I tried the over-60s coach trip to the English seaside
RIGHT on the front and offering gorgeous views, Weymouth’s elegant Hotel Prince Regent is a focal point for tourists who flock to be beside the seaside.
Venture inside, and there are 75 comfy bedrooms with a cosy lounge that’s ideal for whiling away the afternoon. It’s the perfect home away from home.
And best of all, I was chauffeured straight to the front door by coach.
This Georgian-style property is one of several charming hotels bookable through Daish’s Holidays, a UK coach-break specialist for the over-sixties.
It certainly helps to remove all the faff from transportation, food and entertainment.
Stays include pick-up from a number of accessible spots around the UK (or you can drive yourself), plus there’s regular entertainment and half-board accommodation, meaning lunch is the only meal you need to spend on.
My Weymouth base is handy for the Esplanade, which runs for well over a mile to the harbour.
A stroll along here into the old town and colourful working port area takes ten minutes or so with lots of seats and shelters along the way, or you can grab the bus from the stop just outside.
Bikes are not allowed in the summer, making it a pleasure to stroll.
Be sure to enjoy time in the old town and admire the wonderfully preserved buildings, including The Tudor House Museum on the south of the harbour.
The Nothe Fort stands guard nearby and it’s a gentle climb from the old town – or a steeper climb by steps – but well worth a visit for the views and a peep into the history of the place.
If walking is big on your list then you’re in luck as this area is on the famous Jurassic coast, with fossils dating back 185 million years.
I consider myself to be a bit of an old fossil, so it was apt that I treated myself to a local souvenir, a tiny fossilised local ammonite – a mere 175million years old. I came away feeling I am a spring chicken in comparison!
If you’re feeling a little peckish, the fishing harbour has great pubs and restaurants with lots of outdoor tables.
The boats land their catch on the dockside where you will find a wonderful fresh fish market.
They will even ice pack some for taking home should you wish.
Keep your eyes peeled for the road bridge.
Built in 1930 to connect the north and south side of the harbour, it opens up every two hours to allow taller boats to enter the marina.
In high season there is also a rowboat ferry service you can use instead of taking the bridge.
In the evening there was no need to leave the hotel, as the nightly entertainment in the Crown Ball Room was top-notch with a mix of very good singers, as well as bingo and quizzes.
Before heading home, I couldn’t resist a ride on the old-fashioned Helter Skelter in Weymouth’s amusement park.
I last slid down one when I was under 11, so I was not surprised when the ticket man gave me a look.
Excited, I carried the mat up and whizzed down.
Although it is just as high, the ride seemed to have shrunk over the years.
So, of course, I had to go up one more time, just because I could.
GO: WEYMOUTH
SHORT breaks start from £319 in total for self-drive stays or £339 including coach pick up.
All stays are on a half-board basis.
See daishs.com.