Between Exeter And Bournemouth Is England's Seaside Town With Fresh Seafood, Shops, And An Award-Winning Beach

While it may come as a surprise, England can certainly boast of some rather spectacular coastlines where travelers can relax by the sea. A particularly impressive destination which ticks all the right boxes is Weymouth, a bustling port straddling the banks of the River Wey. Sheltered by a jutting headland, the town's powdery sand beach has continuously nabbed multiple awards, while boats bobbing in the harbor create a scenic backdrop for visitors strolling the quayside promenade. Londoners craving a weekend getaway can hop on a train from Waterloo Station directly to Weymouth in about three hours.

Tucked along the famous Jurassic Coast, Weymouth emerged as a seaside resort in the Georgian era. These days, beachgoers still flock into town to sink their toes in the soft sand and throw a towel down to bronze themselves beneath the coastal sunshine. Interestingly, though, it was really George III who put the town on the map. Back in the 18th century, the infamous king could be found splashing around Weymouth's beachfront, hoping the seawater would improve his health. However, if getting sand between your toes doesn't get you excited, Weymouth still offers many other delights.

History buffs can head up to the ruins of Sandsfoot Castle, which was built during the reign of King Henry VIII. Standing atop a grassy cliff, the castle offers excellent views of the blue waters stretching out down below. Meanwhile, more casual travelers will find plenty of boutiques to head out on a shopping spree. At the end of the day, the town's bevy of local eateries beckon sun-browned sightseers to sample some fresh seafood. Locals to the west in Exeter can drive to Weymouth in just under two hours, while anyone to the east in Bournemouth is a little over an hour away by car.

Weymouth's town center is a warren of narrow lanes weaving between towering, sand-colored stone buildings. While sightseers snap photos of the elegant architecture, shoppers can browse the local boutiques. Anyone looking for new outfits should stop at Bibi's Boutique, an independent clothing store tucked within a rugged stone facade on St. Alban Street. Pick out everything from chunky sweaters to jeans and beach sandals, along with jewelry, tote bags, and beaded pouches.

Right across the street is Razmatazz, a purveyor of collectible toys and all manner of goodies related to pop culture. Browse the selection of Funko Pop figurines ranging from Marvel superheroes to Disney princesses, or pick out a backpack in the shape of famous cartoon characters. Other fun souvenirs include Harry Potter-themed plushies and Star Wars action figures. "Some stuff [here] that I've never seen elsewhere," says a previous customer.

After shopping works up your appetite, stop to grab some fresh seafood. A short walk from the shops is Rockfish, which is highly rated on Google. The elegant painted facade welcomes guests into the rustic, wood-paneled interiors. Order dishes like prawn tacos and crispy, fresh-caught haddock with fries paired with sides like parmesan scallops and oysters with chili sauce. For a more upscale experience, try the seafood tasting menu from Catch at the Old Fish Market, which has been featured in both the Good Food Guide and the Michelin Guide. Sample the tuna with wasabi, sea bass with gazpacho, and trout pastrami, paired with wines and followed by dessert. Previous guests have been impressed by the delicious flavors and friendly service. After you've explored Weymouth, drive just 40 minutes over to Bridport, a lovely town near the coast with cozy pubs and tasty eats.

For a dose of sunshine and crashing waves, bring lawn chairs and towels down to Weymouth Beach, the town's award-winning coastline. Back in 2023, The Times newspaper declared this particular stretch of seashore "the UK's best beach," and it's not hard to see why. The cream-colored sand is powdery underfoot, and families will find "lovely shallow water that is perfect for children who want to swim and play safely," according to a previous visitor.

What's more, there is plenty of space for beachgoers to sunbathe without feeling hemmed in by others. The coastline gently curves away, giving visitors a spectacular panorama of the rows of pastel-hued townhouses framing the waterfront. It's no wonder Weymouth Beach has been awarded the Travelers' Choice Award on Tripadvisor for two years running. Aside from swimming and lounging in the sand, visitors to the beach can also enjoy carnival amusements at the summer funfair. Bring the kids to take a ride on the Ferris wheel, jump around on the trampolines, or strap into the chair-o-planes to fly around in circles.

After spending the day frolicking by the seashore, the town's bevy of accommodations beckon for relaxation. Overlooking the curve of the beachfront is the Bay View Hotel, a family-owned property which is highly rated on Google. Further up the beach is Gloucester House, an upscale bed-and-breakfast set within an elegant townhouse, where guests can admire sea views right from the balcony in some rooms. For more adventures along the English coast, just 20 minutes away by car is Chesil Beach, a one-of-a-kind fishing paradise with cafes and English Channel views. Another great spot to explore is Lymington, a quaint coastal town with a historic market, tasty eats, and a scenic castle.