Weymouth during the Wessex Folk Festival from the bridge

Of all the places I’ve been in Dorset, Weymouth during the Wessex Folk Festival was one of the most memorable.

Hope Square with the sunshine beaming down and the happy crowds all around enjoying the free music had an ambiance that was very nearly perfect.

I fact, I think my favourite part of seaside Weymouth is the harbour area with its swing bridge and pubs. For a small sum, there is a chap with a rowing boat that takes people across the harbour who don’t want to walk back up to the bridge.

There are also plenty of places  just to sit and chat and enjoy watching the incredible boats going by.

People just relaxing by the harbour at the Weymouth Wessex Folk Festival

People are friendly too and I remember a conversation with an old chap who had  come to Weymouth as a young man to crew on an aircraft carrier. He had now retired after a lifetime of working on naval and other boats and was just giving away some sailing tackle because he would rather it went to a worthy cause than make a bit of money.

I’m sure there are lots of places in Weymouth that would be interesting to write about.

Weymouth and, in particular, its harbour area is a great place to spend time and I’m really looking forward to visiting the small pubs, restaurants and hotels again.

Bye for now

Rob

Rob Hopcott – online author and blogger

Swanage is a friendly town in Dorset on the South Coast of England

Recently, I visited the Dorset town of Swanage on the beautiful South Coast of England just after the weather had done its worst with high winds and floods and just before it was threatening to do it again.

Swanage looked like a lady, a little past her prime but still forcing a smile and always willing to give a warm welcome.

Seaweed was being brushed away from the sea front walking areas and small businesses were opening their doors determined to provide service to their public.

Sword dancing at Swanage Folk Festival

It was my first visit to Swanage and I must confess that I liked what I saw.

How is it that some places seem friendly and others don’t?

Perhaps it was Swanage Bay that wrapped itself around visitors as they walked along the promenade.

Perhaps it was  Swanage’s South facing aspect that allowed the sun, when it appeared from behind the clouds, to warm this part of the Jurassic Coast.

Perhaps it was the friendly Swanage Folk Festival that provided cheerful dancing in the streets and free music in the pubs.

Swanage sea canoeing

I’m sure that there is much more that I could write about the pubs and hotels of Swanage. It seems to me that Swanage is the sort of place that could stimulate many interesting articles and memories to write about.

But, for now, perhaps I will just leave it to you to find out for yourself by taking a trip to visit this pleasant South Coast Dorset town.

Maybe I’ll even see you there

Bye for now

Rob

Rob Hopcott – online author and travel blogger