10 Great Reasons to visit Weymouth
As spring is starting to make an appearance and we know that warmer, sunnier days are on the horizon we thought it was time to make a Top 10 reasons to visit Weymouth. Although whilst putting it together there are way more than 10 reasons to visit this great UK seaside location. What’s more we have an extra bank holiday soon with the King’s Coronation so we know its time to get booking your stay on this fabulous little seaside town on the Jurassic Coast, the World Heritage stretch of coastline in southern England. Whether it’s a day at the beach you are after, or to eat some of the very best seafood this Victorian seaside resort has to offer we know you won’t regret a short break in Weymouth.
Travel
Just under 3 hours from London
By car and train you can get to Weymouth in 3 hours so its worth it for an overnight stay or 2! Direct trains run from London Waterloo – or get in the car early to miss the traffic so you can spend the rest of the day relaxing on the sandy beach, followed by another day exploring all Weymouth has to offer.
2. Sandy Beaches
Let’s be honest: it is not always easy to find a beach with soft sand in the UK. Even in nearby Bournemouth some of the beaches consist of stones or rough sand that cuts into your feet.
Weymouth is quite lucky in the sense that this seaside resort houses some amazing beaches such as the famous Weymouth Beach in the centre of the city, where there’s a Punch and Judy Show and other engaging beach activities for the kids. Smallmouth Bay is more adventurous and great for kite or windsurfing. Meanwhile, pebbly Chesil Beach runs between a lagoon and the sea for 18 miles connecting Weymouth with Portland Island (it’s the longest barrier beach in Europe)! On a sunny day it’s the perfect place to while away a few hours, hire a deck chair and sit back and relax with the golden sand between your toes! If you’ve got little ones then enjoy a paddle in the safe, shallow waters and build a sandcastle or two. Weymouth beach has also won the Blue Flag and Seaside Award recognising it as one of the safest, cleanest and very best in the country!
3. Cycle Weymouth
If you want get more active during your stay then Weymouth is perfect for exploring on two wheels. The town and surrounding area boasts many routes which are mainly offroad or along quiet street and many are flat…perfect for the kids to ride off some steam! A great way to explore the town and appreciate the beauty around you. Don’t worry you can end the day on the beach.
4 Walk the River Wey
At just five and a half miles, the River Wey is the shortest major river in the UK. A lot of people don’t even know it exists, but this is the river that gives Weymouth its name. Starting in the pretty village of Upwey, you can follow the chalk stream down through some lovely countryside and into the marshlands of the Radipole Lake RSPB Nature Reserve, before finally reaching the mouth of the river – Weymouth harbour.
5 Take in some History
Weymouth grew up around its harbour, and it’s a pretty historic spot. Fun fact – the Black Plague entered the UK through the ports of Melcombe Regis in 1348! Ships sailed from here to fight in the Spanish Armada, and the harbour was also the centre of much of the civil war fighting in the 17th century. Also here in Weymouth you will be able to visit the remains of a Roman Temple. The Jordan Hill Roman Temple is a temple from AD 69–79 perched on top of a hill with beautiful views over the sea and beach.
6. Sealife Centre
One of the top tourist attractions in Weymouth is the Sea Life Centre, a huge aquarium with outdoor and indoor exhibits featuring local and exotic marinelife. Everything from the hermit crabs you can spot in Weymouth harbour, to endangered Humboldt penguins haling from South America. It makes a great day out for families with playgrounds and interactive events such as animal feedings. They also do lots of important rescue and rehabilitation work around the world – as well as running breeding programmes and championing education about environmental issues.
7. Jubilee Clock
Check the Time on the Jubilee Clock
The red, blue and gold Jubilee Clock was built in 1888 to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. It’s stood proudly on the seafront ever since and is now a Grade II listed building – and a Weymouth icon. It’s also one of the most wonderfully British looking things I’ve ever seen!
8.Wildlife and Animal Lovers
For those that like a little wildlife there RSPB Lodmoor, a reserve that combines reed beds, open water, salt marsh and wet grassland. This mixed habitat attracts a wide variety of birds. It’s a very pleasant walk which is best appreciated with binoculars. With the exception of the ducks, the birds stay well clear of people. What’s more Weymouth is very dog friendly so you can bring your best friend to the beach, cafes and for great walks.
9. Heritage Attraction
Nothe Fort is Weymouth’s number 1, award-winning heritage attraction and is a great day out for the whole family, young or old! You can take time to appreciate the 360 degree views across Dorset’s stunning Jurassic Coast. Discover a maze of underground tunnels, a museum, parade ground, large guns positioned high on the ramparts and a wonderful café. Children will love it here too with secret passageways to discover and mice to find!
10 The Food
Last but by no means least its all about the food especially when you don’t have to cook it. It’s not just Fish and Chips as you would expect in a Seaside town, you will find everything from the Chippy to the Seafeast Dorset Seafood Festival. There’s plenty of choice to enjoy the food and great views and sea air!
All that’s left to do is plan your journey – book your stay with us at Gloucester House Weymouth and then decide how you will spend your time. We know you will be re booking before you have even left this great seaside town.