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Lyme Regis

Lyme Regis

credit Dawn Potter

Coastal Towns

Along the Jurassic Coast and beyond there are a variety of coastal towns from colourful harbours with bunting lined streets where you can enjoy a spot of crabbing, a coastal cruise or simply sit and watch the world go by, to traditional seaside resorts with wide sandy beaches and great entertainment – perfect for taking the family! There’s also a wealth of history to be discovered in our coastal towns - learn about Jane Austen's fascination with Lyme Regis or Victorian Swanage and indulge in plenty of unique shopping opportunities. Feeling peckish? Don’t forget to sample our delicious freshly caught seafood at our range of award winning seafront restaurants.

Be inspired! Watch our stunning video footage of some of the truly remarkable coastline that Dorset boasts and explore our breathtaking coastal towns below.

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Areas to Visit

Swanage

Swanage

This small town surrounds a beautiful curved bay and offers a seaside experience with a difference. Enjoy the soft sand and the award winning beach...

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Number of items: 12

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  1. Castletown - Isle of Portland

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    Castletown - Isle of Portland

    Portland

    Once a busy area serving the numerous sailors that came through from the Dockyard, it is now popular for those wishing to dive in the waters off Portland. An area steeped in military history it was also the site that much of the world famous Portland stone was shipped to London from. The Tudor...

  2. Southwell - Isle of Portland

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    Southwell - Isle of Portland

    Portland

    Portland's most southerly village made up of quaint quarrymen cottages and new houses with a village pub in the centre of the village. Park here and access the wonderful round-island cliff walks. A variety of self catering cottages and The Venue hotel and spa.

  3. Fortuneswell - Isle of Portland

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    Fortuneswell - Isle of Portland

    Portland

    Originally known as Fortunes' well because it was an island settlement established around a small watercourse. The main road through to the top of the island has a wide variety of properties, some are small Portland stone cottages that were built on steep slopes. As you climb the hill St John's...

  4. Swanage beach and bay

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    Swanage

    Swanage

    This small town surrounds a beautiful curved bay and offers a seaside experience with a difference. Enjoy the soft sand and the award winning beach front whilst being surrounded by Purbeck’s natural beauty and wildlife. Make your first port of call the Tourist Information Centre on Shore Road...

  5. Chiswell - Isle of Portland

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    Chiswell - Isle of Portland

    Portland

    One of Portland's ancient hamlets, a fishing village with cottages built on the back of Chesil Beach. The village lies at the point where the massive Chesil Beach joins Portland to the Dorset mainland. Equally magnificent on a warm summer's day as it is in the full force of a winter's storm.

  6. Easton - Isle of Portland

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    Easton - Isle of Portland

    Portland

    Easton is the shopping centre of Portland that surrounds the Victorian gardens in the centre of the main square. A range of traditional shops, superstore and cafes for you to choose from. Several self catering cottages available nearby and easy access to the coastpath and National Sailing Academy.

  7. Sutton Poyntz

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    Sutton Poyntz

    The Esplanade, Weymouth

    The first part of the name is derived from the Old English words 'sud' (south) and tun (farm). The manor here was held by the Poyntz family from the 13th century. On 18th April 1908 a serious fire broke out in the village and by the time the Weymouth Fire Brigade arrived, almost a quarter of a mile...

  8. None

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    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...

  9. Weymouth

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    Weymouth

    The Esplanade, Weymouth

    With the fantastic backdrop of the World Heritage Jurassic Coast, an award winning safe sandy beach, full programme of colourful events and fun-filled attractions, Weymouth is the ideal all year round holiday destination. The golden sands and safe shallow waters are the perfect place to enjoy the...

  10. Aerial view of Christchurch Priory

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    Christchurch

    Christchurch, CHRISTCHURCH

    Few places in the country can boast two rivers, two castles, an 11th century Priory Church, a mill of Saxon origin, a medieval bridge and the site of a civil war siege in 1645, so it's no wonder that people have been visiting Christchurch for hundreds of years.

    The historic Priory Quarter is...