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Weymouth

"Wherever it flows, it's always the same sea....It's always the same life."
John Cowper Powys, Weymouth Sands

A bustling, picture perfect seaside town, Weymouth is renowned for its sunny clime. The town is fronted by an apricot coloured beach which hums with activity. Swimmers and children playing in the sand are backed by sunbathers and amusements such as the eternally popular Punch & Judy shows and beautiful sand sculptures.

Weymouth's seafront is lined by Georgian terraced houses which were built when tourists first arrived here over 200 years ago. Classic English summer resort that it may be, the military battery at Nothe Fort and the Old Harbour will interest the more culturally minded. Here you'll find Brewers Quay, a converted Victorian Brewery complete with authentic vats. Your visit can also include a trip to Weymouth's museum or a browse round some of the specialist shops. Other attractions at Weymouth include Sealife Park, a sanctuary for endangered species and the Deep Sea Adventure where you'll unearth secrets of the deep such as how and why the Titanic sunk. Another popular attraction is the Radipole Lake Swannery for leisurely strolling and easily rewarded bird-watching.

Separated by the river, Weymouth and Melcombe Regis were once two separate towns kept lively by their animosity towards each other. The area first came into prominence in the 13th century as small ports which supplied the king's ships. They developed separate trades, Weymouth exporting wool and Melcombe importing French wines. Divided by the stretch of water which they shared for their livelihoods a culture of hatred brew between the two. This continued for centuries and was interrupted only when they joined forces to fight against the French in the Hundred Years War. Finally exasperated by their squabbles, an Act of Parliament in 1571 united the two foes as the Borough of Weymouth and Melcombe Regis. Ironically only 70 years later, the Civil War would once again find Weymouth and Melcombe on opposing sides. In heated combat, Royalists in Melcombe fought off the Parliamentarians who attacked from Weymouth. If you head to Maiden Street, you can still see a canon ball lodged in the side of a Tudor house!

Weymouth : Sightseeing and Attractions

Weymouth Sea Life Park & Marine Sanctuary
As well as providing an important service as a sanctuary to endangered species such as Huumboldt penguins, the Sea Life Park is a Dorset attraction for all the family. On your trip, you can visit the otter, seal or penguin sanctuaries, the tropical shark nursery and National Seahorse Breeding and Conservation Centre. Other attractions include the Splash and Crab touch pool, an 18 hole mini-golf course, splash lagoon, seal boat rides and an adventure trail.
Address: Lodmoor Country Park, Weymouth, Dorset
Postcode: DT4 7SX Street Map
Contact: PH 01305 761070
Website: http://www.sealifeeurope.com/sea_life_centres_uk.html

The Deep Sea Adventure
A family attraction situated within a Victorian Grain Warehouse, the Deep Sea Adventure is an exhibition which details shipwrecks and adventures of the deep from the 17th century to the present. As well as the Titanic Exhibition, a key attraction here is Sharky's Play & Party Warehouse featuring slides and ball pools with four floors of fun - the only problem is that the kids will never want to leave!
Admission: £3.75 Adults £2.75 Children
Address: 9 Custom House Quay, Weymouth, Dorset
Postcode: DT4 8BG Street Map
Contact: PH 0871 2225760
Website: http://www.deepsea-adventure.co.uk/

Nothe Fort
A 'D' shaped fort, Nothe Fort is deemed to be the finest Victorian military structure in England. Constructed in the 1860's, Nothe Fort continued to be manned until after WWII. .. more
Admission: £4.50 Adults £3.50 Children
Address: Nothe Fort, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset
Postcode: DT4 8UF Street Map

Sandsfoot Castle
Built by Henry VIII in the 1540's, Sandsfoot Castle saw a Civil War siege and drama in the Monmouth rebellion. Now a ruins, Sandsfoot Castle is a historic building at risk due to the unstable cliff upon which it stands. .. more
Address: Sandsfoot Castle, Old Castle Road, Weymouth, Dorset

Brewers Quay
A family attraction in Dorset, Brewers Quay lies within Hope Square, a home to breweries for over 700 years. Attractions here include the Timewalk, a Tudor house and original Victorian Vat rooms.. more
Admission: £4.50 Adults £3 Children
Address: Hope Square, Weymouth,
Postcode: DT4 8TR Street Map
Contact: PH 01305 777622

Radipole Lake Swannery
A nature reserve in the centre of Weymouth, the Radipole Lake Swannery is home to Bearded Tits and Cetti's Warblers all year. In the summer months, sedge, reed and grasshopper warblers can be observed. In the winter season, pochard and tufted ducks are amongst the many migrating birds which are to be found here.
Admission: £2.50 Adults £50 Children
Address: Radipole Lake Swannery, 143 Radipole Lane, Weymouth, Dorset
Postcode: DT4 0TF Street Map
Contact: PH 01305 781146
Website: http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/r/radipolelake/index.asp

Bennett's Water Gardens
Lying about two miles out of Weymouth, Bennett's Water Gardens is a designated Site of Nature Conservation Interest. Spanning some eight acres, Bennett's Water Garden's were born in 1959 when Norman Bennett decided to grow Water Lilies in the abandoned clay pits of Chickerell Brickworks. A family endeavour, the gardens have been developed by Johnathon Bennett and now contain walks furnished with seating at scenic spots. On your visit, you'll be awed by the 150 varieties of water lilies to be found here including some that originated from the same nursery that supplied Monet. Attractions at Bennett's Water Garden's include a Tropical House, an Aquatic Centre, Family Nature Trail and a Plant Centre. You'll also be able to visit the on-site museum which covers the history of Chickerell village and the Chickerell Brickworks.
Admission: £6.45 Adults £3.95 Children
Address: Bennett's Water Gardens, 19 Putton Lane, Weymouth, Dorset
Postcode: DT3 4AF Street Map
Contact: PH 01305 785 150
Website: http://www.waterlily.co.uk/

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  Population: 45920
  District: Weymouth and Portland
  County: Dorset