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This is where I spent my afternoon today. I’m home for the summer, and that’s inspired me to write about where I’m from for a change, instead of where I’ve been. Not many people have heard of the town I grew up in, but I love it. Weymouth is a small seaside town on the south coast of England. It’s ever so slightly tacky and a little outdated, but it’s blessed with extraordinary natural beauty. And I think it’s seriously underrated. The Great British Staycation is on the rise, so I thought I’d share a few of the things I love about Weymouth.
Now, obviously I’m a tad biased having grown up here, but Weymouth is a lovely little town. Here are just five of the reasons I love my hometown…
Faded Seaside Charm
Try as it might to modernise, Weymouth still seems very much stuck in the past. There are Swing-boats and donkey rides on the beach in summer. There’s even a Punch and Judy stand – one of the last in the country. Martin Parr used Weymouth Beach frequently for his photographic studies of British culture, and it’s easy to see why. This is the traditional British seaside at it’s best!
It’s the Georgian seafront that really sets the scene. These historic buildings may be looking a bit tired, but it’s all part of the charm. Then there’s the bright yellow 1930’s Pier Bandstand, the red-white-and-blue Jubilee Clock; and pastel-coloured beach huts lining the golden sands of the beach. There are arcades and rides and retro ice cream parlours. It’s all a bit kitsch – but that’s cute.
History
Speaking of history, there’s a lot to discover in Weymouth, some of it unexpected. Did you know, for example, that The Black Death first arrived in England through the port of Melcombe Regis (now part of Weymouth) in June 1348? Sorry about that one!
King George III famously holidayed here, taking to the waters after sea bathing was prescribed by physicians of the time, and effectively kick-starting Weymouth’s career as a holiday town. Sir Christopher Wren was a local MP, and when he built St Paul’s Cathedral he used local Portland limestone. The Nothe Fort between Portland and Weymouth harbours was a WWII naval base and played a key role in the D Day Invasion. And more recently, Weymouth and Portland hosted the sailing events for the 2012 Olympics. There’s a lot of history in this little town!
Festivals and Events
With so many amazing spaces, like the beach and the harbour, Weymouth has plenty of places to put on some awesome events. Summers are packed full of festivals, and the Weymouth New Year’s Eve celebrations have been voted among the best in Europe.
Our most iconic festival is the annual Weymouth Carnival. Although the parade of floats, marching bands, and majorettes is sadly nowhere near as good as it used to be, the rest of the carnival is worth swinging by for. There’s always an incredible show from the Red Arrows (my favourite British institution), and an amazing fireworks display over the bay to close things off. Carnivals in Britain are a great tradition, and our’s is a classic.
Aside from Carnival, there’s plenty more to discover, including an international kite festival, Harley Davidson Parade, music festivals like Tea on the Quay, and amazing foodie events like the Dorset Seafood Festival and Feast Weymouth. Sports-wise, there’s a Beach Volleyball Championship, yacht regatta, and the UK branch of the Sailing World Cup.
Fossil Hunting and Cliff Walks Along the Jurassic Coast
Weymouth is right smack in the middle of the Jurassic Coast, a 96 mile stretch of coastline and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s home to 185 million years of history, is a hot bed for fossil hunting, and is known for its remarkable geology. There are some incredible coastal walks around the area, and amazing geological wonders like Durdle Door within day trip distance. Closer to home, I love the walk from Red Cliff to the Smuggler’s Inn at Osmington Mills. It takes in some of the best cliff scenery in Weymouth, and ends at a great pub which was once a genuine smugglers haunt. Fossil hunters should head to Chesil Beach or Bowleze Cove, both prime spots for prehistoric finds.
Food and Drink
Last, but not at all least, it’s the food. I’m planning a whole separate post about the food in Weymouth, so stay tuned for that. Being on the coast, with a strong fishing tradition, means Weymouth has some incredible seafood on offer. Mussels, crab, scallops, cod, sole, and much more. Restaurants are also taking advantage of the excellent local produce from around Dorset. Plus, there’s all the usual excellent seaside fodder, like fudge, sticks of rock, candyfloss, and ice cream. So you can indulge to your heart’s content!
What do you love about Weymouth? If you’re from the town or you’ve visited before I’d love to hear from you. Scroll down to leave a comment!
You’re so lucky to have grown up by the sea Emily, I’m very jealous! Love this area of the UK, used to holiday a lot in Dorset as a kid and have very fond memories… Keri
Aw thanks Keri! I was really lucky, so many summers spent at the beach. We even used to run down after school for a few hours! I always took it for granted but missed it so much when I moved to London! :)
it looks very picturesque! And it looks like theres some decent weather there too!
Haha we have our good days! Perks of being from the South of England ;)
I love Weymouth too in the same biased way :)
Haha I’m glad I’m not the only one! Lovely place to grow up. It has it’s flaws, but I think it’d be great for a holiday. Lots to love about it!
Only made it as far a pre school in the growing up stakes- but is was an awesome place to work for the summer in my gap year :)
Ooh where did you work?!
Perry’s- do you know it?
The restaurant on the harbour? Course I do. Not sure if it’s still there but definitely know it!
We love Weymouth, we have a place there and let all our friends and family share it. They all love it . The many festivals and events are wonderful . Restaurants galore and many other attractions . Cannot wait to go back
Thanks for commenting Sandra. I’m so glad you love Weymouth so much. It was such a nice place to grow up :) When will you visit next? It’s great in September – usually empty!
I love Weymouth. We used to visit every year when my sister and I were kids, normally staying at a camp site at Westbay or the Bridport Arms. For my 21st birthday I had a girlie weekend there with a sea view from one of the many sea front B&Bs.
Ah yay! I love hearing from folks who love Weymouth :) Growing up there was so lovely! X
Superb article, I moved here in 2014 from Derby and although it had gone downhill in the 4 years the Tide Is Changing… again an amazing article… thank you x
Thanks Lee :) I love my home town so it’s nice to hear when other people feel the same. Weymouth does seem to be on the up again, and I’m so happy about that!