Weymouth - About The Area
Although Weymouth still retains many of the attractions associated
with a traditional seaside resort – Punch and Judy, donkey rides,
swingboats, ice cream and seafood beach huts and the rest – a long
time ago the local burghers set out to ensure that it would be attractive
to visitor all year round, whatever the weather.
A number of attractions opened and an extensive programme of special events
developed so that along with the natural attractions of Dorset’s
beautiful countryside and coastline (which was recently designated part
of the World Heritage site known as the Jurassic Coast) there is always
something for visitors to do, whenever they arrive and whatever their
interests.
Weymouth's popularity as a seaside resort is attributed to King George
III who came to bathe in the sea as a health cure for his nervous disorder.
Between 1789 and 1805 the King and members of the Royal Family spent fourteen
holidays in Weymouth.
The award winning beach is superb and consists of sand which sweeps around
the bay changing to shingle along the extended promenade. As well as all
the traditional facilities there are, trampolines, a volleyball court,
fresh water points and of course Weymouth's famous sand modeller.
But Weymouth and Portland has much more to offer than just the beach.
As one would expect of a coastal resort, water sports feature prominently
in the list of activities. With excellent wind conditions all year round
the waters of Weymouth Bay and Portland Harbour are a Mecca for windsurfers
and dinghy sailors, so much so that the area has been chosen to host the
sailing events for the London 2012 Olympics. Divers come to the area to
explore the many wrecks lying around the coast, and as one of the top
angling venues in the country Weymouth offers all types of fishing, from
the child's rod dangled off the pier to deep-sea fishing trips which can
be booked from one of the charter boats in the harbour. Golf, cycling,
walking, bowling, swimming, the list of opportunity for active leisure
is endless.
Attractions include The Timewalk and Brewery Days which takes visitors
on an unforgettable voyage to experience six hundred years of Weymouth
and Portland's history. The Sea Life Park's themed marine displays reveal
the fascinating habitats found beneath the waves and at The Deep Sea Adventure
and Sharky's children can jump, swing, slide and climb in the adventure
play zone while adults take in the Titanic exhibition on the upper floors.
