Where should you go whilst visiting Dorset?.....Where do we start!
Dorset is such a diverse and beautiful county that you’ll be spoilt for choice! Rolling hillsides, dramatic cliffs, sweeping beaches, chocolate box villages, bustling towns, quiet countryside….Dorset’s charms are there for all to see and discover!
Family fun in Weymouth & Portland
If you’re looking for a holiday full of contrasts, where you can mix family beach fun with rugged island walks bursting with wildlife, a stay in this beautiful area of southern Dorset will offer you this and so much more!
With three miles of gorgeous golden sand and traditional seaside attractions such as Punch and Judy, crazy golf, fairground and donkey rides, Weymouth is the perfect destination to enjoy a good ol’ British seaside break.
Just steps away from the colourful esplanade you’ll find Weymouth’s beautiful quayside harbour with its historic lifting bridge. Sit alfresco at one of the many eateries and enjoy the fresh catch of the day or savour some tasty fish and chips as you stroll along past the boats.
By contrast, Portland, rugged and romantic, is a place like no other. Famed for its Olympic sailing waters and high-grade adventure sports, this is an island begging to be explored.
Climb the majestic Portland Bill lighthouse, explore castles, wildlife havens, museums, sculpture trails and even spot a wallaby on a family farm. The views from the Island are nothing short of spectacular, but not many can beat the vista of Chesil Beach and the Fleet Lagoon from the top of the island, it will take your breath away!
Wonders of the East
Head east to Cranborne Chase where outstanding natural beauty surrounds. Discover quintessential English villages tucked away in the gentle folds of chalk downland and ancient woodlands.
The charming market town of Wimborne Minster is rich in character and has an elegant blend of history, hospitality and regular events. Set in a picturesque location on the banks of the rivers Stour and Allen, the town is famed for its Minster church and unique Chained Library created in 1686, art deco theatre and indoor market.
Further east lies historic Christchurch. Few places in the country can boast a picturesque harbour, 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!
Six blissful beaches await your beach towel and sun umbrella and the swanky beach huts at Mudeford are among Britain’s most expensive.
Retreat to North Dorset and the Blackmore Vale
This is rural England at its finest…unspoilt countryside, picturesque villages, quaint pubs, delicious food and plenty of fresh air.
The breathtakingly beautiful countryside is definitely the star attraction here; lose yourself whilst exploring mile upon mile of footpaths, breathe in the scent of bluebells in ancient woodland and admire the sweeping panoramas from Iron Age hill forts over patchwork fields.
Take time to explore the area’s rich history and heritage including iconic landmarks such Gold Hill, Badbury Rings and Hambledon & Hod Hill.
Historic market towns such as Blandford, Shaftesbury and Sturminster Newton offer a fusion of old and new with thriving shopping, beautiful places to stay and outstanding medieval landmarks and buildings. Wander along cobbled streets, discover hidden courtyards and listen to fascinating tales through history.
If you’re looking to get away from it all and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the simple pleasures of rural Dorset will certainly clear your mind and rejuvenate your senses!
Pleasures of Purbeck
Purbeck is truly blessed. Studland's secluded sandy bays, the rugged beauty of Kimmeridge and the coastline around Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door are, quite simply, awe inspiring.
With more species of animals and plants within a 10 mile raduis of the Saxon town of Wareham than anywhere in the country, Purbeck is a wildlife haven. Bottlenose dolphins and seals emerge from the waves at Durlston Country park and rare birds wait to be spotted at the RSPB nature Reserve at Arne.
Impossibly pretty villages are crowned by Corfe's mighty castle and the lost village of Tyneham traps visitors in a romantic kind of timewarp.
Victorian Swanage captures the essence of a traditional seaside family holiday! Pack your bucket and spade and enjoy a day building sandcastles on the beautiful sandy beach. Have some fun splashing around in the water or simply sit back, relax and enjoy the ebb and flow of foamy surf over damp pebbles.
Hire a pedalo from Swanage beach for some family fun, stride the cliff paths and be rewarded with awesome views or spot rare orchids and peregrine falcons at Durlston Country Park – the choices are endless!
