Getting Around in Weymouth

After living in Weymouth all my life...yes thats 18 years, I feel I can give a rather good review about the area.

Being situated on the southwest coast of Britain, Weymouth is a pretty nice little town having everything you could really need. The town centre boasts such shopping delights as Debenhams, Next, Marks and Spencer's, Argos, Burtons etc. Additionally, in the town centre is Cineworld - a rather large cinema and Lakeside - ...
...World Heritage status of Chesil Beach, means the area is very popular especially during the summer months.

There are several ways to get to Weymouth and to comumute around the place, however, it does have a few issues.

The journey to Weymouth can be pretty easy relying upon motorways for cars etc. Trains are also schedules to Weymouth, which is the terminating station for London Waterloo and Southampton. National Express ... more

After living in Weymouth all my life...yes thats 18 years, I feel I can give a rather good review about the area.

Being situated on the southwest coast of Britain, Weymouth is a pretty nice little town having everything you could really need. The town centre boasts such shopping delights as Debenhams, Next, Marks and Spencer's, Argos, Burtons etc. Additionally, in the town centre is Cineworld - a rather large cinema and Lakeside - for bowling. The greenary of the area and the World Heritage status of Chesil Beach, means the area is very popular especially during the summer months.

There are several ways to get to Weymouth and to comumute around the place, however, it does have a few issues.

The journey to Weymouth can be pretty easy relying upon motorways for cars etc. Trains are also schedules to Weymouth, which is the terminating station for London Waterloo and Southampton. National Express coaches also run to Weymouth for cheap day returns.

Commuting around Weymouth is another story...

Buses :

I have found the bus services in Weymouth to be quite dreadful. First Southern National and Sureline are the running companies. Although Sureline has only functioned in Weymouth for a couple of years, it is cheaper, however there are few routes and not many buses. Overall, they are little competition for the domineering First. First buses are problem typical of bus companies around the country. They are overpriced, overpopulated and generally after your money. Return tickets are not available, instead you have to purchase a day ticket at the price of £1.50 for an adult. Although in many cases this can prove to be cheaper, because you can use a variety of buses unlimited for the day, this isn't always so. Simple single tickets can prove to be cheaper for shorter journeys. Several of the bus-stops don't actually have timetables published on them, so it is hard to predict when a bus may come. However, they do have a shop in town were leaflets of the routes and schedules can be found.

On the main routes, the buses run apparently every 15 minutes, however, its usually as and when. Some of the driver's appear to be very rude and outspoken, and when late do tend to speed and drive with a little less care than should be expected. Overall, the bus services are essential to the area, however, they could be drastically improved.

Car :

Parking in Weymouth is very very expensive to be honest. After recently going to Yeovil shopping, it cost 80p for 3.5 hours. In Weymouth, that cost would be over double. There is little if no free parking in the town centre or surrounding esplanade, that is why the buses are so essential. You can park outside of town and walk in, however, it is much more convenient for families to park within, as with any town.

Taxi's :

There are a number of taxi ranks throughout Weymouth and Portland, however, once into the evening, these prices increase drastically. Yes they are reliable, friendly and comfortable, however, during the early hours, they can be a nightmare. Not only are they very expensive, but they are also slow due to their popular demand. During the day hours, buses and walking can be much more effective depending upon the numbers.

Walking :

Weymouth is a very beautiful area and has many sites to visit and enjoy. Therefore, walking is a popular option. Everything within the area is within walking distance. There are several supermarkets dotted around which are easy to find and spread out. The town centre is in a good location because everything can be found around it. Having the town right on the esplanade and beach, this makes an ideal day out for all the family.

Although I really do recommend the area to all types of people and age, you will have to find a way to get around suitable to yourself and personal needs. I have encountered difficulties with all, however, I'm not used to anywhere else. Overall a very beautiful area, but in need of a better and more efficient transport system. 

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