The Clarence

What to bring with?

by Jenniflower

Luggage with wheels is always a good idea, wherever you are travelling. Whether snowy/wet/sunny/warm or cold weather, layer your clothing.
Wear thermal underwear (these are easily bought at the local clothing shops), with warm leggings and a top under a toasty jacket for the cold. I have my trusty grey duffle coat, plus a white snow jacket for this type of weather, and they are a godsend!
Wear flat shoes that have a good grip, as when it is snowing, and afterwards, when it is sludge, it's really difficult to walk and keep your balance!
Always remember to bring a cap/hat that covers your head and neck for when it gets hot, as well as sunglasses. Sunscreen (Factor 35 is the minimum factor I use, no matter what the weather is), headache tablets and usual little things like some plasters for blisters, cotton wool, germolene etc. Your camera, with charger, and a EUROPEAN plug extension. Have a map of the area handy, plus a local bird, flower and tree book. For this you also need a pair of good quality binoculars

All The F's - Fun, Friendly, Funky, Frisky And...

by johngayton

"...Full Of Pubs!!"

Whilst Bournemouth. Poole and Lyme Regis are the main attention-grabbers on the Dorset coast I like Weymouth best. This a down-to-earth seaside resort with a proper working harbour and a pair of beaches - one sandy, one stoney - sloping gently into their eponymous bay and backed by terraced rows of fine Georgian houses with the stately Royal Hotel in the middle.

It has interesting shops and restaurants and is the sort of town where locals speak to you in the pubs - and pubs it has aplenty: 67 according to West Dorset CAMRA! There's something for everyone on Weymouth's pub circuit - some great little traditional boozers, trendy cafe bars, a pair of Wetherspoons, pubs that are more eateries than drinking dens and even a pub that it is hit or miss whether it actually has any beer or not - HA! (Tip to follow under "Warnings and Dangers").

"A Little Bit Of The Town's History"

Today's Weymouth was in fact the separate town and port of Melcombe Regis with Weymouth being on the other side of the river. The two were formally united in 1571 by royal decree, that of Queen Elizabeth I, and physically linked by the building of the first bridge in 1597.

The town has a rich maritime history and has been a working port for the best part of the last millenium. Unfortunately one of the most infamous incidents was the arrival of the Black Death in 1348 at what was then the port of Melcome Regis. This was caused by flea-infested black rats carrying the bubonic plague which arrived on a trading ship from the continent and resulted in the death of an estimated 50% of England's population.

The town came into prominence as a seaside resort following the first visit by the popular monarch King George III in 1789 and who became a regular visitor over the next 15 years or so. During this period the town attracted many of the country's rich and famous who commisioned the building of the the town's Georgian terraces (many designed by the local architect James Hamilton) and the rows along the esplanade are amongst the best examples of Georgian architecture in the UK.

Although King George made his last visit in 1805 the memorial pictured was erected in his honour in 1810 and has recently beeen restored to its original splendour.

The modern Weymouth is a much more egalitarian resort and is visited by a full cross-section of society. Its most recent claim to fame is that it has been selected as the venue for the sailing events during the 2012 summer Olympics.

"Things To Do - Apart From The Pubs - HIC!"

Weymouth's beaches and promenade stretch for about two miles following the curve of the bay. The town's main beach is noted for its fine golden sand whilst eastwards the beach becomes shingle. The bay itself is relatively sheltered and and its waters slope gently into the Channel. This makes for an ideal, and safe, family attraction (during the summer the RNLI provides a lifeguard service) with all the usual beach stuff available.

As mentioned above Weymouth is to be host to the sailing events of the 2012 summer Olympics and the area is popular for water sports and activities.

The town's location on the Jurrasic Coast, and hence on the Southwest Coastal Path, is a great base for walkers, either as a starting point or a stop-off, with interesting walks including the nearby Chesil Beach and the "Isle of Portland".

For rainy day things to do the town's history is interestingly presented at its Museum at Brewer's Quay and at the other museums of the Tudor House and the Nothe Fort are also well worth a visit.