WEYMOUTH has many treasures but, tempting as it is to stay put in this lovely town, there’s lots more to explore not far away.

Dorset is immensely rich in history and you could choose a subject like Iron Age hillforts of which there is a splendid choice starting with Maiden Castle at Dorchester, going westwards to Eggardon, Lambert’s Castle, Coney’s Castle and Pilsdon Pen.

Northwards there are Hambledon and Hod Hills, and Badbury Rings to the east.

How about castles? You could start with the ruined Bow and Arrow or Rufus Castle, Pennsylvania and Portland Castle, all on the Isle of Portland, and move on to Sandsfoot Castle and the Nothe Fort in Weymouth (we think that can count in this category), Lulworth Castle (don’t miss the exquisite Roman Catholic chapel with the painted ceilings), Corfe Castle that was left a ruin in the English Civil War, and Sherborne Old Castle, destroyed by Cromwell but also a fascinating ruin to explore (don’t forget Sherborne’s New Castle, of course).

Portland has its own special magic, an island except for Chesil Beach and the causeway from Ferry Bridge.

Dorset is steeped in smuggling and shipwreck history along what is now designated the Jurassic Coast. Osmington Mills, Lulworth Cove, Worth Matravers, Kimmeridge Bay and Fleet are all old smugglers’ haunts, they say, and tales abound of the squire and the parson hiding baccy and brandy up the chimney in the pub or in the church bell tower and being up to the hilt in the smuggling game. A good place to find out some smuggling history is in the Smugglers’ Barn (Tithe Barn) at Abbotsbury. It’s a great story.

Fleet, which was nearly washed away in big floods, inspired J Meade Faulkner’s smuggling tale Moonfleet. Discover the fascinating church and you can walk along the peaceful shoreline and enjoy a meal at a very nice hotel by the water. Above Portesham is Hardy’s Monument with a fantastic view of the sweep of the bays – a great starting point for excellent walks.

It was put up in memory of Admiral Hardy, Nelson’s flag captain at Trafalgar, who lived in Portesham.

You could spend all day in Abbotsbury enjoying the historic buildings alone – the abbey ruins, the Tithe Barn and St Catherine’s Chapel on the hill combined with a stroll on nearby Chesil Beach.

The renowned attractions of The Swannery, Sub-Tropical Gardens and Children’s Farm ensure at least a day’s visit. In addition there are wonderful pubs and cream tea shops, a butcher, galleries, artists, framers, and flowers and vegetables sold on doorsteps in season.

Gorgeous listed buildings and gardens such as Kingston Maurward and Athelhampton or fossil hunting (Lyme Regis and Charmouth are renowned for their fossil treasures), unusual attractions like the amazing maize maze at Rodden, and pubs for good food combined with walking or cycling (leaflets from tourist information centres) are just a few more suggestions which we hope will inspire you to explore this beautiful area.