Archive for March, 2010

Bennetts Water Gardens

Friday, March 26th, 2010

Bennetts Water Garden - Monet's Bridge

Bennetts Water Garden - Monet's Bridge

Spring is now here, the daffodils are blooming, garden centres are buzzing and tourist attractions are getting ready for the busy Easter Period. If you are planning to visit Weymouth in Dorset over the holiday period or are looking for family activities to keep your children busy during the school holidays then a visit to Bennetts Water Gardens is a must – you will not be disappointed.

Established in 1959 Bennetts Water Gardens is one of Europe’s oldest water lily nurseries and has a National and International Collection of over 150 species of water lilies (Nymphaea) blooming throughout the summer. Based near the village of Chickerell, the collection is one of three in the United Kingdom specialising in hardy water lilies. The water lilies flower from late spring though to autumn and the Gardens offer a unique wedding venue for Civil Ceremonies, Receptions, Functions and Corporate Events.

The Water Gardens

The gardens have been landscaped to create a tranquil walk around numerous lakes with many places to sit and unwind. The blue Monet style Japanese bridge was built in 1999 to celebrate 100 years since Claude Monet painted his famous piece Water Lily Pond 1899. The bridge forms the centrepiece of the eight acre garden located in Chickerell while grass pathways lead you through the series of ponds and lakes surrounded by wetland plants, native trees, palms, wild plants and flowers.. There are scenic places to sit and unwind and shaded woodland walks to explore.

The Tropical House contains exotic plants including a cacti collection and a Family Nature Trail keeps young visitors interested. You will see some large wet loving plants, palms wild flowers, reed beds and trees. These all attract a wide range of wildlife including Dragonflies, Herons and Kingfishers all of which combine to make these gardens a designated ‘Site of Nature Conservation Interest’. Partial wheelchair access is available around the gardens, although this may be restricted during wet weather.

Aquatic Nursery

Bennetts Water Gardens’ Aquatic Nursery is one of the original UK plant growers of water lilies with over 50 years experience of pond plants. The Water Lily plants are generally available between April and September and available from the Aquatic Nursery. The aquatic plants and pond supplies  are also available to buy through the online shop.

Museum

The site was originally a clay pit as far back as 1859 when Oxford Clay was dug by hand from the ground for brick making. The onsite Museum contains a fascinating history of this site, from the time of the Brickworks & Clay Pits through to the gardens of today, and also including local history of Chickerell village (mentioned in the Domesday Book), Chesil Beach and Fleet lagoon.

Restaurant & Shop

Cafe Monet

Cafe Monet

The new licensed restaurant, Café Monet, has views over the water gardens, and is a great place to meet for lunch whether you are visiting the gardens or just stopping by to browse in the shop.

The café serves coffees, home-made lunches, cakes and cream teas. The café is ideal for private functions, birthdays, Christmas parties and other special occasions.

You can also browse the shop for special gifts or plants for your garden or order these via the online shop.

Easter Bunny Egg Hunt 2nd to 5th April

Easter Bunny Egg Hunt

Easter Bunny Egg Hunt

Don’t miss the Bennetts Water Gardens Easter Bunny Egg Hunt in Weymouth on Good Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Easter Monday. A special Easter trail will lead children around the gardens; where they can find clues to complete the trail and get rewarded with a chocolate egg. There will also be an Easter Colouring Competition for a chance to win a prize. Café Monet will also be serving special Easter lunches and normal admission rates apply on the day.

Bennett Water Gardens Opening Times

The Garden is open between 14th March to 29th October 2010, 10am to 5pm daily and closed on Saturdays. Café Monet is open all year but closed every Saturday for private functions.  Admission is £6.95 for Adults, Children up to 4 years are free, Children 4 - 16 years £3.95, Family Ticket (2 adults & 2 children) £18.50 and Seniors/Students £6.25. Please contact Bennetts Water Gardens for discount admission rates for groups. No dogs allowed. There is free parking for cars and coaches on site.

If you would like further informal guidance feel free to chat with us at The Outdoor Store right opposite the railway station in Weymouth. We would also be delighted to help equip you for your outdoor activities with a range of quality affordable clothing, Regatta waterproof jackets, guide books and maps.

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Walking East of Weymouth

Friday, March 19th, 2010

East Weymouth looking across to Ringstead Bay

East Weymouth looking across to Ringstead Bay

Here at the Outdoor Store, we like to help our customers and visitors to Weymouth make the most of the stunning countryside and many facilities in the area.

There is so much do and see in Weymouth throughout the year, and of course West Weymouth is famed for it views and walks along Chesil beach, whilst Portland offers great opportunities for rock climbing. However, let’s not forget areas East of Weymouth where there are many gems awaiting discovery. Whether you are a bird watching enthusiast, a fossil hunting fan, or simply enjoy a walk in the fresh air, there are plenty of areas for you and the family to explore.

