Posted 4 weeks ago
Fri 04 Jul, 2025 12:07 AM
Summer break is finally here, and what better way to explore Britain than escaping to the stunning Dorset coast? Weymouth offers the perfect blend of seaside relaxation, fascinating history, and budget-friendly adventures that won't break your student loan. This UNESCO World Heritage coastline is calling your name!
Getting to Weymouth
Reaching Weymouth from London couldn't be easier. South Western Railway runs direct trains from London Waterloo, taking just 2 hours 38 minutes to transport you from the bustling capital to this charming coastal town. With a railcard, return tickets cost just £52.50, making it an affordable escape for budget-conscious students.
Exploring Weymouth
📍Sandworld Weymouth
Experience Britain's only sand sculpture festival, where talented international artists craft magnificent creations using nothing but sand and water. This all-weather attraction runs from 5th April to 9th November, showcasing incredible works from ancient creatures that roamed the earth 83 million years ago to colourful Egyptian royalty and favourite fictional characters.
🕙 Opening Hours: 10:30 – 15:00 (Open from 5th April – 9th November 2025)
🎫 Ticket (online):
- Concessions ticket: £9.75
- Adult: £10.75
- £1 discount on each single price ticket when you purchase online
📍Portland Castle
Explore one of Henry VIII's most impressive coastal defences, constructed in the 1540s to protect England from continental invasion. The castle's distinctive rounded walls were ingeniously designed to deflect cannonballs, whilst its 450-year story encompasses everything from Tudor politics to both World Wars.
This Tudor stronghold boasts commanding sea views from its gun platforms, where you can examine authentic cannons and wander through the Tudor kitchen, armoury, and gun decks.
🕙 Opening Hours: 10:00 – 17:00 (Open from 23rd March 2025 – 3rd November 2025)
🎫 Advance online Ticket:
- Standard without donation: £8.10
- Saver without donation: £7.20
- Super saver without donation): £6.30
📍 D-Day Centre & WW2 Museum
Step into history at this authentic recreation of the wartime dockyard where thousands of American troops from the US 1st Infantry and US 29th Infantry Divisions embarked for the D-Day landings in 1944. This immersive museum brings the Second World War to life through an impressive collection of original artefacts, weapons, and wartime vehicles.
Experience the thrill of operating a Bofors 40mm anti-aircraft gun, try on authentic military uniforms, and climb inside a battle-scarred Sherman tank recovered from France after the war. The museum houses a full-size replica Spitfire suspended in flight and features a German bunker containing authentic Nazi artefacts where you can peer through scopes at the Normandy beaches from the enemy's perspective. Movie buffs will enjoy spotting real props from the Oscar-winning film Saving Private Ryan. The impressive surround sound system creates a truly immersive wartime atmosphere throughout your visit.
🕙 Opening Hours: Thursday to Sunday, 10:00 – 16:00 (Last entry 15:00)
🎫 Ticket: £12
📍 Weymouth Land Train
Discover Weymouth's seafront and historic landmarks aboard this charming 30-minute sightseeing journey. This offers stunning views of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast, Weymouth Harbour, and the Grade II-listed town bridge as you travel along the award-winning seafront. The journey concludes at Hope Square, perfect for exploring Nothe Fort and gardens.
🕙 Opening Hours: Departing every 30 minutes from 10:00 am
🎫 Ticket: £6
📍Nothe Fort
Discover why this Victorian sea fort claimed Visit England's Small Visitor Attraction of the Year 2024. This remarkable fortress invites you to explore its maze of underground tunnels and enjoy a stunning view of Dorset’s Jurassic Coast.
For an authentic military experience, time your visit to coincide with the spectacular artillery firing demonstrations. The Nothe Fort Artillery brings history to life with thunderous cannon displays on the second and fourth Sundays of each month between 12 pm and 3 pm. Mark your calendars for these thrilling demonstrations: 8th June, 13th July, 10th August, 14th September, and 12th October 2025. These dramatic historical re-enactments offer a rare chance to witness the power and precision of Victorian coastal defence in action.
🕙 Opening Hours:
- 29th March – 2nd November 2025: 10:30 – 16:00
- August 2025 only: 10:00 – 16:00
- 8th November – 14th December 2025 (weekends only): 11:00 – 15:00
- Closed from 15th December 2025 until 14th February 2026
🎫 Ticket: £10.50 (Adult). FREE annual pass with every admission ticket.
📍Sandsfoot Castle
Conclude your Weymouth journey at these romantic Tudor ruins, a protected ancient monument that has captivated visitors since the 18th century.
Constructed in 1539 on Henry VIII's orders as Portland Castle's partner fortress, this clifftop stronghold was built to defend against continental invasion following the king's break with the Roman Catholic Church. The castle originally featured two storeys and a basement, providing gun emplacements, powder magazines, and quarters for fifty men.
The castle's dramatic position tells a poignant story of nature's power, with centuries of coastal erosion claiming much of the original structure to the waves below. By 1584, the sea had already begun undermining the foundations, and despite repair attempts in the early 1600s, the castle was dropped from military use by 1665. The surrounding gardens bloom with seasonal displays, aromatic herbs, and colourful borders centred around a peaceful ornamental pond, ideal for students seeking a budget-friendly retreat.
🕙 Opening Hours: Open every day
🎫 Ticket: Free
Whether you're seeking historical intrigue, artistic inspiration, or simply a refreshing break from lectures, Weymouth delivers an unforgettable coastal experience that proves the best student adventures are right on your doorstep.
