A large sheltered bay, fringed by golden sand, a windswept headland, the sweeping expanse of Chesil Beach, wooded parkland overlooking the sea and pretty marina-side walks leading to the old town.
The diversity of Weymouth’s natural geology, all within a few square miles, makes the area ripe with walks, viewpoints and photo opportunities unlike anywhere else in the South West. So pack a picnic, fill the flask and choose from the following:
The Beach
Blue Flag winning, safe, sheltered bathing, plenty of facilities and lots of people in the height of summer. They are the characteristics of Weymouth Beach, centrally located and popular.
Portland
The large rocky outcrop which sits out from Weymouth and connected by a narrow stretch of land to the mainland alongside Chesil Beach is home to windswept cliff-top views, small communities built from the local Portland stone and Portland Bill lighthouse. The views looking back across Chesil Beach and towards Weymouth are impressive, taking in the Olympic sailing centre beaing readied for 2012.
Chesil Beach
One of the well-known landmarks of the Jurassic Coast, Chesil Beach stretches for 18 miles from Portland and Weymouth to the West Bay near Bridport. Iconic and unique, it always seems to quite windswept while the pebbly compostion makes walking along a section quite challenging. So it’s not quite obvious how it fits into this guide and how visitors can make the most of the beach. Fly a kite? Find flat pebbles and practice skimming them into the water?
Nothe Fort and Gardens
The gardens are something of a secret in Weymouth, within walking distance of the centre, yet uncrowded with spectacular views towards Portland through the trees. The Fort itself was built by the Victorians in second half of the 19th Century to defend Portland Harbour, and now offers a visitor centre with military exhibits and the history of this prominent building on the entrance to the Weymouth harbour.
Offering good value admission prices for adults, children under 16 pay only £1 each and under 5’s are free.
The Harbour and Marina
The layout of Weymouth is unusual in that there is an inlet, a dog leg harbour which sweeps in a around the back of the town centre, which in the past will have served as a prosperous fishing and trading port. Not quite sure if it is officially classed as a marina, harbour or just an inlet. Today Condor Ferries operate their fast ferry service to the Channel Islands from the mouth of the inlet/marina/harbour, while hundreds of yachts are moored further around. The banks are lined with inviting bars and restaurants, and gift shops, making for an appealing evening stroll, while there is always river traffic to catch the eye.