Lodmoor Country Park

A short walk from the Weymouth Seafront is Lodmoor Country Park located on a 350 acre site, with splendid views of Weymouth Bay. The country park sited to the east of Weymouth is only 15 minutes walk from the town centre, and its Georgian waterfront and beach. The park makes for a great relaxing family day out, with nature walks on the RSPB reserve and a host of nearby family attractions.

Bird Watching in Weymouth

Bird watching in Weymouth & Portland is a popular activity with a superb range of diverse habitats close at hand. The Weymouth Bay area is a great place to see birds at anytime of the year and within a short walk distance the new Preston Beach Promenade offers an excellent viewing point over the bay and beyond.

This part of the coastline welcomes gatherings of Great Crested Grebes and occasionally the rarer Great Northern or Black Throated Divers may also make an appearance. The River Wey which feeds into Radipole Lake Nature Reserve, provides an important wildlife habitat, the reeds and rushes along the riverbank are mixed with colourful flowers such as the Yellow Flag Iris.

Radipole Lake is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, is easy to explore on foot and has plenty to offer to families and birdwatchers alike.

South West Coast Path

The White Horse at Osmington

The White Horse at Osmington

Following the South West Coast Path on foot is a great way of exploring the habitats further along the East coast of Weymouth. Favourite destinations for walkers include Bowleaze cove, Osmington, Ringstead Bay and, further east, on Natural Trust land you’ll find the cliffs of White Nothe.

Along this route you can see the The White Horse of Osmington Hill, the only example of a carved horse with rider in the country. The figure is of King George III (a regular visitor to Weymouth) riding his horse – although there is no clear agreement on why the carving was first made.

Remember to take time to look at the rock pools during low tide and immerse yourself in the unspoilt beauty of the famous heritage coast. Ringstead Bay has around 700 yards of shingle beach with uncovered sand once the tide goes out. You will also find rock pools at the western end of the beach and an offshore reef that is uncovered by the tide. This beach is overlooked by unspoilt farmland and cliffs.

Fossil hunting in Dorset

Located east of Weymouth, the White Nothe site is part of the Jurassic World Heritage Coastline and is a great location for fossil hunting in Dorset with opportunities to collect specimens such as cretaceous ammonites and other fossils from the Upper, Middle and Lower Chalk and Greensand. This location is also superb for its geological features, and offers a great family day out.

Things to do in East Dorset

So, whether you’re looking for a safe, clean beach for a family trip to the seaside, great views, stunning walks or bird watching opportunities, then East Weymouth has something for you. If you would like further informal guidance and direction please feel free to chat with us at The Outdoor Store where we would also be delighted to help equip you for your outdoor adventures with a range of quality affordable clothing,  Regatta Waterproof Jackets, binoculars, guide books and maps.

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Choosing a Waterproof Jacket

Friday, March 12th, 2010

Regatta Waterproof Jackets

Regatta Waterproof Jackets

The days are now getting longer and with that comes the opportunity to take leisurely walks when you come home after a days work. With the unpredictable weather we have been having in the UK a waterproof jacket is an essential item of clothing. But with so many styles and technologies now available how do you go about choosing a waterproof jacket. There is a jacket for almost every occasion, whether it is simple casual wear around town or for camping and walking trips in the harshest of conditions. A good quality waterproof jacket is a really worthwhile investment whatever your plans.

Regatta offer a wide range of jackets for serious outdoor activity and great easy wear outdoor clothing for those just looking for an everyday waterproof jacket. The label, tags and website descriptions will provide details on the various jacket features but with all this information how do you decide which option best suits your needs?

Choosing the Right Jacket

Before you buy a new jacket it is worth thinking carefully about your precise needs. Jackets can be expensive, and if you are taking a gentle walk now and again in the countryside, you may not need a top of the range technically advanced jacket, designed for extreme weather. For low key walking you can maybe consider a jacket that does not have expensive materials such breathable fabric but that is good enough to provide wind, and rain protection. If you are planning aerobic activity, extensive hiking or carrying heavy loads, having a fabric that is also breathable will become a more important consideration.

Waterproof Treated/Layered Fabric technology

The biggest development in outdoor jackets is the fabric technology that ensures you stay warm and dry.

A waterproof/breathable material is made by laminating or coating a thin membrane on the underside of a nylon or polyester face fabric. Gore-Tex and Hydrafort are examples of breathable material. The outer layer of the fabric may appear to get wet, but rain will not penetrate the micropores of the membrane, thus keeping your clothing layers under the jacket dry and providing protection against extreme conditions of wind and rain.

