Things to do in Weymouth

Things to do in Weymouth

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Weymouth's bursting with nature, culture, and adventure, so when you're visiting this popular Dorset seaside resort, you'll never get bored. Into peaceful gardens and wildlife spotting? Maybe you're more about seeking adventure on traditional seaside rides with a mouthful of candyfloss. Either way, we've got you covered. 

If you're after things to do in Weymouth while staying at our Seaview, Littlesea, or Weymouth Bay holiday parks, keep reading as we've listed our top picks. Get your shoes on and get out there!

1. Nothe Fort

1. Nothe Fort

For a dose of fascinating maritime history with 360-degree views of the surrounding Jurassic Coast, Nothe Fort is a must-see while you're visiting Weymouth. Praised for its accessibility, everyone's welcome to enjoy the museum collection, exhibits, and interactive displays to learn about the history of this coastal sea defence. 

Explore the underground passages, children's trails, and magnificent weaponry as you make your way around. Nothe Fort holds many fun events through the season, too! Tickets are reasonably priced for adults and children with under-fives getting in free. 

When your feet are aching after a full day of exploring the fort, chill out at the Fort View Cafe for freshly made food and drinks, or bring a picnic to tuck into out on the grounds!

2. SEA LIFE Weymouth

2. SEA LIFE Weymouth

Get up close to all kinds of sea creatures in Weymouth's SEA LIFE centre. Explore the themed zones to uncover sharks, seals, fish, frogs, stingrays, and turtles, and the only colony of Fairy Penguins in Europe! The park features native species and tropical animals, too, in carefully controlled environments. You'll even find a Night and Day experience within the Ocean Tunnel, which mimics the natural 24-hour cycle of the earth. 

Tickets must be booked in advance, but with great accessibility options including buggy parking, changing facilities, and indoor and outdoor attractions, it's well worth the visit!

3. Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

3. Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

You'll want comfortable shoes on for this next attraction. The award-winning subtropical gardens in Abbotsbury are a stunning feat of nature, offering an array of interesting, rare, and beautiful plants and flowers to discover. 

Walk around the grounds to absorb the picturesque gardens with a view of the Jurassic Coast. Stroll along bridges and sit in tranquillity on the provided swing benches. The location is dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friend along on a lead! 

Half of the grounds are easily accessible by disabled visitors, although take caution on the gravel paths. When you've soaked in the greenery around you, pop by the self-service cafe for a drink and a bite to eat - there are options for coeliacs, vegans, and vegetarians too.

4. Bennetts Water Gardens

Like a Claude Monet painting brought to life, the award-winning Bennetts Water Gardens offers up stunning natural beauty set on eight acres of land that used to be an old brickworks clay quarry. The gardens are home to the National Plant Collection of water lilies, with a Japanese bridge, pretty ponds, grassy walking areas, and woodland trails including some wheelchair access. As you can imagine, these exquisite grounds attract plenty of native wildlife, and you can visit the Tropical House to spy the warm-climate plants. 

To fill hungry bellies, there's the Monet Cafe, serving up cream teas and freshly-made lunches. Just pop to the gardens when you're ready, no need to book!

5. Abbotsbury Swannery

5. Abbotsbury Swannery

Over 25 acres, visit the only managed colony of nesting mute swans in the world. Built in the 1040s, the swannery has existed ever since as a sanctuary for swans and is one of the best things to do in Weymouth if you love something a bit different. The swannery is open from March to October between 10am-5pm. 

During your visit, you can try your hand at feeding the swans, or meander through the largest willow maze in the county. There's free parking and tickets are great value for children, with a discount if you purchased a dual ticket for the swannery and the subtropical gardens. Please leave your dogs at home for this one, though - they may ruffle some feathers!

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7. Weymouth Town Bridge

7. Weymouth Town Bridge

Built for function more than anything else, Weymouth's Town Bridge just happens to be a spectacle in its own right! One of six bridges built in the harbour since the 1500s, it lifts and separates Weymouth from Melcombe Regis every two hours, most days of the year.

Situated on the pretty harbour, it's a hydraulic bridge that's fun to watch if you get the chance. Grab a bag of chips or a hot cuppa and watch the marvellous bridge at work!

7. Weymouth Museum

In a place as rich in history as Weymouth, the Weymouth Museum is the perfect collection of historical artefacts. The quirky exhibitions offer a journey through Weymouth's history; the Black Death in 1348, the rise of Weymouth as a resort, and the devastating effects of the World Wars on the town and its harbour. Explore artefacts, art, and displays during your visit. 

Pop in on Wednesday-Saturday to learn more about Weymouth—it's easy to get to as it's located in the heart of Weymouth near the harbour, with close Pay & Display parking and plenty of places to grab a bite to eat nearby when you're done.

