15 Best Things To Do Near Weymouth Bay

things to do near Weymouth Bay

Are you looking for days out and things to do near Weymouth Bay Holiday Park

Weymouth Bay Holiday Park is located in a sheltered bay on the spectacular Jurassic Coast, with lots of fantastic activities and entertainment available.

At the park, there is a variety of fabulous Haven facilities and plenty of fun things to do to keep your family entertained. 

Beach walks at Haven Bay
Beach walks at Weymouth Bay – Photo Credit Haven

But if you want to explore some of the local area and attractions, there are many exciting places to visit and things to do near Weymouth Bay.

Disclaimer: As an affiliate partner, we might earn from qualifying purchases – any links on this page that go to a holiday park booking platform might earn us a commission if you make a purchase. This is at no additional cost to you.

Haven-run Weymouth Bay Holiday Park has plenty of activities to entertain everyone, but don’t forget to take some time to explore the local area.

How will you fit it all in? You’ll have to come back for more😉


1. Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove

  • Distance from the park: 11.1 miles
  • Travel time: 22-minute drive
Durdle Door beach on the Jurassic Coast Dorset
Durdle Door

Durdle Door is a natural limestone arch that has become an iconic landmark on the Jurassic Coast, while Lulworth Cove is a picturesque cove with clear blue water and scenic coastal walks.

Visitors can expect stunning views of the natural rock formations and crystal clear water and opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and coastal walks.

Both Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove can get quite busy, especially during peak season, so arriving early is best to avoid crowds and secure parking.

Small organised tours are also an option if you don’t want to drive. This tour will pick you up at Weymouth Station and take you to Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove and Corfe Castle.

2. Jurassic Safari

  • Distance from the park: 10.1 miles
  • Travel time: 20-minute drive
Jurassic Safari
Photo Credit: Jurassic Safari Facebook Page

This fascinating, fun, guided tour with Jurassic Safari is highly recommended for all ages.

Discover hidden gems in the heart of the Dorset countryside, take in the stunning scenery and learn about foraging, biodiversity, and local wildlife from a knowledgeable, entertaining guide.

  • Passionate, enthusiastic guide
  • Terrific value for money
  • Wildlife: baby deer, sheep, badgers, birds
  • Foraging: Taste the berries, leaves and nettles
  • Refreshments
  • Suitable for all ages

Good To Know:

  • Opening Hours: Please check the official website
  • Address: Wanchard Lane, Charminster, Dorchester DT2 9RP
  • Standard Adult Price: Please check the official website

3. Weymouth Harbour

  • Distance from the park: 3.3 miles
  • Travel time: 10-minute drive
Weymouth Harbour
Weymouth Harbour

Tranquil lovely 17th-century Weymouth harbour takes in the old fishing harbour, the Marina, and the peaceful walk from Westham Bridge to Lodmoor.

As well as scenic views across the bay, there are lots to see and do, including fishing boats, quaint cottages, and the Brewery area with restaurants, pubs, and cafes. 

  • Historic harbour
  • Rowing boat ferry
  • Spectacular views
  • Lots of places to eat and drink

Good To Know:

  • Opening Hours: 24 Hours, Daily
  • Address: Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8BG
  • Standard Adult Price: Free

4. Xtreme Falconry

  • Distance from the park: 7.8 miles
  • Travel time: 16-minute drive
Owl

Less than 5 miles from Weymouth Bay, Dorset Falconry Park is home to over 100 birds of prey, including hawks, falcons, vultures, eagles, and owls.

There are free-flying shows, the opportunity for first-hand encounters with beautiful birds, including Robin the Vulture, and to learn about conservation, an unforgettable day out for everyone. 

  • Knowledgeable, enthusiastic handlers
  • Free flying displays
  • Butterfly garden, conservation in action
  • Café, cream teas
  • Welcoming, family-run park

Good To Know:

  • Opening Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM, Wednesday to Sunday
  • Address: Lewell Mill Lane, Lewell, Dorchester, DT2 8AN
  • Standard Adult Price: £12.00

5. Chesil Beach

  • Distance from the park: 8.6 miles
  • Travel time: 19-minute drive
Chesil Beach
Chesil Beach

There are magnificent, panoramic views as far as Torquay from unique Chesil Beach, near Portland.

One of the longest barrier beaches, the 18-mile beach is 5,000 years old and is formed from a long, curved strip of 80 billion pebbles.

Chesil Beach is popular for fishing, fossil hunting and wildlife spotting, home to basking sharks, seals, and jellyfish. You can take a paddle and swim near the shore.

