These two Dorset harbours are rich in history and draw many visitors.
Here's a little bit about these two stunning waterside spots.
WEYMOUTH HARBOUR
THERE is so much to do around Weymouth's 17th century harbour that you will never be short of ideas.
The quayside is steeped in history and offers a huge variety by way of nautical interest - from fishing boats and pleasure ferries to racing yachts and tall ships.
READ MORE: Exploring Dorset coastline - all about Chesil Beach
Up until recent years the port was lined with ships waiting to take passengers to the Channel Islands and the Continent while alongside cargoes of fruit and vegetables were unloaded.
But today it is mostly pleasure craft that line the harbour walls and sit on moorings.
Weymouth has been a port for many centuries and evidence shows that Roman Galleys sailed up the River Wey as far as Radipole where they could be beached and cargo unloaded for transport to the Roman town of Durnovaria (Dorchester).
In 1588 ships were supplied for the fight against the Spanish Armada and an iron chest reputed to have come from the captured Portuguese ship, San Salvador, a squadron flagship of the Armada, is exhibited in the Time Walk Museum in Hope Square.
A majority of the trade through the port was of coastal origin but many ships went further afield to trade with the Continent, Mediterranean, West Indies and North America.
READ MORE: Exploring coastline between Lulworth and Bowleaze
From the early days of colonial expansion onward, many emigrants to the New World have sailed from Weymouth and in May 1994 a previously unnamed street off Custom House Quay was named Pilgrims Way.
These days there is plenty to do around the harbour. Why not take a cruise to see the sights from the water? Boatmen offer pleasure, fishing and diving trips.
Tall ships are frequent visitors and the resort's marina, behind the town's lifting bridge, has berths for 200 yachts and cruisers of all shapes and sizes.
You can see a bustling flotilla of fishing boats, pleasure craft, yachts, catamarans and an ever-changing view and atmosphere of the bay, harbour and marina awaits you.
There are also plenty of pubs, restaurants and small, independent gift shops huddled together around the old harbour, the historic heart of the town.
PORTLAND HARBOUR
Portland Harbour is a haven for watersports. The Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy is based at the entrance to the island and hosts many top international events. The harbour has excellent waters for windsurfing.
There are RYA beginner and improver courses, board and wet suit hire. The Harbour provides safe sailing waters with tuition and courses for all levels of experience.
There is also much to hold a diver spellbound. Head for a seabed covered with marine life and hundreds of wrecks, from fine liners to submarines.
The giant breakwaters of Portland Harbour - the largest man-made structure in Dorset - were laid in Victorian times and provided four square miles of safe, deep water for the Navy.
The wreck of the First World War battleship HMS Hood lies at the entrance to the southern access - scuttled in November 1914 to prevent attack by submarine.
Boats can be hired for offshore reef and wreck diving plus lessons and equipment available from dive centres in and around the area. Portland harbour is also perfect for canoeing and rowing, and water skiing is allowed in designated areas.
Portland is considered to be a top spot for sea angling in Britain, according to the experts. Portland's coves, rocky outcrops and Chesil Beach offer many different opportunities to fish.
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