8. Sandsfoot Castle and Gardens

Towering about Sandsfoot Beach in the middle of Portland Harbour, this 16th century castle built by Henry the Eighth once concealed a gun emplacement, ready to defend the harbour from French and Spanish forces. Now in picturesque ruins, the castle provides a dramatic contrast to the formal gardens nearby.   

You can reach the gardens and castle on foot via the scenic Rodwell Trail, a repurposed disused railway line leading from Westham Road in the town centre. The trail becomes the SW coastal path and leads on to Chesil Beach if you’re feeling energetic. The gardens include a café with indoor and outdoor seating, toilets, and parking.

9. RSPB Radipole Lake Nature Reserve

9. RSPB Radipole Lake Nature Reserve

Go kingfisher spotting at the RSPB Radipole Lake Nature Reserve, located in the heart of Weymouth. The reserve is home to a variety of wetland species and features accessible trails, making it a perfect spot for birdwatching and leisurely walks. 

Look out for the visitor centre with its impressively thatched roof, where you can find out more about the animals that inhabit the reserve. These include otters, water voles, swallows and bitterns, whose deep booming call may surprise you from the reedbeds. 

Guided walks and tours can be booked in advance; check the website for details. Dogs are welcome on short leads on designated routes. 

10. Weymouth Harbour

10. Weymouth Harbour

Explore the vibrant Weymouth Harbour, lined with colourful buildings, eateries, and shops. It's a wonderful place to watch the boats, enjoy fresh seafood, and soak in the maritime atmosphere. The section by the Town Bridge is the liveliest, with restaurants where you can enjoy the local catch and seafront bars for yacht watching. 

Learn a range of maritime skills and sports here too, including paddle boarding, windsurfing, and dinghy sailing. Several different operators are situated on the harbour with a wide range of bookable sessions. You can even learn to scuba dive or charter a boat for a local tour. Check out the harbour’s website for more information. 

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New holiday homes from £34,995 – UPDATED 28 February 2025

*Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.

Price excludes 2025 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.

As of 28 February, price is available at Kent Coast, Blue Dolphin, Caister-on-Sea, Cardigan View, Greenacres, Hafan-y-More, Lakeland, Seton Sands, Berwick, Cardigan View, Devon Cliffs, Doniford Bay, Hopton, Littlesea, Presthaven, Primrose Valley, Reighton Sands, Rockley Park, Thornwick Bay and Weymouth Bay,

Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.

Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.

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‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset for 7 years’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview.  The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.

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An example of how ‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset for 7 years’ operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Victory Ashberry 3 Bed holiday home at Seton Sands with a monthly site fee of £667.08 (includes purchasing discount of £17.08) and monthly letting income of £673.17. The monthly difference equates to £23.17, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2025 figures.

Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Victory Ashberry 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading as of 2024.

Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.

Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.

Owner’s 'Appy Meal Deal for £7.99

All day, every day* - collection only

Only available to Owners staying on park

Any pie, fishcake or large sausage, small chips, any side and a soft drink

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Owners can use their discount on top of this offer

Only available in Cook’s venues and not from our Cook’s vans. Offer includes any pie: Minced Beef and Onion, Chicken and Mushroom, Steak or Cheese and Onion, fish cake or large sausage (choose from plain or battered) and a portion of small chips, any side and a soft drink. Sides include curry sauce, gravy, beans or mushy peas. Drinks include any soft drinks can or bottled water (excludes Coca Cola). ^Some of our Cook’s do not serve haddock - in this case, an upgrade to cod will be the only option of fish to purchase. Dishes cannot be changed or swapped for alternatives. Non-inclusive of upgrades or add-ons. Discount is applied if all dishes and drinks are purchased together, and this must be in the same transaction. Available daily, subject to venue opening hours. *Some of our Cook’s do not open for lunch trading. Offer is only available when ordering via QR code, app or website and for collection only. Offer is only available to Owners who are staying on park. Owners can use their owner discount on top of this offer. Offer may be withdrawn or changed at any time, without notice. Offer is valid March 2025 - November 2025. Prices include VAT. This offer can be used in conjunction with all other offers. Offer not available in any on-park franchises. Haven Holidays is a trading name of Bourne Leisure Limited. Registered office: 1 Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP2 4YL. Registered in England and Wales, no 0401166

Pre-owned holiday homes from £19,995 – UPDATED 17 January 2025

*Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.

Price excludes 2025 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.

As at 17 January 2025, price is available at Kent Coast, Blue Dolphin, Caister-on-Sea, Cardigan View, Greenacres, Hafan y Mor, Lakeland, Seton Sands, Berwick, Cala Gran, Devon Cliffs, Doniford Bay, Hopton, Littlesea, Presthaven, Reighton Sands, Rockley Park, Thornwick Bay and Weymouth Bay.

Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.

Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.

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