Weymouth Old Harbour

From the early departure of the fishing fleet to the evening return of the yachts that have enjoyed a day’s sailing, there is always something happening on and around Weymouth’s delightful harbourside. Find a comfortable spot to sit and you could spend hours engrossed in the action both on and off the water.

Private motor cruisers and yachts of all sizes, with decks gleaming and ropes coiled in neat circles, pass to and fro in a constant parade. The taller-masted vessels will have to wait for the Town Bridge to rise before they can pass in and out of the inner harbour. From mid-April to mid-September this occurs at two-hourly intervals from 8am until 8pm (another at 9pm in June, July & August) and if you’ve not seen it before then it’s a holiday photo opportunity worth catching.

A novelty way for pedestrians to cross the harbour is by taking one of the small rowing boats that ferry passengers from steps not far from the Pavilion Theatre to Nothe Parade on the far side. Those wanting to go further can take a ferry over to Portland or enjoy a trip along the Jurassic Coast to see just why UNESCO awarded the coastline natural World Heritage status. Fast RIB rides and angling or diving trips are alternative ways of getting out on the water.

But landlubbers can also enjoy the Weymouth Old Harbour as there’s plenty to see and do on both sides. In Trinity Street there’s a Tudor house that has been restored by the Weymouth Civic Society: furnished in period style it is open to the public on selected days. The Nothe Fort is a fascinating museum with over 70 rooms and underground passages to explore. The Fort is situated in the Nothe Gardens, which are perfect if you are looking for somewhere to enjoy a picnic. 

Browse in the delightful gallery which has lots of inspiration for the home or for gifts; pick up fresh fish from the harbourside fishmonger who will have received much of his catch from the local fishing boats; purchase a crab line and bucket from the chandlers and watch the children have fun dangling their lines over the harbour wall – you could spend a whole enjoyable day here.

Sit outside and enjoy a bite to eat at one of the tea rooms, cafes and restaurants that serve up a tempting selection of snacks and meals. The harbour walls are ideal for sitting on while tucking in to paper-wrapped fish and chips and sipping a cool drink from one of the harbourside pubs. But please don’t feed the seagulls as they can become aggressive and cause injury as they try to snatch food from your hand.

Don't forget to take photos! Weymouth Harbour provides plenty of opportunities for you and your camera - you can view these Weymouth photos for inspiration, you'll find several photographs of the harbour (available as prints too).

The award-winning Dorset Seafood Festival that takes on the Weymouth Peninsula in September. This fabulous event continues to grow each year and there is sure to be lots to explore. With lots of fantastic stalls offering a wide variety of mouth-watering seafood dishes to be enjoyed with the classic English sparkling wines and Badger beers! The festival will be taking a break this year due to site works, but will be back in 2026.  

Things to do around Weymouth Harbour

Nothe FortWeymouthCoastline CruisesWeymouthCove GalleryWeymouthBennett's Fish & ChipsWeymouthLes Enfants TerriblesWeymouthMarlboro Restaurant & Take AwayWeymouthThe ShipWeymouthCatch at the Old Fish MarketWeymouthHatch on the HarbourWeymouthWeyfishWeymouthWeymouth PavilionWeymouth