Offering fantastic sea views, the neighbouring ‘Isle’ of Portland is joined by the natural phenomenon of the mighty Chesil beach and Portland Harbour’s watersport opportunities are renowned worldwide. The long and thin harbour is split in two with the inner harbour being a refurbished marina with berths for sailing boats and cruisers. The Old harbour still hosts a fishing fleet with docks and a ferry terminal. There are also boats offering pleasure trips along the Jurassic Coast and to the Isle of Portland, and there is still a small passenger ferry service across the harbour, linking the Brewer's Quay shopping centre to the main town centre.
The main beaches around Weymouth are very wide with golden sands and shallow waters ideal for swimming. The beaches are also used for motocross and volleyball championships and are very typically traditional with Punch and Judy shows, sand sculptures, trampolines and a small fun fair. Slightly further out of town are a selection of beaches such as Lodmoor West, Overcome & Green Hill which are shingle and have swimming rafts anchored 50m from the shore. Church Ope Cove is a large expanse of limestone pebbles and backed by cliffs on three sides, perfect for shelter from the prevailing winds. Rufus Castle overlooks the beach and dogs are allowed. Chesil Beach nearby is effectively a pebble bank which extends for 15 miles. There is lifeguard cover on main beaches and dog restrictions apply.
Shoppers will not be disappointed as they can browse around the town centre with its range of national chains and local shops, Brewers Quay and Victorian themed shopping village or the local markets and magnet for bargain hunters. With some excellent restaurants and pubs, a 9-screen cinema, aquarium and an enviable nightlife scene there really is something for everyone. The Pavilion Theatre complex is now undergoing redevelopment in time for the 2012 Summer Olympics and will include a new theatre, World heritage visitor centre, a new ferry terminal, a shopping arcade, luxury and low cost apartments and a 300 berth marina. Weymouth Sea Life Park makes a great day out whatever the weather. It offers a day full of fun bringing you face to face with penguins, seals, sharks and houses a turtle sanctuary plus much more. Or why not visit Bennetts Water Gardens with nature trails, Chickerell museum, tropical house and nurseries.
The sheltered waters in and around Weymouth and Portland are used regularly for angling, diving to several shipwrecks, snorkeling, canoeing, jet skiing, water skiing, and swimming. Recognised as being one of the best fishing locations in the country and boat trips regularly leave from the harbour, giving you a chance to get out on the water and see the resort from a different perspective. The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy are where the sailing events at the 2012 Olympics will take place and these waters have also been credited by the Royal Yachting Association as amongst the best in Northern Europe. The town regularly hosts local, national and international sailing events in its waters.