Fun Family Summer Holidays in Weymouth

Spend a day at the beach

Weymouth Beach @ Elliot Brown

Wonderful Weymouth Beach should be high on your list of things to do in Weymouth with kids during your family holiday. The award-winning sandy beach and bay offers safe swimming, decent facilities and stunning views over the Jurassic coastline. For a fun family day out in Weymouth, pack a picnic, towels, and don’t forget the buckets and spades!

One for the kids

One of the key family attractions in Weymouth is a trip to the Lodomoor Country Park. Set within 350 acres of beautiful landscape overlooking Weymouth bay, the park has an RSPB Nature Reserve set within it.

It’s also home to the Weymouth Sea Life Park and Marine Sanctuary, another of the top Weymouth attractions for kids. At just a 15 minute walk from the main esplanade, Lodomoor offers easy access for those spending their family holidays in Weymouth.         

Discover Nothe Fort

Combining breathtaking views of the Jurassic Coast with a labyrinth of underground passageways, the Nothe Forte is another great thing to d oin Weymouth with kids. Located on Weymouth Harbour, the fort contains war memorabilia and models set over three levels and kids are kept entertained during tours by a ‘mouse’ hunt. The fort is well worth a visit during your Weymouth holidays - one for a rainy day perhaps!

Picturesque Portland

Portland Lighthouse @ Matt Ashby

Set a day of your Weymouth holidays aside to visit the nearby picturesque isle of Portland. Take a tour of the distinctive Portland Bill Lighthouse and spend some time in The Portland Bill Visitor Centre, which gives a fascinating insight into the famous local stone and fossils that have been uncovered in the area. Pop into the Lobster Pot restaurant to sample the divine cream tea.

The Fleet Lagoon and Chesil Beach

The isle of Portland is also home to Chesil Beach, a 28k long shingle beach which has been named a Site of Special Scientific interest. Separating it from the mainland is the Fleet Lagoon, an area of shallow, saline water which attracts many different species of wildlife and rare plants.

Another great Weymouth attraction for kids is an educational boat tour of the lagoon with the Fleet Observer in a glass bottomed boat. If you prefer to do your sightseeing on dry land, there are several walks on the famed South West Coastal Path which give great views out over Chesil beach and the Lagoon – visit the South West Coast Path website to plan a route.

The Jurassic Coast

During your holidays in Weymouth, get out and discover the delights of The Jurassic Coast. One way of taking advantage of the epic views is to explore the coast by boat.

If you’re a bit of an adventure junkie, Weymouth Whitewater offer exhilarating rides suitable for those aged 5 and up, which take in sights such as Durdle Door, Lulworth cove and Portland harbour. For a more sedate cruise, try Coastline Cruises, who offer sunset trips perfect for a summer’s night. 

Portland Castle

Portland Castle makes another good stop-off point during your summer holidays in Weymouth. Built by Henry VIII, it occupies a solid position overlooking Portland Harbour and highlights include the audio tour, where you can brush up on your Tudor knowledge, aswell as a Tudor kitchen and a maritime themed garden.

Where to stay

Wentworth Guest House 

With such a varied choice of family-friendly activities and fun things to do in the area, it’s only fitting that there are a great range of family-friendly B&Bs in Weymouth. Wentworth Guest House is a good option, with rooms to suit families of all sizes.

The rooms are spacious, comfortable and affordable and the hosts are friendly and welcoming. The guest house is also just minutes from the beach and family rooms start at an affordable £55 per night.

Cover image by mfrascella