Weymouth, which is hosting the sailing events at the London 2012 Olympics, is located on the "Jurassic Coast" -- a rocky and dramatic 153 kilometer coastline in the south of England.
Dorset Media Centre
World Heritage Site —
The Jurassic Coast was the first site in England to be given World Heritage status by UNESCO. It features rocks dating back 185 million years -- spanning the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.
Dorset Media Centre
Lulworth Cove —
The Lulworth Cove not far from Weymouth is considered one of world's finest examples of a cove formation and attracts half a million tourists a year.
Dorset Media Centre
"On Chesil Beach" —
Chesil Beach is a 28 kilometer long barrier beach covered in shingles. The beach plays a big part in the book "On Chesil Beach" by British author Ian McEwan of "Atonement" fame.
Dorset Media Centre
Hardy country —
One of Dorset's most famous figures is the novelist Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) who was born and lived most of his life in the county. You can still visit the small cob and thatch cottage where he was born and wrote his early novels.
Dorset Media Centre
Happening Weymouth harbor —
During the Olympics Weymouth harbor is hosting a number of events for sailing fans. The "Weymouth & Portland Live" site will show all sailing and other major Olympic events live on two giant 60 square meter television screens.
Weymouth and Portland Borough Council
After sail on the beach —
After a day of sailing, Games fans can chill out on Weymouth Beach or at the nearby Bayside Festival where there will be plenty of bars, food stalls and musical performances. For those who can't get enough sports there is even an interactive sports arena where people can try some of Britain's most popular sports such as football, rugby, volleyball, cricket, bowling, sailing and kayaking.
Dorset Media Centre
Britain's premier sailing academy —
The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy is located on the Isle of Portland, eight kilometers south of Weymouth. The academy's aims are to promote the sport of sailing at all levels through courses, training and events.
Dorset Media Centre
Maritime Mix —
Branded as the "London 2012 Cultural Olympiad by the Sea" the Maritime Mix festival is one of the most ambitious cultural events ever put on in Dorset. More than 80 free events featuring visual arts, music, outdoor theater and circus performances are taking place until the end of the summer.
Andre Pattenden
Art for the masses —
The Inside Out Dorset festival is free event that has been running in Weymouth and Portland since 2005. It aims to make art accessible and less "intimidating" to the masses. One 2012's highlight is the "Harmonic Fields" -- a sensory art installation featuring an ensemble of 500 instruments being played by the strong Dorset wind.
Vincent Lucas
Camp Bestival —
The award winning music festival "Camp Bestival" is held at the majestic Lulworth Castle. Each year some of the world's most popular acts play at the festival, which was specially created for music-loving families with children.