Weymouth & Delightful Dorset

Popular Weymouth is a grand dame of a resort with a wonderful sandy shore, historic harbour and the unique Nothe Gardens, the town's Victorian sub-tropical garden overlooking the bay. Enjoy views of Portland to the right and Swanage in the distance to the left. Weymouth is one of the UK's most beautiful seaside resorts, and blessed with one of its sunniest and warmest climates - a firm favourite with people of all ages.

Departure points to suit you...
Crusader Holidays uses an interchange system, taking place at either Beaconsfield Services (M40), South Mimms Services (M25/A1M) or Thurrock Services (M25).

Here you may have to change to your holiday coach and we are renowned for ensuring that this is smooth and efficient.

The holiday coaches typically depart from Beaconsfield Services at 11.15, Thurrock Services at around 09.30 and South Mimms Services at 10.30. Some customers find it more convenient to join direct at the interchange, please let is know when booking if this is the case.

*Due to increased operational costs, from Monday 16th October 2023 Dover, Folkestone, Canterbury & Ashford joining points will be subject to a £25.00 per person supplement on all 2024 UK Tours.

NOTE: Pick up points are a guide so please refer to your holiday confirmation for specific locations as details are subject to change.Highlights
- Hotel for 6 nights with breakfast & dinner- Porterage- Excursion to Isle of Purbeck, Swanage & Lulworth Cove- Return ticket on the Seaton Tramway- Visit to Sidmouth- Leisure time in Dorchester on market day (7 day only)- Entrance to Bennetts Water Gardens (7 day only)- Some entertainment

Packed with included visits
Day 1 After joining your holiday coach, head south to your resort hotel stopping for refreshment opportunities. Check in for 4 or 6 nights. Breakfast & dinner

Day 2 - 4 (or 6) At leisure in Weymouth with two (or three) included excursions

From your well-located hotel at the top of the town centre, enjoy time at leisure to explore Weymouth. Take a wander around Weymouth's beautiful historic harbour during your stay - it is a great place to while away the hours and watch all the comings and goings...luxury yachts, fishing trawlers, tall ships and RNLI Lifeboats. There are all sorts of shops to be found in Weymouth's town centre from traditional seaside rock to fashion and books, from small independent retailers to well-known high street names. You may like to visit Sandworld, the all-weather attraction which showcases awe-inspiring creations by some of the world's leading sand sculptors (not included - entrance in 2023 approx £9.75 pp)

During your stay your driver may be able to offer you an optional boat trip out on Weymouth Bay (weather permitting) passing by Nothe Fort built by the Victorians to protect Portland Harbour

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
Isle of Purbeck, Swanage & Lulworth Cove (All tours)
Enjoy a relaxing excursion around the Dorset coastline. Meander through the Isle of Purbeck with views of Corfe Castle on the way to the popular resort of Swanage. This small town surrounds a beautiful curved bay offering a lovely seaside experience with a difference. Your driver will offer you an optional ride on The Swanage Railway which offers a more intensive heritage steam and diesel timetable train service than virtually any other preserved railway. The day finishes with a visit to Lulworth Cove, with its steeply shelving, shingle beach.

Seaton Tramway & Sidmouth (All tours)
Travel back in time to the golden age of travel! Never ridden a tram before? Now's your chance! Seaton's narrow gauge heritage tram takes you through the glorious Axe Valley to ancient Colyton, a little piece of 1950's England. The trams are open top double deckers for panoramic views of the estuary with enclosed saloons in wet weather. The Gift shop at Colyton Station is an Aladdin's cave stocked with a variety of exciting gifts, confectionery, local produce, books and Tramway souvenirs. The Tramstop cafe offers a fantastic choice of freshly home-cooked food and not to be missed is their famous Devon clotted cream teas! Return ticket included. Your coach awaits at Seaton to take you onto Sidmouth.

Dorchester on Market Day & Bennetts Water Gardens (7 day tour only)
Vibrant Dorchester is not only Dorset's county town but also the birthplace of famous author and poet Thomas Hardy. The town enjoys a rich history dating back as far as the Iron Age and following a multi-million pound development, the excellent Dorset Museum is a major cultural attraction which traces 250 million years of Dorset's history (entrance not included - approx. £12.60 pp in 2023). Thomas Hardy fans will of course, know Dorchester as 'Casterbridge' and can hunt down the Mayor of Casterbridge locations tucked away in the modern Dorchester's streets. With a large indoor market and an outside undercover section, you will find a wide range of products come rain or shine every Wednesday morning (until 13.00) at Dorchester Market. Later head to Bennetts Water Gardens, home of the National Plant Collection® of Water Lilies. Set in over 8 acres on the site of the former clay pits of Putton Brickworks, the gardens feature a Claude Monet style Japanese Bridge, Tropical House, Woodland Walks and Museum. The lilies flower throughout the summer and there are several different ponds. The collection exceeds 140 different hardy cultivars most of which have been sourced directly from the original hybridizer that created them. There is also a gift shop, nursery and cafe

Return Day - After breakfast, head back homewards via interchange and a suitable en-route stopCrown Hotel, Weymouth A Crusader Favourite


Well located at the top of Weymouth's town centre, next to the Town Bridge, this friendly, traditional 2* hotel overlooks the historic fishing harbour.

Comfortable guestrooms are simply furnished and feature TV and tea / coffee making facilities.


There is a restaurant and bar as well as a residents' lounge, where entertainment takes place on some evenings.


There is also a quiet lounge on the first floor. There is a lift to all floors (some internal steps to some bedrooms)

Hotels
• Crown Hotel (Weymouth) - View Information