Condor Ferry Staying in Poole for Summer 2012
Latest Update!
The Condor Ferries Sailings will continue to sail to and from Poole throughout the Summer whilst the 
problems with the Harbour wall are dealt with at Weymouth Harbour.
This couldn’t have happened at a worst time for Weymouth. With the Olympic Sailing Events scheduled for 2012 the Condor would have been a great way for visitors from France and Europe to arrive into Weymouth directly.
However, visitors can still arrive from Europe to Poole either with their own cars or as foot passengers.
As a foot passenger you can then catch a train from Poole to Weymouth with South Western trains. The journey from Poole to Weymouth usually only takes about 45 minutes and trains appear to run regularly throughout the day.
But be aware that the train station in Poole is about 20 to 25 minutes walk away from the Condor berth. You might prefer to take a 10 minute taxi ride to the station.
If you are staying at Littlesea Holiday Park with PratleyCaravans then you will be able to catch the number 502 bus from the Weymouth Kings Statue to the holiday park and even when the Olympics are in full swing and some roads across the sea front are pedestrianised this should not affect the normal bus route to the camp.
It may still be a more convenient way for European visitors to come to see the Olympic Sailing Events by arriving on the Condor or ferries to Poole and driving to Weymouth or catching the train to Weymouth rather than Flying into London and travelling over to Weymouth, but a little bit more planning will be needed to tie all the journeys in together.
It would have saved a lot of time and money and inconvenience if the problem with Weymouth Harbour had not happened or had happened in any other year rather than the Olympics 2012 year, but Heh that is Life.
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Author: Pratley Caravans
The Condor Ferry is Leaving Weymouth!
Condor Ferries Leaves Weymouth!
It will be a great shame to lose the Condor Ferry which has been sailing from Weymouth to the Channel Islands for
many years now, but due to worries about a part of the ferry berth in Weymouth Port having structural problems the Condor VItesse is now moving to Poole Harbour. This will start affecting ferries from this weekend ie 17-20 February.
Condor Ferries have confirmed that sailings will be relocated to Poole Harbour and an investigation is underway by the port engineers to find out the full extent of the problem.
Meanwhile if you have any ferry bookings from Weymouth and will be affected by the changes Condor Ferries will be contacting you about the change of port. If you have not heard from them and are due to sail shortly from Weymouth then please contact them urgently about the changes that will affect your sailing.
Visit their website http://www.condorferries.co.uk/contact.aspx for contact details.
It is unfortunate that this has happened and I am not sure at this stage whether the ferry will be reinstated back to Weymouth after the 20 February once the structural problems have been resolved.
Captain Fran Collins Director of Operations said:-
“The safety of our passengers and crew is always our highest priority and we have taken this step to help sustain our lifeline ferry services between the Channel Islands and the UK.”
“We are working closely with Weymouth Harbour to understand the extent of this issue and are in close co-operation with Poole Harbour Commissioners to make sure the change of port goes as smoothly as possible.”
Hopefully this problem will be sorted out shortly especially with the Olympic Sailing Venue taking place in 2012 the timing couldn’t be worse. We will have to wait and see if the Condor Vitesse returns to Weymouth!
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Author: Pratley Caravans
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A Seaside Town For The 21st Century
Weymouth Observation Tower Planned
As I am sure you are aware Weymouth and Portland are hosting the 2012 Sailing Olympics and have built some outstanding facilities already in preparation for the big event.
Now the group that owns Seaworld – Merlin Entertainments are planning a 173ft (53m) high observation tower with glass pod at a cost of £3 million that will hold up to 50 people each time on the Festival Pier in Weymouth and they say that it can be built it in time for the Olympics and be part of the Festival Village Olympic Development. This structure is currently going through planning and will only slightly change the look of the Weymouth seafront.
For visitors to Weymouth it will mean the chance to rise up slowly in a glass pod and be able to view the magnificent coastline and views in and around Weymouth. If it is approved and ready in time for the Olympics it will also mean that there will be a birds eye view of the sailing events taking place for anyone who is in the pod at that time.
Weymouth is already keeping up with the times and offering many fun and exciting activities and events for all of it’s visitors throughout the year. This planned structure will only add to the attractions available to visitors and it will certainly bring the town right up to date with it’s look to match it’s already updated atmosphere.
We will have to wait to see if the plans are approved and if the structure is built in time for the Olympics, but until then Weymouth is as always a great mix of modern and traditional fun for all and a great place to come for a holiday or a short stay with or without a modern viewing tower.
Author: Pratley Caravans
Weymouth’s New Sand Sculpture Attraction
Sand Sculpting in Weymouth 
Weymouth has long since been known for its sand sculptures which have delighted visitors for many years and which used to be created by Fred Darrington from the 1920’s until 1996 when he retired.
The renowned Mark Anderson, Fred’s grandson, is the present sand sculptor in Weymouth. From his humble beginnings when he used to help his grandfather with the sand sculpting at the age of 11 to today when he creates magnificent structures and models for all to enjoy. Sculptures in Sand is located on the seafront at the far end of Weymouth town centre near the beach amusements.
First Competitive Sand Sculpture Park
Well now I am pleased to report that the UK will be getting it’s first competitive sand sculpture park “Sandworld” created by Mark Anderson along with local businessman David Hicks.
This competition will have some of the top, world class master artists competing against each for the prestigious title of the UK Competitive Sandworld International Sculptor when they start to build their creations in March and members of the public will be able to vote for their favourite sculptures.
