interactive displays as well as live underwater cameras.
If you choose to take a walk here, you’ll notice the remains of pill boxes from WWII – lasting reminders of the area’s military history. The Fleet Lagoon was in fact used to test early prototypes of the ‘bouncing bomb’.
Photo credit: Alex Brown, Flickr
We very much hope you enjoy a day trip to Weymouth during your stay at Ulwell Holiday Park. For more things to do suggestions take a look at our blog, or ask our friendly reception team for their recommendations.
Weymouth FAQs
Is Weymouth worth visiting?
Yes, we highly recommend visiting Weymouth during a stay at our holiday park in Swanage. The popular seaside resort is located around an hours drive from Ulwell and has plenty to keep the whole family entertained. Weymouth harbour and beach look beautiful, whatever time of year you decide to visit. There’s a wide variety of children’s attractions and activities as well as a fantastic selection of places to eat and drink.
What is Weymouth famous for?
Weymouth is one of the most popular holiday destinations along the South Coast. It has a beautiful sandy beach and historic harbourside to explore. Weymouth is well known for its popular seafood festival and historic attractions, including the Nothe Fort. Weymouth and Portland hosted the sailing events in the 2012 Olympic Games and was televised on the global stage.
How do I spend a day in Weymouth?
There are plenty of things to see and do in Weymouth during a day trip from Ulwell Holiday Park. We highly recommend a leisurely walking along the seafront and around the historic harbour to enjoy far reaching views along the Jurassic Coast and out to sea. If you’re feeling adventurous you could book a boat trip and head out onto the water. Other activities include watching a show at the Weymouth Pavilion, learning about marine life at the Sealife Centre and exploring underground tunnels in the Nothe Fort.
What shops are there in Weymouth?
Weymouth is a bustling seaside resort with a busy town centre. There are plenty of shops to peruse if you fancy indulging in some retail therapy during your day trip from Ulwell Holiday Park. National stores include the Range, TK Maxx, Peacocks, New Look, Mountain Warehouse, Rieker, Salt Rock, Weird Fish and Marks and Spencers. There’s also a handful of independent shops and boutiques selling homeware, artwork and gifts.
What is the best part of Weymouth?
It’s difficult to choose a single area, but we’re big fans of Weymouth harbour and surrounding area. It’s the perfect place to spend a leisurely afternoon watching the boats come and go. Weymouth harbour has an excellent selection of places to eat and drink – including takeaway fish and chip shops and tasty seafood restaurants, many of which have earned national acclaim. Children will love crabbing and fishing from the harbour wall.
Is there a sandy beach in Weymouth?
Yes, Weymouth has a beautiful sandy beach ideal for lazy beach days and building sandcastles. It stretches from Weymouth Pavilion to Green Hill Gardens where the golden sand changes to shingle. During the summer months there is a dog friendly area if you’re visiting with your four-legged friend. There is a wide variety of beachside entertainment on offer, including donkey rides, amusement arcades, Punch and Judy and traditional fairground rides.
Weymouth beach is flanked by a promenade where you’ll find a variety of shops selling beach games as well as food, drink and ice cream. There are excellent beachside facilities including deck chairs to hire and public toilets. There are RNLI lifeguards on service throughout the peak season.
Is Weymouth beach busy?
Yes, Weymouth beach can get very busy, especially during the school holidays, weekends and bank holidays. It’s best to arrive early to secure your spot on the beach.
Are dogs allowed on Weymouth beach?
The entire stretch of Weymouth beach is dog friendly from 1st October to 30th April. Outside of this time, there is a designated dog friendly area next to the Pavilion. We encourage guests to read signage carefully to ensure you are exercising your dog in the correct place.
Can you swim in Weymouth beach?
Yes, swimming is permitted from Weymouth Beach. The beach is relatively sheltered and shallow making it an excellent place for families. There is a lifeguard service throughout the summer months for added peace of mind. Visitors are reminded to swim in the designated swimming area, which is marked by red and yellow flags.
Can you fish Weymouth Bay?
Weymouth is popular with anglers looking to enjoy a day fishing on the coast. Weymouth Beach is an excellent shore fishing venue, but we recommend heading towards to Preston Beach end where the conditions are more favourable for beach casting. Anglers looking to fish using light gear should head to the harbour or pier. Boat fishing trips are available for beginners as well as experienced anglers. Get in touch with one of the local charter fishing boats and book your trip in advance.
Are Weymouth car parks free?
The majority of car parks in Weymouth are pay and display, though there is a small amount of on street parking with 1 hour no return spots. Many of the car parks in Weymouth are operated by Dorset Council and are free after 6pm. Make sure you read the signage properly as this does not apply to car parks owned by private operators.
How far is Weymouth train station from the beach?
If you’re travelling to Weymouth by train you won’t have to walk far to enjoy the towns attractions and beauty spots. Weymouth train station is located on King Street, less than 5 minutes walk to the beach.
