Here is a few suggestions on what to do for VIRTUALLY FREE in and around Weymouth.
(5 mins walk from the Wilton dt4 7tz)
The Visitor centre at Radipole Lake is free of charge, the assistants are at hand to point out the bird finds of the day, there is also a very nice walk around the lake. It is a great way to spend a couple of hours. This is something you probably wouldn't normally do at home, so get out and try something new.
dt3 4et for sat nav (kings arms)
Head out along the coast rd towards Abbotsbury Swannery, you will approach a little village called Portesham. Take the right immediately past The Kinds Arms and Hardy’s monument is signposted. The parking is free but you may wish to make a contribution. The scenery here is absolutely breathtaking. Here you will see the beautiful Jurassic coastline, taking in Abbotsbury, Portland, Weymouth and White Nothe and also the wonderful Dorset countryside. There are some great walks, so take your walking shoes and a picnic
DT5 2EN for sat nav
Take the car, or if you are feeling really energetic walk to Portland Heights Hotel. Here you will see one of the most stunning views in the British Isles. The parking is free, there is a small burger Van selling food and drinks. You can see the whole of Chesil Beach on clear day, The Fleet Lagoon and Portland Harbour the venue for the 2012 sailing Olympics. There is an 8 mile circuit around the Top of Portland if you fancy it.
(30 mins walk, 5 mins drive from the Wilton DT4 7SX for satnav)
Park by the College, its free. walk down to Lodmoor Country Park. There is a nice walk around the grounds and a small adventure playground which is free of charge. Come out of the grounds, cross the road onto Preston Beach. Take a walk along the sea front upto Bowleaze cove, sit on the hill over looking Weymouth and take in 100 million years of geology.
St Catherines Chapel dt3 4jj for sat nav
(30mins drive from the Wilton )
Park at the Abbotsbury Swannery, it's free. Take the south coast trail and head for the chapel. You will walk up a hill so good footwear needed. The view hear along the coast is exceptional.
Portland Bill DT5 2JT for sat nav
(3.5 hours walk, 15 mins drive from the Wilton )
Take the bus, the Number 1 (not free but not far off) to Portland Bill. Then walk back along the West cost of Portland. The View is stunning. The walk will take about 2 hours but you can get a bus back to Weymouth from Portland, if you get tired.
Portland Market (Tuesdays Mar - Oct)
(1 hour walk, 10mins drive from the Wilton dt5 2en for sat nav)
Walk if fit to Portland market along the Rodwell Trail. If not get the Number 1 bus which is every 6 mins.
Weymouth Market (Thursdays Mar - Oct)
(5 minutes walk from the Wilton)
The market is situated in the Swannery Car park
Bowleaze Cove dt3 6pm for sat nav
(30 mins walk from the Wilton)
The view from The "Look Out Cafe" on top of Bowleaze Cove is stunning on a nice day. You can walk from Weymouth it takes about an hour. In the summer take the land train (£1.50p) which takes you to Lodmoor, then walk from there. (15 mins walk)
Weymouth Beach.
(1 minute from the Wilton)
Weymouth's best free activity. One of the Best beaches in the country without doubt. Gently shelving, fine sand.
Lulworth Cove bh20 for satnav
(30 minutes drive from the Wilton)
Park by the church its Free, walk into Lulworth Cove, the visitor centre is free and it will give you a very good incite into the Jurassic coast and how the cove was formed. Walk from here to Durdle Door, its up about 100 gentle steps but a great view from the top.
Sandsfoot Castle dt3 4af for sat nat
(5 mins drive, 30 mins walk from the Wilton)
Park by the castle its free. It's the ruins of Sandsfoot Castle buily by Henry VIII in the 16th Century, the grounds are nice and there is a small cafe. Walk east from here 150 yards and there is a hidden path to the beach below.
Rodwell Trail
(5 mins walk from the Wilton)
The Rodwell trail is a hidden Gem and was recently covered by Julia Bradbury's Railway Walks on the BBC. Its an old railway line with the station platforms still in situe which has been converted into a walkway. It runs from the Abbotsbury rd (5 mins from the Wilton) to Chesil beach and then upto and around Portland. At the end of the 1st part of the trail there is a pub called the Ferrybridge and a the famous Crab House restaurant. The walk one way to Chesil Beach takes about 30 minutes.
Weymouth Museum.
(15 mins walk from the Wilton)
Weymouth museum is situated upstairs in Brewers Quay. This is well worth a visit. for example did you know that the roman empire sailed along the River Wey in AD46 on their way to conquer Doranovia (Dorchester), and did you know the great plague was bought to the UK via Weymouth in 1356 by an Italian Sailor.
Nothe Gardens dt4 8uf for sat nav
(15 mins walk from the Wilton)
What can I say about Nothe. I spend as many days in the Summer at Nothe gardens as I can. The gardens are lovely, the view is spectacular and its peaceful. Take a picnic if you want, but there is a small cafe. The Forte itself is not free, but worth a visit.
The Osmingtom to Ringstead walk
(10 minutes drive from The Wilton)
Drive to a fanfastic pub called the Smugglers Inn at Osmington, parking is free. Take the south coast walk easterly towards Ringstead. The walk is about a mile and the views are beautiful. Walk back along the path, stop at the Pub. The food is excellent and the beer is local.
Email on enq@wiltonguesthouse.co.uk
what to for free in weymouth.