  • Historic beach
  • Breathtaking views
  • Fossil hunting
  • Marine wildlife
  • Swimming, fishing, 
  • Café with exhibitions

Good To Know:

  • Opening Hours: 24 Hours, Daily
  • Address: Weymouth DT3 4ED
  • Standard Adult Price: Free

6. Weymouth Sealife Adventure Park

  • Distance from the park: 1.9 miles
  • Travel time: 6-minute drive
Turtle, General

At Weymouth Sealife Adventure Park there are 13 different zones to take you on a magical marine adventure above and below the sea on a fascinating family day out.

Set on the seafront less than 2 miles from Weymouth Bay; you’ll meet a fantastic variety of sea creatures, rays, sharks, seahorses, otters, endangered sea turtles, and the entertaining Humbolt penguins.

There are 7 acres of underwater tunnels, rock pools, and a shipwreck to explore, and you can help the trainers feed the sharks. 

  • Pool and splash zone
  • Caribbean Cove children’s play area
  • Sharks and penguins’ feeding time
  • Learning and marine life stories: Learn about the seahorse, the plight of the turtles
  • Five cafes, hot and cold food
  • Gift shop

Good To Know:

  • Opening Hours: 10 AM to 4 PM, Daily
  • Address: Lodmoor Country Park, Weymouth DT4 7SX
  • Standard Adult Price: Starts at £21.50

7. Dorset Sunflower Trail

  • Distance from the park: 6.7 miles
  • Travel time: 18-minute drive
Sunflower, General

An uplifting, relaxing walk through 20 acres of beautiful sunflowers leaves everyone smiling on this fun, outdoor family activity. The trail is located on Maiden Farm and passes below Maiden Castle.

Half of The Sunflower Trail profits are donated to the Special Baby Care Unit at Dorset County Hospital.

An entertaining quiz and the candle-making workshop make this an unforgettable visit during the summer holiday.

  • Delightful Dorset location
  • Candle making workshop
  • Café, ice cream, refreshments
  • Gift shop

Good To Know:

  • Opening Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM, Summer Season Only
  • Address: Maiden Castle Road, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 9PP
  • Standard Adult Price: Please check the official website

8. Sandsfoot Gardens

  • Distance from the park: 4.3 miles
  • Travel time: 15-minute drive

These immaculate gardens are an idyllic, colourful haven if you want peace and quiet, time out to relax and reflect, a picnic or a gentle stroll in nature.

The gardens are beautifully landscaped with beautiful views across the harbour, the castle and Portland.

Sandsfoot Gardens are about 4 miles from Weymouth Bay and a mile from Weymouth town centre. There are lily ponds with a bridge, benches and an Italianate terrace.

  • Walking, cycling, dog walks.
  • Beautiful views
  • Tranquil environment
  • Café, refreshments
  • Dogs welcome

Good To Know:

  • Opening Hours: 24 Hours, Daily
  • Address: 84 Old Castle Road, Weymouth DT4 8QE
  • Standard Adult Price: Free

9. Dorchester Ghost Walk

  • Distance from the park: 6.1 miles
  • Travel time: 15-minute drive

Dorchester Ghost Walk is a fun, informative walk where you can discover historic Dorchester’s darker secrets. Ghosts of Roman soldiers and the always cold room where prisoners from the Monmouth rebellion awaited execution are among the fascinating stories.

Excellent value for money, packed with fun facts, the route includes Dorchester prison and the Roman townhouse, and there’s no need to book. Just download the programme and turn up at the Kings Arms in the High Street.

Good To Know:

  • Walk Starts At 8 PM, Thursday, May to Mid-October and some special dates
  • Meeting Point: Kings Arms, Dorchester DT1 1HF
  • Standard Adult Price: £7.50

10. Nothe Fort

  • Distance from the park: 4.5 miles
  • Travel time: 17-minute drive
Nothe Fort
Nothe Fort

Historic Nothe Fort is Weymouth’s top heritage attraction, with fabulous views along the Jurassic Coast. You can explore the maze of tunnels underneath the fort by torchlight and discover how they were used during World War 2.

There’s a fascinating, interactive museum with exhibits which depict a soldier’s life in the fort, anti-vessel guns, and the changing use of the fort over time.

