A Local’s Guide to Visiting Weymouth and Portland
Planning a summer break in Weymouth or Portland this year?
We’ve got the definitive list of the best things to see and do around the area.
We know it’s not easy planning the perfect holiday – so take a few tips from locals like us.
We’ve been feeding the communities in Portland and Weymouth from our two fish and chip shops for over 5 years. So when we say we know what’s hot and what’s not, we mean it.
Here are 5 of the best attractions and events around – as recommended by genuine locals.
Weymouth Beach
If you’re planning a summer holiday in Dorset, you won’t want to miss out on Weymouth Beach: three miles of golden sands and blue sea, with a gob-smacking view out over the bay and the Jurassic Coast.
Lucky for you, it’s a hard thing to miss.
It’s just minutes from the town centre, and it’s packed with exciting seaside events and attractions, including:
• The Jurassic Skyline, where you can ride a gondola up to 170 feet above the water for panoramic views of the coast and the bay
• Sandworld, a daily themed festival of world-class sand sculptures, with your favourite film and TV characters built right on the beach
• the Sea Life Centre, where you’ll find more than 1,000 sea creatures, including seals, penguins, sharks and more.
Portland Bill
Famous for its dangerous coasts and hundreds of years of shipwrecked vessels, the narrow stretch of Portland Bill is brimming with natural and nautical history.
It’s just a short trip across the causeway from Weymouth, but you’ll find plenty to see and explore. If you’re planning a holiday in Portland Bill, make sure you:
• take a tour of the famous Portland Bill Lighthouse – it’s a hundred years old and still being used!
• climb to the peak of Pulpit Rock (if you dare) for some stunning views out over the World Heritage Jurassic Coast and the English Channel
• discover Portland’s rich geological and maritime history at the Portland Museum and Rufus Castle.
Sandsfoot Castle
Sandsfoot Castle is a local landmark that’s particularly close to our hearts – and not just because it’s so close to our Weymouth fish and chip shop.
Our local communities are working hard to preserve and improve this historically important site, as well as the nearby Rodwell Trail.
So if you’re looking for a place that’s off the beaten track (and one that’s truly important to the locals), you’ll find this English Heritage Scheduled Ancient Monument just a stone’s throw from Weymouth Beach.
Portland Harbour
We’re proud to say that Portland Harbour is one of the biggest man-made harbours in the world, and was once a hub of military activity during the Second World War.
Today, we’re glad to see it being used for more leisurely activities. If you’re near Portland Harbour, don’t miss out on:
• making the most of the beautiful English Channel – from windsurfing and SCUBA diving to open-water adventure at the Portland Sailing Academy (the hosts of the 2012 Olympic sailing events)
• riding along with the Jurassic Safari – see the best of Portland’s stunning views and diverse wildlife from the back of a 4×4 Land Rover
• visiting the 16th-century fort built by Henry VIII at Portland Castle – step into a Tudor armoury, learn all about the D-Day landings, or just admire the ocean views as you walk the castle walls up to the historic gun platforms.
Weymouth’s Ironman 70.3
Each year, thousands of hardcore athletes arrive at Weymouth for a true test of endurance: 70.3 miles of swimming, biking and running in a single day.
For us locals, it’s one of the busiest times of the year. The streets are packed with spectators and partygoers, all supporting the runners who are competing for a chance to qualify for the Ironman World Championship in France.
If you’re planning a break to Weymouth in September, watch out – this is one event you’re sure to get caught up in!
We’re never short of things to do in Weymouth and Portland – and we’re sure you won’t be, either.
So if you’re in the area this summer, be sure to drop into one of our fish and chip shops and say hello –