We recommend Weymouth for:
Hotel Features;
Places to go and things to see;
Looking to escape the humdrum? Then how about visiting Weymouth? With its fantastic beach, beautiful harbour and quiet charm, this classic seaside town is a great place to rest, relax and really get away from it all. And it comes with Royal endorsement.
The emergence of Weymouth as a top tourist resort was given a big boost by King George III. He famously visited Weymouth to bathe in the sea as a cure for his nervous disorder. Whether the seas of Weymouth have healing properties or not, something went down well with the King. He spent fourteen holidays here between 1789 and 1805. Few other tourist hotspots in the UK can claim such royal approval!
Weymouth is a place where you can enjoy the spirit of the traditional British seaside holiday. And yes, that means Punch & Judy, swing boats and lots and lots of ice cream. Weymouth Beach is a superb arc of golden sand which sweeps around the bay, changing to shingle along the extended promenade. Deck chairs, beach chalets, windbreaks and pedaloes are all available for fans of the sandy stuff to while away the hours. The esplanade that runs alongside the beach, meanwhile, is teeming with local shops, ice cream stalls and delightful cafés with sea views.
But for the very best coastal views, you can’t beat a journey along the Jurassic Coast. Weymouth is a gateway to this 95 mile stretch of the south coast, which is regarded as the most geologically diverse coastline in the world. Visit and you’ll soon see why this special environment was recently designated a World Heritage Site. Whether you head east or west along the coast, some breathtaking coastal scenery awaits.
Another way to explore the Jurassic Coast is by taking one of the frequent boat trips that leave Weymouth’s seventeenth century harbour. But make sure you have a good snoop around first. It’s an attraction all of its own. And there are lots of restaurants and cafés where you can sit in the sunshine and watch the nautical world drift by.
Weymouth is also one of the country’s top angling hotspots. Whether it’s dangling a rod off the pier or joining a deep sea fishing trip aboard a chartered boat, you can have a go at all kinds of fishing. In fact, Weymouth has one of the largest angling boat charter fleets on the south coast, manned by knowledgeable skippers who’ll take you to the very best fishing spots.
Want to stay with the nautical theme? Then visit Deep Sea Adventure and soak up the fascinating stories of the UK coastline and local shipwrecks of the past. And if you’re still feeling fishy then a trip to Weymouth Sea Life Park is a must. It gives you the chance to get close to one of the country’s largest collections of sea creatures.
There are some fascinating historical sites to explore in Weymouth too. Nothe Fort in Portland Harbour was built by the Victorians and is one of the best preserved forts of its kind. Then there’s Portland Castle, one of Henry VIII’s finest coastal forts. Have a look around and explore 450 years of history. Bennetts Water Gardens are also well worth a visit. These beautiful gardens are home to more than 150 varieties of water lily.
Fancy a day trip? Then head for the nearby village of Abbotsbury. There’s no shortage of things to see and do. Abbotsbury Swannery is the 600 year old home of the world’s only managed colony of free-flying mute swans. Walking among them is lovely. Flower fans will love the award-winning Abbotsbury Sub Tropical Gardens too. The gardens are set in twenty acres of enchanting woodland and feature exotic plant species from all over the world. The sights and scents thrill the senses. Finally, there’s no better way to round off the trip than with a visit to Abbotsbury Oyster Farm. This working farm features a seafood bar where you can grab a taste of super-fresh seafood at its best.
Bon appétit.
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