AMONG the many reasons visitors return again and again to Weymouth is the wealth of open space where families can relax, walk, have picnics and enjoy the sea air, the beaches, the magnificent sailing waters and the public gardens, beautifully tended by the council’s parks department.

Weymouth must be unusual in having two bird reserves within the borough which are exceptional treasures for all to enjoy. They are both run by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds; one at Radipole where the RSPB has its headquarters in this area, and the other at Lodmoor.

Add wonders like the Fleet, Chesil Beach, and the huge sweep of beach from the Pavilion Theatre to Bowleaze, the Esplanade from, again, the Pavilion to Greenhill with the new beach wall and Esplanade carrying on to Overcombe. Greenhill Gardens, given to the town by a wealthy benefactor in 1902, with the tennis courts, putting green and nearby bowling club, could be a hive of activity but are immensely peaceful.

With the traditional beach huts on the prom and in the gardens it is a favourite locals’ spot too. Greenhill Gardens have the special feature of the cuckoo clock which still has the same mechanism originally installed in 1936. The company which made it, Ritchie of Scotland, still goes strong.

Each year a different charity is chosen to be represented within the floral clock. This year it’s the turn of Guide Dogs for the Blind and as usual the display has been created by head gardener John Morris and his team. Lodmoor Country Park is nearby and separate from the bird reserve. Here you’ll find lovely walks and open areas for children to play in, run about, ride bikes and have picnics. It is wheelchair and buggy-accessible and level, but with informal gravel pathways. There are several other attractions nearby and a pub with play area.

Sandsfoot Castle Gardens are dominated by King Henry VIII’s ruined castle. They have a great view of Portland harbour and across to Sandsfoot’s partner Portland Castle, very much intact and attracting thousands of visitors. The gardens include formal seasonal and rose beds and an ornamental pond. They are near the Rodwell Trail on Old Castle Road in Wyke Regis. The Nothe Gardens above the harbour lead down to Newton’s Cove and a fine promenade built in recent years. Winding paths lead from a large flat grassed area to sheltered slopes and picnic areas, which have wonderful views across Portland Harbour. These gardens are also dominated by a military installation, the Nothe Fort, now another very popular visitor attraction and built in the 1860s, as was another defensive fort across the water, the Verne Citadel.

The tranquil, tree-lined Princess of Wales Gardens on Radipole Park Drive are known as the hidden gardens. They’re opposite the RSPB Swannery/Radipole Nature Reserve and next door to tennis courts open to the public.