Weymouth Dorset
The attractive seaside resort of Weymouth
lies on the south English coast, just south of
Dorchester, in an area affectionately known as the
Dorset Riviera. Weymouth’s picturesque bay is a
three-mile arc of sandy beach, that is proudly listed as
one of Britain’s elite Grade A beaches. Lined with
elegant 18th century Georgian terrace houses,
the safe and sheltered bay provides visitors with a
wonderful place for swimming and other popular
watersports. There’s also a 19th century
fort, called Nothe Fort that dominates the harbour mouth
and now houses a museum.
Weymouth was put firmly on the map as
a great British holiday resort during the reign of King
George III, when the king himself began to make annual
trips to the area. His visits did wonders for tourism in
the area, a fact celebrated with a commemorative statue
of him on the Esplanade.
Today there is still plenty to attract
visitors to the area, such as the annual events
programme that includes a Kite Festival, firework
displays and sailing regattas. While just south of
Weymouth you’ll find Portland, an outlying piece of
land just 4½ miles by 1¾ miles wide, attached to the
mainland by a narrow causeway. Although just a tiny
area, Portland is rapidly becoming an attraction in its
own right, with both a castle and lighthouse to explore.
