Things to see & do > Weymouth's Old Harbour
More things to see and do in and around Weymouth
The port of Weymouth has existed as a trading haven for nearly 4000 years, but it is only in recent times that the area has become a popular tourist attraction. Weymouth's picturesque harbour is now home to countless fishing boats, pleasure craft and yachts, as well as Condor's high-speed ferries making daily trips to the Channel Islands. Both sides of the harbour are lined with pubs, cafes and some of the best restaurants in the town, many specialising in locally caught fish. Another popular sight is the Weymouth Town Bridge lifting several times a day to allow tall-masted boats to access the inner harbour and marina beyond.
Weymouth's old harbour
Note the Town Bridge is open to allow tall-masted ships to pass
Nothe Fort
The Nothe Fort is built at the head of the Nothe peninsula which forms one side of Weymouth harbour and commands stunning views of the Dorset coast from St Aldhems Head to the town of Weymouth, the Isle and harbour of Portland and Chesil Beach. Situated between the Fort and the town centre are the Nothe Gardens, once part of the military establishment but now a popular landscaped garden. Nothe Fort's museum and archives contain an extensive collection of items relating to coastal defence, the history and defence of Portland Harbour, the life of a garrison soldier from 1860 to 1960 and the experiences of the civilian population of Weymouth during World War II. These displays are lively and interesting, making use of full size tableaux, models and dioramas, photographs and items from the collection.
Brewers Quay
Across the other side of Weymouth's historic Old Harbour is Brewers Quay, a unique shopping village set in the paved courtyards and cobbled streets of a redeveloped Victorian brewery. Brewers Quay is packed with shops dedicated to arts and crafts, collectables, china, glass and all things nautical. The Village Store has one of the most extensive ranges of real ales in the region, along with country wines and liqueurs, all complemented by fine cheeses, pasties and pies from the delicatessen and jams, chutneys and sauces from the Dorset area. It is also home to a restaurant, pub, various visitor attractions and its very own micro-brewery carrying on 600 years of tradition on the site.
Discovery
This interactive science centre contains five separate areas packed with hands-on exhibits for all the family. You can see how a perfect cube can roll smoothly along or be amazed in the Ames room where people change size before your eyes! The Discovery gadget shop also has a wonderful selection of puzzles, brain teasers, gifts and educational toys.
Timewalk
An award-winning attraction that journeys through time to tell you the story of Weymouth's turbulent past and strong maritime connections. Told through the eyes of Miss Paws, the brewery cat, and her ancestors, you travel through 600 years of Weymouth's past and learn about the Black Death, the Spanish Armada, the Civil War, King George III and the smuggling trade. The tour continues with a visit to 'Brewery Days' to hear about the history of the Devenish brewery, find out about the brewing process and even sample a few real ales in the tastings bar.
Weymouth's inner harbour & marina
Deep Sea Adventure
Explore the fascinating world of underwater exploration and maritime exploits both past and present and discover the history of Weymouth's Old Harbour with tales of shipwrecks and the Titanic disaster. The stories are told through the use of animated displays, audio effects and computer games, and the exhibition fills two floors of a converted Victorian grain warehouse.
Sharky's Play & Party Warehouse
This is Dorset's premier all weather kids adventure play zone filled with ball pits, slides, games and soft play shapes. When it's time for a rest, enjoy a delicious snack with an Italian coffee or an iced sangria in the Galley Cafe Bar, which also has outside seating in a superb position on the quayside.
Tudor House
An early 17th century merchant's house in Trinity Street, just off the harbourside, which has been lovingly restored and furnished in the style of the period. Run by Weymouth Civic Society, it is open for guided tours between June and September. From October to May, it is open on the first Sunday of each month (except January) from 2pm until 4pm.
Newton's Cove
The new award-winning sea wall and promenade at Newton's Cove allow visitors and locals alike to take a quite stroll along the rocky shoreline away from the hustle and bustle of the town. This area is popular with families as there are many rock pools for children to explore. Above the Cove are the Nothe Gardens, planted with choice trees and shrubs, with winding paths leading down from a large flat grassed area to sheltered slopes and picnic areas.
To explore the joys of the historic heart of Weymouth, why not take a stroll from our bed and breakfast to Weymouth's Old Harbour through the Princess Diana Memorial Gardens and then along the new marina walkway?
