Things to Do in Weymouth and Portland

As well as the many obvious attractions of Weymouth beach and its safe bathing waters, the area has a wealth of important historic sites, stunning leisure attractions and interesting shops to fill your day.

Overlooking the bay the Nothe Fort has a host of displays and special themed events to entertain the whole family – something the lively and varied programme at the community-run Weymouth Pavilion achieves year after year.

Long before the 2012 Olympics the Borough of Weymouth & Portland had a tradition of hosting festivals with a comprehensive and diverse range of activities, from international events to smaller-scale community happenings.

Opened in 2000 and expanded since then, the National Sailing Academy is one of the best facilities in Europe and hosts local, national and international events in the open waters of Weymouth Bay and the man-made Portland Harbour; while the Yacht Club of Weymouth’s annual Dinghy Regatta is more popular than ever.

Looking down towards Chesil Beach to the west and the fishing waters out to sea the magnificent Spirit of Portland sculpture speaks of the isle’s fishing and quarrying industries. Just inland and to the west is the important prehistoric landscape of the South Dorset Ridgeway, home to more than a thousand scheduled ancient monuments including the barrow cemetery at Bronkham Hill, the incorrectly restored Neolithic dolmen at Hellstone and a long barrow called Grey Mare and her Colts, just north of Abbotsbury – a small but gloriously quaint village with a world famous swannery and subtropical gardens.  

Take a little time to browse through our selection of holiday cottages in Weymouth and Portland. We’re certain you’ll find something just right for a truly special Dorset holiday