Weymouth and Lyme Regis - seaside resorts with sandy beaches. West Bay - famous for its fishing, quaint old harbour and its nearby town of Bridport. Hardy's Monument - wonderful views over Weymouth, Portland and the Dorset Downs. Abbotsbury - swannery and tropical gardens. Dorchester - country market town, birthplace of Thomas Hardy. Bovington - Tank Museum. Cricket St Thomas - country house and wildlife park, home of the television series "To the Manor Born". Yeovilton Air Station - home of Concorde. Sea Life Centre - Weymouth Forde Abbey - country house and gardens. A good selection of sporting facilities is to be found in the area. Local beaches offer good swimming and Chesil Beach is excellent for beach fishing. West Bay offers boating trips for both fishing and pleasure. Golf courses are at West Bay, Dorchester and Weymouth. Horse riding (what better way to travel the country lanes and see the area) is catered for by several establishments providing tuition for the absolute novice to the next Harvey Smith! Bridport, Dorchester and Weymouth all have indoor leisure centres and swimming pools. Portland and Weymouth harbours offer excellent facilities for sailing and sail boarding.