  • Local history, wartime defence
  • Informative, friendly volunteers
  • Follow the arrows on a range of trails
  • Lifts for pushchairs and people with reduced mobility
  • Café, range of snacks

Good To Know:

  • Opening Hours: 10:30 AM to 4 PM, Daily
  • Address: High West Street, Dorchester DT1 1XA
  • Standard Adult Price: £9.95

11. Sandworld Sand and Sculpture Park

  • Distance from the park: 2.1 miles
  • Travel time: 6-minute drive

About 2 miles down the road from Weymouth Bay, Sandworld is a fantastic attraction in all weathers. Located in Lodmoor Country Park, there is a variety of awe-inspiring works by some of the world’s top sand sculptors.

This is the only Sand Sculpture festival in the UK; it is an excellent, entertaining attraction for all ages with daily workshops, all-weather sandpits, and quizzes.  

  • Creative, daily workshops
  • Under 5s sandpit
  • Under 4s free entry
  • Café, refreshments
  • Gift shop
  • Wheelchair friendly

Good To Know:

  • Opening Hours: 10:30 AM to 3 PM, Saturday to Thursday; to 2:30 PM, Friday; Summers only
  • Address: Lodmoor Country Park, Preston Beach Road, Weymouth DT4 7SX
  • Standard Adult Price: £8.75

12. Osmington Roman Walk

  • Distance from the park: 1.9 miles
  • Travel time: 5-minute drive
Bowleaze Cove
Bowleaze Cove

Half a mile from Weymouth Bay, the scenic Osmington Roman walk travels back through Dorset history, taking in the foundations of a Roman villa and temple and a 13th-century thatched smuggler’s inn.

Children love the chalk horse carved into the hillside. Osmington Manor dates back to the Domesday Book in 1086. This is a gentle walk of fewer than 5 miles through the heart of historic rural Dorset.

The walk usually ends at Bowleaze Coveway. It offers breathtaking views of Weymouth Bay and is a popular spot for both relaxation and seaside activities, drawing visitors with its scenic beauty and iconic “Riviera” architecture.

Good To Know:

  • Length: 4.7 miles

13. Fantasy Island Fun Park

  • Distance from the park: 1.6 miles
  • Travel time: 5-minute drive
Fantasy Island Fun Park
Fantasy Island Fun Park

There’s all the fun of the fair at Fantasy Island, with an enormous range of rides, including the classic helter skelter, bumper cars, flying elephants, spinning teapot and a big wheel.

There are traditional slot machines, video games, penny arcades and much more at surprisingly low prices, just half a mile from Weymouth Bay.  

  • Variety of rides and fairground activities
  • Soft play area
  • A range of value-for-money discounts
  • Fish and chips, candy floss and ice cream

Good To Know:

  • Opening Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM, Daily on Summers, depending on the weather in Winter
  • Address: Bowleaze Coveway, Weymouth DT3 6PW
  • Standard Adult Price: £15.99

14. RSPB Weymouth Wetlands

  • Distance from the park: 1.1 miles
  • Travel time: 3-minute drive
Radipole Lake
Radipole Lake

Tucked away in the heart of Weymouth, Radipole Lake is home to a stunning array of wildlife, including kingfishers, water voles and otters.

This is an unlikely urban location, about 2 miles from Weymouth Bay, where you can discover a haven for wildlife as you stroll through the reedbeds and the lagoons on the 83-hectare reserve.  

  • Family events during the school holidays, weekends
  • Self-guided exploring and activities: pond dipping
  • Wildlife explorer backpacks from the Discovery Centre

Good To Know:

  • Opening Hours: 24 Hours, Daily
  • Address: Weymouth DT4 7TZ
  • Standard Adult Price: Free

15. Maiden Castle

  • Distance from the park: 7.1 miles
  • Travel time: 18-minute drive
Maiden Castle
Maiden Castle

This is a delightful, gentle walk around the ramparts of England’s best-preserved Iron Age Hill Fort, with several paths and information boards about the castle’s history around the site.

One of the largest hill forts, home to the Ancient Britons, Maiden Castle is located high above the surrounding countryside, with panoramic views across the Dorset countryside and carpets of flowers along the way in the spring. Entry is free.

Good To Know:

  • Opening Hours: Daylight Hours
  • Address: Maiden Castle Road, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 9PP
  • Standard Adult Price: Free

Final Thoughts on Things To Do Near Weymouth Bay

Weymouth Bay, a radiant gem on the Dorset coast, offers a myriad of captivating activities and scenic allure.

Opting to stay here immerses one in a blend of rich history, nature, and coastal tranquillity, making every moment unforgettable.

For the truly enchanted, purchasing a caravan in Weymouth Bay transforms fleeting holidays into lasting memories, providing a personal haven to continually relish the area’s magic.

Beyond a mere travel destination, Weymouth Bay stands as a cherished retreat and, for many, a home away from home.

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