At the same time this  breathable layer will allow excessive heat and body moisture to escape so preventing overheating and chilling.

Isotex is a range of advanced fabric which is both waterproof and breathable.  Isotex 5000 is designed  to keep you dry and comfortable in the outdoors in most everyday conditions. Isotex 10000 XPT (X-treme Performance Technology ) is 30% more breathable than standard Isotex fabrics and is highly permeable to body water vapour allowing perspiration to escape effectively to keep you dry and comfortable.

For even greater weatherproofing you may want to consider  jackets with outer fabric treatments such as Atl Durable Water Repellent (DWR). These treatments coat the fabric and help rain water run off the outside of the jacket.

Additional Waterproof Jacket Features to consider

  • Hardwearing materials
  • Look for snag-free factory-sealed seams as this is were leakage will develop first.
  • Vents and underarm zippers allow you to achieve greater venting of perspiration
  • Detachable Hood - some hoods can be detached and adjusted to fit snugly. Make sure that you can get a hat on underneath for cold weather.
  • Storm flaps - This is the piece of fabric that covers the main Zip. You can get single or double versions and it’s usually held in place by Velcro or press studs.
  • Pockets with flap covering the zip to ensure water doesn’t get in. Walkers might want to look for a central chest pocket to store a map for when out and about. Enough pockets in the places you want them and closings to keep things waterproof.
  • A Draw cord will help to keep you snug and warm and can be found at the hem, waist and around the hood, ideally it should have a toggle to lock and a tanka to be drawn single-handed.

Regatta is one of Europe’s leading names in outdoor clothing with over 80 years experience in making high quality waterproofs. Regatta make a fantastic range of affordable waterproof jackets in a variety of sizes S to XXL in a unisex range and choice of colours.

Options include:

Regatta Benthos Waterproof Jacket

Regatta Benthos Jacket

Regatta Benthos Jacket

The Regatta Benthos Waterproof Jacket is both Waterproof and breathable. The jacket has taped seams and velcro adjustable cuffs with moulded cuff tab.

The two chest pockets provide plenty of storage and have hi-tech water repellent zips with Atl durable water repellent treatment.

The unisex Benthos Waterproof Jacket is available in colours include Pepper & Seal Grey and Black & Seal Grey and priced at £45.97 including VAT down from RRP of £79.99.

Regatta Panacea Waterproof Jacket - Saffron and Seal Grey

Regatta Panacea

Regatta Panacea

The unisex Regatta Panacea Waterproof Jacket has breathable Isotex 8000 coated pyramid polyamide fabric treated with ATL durable water repellent.

The multipurpose jacket comes with an adjustable and detachable hood and has plenty of pockets for storage.

The Saffron and Seal Grey Panacea Waterproof Jacket is priced a £36.77 including VAT, reduced from an RRP of £69.99.

Regatta Ultra 3 in 1 Waterproof Jacket with Fleece Inner

Regatta Ultra Jacket

Regatta Ultra Jacket

If you require a jacket to be both waterproof and provide warmth then the Regatta Ultra 3 in 1 Waterproof Jacket with it’s windproof breathable Isotex 5000 coated polyester fabric and inner fleece is ideal.

The inner 200 series anti-pill Symmetry fleece comes with an adjustable shockcord hem.

The unisex jacket is available in three colour choices laser Blue and Black, and Red Flame and Black and priced at £69.99 including VAT reduced from an RRP of £99.99.

Regatta Helga 3 in 1 Waterproof Jacket with Fleece Inner

Regatta Helga

Regatta Helga

If you are looking for a waterproof and breathable ladies jacket, the Regatta Helga 3 in 1 Waterproof Jacket offers the same benefits as the Ultra 3 in 1.

The ladies waterproof jacket is available in a variety of warm colours, Crayon and Seville, Tang and Dark Tang and Dahlia and Prune and priced at £40.85 including VAT.

Available in sizes 10-22 with the inner fleece layer has 2 lower pockets ideal for storing your mobile phone and keys.

Regatta Florence Ladies Waterproof Jacket

Regatta Florence

Regatta Florence

Another popular ladies waterproof jacket is the Regatta Florence made of Hydrafort polyamide mini structure fabric.

The Canyon dark pink jacket has a fleece lined body and fake fur inner collar for added style.

The inner security pocket is ideal for storing you house or car keys. Available in sizes 10-22 with a fantastic price of £29.62 including VAT.

We hope this information will help when choosing a waterproof jacket.

If you are still not sure then call The Outdoor Store in Weymouth, or visit our online store, and we would be happy to discuss ideas and help choose a jacket which would best suit your needs.

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