Culture in Weymouth

With several galleries, Weymouth Museum covers the town’s history from the prehistoric era through to the Roman and Saxon periods and up to modern-day times. One of the best attractions is their well-kept display of old photographs of Weymouth, illustrating how the town has changed and adapted over the decades. With its new central location in Brewer’s Quay, the museum should go from strength to strength in its new incarnation.

The Portland Bill Lighthouse opened in 2015 and is a fascinating look back at the history of lighthouses and the people who manned them for over 500 years. Adult entry costs just a few pounds and includes access to the full lighthouse with its interactive displays and incredible views over Dorset and across to the Jurassic Coast; a 96-mile stretch of coastline that contains an incredible 185 million years of history and geology. Measuring 41 meters tall and with 153 steps to the top, the lighthouse was completed in 1906 and is still operational, with the light seen for 25 miles and the fog blast reaching two miles.

Weymouth comes alive every day, thanks to its beaches, pubs, bars and shops, but away from that, the town has a lively events scene.

Entertaining Weymouth – and the surrounding areas – for over 55 years, the Weymouth Carnival is one of the town’s biggest events. A two-day party that dominates Weymouth every August, the town comes alive with a riot of food, parties, drinking, dancing and more.

As well as the carnival, which winds its multi-coloured way through town and the crowning of the Carnival Queen, Weymouth is filled with fairground rides, torchlight processions, spin-off events and street entertainment, making it a great time to visit. The event usually closes with a Red Arrows display and a glittering burst of post-procession fireworks, truly bringing Weymouth alive. The event attracts tens of thousands of fans every year, so book ahead if you want your trip to coincide, with our Weymouth Seafront hotel perfectly placed to take in all of the action. The carnival is also a fundraising event, with all the profits invested back into the local community.

You’ll find plenty of things to do in Weymouth, whatever the weather. Visit Weymouth attractions to see Nothe Fort, Trinity Terrace, Radipole Lake and Durdle Door. Families visiting Weymouth will enjoy various activities like a trip to the SEA LIFE Centre, Weymouth’s Alexandra Gardens as well as explore scenic parks & playgrounds like Greenhill Gardens near Weymouth Beach. Bargain-hunters won’t want to miss shopping in Weymouth market while families can see what’s on at Weymouth Pavilion. However you choose to get around Weymouth during your stay, there’s plenty of ways to get a taste of Weymouth’s culture. Feeling peckish? Check out the best local places to eat in Weymouth before experiencing Weymouth's nightlife in the evenings.