Heritage Walk
This walk takes in a number of the heritage sites that make up the history of Weymouth. You will pass Nothe Fort, a Victorian coastal fort with panoramic views, labyrinthine tunnels, guns, displays and lots of fun for all the family. The Old Town Hall was originally three Tudor cottages which were substantially rebuilt in 1744 and 1896; Sandsfoot Castle is the iconic clifftop ruins of a castle built for Henry VIII, set in the tranquil Green Flag gardens. The Rodwell Trail which was once a railway that linked Weymouth to Portland. You will also find a monument dedicated to Sir Thomas Foxwell Buxton who played a significant role in abolishing slavery.
Information
Distance: 1.48km (0.9miles)
Gradient: Mostly gentle but steep with steps in places.
Starting Point: Nothe Gardens Car Park/s.
Public Transport: N/A
Parking: There is three pay and display areas for car parking operated by Dorset Council.
Accessibility: Some paths in the garden are steep and uneven, there are also some steps and there is a section of path through Bincleaves Green has a gravel path.
Facilities
Café
The café at the entrance to the gardens has a terrace where tables and chairs are set out during the summer for customers.
Ice Cream Hut
A small Ice Cream hut, located at the entrance to Newton’s Cove, sells hot drinks and ice cream to passing trade during the warmer months.
Toilets
Public toilets are located in the centre of Nothe gardens and are open all year round.
Cycling
Cycling is not permitted in the Nothe Gardens or Sandsfoot Castle Gardens.
Nothe Nature Trail
There is a Nothe Nature Trail which is available for children to take part – see if they can spot 8 animals and creepy crawlies hidden high and low around the garden. Look out for our two noticeboards with a map of the clues on or alternatively click here to obtain a printable copy.
Orienteering Course
The Nothe Gardens orienteering course is a great way to take part in a fun, free activity and learn some basic navigation. It is suitable for everyone. You can walk or run, finding the markers making it as competitive as you like. You can either borrow maps from the Café at the Nothe, or you can download a pdf version of the map and instructions for you to print your own here.
Point 1
From the car park cross over by the play area and face towards Portland Harbour. Then take the path to your right which takes you through the tree-lined path where you might get to see the local squirrels. It is also possible to take other paths down to the coast path where you will get to see stone carvings depicting sea creatures.
Point 2
Either path will bring you to the end where there is an ice cream kiosk open during the summer months.
Cross the metal bridge and continue up the gravel path until you reach Bincleaves open space which will give you spectacular views over Portland Harbour. Cross the road at the top and continue to the junction of Belle Vue and Bincleaves Road.
Point 3
Take Belle Vue road which is signposted with the Coastal Path – it only has a gravel pavement but is a very quiet road. At the end of Belle Vue take a left and continue until you reach award winning Sandsfoot Gardens & Castle. More details on Sandsfoot Castle can be found on their website.
Point 4
Upon leaving Sandsfoot Gardens turn left, then turn right following the coastal path sign. Walk up the short incline onto the Rodwell Trail.
Turn right at the Rodwell Trail and once you have walked under the 2nd bridge take the first turning to your left as you reach the traffic lights turn right and continue under the bridge until you reach the next set of traffic lights.
Point 5
Cross over and turn left continuing along the road until you reach the harbour then take a right along North Quay. Alternatively, you can continue straight ahead and go past the Old Town Hall. Upon reaching the Weymouth Town Bridge continue along the harbour keeping the water on your left passing several eateries and passing the RNLI Lifeboat Station.
Point 6 Continue along the harbour wall and take a walk along the stone pier, then retrace your steps perhaps stopping at The Stone Pier Café for a refreshment. Just after the Café there is a steep set of steps which will take you back to Nothe Gardens or continue to the less steep set at the bend.
