A fort, a famous beach and 600 swans — the perfect family day out
About this day
This is one of our hand-crafted Dorset Days — a complete itinerary built around three locations that sit within a few miles of each other, so you spend your time exploring rather than driving. All stops, parking details, tips and food recommendations are included.
Begin at Nothe Fort — a Victorian coastal defence fort built in the 1860s to protect Portland Harbour. Now a fascinating museum with 70 rooms spread across three levels, packed with military history, weapons, uniforms and interactive displays that children love. The fort sits on a headland with panoramic views over Weymouth Bay and Portland Harbour, and the grounds are perfect for a morning explore.
The views from the ramparts over Weymouth Bay on a clear day are spectacular.
Useful to know
Walk 10 minutes along the seafront to Weymouth's famous sandy beach — one of the finest in England. The Georgian esplanade, colourful beach huts and traditional seaside atmosphere make this a classic British beach experience. After the beach, explore the historic harbour with its brightly painted Georgian houses, independent shops and seafood stalls. The harbour is also the departure point for boat trips to Portland.
The traditional beach huts and Georgian seafront are exactly what a British seaside should look like.
Useful to know
Drive 8 miles west to Abbotsbury Swannery — the only managed colony of nesting mute swans in the world, established by Benedictine monks in the 11th century. Up to 600 swans nest here each year, and from May to June you can watch cygnets hatching. The swannery sits in a beautiful reed-bed lagoon behind Chesil Beach, and the daily swan feeding at 12pm and 4pm is a highlight for all ages.
Walking through hundreds of nesting swans at close range is an extraordinary experience.
Useful to know
The best pubs and cafes within easy reach of today's stops — all from our Dorset Business Directory.
A traditional harbourside pub with views over Weymouth Harbour. Serves classic pub food, fresh local seafood and a good selection of ales. The perfect spot for a harbour-view lunch between the beach and the afternoon drive to Abbotsbury.
The harbourside terrace is one of the best lunch spots in Weymouth — watch the boats while you eat.
A charming village tea room in the heart of Abbotsbury, serving cream teas, homemade cakes and light lunches. Perfect for a post-swannery treat before the drive home.
The village setting and homemade scones make this the ideal end to a perfect family day.
Fresh fish and chips right on the harbour — a Weymouth institution. Eat in or take away and sit on the harbour wall. Exactly what a seaside day out should include.
Proper seaside fish and chips eaten on the harbour wall — a tradition worth keeping.
The Featured Recommendation slot is available for local businesses. Get in touch to find out more.
Nothe Fort car park, DT4 8UF — pay and display. Weymouth esplanade car parks, DT4 7AN.
Abbotsbury Swannery has its own car park at DT3 4JG. Weymouth town centre has multiple pay car parks.
From Dorchester: A354 south to Weymouth (approx. 8 miles, 15 mins). Abbotsbury is 8 miles west of Weymouth on the B3157 coast road.
Weymouth beach, esplanade and harbour are fully accessible. Nothe Fort has some steep stairs but ground floor displays are accessible. Abbotsbury Swannery has accessible paths through the main nesting areas.
Abbotsbury is best in May–June for cygnets. Weymouth beach is busiest in July–August — arrive early for parking. The swannery is open April to October only.
Dogs: Dogs welcome on Weymouth beach outside peak summer hours (check seasonal restrictions). Nothe Fort grounds are dog-friendly. Abbotsbury Swannery does not permit dogs.
Download this day as a PDF to take with you, or head back to browse more pre-built Dorset days.
We use essential cookies to make our site work, and analytics cookies to understand how you use it. We never use your data for marketing. By clicking "Accept All", you consent to all cookies. You can manage your preferences or read our Cookie Policy.