Weymouth & Portland 2012 Olympic Sailing Venue
Weymouth and Portland will host all sailing events for the 2012 Sailing Events. The area is a world class sailing destination (see pic above). The sailing waters are credited by the Royal Yachting Association as the best in Northern Europe, and have on land facilities to match in the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy

Dorset Heritage Coast Jurassic Coast
The Jurassic Coast Dorset and East Devon World Heritage Site is the first natural World Heritage Site which extends 95 miles from Exmouth in Devon, through into Dorset at Lyme Regis and extending to Studland. It is such a special coastline in that it tells a continuous story of how the Earth was formed spanning 185 million years! You can pick up the South West Coast Path that will take you by some of the amazing rock formations and fossils that make up the Dorset Coast.

The towns and villages along the coast are geared up to help you find out more about the coast and the particular sites of interest nearby. You'll find helpful Tourist Information Centres and Museums displaying artefacts found in the area. You can also pick up boat trips for a sea level view of the rocks and coastline. The coast has a string of camping and caravan sites and the Coastline X53 bus provides an excellent service for those without cars and walkers who may want to walk a section of the coastline and get a bus back.

Brewers Quay, Weymouth
Amid the labyrinth of paved courtyards and cobbled streets of this redeveloped Victorian brewery nestles a unique Shopping Village packed with specialist shops and attractions. Set within the historic Hope Square, alive with cafes, bars and bistros, Brewers Quay offers a unique experience for the whole family.

Maiden Castle Hillfort
Maiden Castle an extremely large and very complex Iron Age hillfort in Dorset UK

It's made up of huge multiple ramparts and once was home to a few hundred people during the Iron Age (800BC - 43AD). During the excavations of Maiden Castle it was revealed that occupation on the hilltop dated back to over 6000 years ago around about the Neolithic period.

Maiden Castle Hillfort has been subjected to various extensions on the original Neolithic designs. Extra defences have been added throughout the years. See the photos of the Maiden Castle ruins of the Roman occupation below. Now taken over by the pretty tame wild sheep that now live in peace around the grounds of Maiden Castle hillfort.

The Romans took over Maiden Castle hillfort in AD43 forcing the inhabitants to move to the relatively new town of Dorchester previously known as Durnovaria

Museums & Exhibitions
West Dorset has a variety of museums where you can explore the history of Bridport, Beaminster and Lyme Regis. Bridport Museum tells the unique story of the town from its Saxon
Origins. At the Philport Museum in Lyme Regis, you can learn about the famous people of the town, including one famous fossil hunter, Mary Anning.

In Dorchester you are spoilt for choice with the Teddy Bear Museum, the Keep Military Museum, the Terracotta Warriors Museum and the Tutankhamun Exhibition. Visit the Dorset County Museum, or discover the thrilling world of dinosaurs at the Dinosaur Museum.

If it's rough justice that you are interested in visit the Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum or the Old Crown Court and Cells in Dorchester.

Further afield is the indoor collection of armoured vehicles at the Tank Museum, the aviation museum at Fleet Air Arm and the Haynes Motor Museum.

Attractions
West Dorset is ideal for a family holiday! Our fascinating museums and exhibitions are a great place to start, from an exciting look at dinosaurs, to the myths and legends of Ancient Egypt, the Terracotta Warriors and giant teddy bears.

Kingston Maurward Gardens and Animal Park is a firm favourite with children, who can feed some of the animals. Make sure you don't miss out on the chance to see baby swans hatching at Abbotsbury Swannery! Enjoy a "hands on family event" or a tractor ride at Falmer Palmer's Farm Park, or visit a world of rescued and endangered apes and monkeys at Monkey World.
Why not visit Lulworth Castle and Park and let the children have some fun on the adventure playground after feeding the animals at the animal farm! Or take a guided Llama trek through the West Dorset Countryside!

Dorchester
The historic county town of Dorchester boasts elegant 18th century houses, broad walks and cultural tradition, and is still very much the 'Casterbridge' of Thomas Hardy's novels.

Dorchester is steeped in history. Discover the 4000-year-old hill-fort of Maiden Castle and visit the Roman Town House. Revisit Judge Jeffreys' 'Bloody Assize' and the trial of the Tolpuddle Martyrs at the Old Crown Court & Cells.

The Dorset County Museum houses a wealth of information about the area, including a gallery dedicated to the Jurassic Coast, a collection of Thomas Hardy memorabilia and a reconstruction of the author's study at Max Gate, his Dorchester home.

Uncover world history at the Tutankhamun and Terracotta Warriors museums, or discover the region's military past at the Keep Military Museum. Visit the Teddy Bear House and Dinosaur Museum for a family day out.

Wednesday brings with it the lively atmosphere of market day in town. Take a trip to Prince Charles' internationally renowned Poundbury on the first Saturday of the month and enjoy the Farmers' Market.

Activities
Whether you want to stroll through the rolling green countryside, eat up the miles on a bike or try a less energetic way of chilling out, you'll find the perfect answer in West Dorset. Enjoy the fresh air and get active!

Walking
Walkers are spoilt for choice in West Dorset - there are nearly 300 coast and countryside walks to choose from and numerous leisurely pub strolls!
 
Cycling
With peaceful villages and rural market towns to explore, West Dorset is a haven for cyclists of all abilities.

Watersports
West Dorset's beaches and bays offer a variety of water sports to suit everyone
 
Fishing
Whether you cast a line from the famous Chesil beach or prefer the quiet of inland lakes, West Dorset will reward you with endless hours of fishing pleasure.

Golf
Golf enthusiasts can tee off from a number of superb courses or for those searching for some afternoon fun there are a whole host of pitch and putt courses.

Horse Riding
There's no shortage of opportunities for the horse riding enthusiast.
 
Sports and Leisure Facilities
West Dorset has a wealth of activities to offer.