Why not hop on the steam railway at Swanage and puff your way up to Corfe Castle, you’ll be captivated by these romantic castle ruins. Feel the history come to life as children play amongst the fallen walls, uncover secret hiding places and discover tales of treachery and treason around every corner.
Go West!
The west of the county doesn’t shout about its stunning natural features, it simply lets you discover them! Wherever you are, each turning leads to a new adventure, a secret hiding place, or an atmospheric, mellow stoned village or two.
Amble along the green-topped cliffs that rise and fall like a sales graph – the path ahead is visible for miles as you climb high above the fossil flecked beaches below and admire the stunning 360 degree views. Back on ground level, meander around the buzzing harbours at Lyme Regis and West Bay – home of the real Broadchurch - and enjoy freshly caught fish and chips while watching the boats unload their catch.
Travel back in time in Dorchester, discover castles and ancient ruins in Sherborne, tour sumptuous grand houses and relax in their beautifully manicured gardens. Trek with donkeys in Beaminster and hunt for fossils on the Jurassic Coast, west Dorset is the perfect place to visit to fill your days with new and exciting experiences to share back home.
You won’t go hungry in this part of Dorset either – the events calendar offers a constant round of gourmet celebrations; have a foodie feast at the Spring Tide Food Festival, hurl biscuits at the Dorset Knob Throwing Festival and sample the scrumpy at the Dorchester Cider Festival.
Stylish, yet unspoilt. Magical and mysterious…western Dorset will stir the senses and calm the mind!
Enjoy the buzz of Bournemouth and Poole
There’s all this and more to discover in Dorset, plus the bright lights of nearby Bournemouth and Poole and the woodland trails of the New Forest National Park.
Why not venture over to Bournemouth and discover the beautiful sandy beach that stretches for 7 miles followed by a night on the tiles in one of the many bars or restaurants? Or if you're after a bit of retail therapy then Bournemouth won't disappoint!
Or spend a day in nearby Poole with its beautiful harbour and award winning blue flag beaches! Why not try one of the many water sports on offer or head off on a fishing trip?
Jurassic Coast
Discover 185 million years of Earth’s history along 95 miles of the Dorset and East Devon coast. Recognised by UNESCO for its outstanding geology, our coastline proudly sits on a map along with other World Heritage Sites including Yellowstone National Park and the Galapagos Islands.
Explore the Jurassic Coast to hunt for fossils, see spectacular geological features such as Durdle Door and Old Harry Rocks and follow in the footsteps of dinosaurs (literally!).
Discover Dorset and book your break today!
With so many areas to explore, you’d better book a break to stand a chance of fitting it all in!
Click on the links below to book your accommodation and find out more about Dorset!
This attractively named farming village, tucked between a heavily wooded area and Bubb Down is refreshingly reminiscent of how the region would have looked in the 19th century.
This unpretentious village was once home to the eccentric 17th century prophet, John Sadler, who on his deathbed before witnesses, predicted the Plague, The Great Fire of London and the Monmouth Rebellion.
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.
Osmington is a smart, well preserved village with grey stone cottages, narrow lanes and bright gardens. Carved into the chalk hillside nearby is a figure of George III on horseback, cut to commemorate the Royal visits to Weymouth.
With seven miles of golden sands and sparkling sea, the vibrant cosmopolitan town of Bournemouth has it all. Explore a vast variety of shops, restaurants and holiday accommodation, seafront hotels, quality B&Bs and buzzing nightlife.
Puncknowle, pronounced ‘Punnle’ is a handsome village of stone cottages and farm buildings. A ridge of downland shelters one side of the village from the sea and on the other side is the beautiful Bride Valley.
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.
Chideock is a small, hilly village located between Bridport and Lyme Regis. Both Chideock and its neighbouring hamlet, Seatown, have much to offer the visitor.
Burton Bradstock is a pretty village famous for its position along the Jurassic Coast with its iconic sandstone cliffs marking the start of Chesil Beach.
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