Things to do in Weymouth

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

Hidden in Weymouth's Bowleaze Cove, Fantasy Island is a theme park the whole family will enjoy with proper British seaside entertainment! Find plenty of rides like the teacups, a helter-skelter, carousels, a pirate ship, and slides. The attraction includes an amusement arcade with slot machines, penny pushers, and video games, plus a soft play area for the little ones. Getting hungry? Treat yourself to fish and chips and ice creams. During the summer, Fantasy Island is open seven days a week, subject to change.

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!

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.