When you think of the British seaside, you think of fish and chips, amusement arcades and lukewarm weather.
If you are planning a seaside staycation, then we may have the perfect place for you that is perfect for everyone including families and grandparents.
The popular resort of Weymouth in Dorset is known for its golden sandy beaches and coastal views making it a must-visit location.
We got to stay in a cottage, booked via Dream Cottages, which had everything we needed for this particular stay, including an open-plan living space with a kitchen, dining and sitting area.
There was a nice welcome hamper which included local produce such as jam, tea, biscuits, cereal and chocolate. And, let’s not forget, a bottle of prosecco too.
The cottage was perfect for those who prefer to cook their own food and want to save a little money instead of eating out all the time.
If you plan on driving to Weymouth, you can get a parking permit but you have to be quick as spaces are subject to availability. The cottage was situated near the beautiful harbour which was within five minutes away on foot.
One of the first experiences we went to was the SEA LIFE Centre where we went on a behind-the-scenes tour. As we explored the aquarium with one of the experts they shared how they look after the likes of seahorses, turtles, sharks, jellyfish, sea lions, stingrays and of course, fish.
We also got to see what they like to eat as well as a journey through the penguin hatchery getting up close to the creatures. Tickets for the experience are priced at £25 per adult which includes entry to SEA LIFE Weymouth aquarium and access to areas the public can’t go to. The tour lasts for 40 minutes and is great for little ones.
Next, we went to the recently opened Sticks and Bones which was located less than a two-minute walk from the cottage.
The quirky bar has all the classic arcade game consoles and board games that your heart could desire. To play the board games, you can buy tokens as well as order food and drinks from the bar.
Despite only recently opening, Sticks and Bones was heaving with both the inside and outside seated areas busy with locals and holidaymakers.
While we were there, we got to try burgers, deli sandwiches and light bites but the pièce de résistance was the chips with marmite and cheese. The dish is likely to divide customers but is definitely worth trying as we loved it. The venue is also planning to introduce movie night, perfect as the nights draw in and as we get closer to autumn.
Another highlight of our trip was the Weymouth and Portland boat trip which departs daily from 10:30am and every 30 minutes from the Weymouth Pavillion.
There are a total of four different skippers, who live locally, and take you on a tour to share their knowledge. The one-hour sea cruise was delightful and our skipper Tom explained all that there was to know about the historic seaside town.
We got to cruise from Weymouth Harbour through Weymouth Bay and Portland Harbour, taking in sights including Nothe Fort and Portland Castle which look much grander up close. The vessels carry up to 12 passengers, perfect if you want to get a group together and take in the history of Weymouth.
Tour tickets cost £15 for adults, £10 for children aged 12 and under with babies under one going free.
Finally, before leaving Weymouth, there was one thing we had to do as it wouldn’t be a seaside trip without it – we had some fish and chips.
We headed to Bennet’s Fish and Chips, which has been a family-run business for 34 years and is located on Weymouth Harbour. Not only can you expect all the usual treats and affordable prices but we got to try something that we hadn’t before – a deep-fried Mars bar.
If you haven’t tried one it is probably all that you would expect and more. Not only does it combine sweet and savoury flavours but it is pretty delicious. Thankfully, one is enough and your arteries will certainly thank you for it.
The dishes were served in newspaper and we got to try cod fillet fish and chips which was served with chips, a wedge of lemon and tartare sauce.
As you probably know, it is hard to find a good fish and chip shop but this was definitely one of the best that we had ever tasted.
The cod melted in the mouth with crispy chips and fresh tartar sauce topping it off. The three-hour drive to Weymouth was worth the fish and chips alone.