Introducing Weymouth
In the middle of it all
With town, countryside and coast, Weymouth is Dorset’s undisputed triple threat. Mix up the scenery while away with a stay in this South West England spot for varied holidays close to all the things you like best.
Where and how?
Set in the sunny south of Dorset, with easy road access and a well-served railway station, Weymouth can be reached within three hours from London and two hours from Bristol, making it an excellent destination for a quick escape from big city life. Looking to swan around in various locations along the coast of South West England? Bournemouth, Dorset’s other seaside holiday hub, is just an hour away, as is the border with Devon.
The best beaches
Set halfway along the Jurassic Coast, Weymouth is where you go to get your feet wet. Right in the centre of town you have Weymouth Bay, a gently curving stretch of fine white sand bordered by a popular promenade, while more rural bathing spots like Bowleaze and Ringstead are a short distance away by car.
Weymouth and Portland Harbour were the sailing venue for the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics, so there are also bucketloads of watersports nearby, from surf schools and sailing to canoeing and kayaking, with scuba diving, kite surfing and more all available too.
Country capers
Weymouth’s strategic position in the centre of Dorset – and right in the middle of the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – opens up rich possibilities for inland explores, whether you’re heading out to the Bincombe Bumps on the edge of town or further afield in search of ancient figures etched in chalk on gorgeous green hillsides.
The best things to do while camping in Weymouth
Top attractions in Weymouth
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Take the kids to see what’s swimming at the Sealife Centre, a family-friendly aquarium mere metres from the beach.
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Wander along Weymouth Esplanade for traditional Punch and Judy shows and shaggy donkeys, plus fun-filled fairground rides, crispy seafront fish and chips or a creamy Dorset ice cream.
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Step back in time at Nothe Fort, a volunteer-run museum with exhibits about Weymouth life during the Second World War. Not one for the faint-hearted, as rumours of haunting abound in this spooky spot…
Top attractions within a half-hour drive of Weymouth
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Abbotsbury Swannery and Subtropical Gardens
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Fantasy Island Adventure Park
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Maiden Castle, an ancient hillfort on the outskirts of Dorchester
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The Cerne Abbas Giant, also near Dorchester
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Lulworth Cove (for spectacular clifftop walks to Durdle Door)
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Tyneham, an abandoned village near Wareham
Unexplored Weymouth
Riverside rambles
A far cry from the typical tourist trail, the river Wey is a pretty chalk stream that runs about 7.5 miles inland from Weymouth. Walk by the water to the historic villages of Radipole or Upwey and keep an eye out for movement in the undergrowth – water voles, otters and kingfishers are all known to like chilling out along these banks.
Almost an island
Separated from the mainland by a thin strip of roadway, the Isle of Portland – which is actually a peninsula, much like the confusingly-named Isle of Purbeck nearby – is full of curiosities worth exploring. With a perimeter of just over 10 miles, its stunning stretch of coast has a mix of well-preserved forts, ruined castles, abandoned quarries and hidden coves that can only be accessed on foot. A hidden gem, but one that’s clearly visible for walkers approaching from the east or west along the fabulous South West Coast Path.
Chesil Beach and The Fleet
Though just a couple of miles from the golden sands of Weymouth, Chesil Beach is its polar opposite: barren, stony and exposed to the elements. This 18-mile shingle barrier stretches all the way over to Bridport, making it an ideal place to find solitude (just one reason why it's so popular with fishing fans).
Behind Chesil Beach, the Fleet Lagoon is a tranquil wildlife haven that teems with rare birdlife. Explore it by boat on one of the regular cruises that depart from Wyke Regis, a small suburb on the western edge of Weymouth.
Here’s how
Which Weymouth sites have a swimming pool? Where can I find dog-friendly campsites on the Jurassic Coast? Which Weymouth campsites are closest to the beach? All of these questions and more can be answered in a couple of clicks with our tick-box filters, allowing you to search by theme, facilities, user rating and accommodation type.
All about back to basics tent pitches? After something fancier like a Dorset self-catering lodge with a hot tub? Mix and match to find your Weymouth holiday haven. Here are a few of our most popular options to get you started:
Still looking for a site that pushes all the right buttons? Widen your search to the whole of Dorset, or look further afield to Devon, Cornwall and other parts of South West England.
