Reservations 877·97·CRAFT  (877·972·7238)

Portland (Weymouth), England

Weymouth, a seaside resort in Dorset County for more than 200 years, is located in one of England’s warmest and sunniest spots. It is about five miles north of the Isle of Portland where the ship docks. The area is known for limestone quarries that helped build St. Paul’s Cathedral in London and other landmark buildings. Also known for its good sailing, Weymouth hosted the sailing competitions of the Olympics in 2012. Weymouth is considered a jumping-off point to explore the Jurassic Coast, some 90 miles of coast designated in 2001 by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in recognition of its natural beauty and its exposed rock formations that depict the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods. Among the most famous features is the Durdle Door, a limestone arch filled with fossils.

 

Ship Location

 

The ship docks at the Portland commercial port, which has an up-to-date passenger cruise terminal. A free shuttle service is available from the port into Weymouth, about a ten-minute ride.

 

Getting Around

 

Taxis are readily available, and two bus companies serve the area--First Buses Wessex year-round, and More Bus operates during the summer beach season. In addition to local transportation, First Bus offers “501 Service,” an open-top bus to Portland Bill (Lighthouse) that runs on weekends. The main train station is located on King’s Street, not far from the Queen Victoria Jubilee Clock.

 

Attractions

 

Walk along the scenic three-mile beach or stroll through the Old Harbor area, a five-minute walk from the beach. Have a photo taken beneath Weymouth’s most famous landmark, Queen Victoria Jubilee Clock, erected in 1888 to commemorate the Queen’s 50 years on the throne. Stroll through Brewers Quay, now refurbished to house retailers and local artisans. Sample Cornish food, enjoy fish and chips at a seaside cafe or raise a pint of ale at a local pub. Explore Portland Castle, dating from the 1540s, and afterward savor a traditional tea. Enjoy 360-degree views of the harbor area from Nothe Fort (1872).

 

Visit the Abbotsbury Swannery, established by Benedictine monks at least by the 14th century as a sanctuary for mute swans. Today there are as many as 600 to 1,000 swans in residence. Close by is the Abbotsbury Sub-Tropical Gardens, which began as a kitchen garden for a countess in 1765 and now offers some twenty acres of plantings.

 

Optional ship excursions include visiting the Jurassic Coast or the Tank Museum in Bovington. Further afield, excursions are available to Stonehenge, located some two hours from the port, and Bath, famous for its Roman-era baths. Whether you love nature, natural history, or military history, you’ll find something to love at this stop on the itinerary.

 

Staying in Touch

 

Most cafes and restaurants offer free WiFi.

 

Fiber Places of Interest

Weymouth Woolies

Address5A East St, Weymouth DT4 8BW, United Kingdom

The Wool Shop

Address17 Easton St, Easton, Portland DT5 1BS, United Kingdom