Attractions in Weymouth
Exploring the Best Places to Visit in Weymouth
Weymouth may be famous for its award-winning beach, but it’s also one of Dorset’s best places for family days out. Whether you’re exploring historic forts, meeting animals, discovering beautiful gardens or heading out onto the Jurassic Coast by boat, there’s no shortage of memorable attractions within easy reach of the seafront.
If we’re visiting with family, one attraction we almost always recommend is SEALIFE Weymouth. Our own children never tired of the seal feeding demonstrations or walking through the ocean tunnel as sharks and rays glided overhead. It’s one of those places that’s just as enjoyable on your fifth visit as it is on your first.
For something completely different, Nothe Fort combines history with spectacular views across Weymouth Bay. Our children loved exploring the underground tunnels before climbing onto the ramparts to watch boats arriving in the harbour. Afterwards, it’s only a short stroll to Weymouth Harbour, where sightseeing cruises, fishing trips and Jurassic Coast boat tours offer another wonderful way to experience the coastline.
Explore Attractions in Weymouth
Sandsfoot Castle
Henry VIII–era castle ruins perched above the coast, overlooking Portland and the bay.
RSPB Radipole Lake Nature Reserve
Wetland reserve where reedbeds, lagoons and birds sit minutes from town.
Lodmoor Country Park
Green escape with lakes, paths, play areas and plenty of space for a relaxed day out.
Just a few minutes from the seafront, Sandworld surprises visitors every year with incredible sculptures created by internationally renowned sand artists. If you’re looking for a quieter afternoon, Bennetts Water Gardens offers beautiful waterlily ponds and peaceful walks, while nearby Abbotsbury Swannery and the Subtropical Gardens easily fill an entire day.
If you’re visiting with children, we’ve created a dedicated guide to the best things to do in Weymouth with kids, featuring many more family favourites, indoor attractions, beaches and rainy-day ideas we’ve enjoyed ourselves over the years.
Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a romantic coastal escape or a long weekend by the sea, our collection of Weymouth holiday cottages provides an ideal base for exploring the town’s attractions and the wider Jurassic Coast.
One of the things we love about staying in Weymouth is how many of Dorset’s best attractions are within easy reach. Within 30 minutes you can visit Monkey World, The Tank Museum, The Blue Pool, Corfe Castle, or explore the dramatic scenery of the Jurassic Coast. It makes Weymouth one of our favourite places to stay when exploring Dorset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. Weymouth is one of Dorset’s most popular seaside towns, combining a beautiful sandy beach, a historic harbour, fascinating attractions and easy access to the Jurassic Coast. Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a romantic break or a long weekend by the sea, there’s enough variety to keep visitors returning throughout the year.
Some of Weymouth’s best-loved attractions include Nothe Fort, SEA LIFE Weymouth, Sandworld, Weymouth Harbour and the beautiful Nothe Gardens. Just outside town, Bennetts Water Gardens, Abbotsbury Swannery and the Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens all make excellent days out, while boat trips from the harbour offer a completely different perspective of the Jurassic Coast.
Weymouth is one of Dorset’s best family destinations. Alongside the award-winning beach, children love SEA LIFE Weymouth, Pirate Adventure Mini Golf, harbour boat trips, crabbing, Sandworld and nearby attractions including Monkey World and The Tank Museum. For even more inspiration, explore our guide to the best things to do in Weymouth with kids, where we’ve shared many of our own family’s favourite days out.
Yes. Beyond the bustling seafront you’ll discover hidden gems including the fascinating Nothe Fort, the impressive sculptures at Sandworld, peaceful Bennetts Water Gardens, and the quieter corners of the Nothe Peninsula overlooking Portland Harbour. They’re all places we’ve enjoyed visiting ourselves over the years. If you’re keen to venture further afield, our guide to Extraordinary Places to Visit in Dorset shares even more of the county’s hidden gems and lesser-known attractions.
Adults often enjoy exploring Weymouth Harbour, visiting Nothe Fort, relaxing in Bennetts Water Gardens, walking the coast towards Portland, or enjoying the restaurants, cafés and independent shops around the harbour. For something extra special, our Curated Experiences include unforgettable private sailing experiences and private dining in your holiday cottage.
There are plenty. Walk along the award-winning beach, explore Nothe Gardens, visit the ruins of Sandsfoot Castle, wander around Weymouth Harbour, or discover the free Tudor House Museum. During the summer, the weekly fireworks display and Bands on the Beach also provide fantastic free entertainment.
Weymouth is perfectly positioned for exploring many of Dorset’s best attractions. Within a short drive you can visit Monkey World, The Tank Museum, Abbotsbury Swannery, The Blue Pool, Corfe Castle and the spectacular Jurassic Coast, making Weymouth an excellent base for discovering the wider county.
Even when the weather changes, there’s still plenty to enjoy. SEA LIFE Weymouth, Sandworld, GLOBALLS adventure golf, bowling and escape rooms are all popular choices, while nearby The Tank Museum, Monkey World and our guide to the museums in Dorchester offer excellent all-weather days out.
If we had to choose just one, we’d probably recommend Nothe Fort. It combines fascinating history, spectacular views across Weymouth Bay and underground tunnels that children love exploring. For younger families, SEALIFE Weymouth remains one of our favourite attractions and somewhere we’ve enjoyed visiting many times over the years.
Looking for somewhere to stay while discovering Weymouth’s attractions? Our collection of Weymouth holiday cottages places you within easy reach of the beach, harbour, family attractions and many of Dorset’s best-loved places to visit, making it easy to explore without spending hours in the car.