Weymouth

A pleasant, if dated resort, but an ideal base from where to explore the beautiful coast and countryside of south Dorset . Winding country lanes, pretty stone clad cottages, glistening streams, and rolling green hills, all typify what is one of the most picturesque counties in England . The coastline is no less dramatic, with small coves, high cliffs, and endless archeological finds gaining it the title of ‘the Jurassic Coast '.

Weymouth itself acts as a bridge across to the Isle of Portland, a stark headland jutting out into the sea where the English Channel meets the Atlantic Ocean . Stand at the headland, and it's clearly visible how the waves, and the sea itself, differ on either side of you.

 

To the west of Weymouth is the unique eighteen-mile long, two hundred yards wide, spit of land known as Chesil Beach . The currents make this pebble bank one of the most dangerous in Britain. Travel along the coast to the east, and you will find another geological anomaly, the rock arch of Durdle Door, which protrudes from the cliff face out into the sea. The only way to see it is a fairly demanding hour-long walk over those cliffs from the village of Lulworth , which itself is well worthy of some time. Its near perfect cove has just a small exit to the sea, and has been the site of some of the most valuable fossil finds in Europe.

Weymouth Museum
Weymouth’s strong ties to the maritime industry are displayed here, with exhibits on smuggling days, shipwrecks and paddle steamers.

Sealife
Seals, otters, penguins, turtles, otters and even sharks all live here happily. Located at Lodmoor Country Park

Portland Bill
This craggy island is joined to Weymouth on the mainland by Chesil Beach. The red and white lighthouse and incredible sea views make this a great place to go hiking around.

Chesil Beach
This is one of Britain largest pebbled beaches stretching for 10miles. At times the pebbles are built up to 15meteres high and you can walk across the top of them. This writer once ran a marathon here with the pebble beach included in the course, twice, it is a run she will never forget!

Windsurfing and Sailing
These two are every poplar pastimes here, due to the ideal location. The Weymouth and Portland sailing society is a large club here and offers sailing courses.