Nothe Gardens playground

Honestly, the views from here are the main event — you’re up on the fort headland looking out over the harbour and Weymouth Bay, and it’s genuinely hard to tear yourself away. The open grass is well kept and gives kids plenty of room to just run about, which feels increasingly rare. There’s a walking path that loops round nicely, so you can stretch your legs while keeping an eye on everyone. It’s the kind of place where you don’t feel rushed, no one’s blasting music, and it’s nearly always tidy. Locals bring a picnic and just settle in for the afternoon — can’t blame them.