Starting from 22 April 2011 an exhibit with a maritime theme will be showing these splendid sculptures that have been created with nothing more than sand and water. And it will run until the end of October 2011.
Weymouth Winter Wonderland
Mr Hicks said the park will reopen as an attraction during the Christmas Holidays as a
“Weymouth Winter Wonderland” attraction.
Olympic Themed Sculptures
They will also be asking the sand master artists to return in 2012 to create some amazing sculptures and masterpieces based on the ancient Greek Olympics in readiness for the Olympic events being held in Weymouth during 2012.
So next time your child asks you to create a sand castle for them give a thought to the efforts and skills these guys put into their creations everytime.
And who knows you might even be able to pick up some tips or ideas when you visit.
So until Next Time…
Nothe Fort Weymouth
Nothe Fort & Gardens
Many people travel to Weymouth for their holidays and for day trips but the majority of people miss out on one of Weymouth’s little gems. High above the harbour you will find Nothe Fort and its gardens.
The Fort and its grounds are crammed packed with adventure for all the family to enjoy. And whilst you are walking around the fort keep an eye open for the ghosts as the Fort is supposed to be haunted.
With exhibitions, concerts, displays, and much more, the fort runs special events throughout the year so check Nothe fort website for up to date details of what’s on.
Nothe fort has brilliant views of Weymouth beach, the Harbour, and Portland Harbour and if you are in need of an escape from the many sun worshipers in Weymouth you can enjoy your own barbeque at the Nothe gardens. You can park your car and laze around on the large grassed park area or simply enjoy a walk around the coastal path with its spectacular views. Also ideal for picnics with the family and great for the kid’s to run around on the grass and play a game of ball or Frisbee.
This is also a great place to just sit and relax whilst looking out to Sea or watching the yachts which might be practicing for the 2012 sailing Olympics.
Admission charges to the fort are around £6 Adult and £1 Children. Opening times are from 10.30am to 5.30pm daily. The grassed and barbeque area is free of charge apart from your parking fee. And there are even refreshments and a lovely pub serving meals on hand. In my opinion well worth a visit.
Visit www.pratleycaravans.co.uk for availability on a Summer Holidays in Weymouth for 2011 and if you book before Christmas 2010 you can get your 2011 holiday at this years prices. (Subject to T&C’s)
So until next time …. Pratley Caravans
Author: Pratley Caravans
Brewers Quay Weymouth Closed
Christmas Shopping Without the Quay
I have just spent an amazing Autumn Weekend at our caravan in Weymouth. People walking around doing their Christmas shopping and getting ready for the big Christmas lights switch on.
There was just one big cloud on the horizon of my stay, my favourite mix of craft and gift
shops where I love to buy presents for the family is closed. It has been closed for the whole of the Summer period but the impact is even more noticeable now when I want to do my Christmas shopping.
No More Brewers Quay as we know it
When I first realised it was closing, I was shocked and bitterly disappointed and still cannot get used to the idea that Brewers Quay is closed for re-development. If you have read any of my previous blogs you will know that I have mentioned how wonderful all the little shops and the Time Walk were. Harbour Lights was a great shop especially at this time of year when you could wonder at all the delightfully different Christmas bits and bobs on sale.
But now although some of the shops have relocated to other parts of Weymouth and Dorchester some have unfortunately disappeared forever. The Time Walk which was a favourite attraction is now gone and so have many of the smaller niche shops.
The Weymouth Museum will be returning to the new development with a revamped display in 2012.
Brewers Quay plans to build a new Hotel have been approved
The plans for the Brewers Quay 85 Bed Hotel have now been passed and the work looks as if it may be completed later in 2012.
There will also be a wet weather indoor attraction although I am not sure what it is yet? 12 Shops and apartments as well as a pub/restaurant are also planned.
I think the hope was to have the development ready in time for the 2012 Olympics but the notice on their window says late 2012 so I am wondering if it will be ready in time?
I am sure that when it is complete it will be a wonderful use of the original listed building and in these difficult times when many High Streets shops are feeling the pinch then a new attraction and Hotel in Weymouth will be a welcome addition. However I can’t help but feel the loss of my favourite craft and gift shops especially at Christmas Shopping Time.
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Weymouth Carnival
Come Join the Carnival Atmosphere
Wednesday 18th August 2010 come and see Weymouth’s Annual Carnival in full swing. And as a result of public demand this year will see a welcome return of the motorised procession back by popular demand which will make the carnival even more fun and exciting.
There will also be a display from the world famous Red Arrows.
You can even take part yourself with fancy dress, bands, majorettes, morris dancers everyone is welcome. Parade entries are available at the http://www.weymouthcarnival.co.uk/ or why not advertise your company in a fun and unique way.
Watch the Grand Firework Display at 9.30pm over the bay and a prize draw is taking place at 10pm
In previous years there have been trade and charity stalls and also traditional fun and games on the beach. I don’t know all the plans for this event yet but I am certain there will be something there for you to enjoy.
Fantastic Fireworks
But don’t worry if you can’t get there for the carnival week if you are spending a holiday in Weymouth during August you will be able to enjoy the magnificent firework displays on Monday nights throughout August at 9.30pm across the bay.
There is always so much to see and do in Weymouth especially during the Summer months and the Annual Carnival is a wonderful event for locals and holiday makers alike.
If you can’t make the carnival this year then why not think about going next year and enjoy a holiday at the same time. Visit www.pratleycaravans.co.uk for availability on a Summer Holidays in Weymouth for 2011 and if you book before Christmas 2010 you can get your 2011 holiday at this years prices.
So until next time …. Pratley Caravans