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Itinerary Planner

Plan your visit to Dorset using the '+ Itinerary Planner' button. Add to Excursion

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The Esplanade

The Esplanade

Weymouth

Towns

The towns in Dorset are brimming with history and charm, set in beautiful countryside and fringed by glorious coastline.

Visit the coastal towns on the Jurassic Coast and beyond, with their mix of colourful harbours, sandy beaches and seaside fun, or head inland and discover our fascinating market towns. Enjoy unique shopping and farmers' markets, amazing architecture and plenty of places to eat out and sample the local produce.

Make the most of your visit and pop in to one of Dorset's Tourist Information Centres for inspirational ideas on what to see and do while you are here.  

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Number of items: 15

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  1. Market Place, Rachael Piper Harding©

    Add Blandford Forum to your Itinerary

    Blandford Forum

    West Street, Blandford Forum

    Located on the banks of the River Stour, Blandford Forum is the most complete, small Georgian town in England. Following an extensive fire in 1731 Blandford Forum "rose like the phoenix from its ashes, to its present beautiful and flourishing state" as the Fire Monument in the Market place states...

  2. Shaftesbury, Gold Hill

    Shaftesbury

    Shaftesbury

    The picturesque hilltop town of Shaftesbury lies nestled around its Saxon Benedictine Abbey, at its peak the largest women's religious community in England.

    An indespensible Medieval trading post for the farmers of the arable Cranborne Chase and dairying Blackmore Vale, today Shaftesbury offers...

  3. Sherborne Abbey

    Add Sherborne to your Itinerary

    Sherborne

    Sherborne

    Located to the north of West Dorset, this historic Ham Stone town nestles in green valleys and wooded hills and is, without doubt, one of the most beautiful towns in England. With its abundance of ancient and beautiful buildings, superb Abbey, world famous Schools, picturesque Almshouse and two...

  4. None

    Add Bridport & West Bay to your Itinerary

    Bridport & West Bay

    Bridport

    Set amongst the spectacular rolling Dorset hills, Bridport is a lively town with a friendly and vibrant character. As well as being a Gateway Town to the Jurassic Coast, Bridport has also been named a Beacon Town for the quality and variety of its locally produced food. Bridport’s culinary delights...

  5. credit Mark Simons

    Add Dorchester to your Itinerary

    Dorchester

    Dorchester

    Historic Dorchester is the county town of Dorset. Originally sited on the spectacular hill fort of Maiden Castle, , the largest and most complex Iron Age hill fort to be visited in Britain, the town was developed in its current location by the Romans in AD43. The town rapidly grew to be Durnovaria,...

  6. The new Forest Distrct Council

    Add The New Forest to your Itinerary

    The New Forest

    Lymington

    The ancient New Forest is England’s newest National Park and is around 30 minutes’ drive from Bournemouth. There are plenty of pretty towns and villages to discover and the beautiful open spaces, forest glades and tranquil walks remain largely unchanged from the days when William the Conqueror used...

  7. None

    Add Christchurch to your Itinerary

    Christchurch

    Christchurch

    Christchurch, rich in heritage and culture, boasts two rivers, a castle, a beautiful 11th Century Priory and a mill of Saxon origin. Christchurch Quay overlooks the pretty Harbour, great for riverside walks. Christchurch is uniquely situated on the shores of its own harbour, close to the...

  8. None

    Add Westbourne to your Itinerary

    Westbourne

    Bournemouth

    One of the most elegant parts of Bournemouth. For ladies wear boutiques, interior design specialists, beauty stores and some delicious delis and restaurants. Westbourne is a real gem with an urban village feel. Make sure you do not miss the beautiful Victorian arcade, look up to see 22 gargoyles...

  9. None

    Add Poole to your Itinerary

    Poole

    Poole Quay, Poole

    Poole is home to the second largest natural harbour in the world and is renowned for its watersports. Poole Quay is lined with beautiful merchant houses alongside modern architecture. Enjoy the cobbled streets and take the Cockle Trail Walk or enjoy a boat ride to the National Trust Brownsea Island...

  10. None

    Add Dorset and the Purbecks to your Itinerary

    Dorset and the Purbecks

    Shore Road, Swanage

    The spectacular area of the Dorset coastline has been classed as a World Heritage site and fondly known as the Jurassic Coastline.
    It can be reached by car, bus, boat, bike or steam train. Guided tours are also available to explore the stunning scenery of the Jurassic Coast and the Isle of...