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Dorset Villages

Wherever you are, on the coast or inland, you'll never be far from traditional and pretty villages in Dorset to explore. Each of the Dorset towns and villages has its own character, history, individual charm and tale to tell.

Here's just a taster of some of Dorset's best villages, whether you come across them by chance on a ramble or cycle ride or you've set off to find that quirky pub, interesting church or village tearoom for a slice of Dorset apple cake!

Discover the exceptionally pretty coastal villages of Abbotsbury, world-famous for its swanneryand dramatic views across Chesil Beach and Sutton Poyntz near Weymouth with its duckpond, traditional inn and working water mill.

The tiny village and picturesque fishing harbour at West Lulworth is clustered around the perfect horseshoe shaped Lulworth Cove, one of the best-loved spots on the Jurassic Coast.

Further east, Corfe is best known for its dramatic castle ruins, ransacked during the civil war. Many of the buildings in this attractive village are made from the local Purbeck stone. While at Corfe why not hop on the steam train for the half-hour ride to Swanage?

Still in Purbeck, Worth Matravers with its village pond, pub and local stone cottages is a mecca for walkers with its access to the South West Coast Path. Moreton's attractions include a visit to the cemetery where Lawrence of Arabia is buried and Clouds Hill where he worked on his books, stunning gardens and the spectacular engraved windows of St Nicholas' Church.

Tyneham village is a step back in time; the villagers left their homes in 1943 when the surrounding land was taken over for military use and have never been back. The old schoolhouse displays materials used in the war era and the walk from the village to Worbarrow Bay is well worth the effort.

To the west of the county, Cerne Abbas is famed for its ruined Abbey and 180 foot chalk hill-side giant and offers a range of historic pubs and tearooms. Nestled in the West Dorset hills, Evershot is a pretty village,often used as a film location and with strong connections to Thomas Hardy's novels.

The beautiful rural landscape of the north and east of Dorset is home to countless picturesque villages. Milton Abbas is a picture-book English cob-and thatch village with a charming Abbey Church and bi-annual street festival celebrating 18th century traditions. Others include Ashmore, Dorset's highest village at 700ft above sea level on the Cranborne Chase with its lovely Georgian rectory, pretty cottages and duckpond. Each year the village hosts the unique Ashmore Filly Loo celebrating midsummer customs and dancing.

Shillingstone offers superb views of the Iron Age forts at Hambledon and Hod Hills and further east, Wimborne St Giles is home to the Earls of Shaftesbury and you'll find fascinating family monuments in its classical church as well as a row of beautiful 17th century almshouses.

For further information on towns and villages in Dorset visit the area websites or contact our Tourist Information Centres.