Weymouth from the sea
Weymouth has a lovely seafront with a big, sandy beach, and is an excellent base for exploring the spectacular Jurassic Coast.
Weymouth is located on the Dorset coast at the mouth of the River Wey, seven miles south of Dorchester. The town’s biggest attraction is undoubtedly its seafront, where an elegant Georgian esplanade overlooks a great arc of sand, with spectacular views along the Jurassic Coast. The wide, sandy beach hosts a number of exciting sporting events, including the Beach Volleyball Classic and International Handball Championships. One of the town’s biggest crowd-pullers is the International Kite Festival, which draws thousands of spectators from all over the world. The Weymouth area offers some of the best sailing conditions in the UK. The London 2012 Olympics’ sailing events were held at nearby Portland Harbour.
Weymouth’s sandy beach is overlooked by a lovely esplanade. From here, you can enjoy terrific views along the coast. Look out for the dolphins and seals which occasionally stray into the harbour. The coastline around Weymouth is some of England’s most beautiful. Chesil Beach stretches 18 miles from Portland to West Bay. Fleet lagoon cuts this remarkable landscape off from the mainland for much of its length. The beach lies at the centre of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is a haven for wildlife.
Chesil Beach
One of Weymouth’s more unusual attractions is the award-winning Sand World, where you’ll find incredible sand sculptures of famous Brits, from Winston Churchill to One Direction. Another great family attraction is Weymouth Sealife Adventure Park, where you can discover an underwater world, full of weird and wonderful creatures. Don’t miss the park’s famous tower, from which you can enjoy incredible 360-degree views of Weymouth and the Dorset coast.
Weymouth’s cafés and restaurants make the most of the town’s working harbour, and you don’t have to look far to find a plate of fresh seafood.
“The town’s biggest attraction is undoubtedly its seafront, where an elegant Georgian esplanade overlooks a great arc of sand, with spectacular views along the Jurassic Coast.”
Westers Cellar Bar and Restaurant is popular for its sizzling dishes, including mouth-watering prawns and steak. Another good option is Il Porto, a modern Italian restaurant, where you can enjoy fresh, authentic dishes by the harbour. For a hearty breakfast by the sea, check out Café Blue, which has a nice outside seating area and serves good coffee.
For some of the best fast food in town, try the ever-popular Dorset Burger Company. Alternatively, check out The Handmade Pie and Ale House, where you can choose from 32 different flavours and an impressive variety of ales. The Ship Inn is one of a handful of traditional pubs in Weymouth, with a bar which is kept well stocked with local ales and ciders, and cosy rooms lined with bookcases and maritime artefacts.