Top 10 things to do in Weymouth

1. Weymouth Beach and Harbour

2.Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park

Get up-close and personal with over 2,000 creatures at Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park. Meet playful otters and penguins, learn about rescued sea turtles, touch a starfish or hold a crab in the interactive exhibits and themed zones. Watch animal feedings and hear about conservation efforts to help endangered species in the world’s seas and oceans. There’s a Splash Zone to keep kids cool in the summertime and onsite cafes with sandwiches, snacks, drinks and ice cream to keep them hydrated and happy.

3. SandWorld Sculpture Park

Opened in 2011, SandWorld Sculpture Park is a one-of-a-kind attraction featuring some of the world’s most marvellous sand sculptures. Found within Lodmoor Country Park, SandWorld allows visitors to create their own unique sand art bottles or try their hand at sand sculpting with daily workshops. An onsite café offers refreshments suitable for the whole family. With a new theme offered every year, repeat visits to SandWorld Sculpture Park are strongly encouraged.

4. Nothe Fort

Nothe Fort was built to protect Weymouth Harbour in the 1860s after it became a naval base. Today the fort is filled with displays, military memorabilia and a maze of underground tunnels that capture the imaginations of visitors of all ages. Listen as a real cannon is fired and experience a breathtaking view from the fort’s parapet and ramparts. Keep the kids occupied with the fort’s famous mouse hunt – spot all the decorated mice to claim a special certificate. Nothe Fort has something for everyone.

5. Lyme Regis Fossil Digs

Because Weymouth is located along the Jurassic Coast, fossil hunting is a popular pastime in the region. Spend a day digging for fossils at Lyme Regis or Charmouth. In addition to fossils, you may surprise yourself by finding an ammonite, giant oyster shell, coral or even a tooth from a Jurassic-era shark. Some of the best places to dig include Portland’s Kingbarrow Quarry and Freshwater Bay, Langton Herring behind Chesil Beach and Redcliff Point at the top of Weymouth Bay.

6. Sandsfoot Castle

Completed in 1539, Sandsfoot Castle was commissioned by King Henry VIII to defend Portland Harbour from foreign invaders. The military officially abandoned the castle in 1665, though it remained a storehouse until 1691. Although ruins are all that remain today, countless visitors still flock to see what’s left. An award-winning formal Tudor garden and an outdoor café make this a peaceful place by the sea to collect your thoughts and appreciate the views of Portland Harbour.

7. Portland Castle

Portland Castle is another castle commissioned by King Henry VIII to protect England’s coast from unwanted invaders from France and the Holy Roman Empire. This artillery fort was built in the 1540s and is still armed with a cannon. During castle tours, visitors can learn more about the castle’s role during the English Civil War and how it was used for storage during the First and Second World Wars. Don’t miss the spectacular view of Weymouth Harbour from the castle’s parapet and the herb garden.

8. Abbotsbury Swannery

One of the most unique attractions near Weymouth is Abbotsbury Swannery. Originally established by Benedictine monks to source swans for their lavish banquets in the early 1000s, Abbotsbury Swannery is home to some 600 swans today. Visitors can observe and even feed the swans during two daily mass feedings. Grab a snack in the onsite café and be sure to take home a souvenir from the gift shop. Many visitors combine a swannery trip with the nearby Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens and Children’s Farm.

9. Greenhill Gardens

The award-winning Greenhill Gardens are not to be missed on your next holiday to Weymouth. Offering some of the best views of Weymouth Bay, the gardens feature winding paths and brightly coloured flower borders. While enjoying a day at the gardens, you can grab light refreshments at an outdoor table at one of the onsite cafes, engage in a rousing game of tennis or try your luck on the 18-hole putting green. Greenhill Gardens provides a peaceful backdrop and stunning seafront views.

10. The Portland Bill Lighthouse

The Portland Bill Lighthouse is one of the most iconic sights in Weymouth. The current lighthouse dates back to 1906, though lighthouses have protected Portland and Weymouth from ships navigating the English Channel at least as far back as 1716. Visitors can view historical artefacts in interactive displays while learning more about the lighthouse’s keepers and history. Climb the lighthouse’s 153 steps to the lantern room for a breathtaking panoramic view of the English Channel.