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Welcome to the Itinerary Planner. Use this tool to build your own journey or choose from an exciting range of specially selected tours.

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  1. Wimborne Minster
    Wimborne Minster
  2. Beaminster town © Paul Smith
    Beaminster town © Paul Smith
  3. The River Frome and Wareham's Lady St Mary Church
    The River Frome and Wareham's Lady St Mary Church

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Highlights

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 at the seaside amid Olympic waters!

If you’re looking for a traditional family holiday by the seaside then head to Weymouth! With beautiful, long, sandy beaches and traditional seaside attractions such as Punch and Judy and donkey rides, this is where childhood holiday memories are made!

Just imagine yourself sitting in a deckchair with the warm sun on your face and the sand between your toes……the golden sands and safe shallow waters of Weymouth are perfect for sitting back and relaxing whilst your little ones entertain themselves by building the most magnificent sandcastle!

And you won’t just be gazing out onto any water – these are Olympic waters! 

Weymouth & Portland played host to the sailing events at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games, however, Portland is much more than just a sailing venue – it’s an explorer’s paradise, adventurer’s delight and nature lover’s haven.

Soak up the splendour of Christchurch

Located on the shores of its own natural harbour, Christchurch is the perfect setting to relax and enjoy stunning views, or if you’re feeling more energetic, there is a host of water activities to indulge in!

After a few hours on one of Christchurch’s many beautiful beaches, why not enjoy a stroll along the River Stour and the area around the town’s quay.

Stop for a while, sit back and relax in one of the many restaurants and cafes and sample some delicious Dorset delights.

Once you’re re-fuelled and ready to get going again, a short amble from the harbour brings you to Norman Castle ruins and magnificent Priory church allowing you to step back in time and immerse yourself in Christchurch’s historic past!

Retreat to the charms of Rural Dorset!

Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life? The peace and tranquillity of Wimborne Minster, Blandford Forum, Shaftesbury and Gillingham will certainly clear your mind and rejuvenate your senses!

This is traditional rural England at its finest…unspoilt countryside, picturesque villages, quaint pubs…need we go on?

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.

But keep a lookout – this area is rich in wildlife!

Why not make it a holiday to remember by trying something new?  Perhaps orienteering, bushcraft or segwaying – all fantastic and fun ways of embracing the great outdoors!

Enjoy old fashioned seaside charm in Swanage and Purbeck

Swanage and Purbeck is sure to delight any visitor!

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.

West Dorset – as multi-layered as the famous fossil-flecked cliffs along its Jurassic Coast

Looking for somewhere to recharge your batteries and reinvigorate your senses?  West Dorset is for you!

Unplug from the daily rush and enjoy the simple pleasures of Bridport & West Bay, Lyme Regis, Dorchester and Sherborne.

West Dorset 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.

Fly a kite on an ancient hillfort, scramble around rock pools at low tide for the ultimate find, wander woodlands....If you’re looking for a bit of a thrill to get the adrenaline pumping why not take a rib blast along the coast?

Stylish, yet unspoilt.  Magical and mysterious…West 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 it's 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?

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!
 

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  1. Sturminster Newton Mill

    Add Sturminster Newton to your Itinerary

    Sturminster Newton

    Sturminster Newton

    A pretty town on the River Stour with working mill and quaint town museum, Sturminster Newton has a rich history and strong links with the dairy and cheese industry, celebrated with the Cheese Festival each September.

    More info for Sturminster Newton
  2. Wimborne Minster

    Add Wimborne Minster to your Itinerary

    Wimborne Minster

    Wimborne Minster

    Historic market town with a selection of high street and independent stores, a range of great pubs and cafes and some unique attractions; a wonderful model town, quality crafts centre, museum, market and the charming Minster Church.

    More info for Wimborne Minster
  3. Melbury Bubb

    Add Melbury Bubb to your Itinerary

    Melbury Bubb

    Sherborne

    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.

    More info for Melbury Bubb
  4. Fortuneswell - Isle of Portland

    Add Fortuneswell - Isle of Portland to your Itinerary

    Fortuneswell - Isle of Portland

    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. Self catering cottages and B&B's are a short stroll from the National Sailing Academy.

    More info for Fortuneswell - Isle of Portland
  5. Ferndown Clock Tower

    Add Ferndown to your Itinerary

    Ferndown

    Wimborne

    Today a modern town with a good shopping centre and excellent community and leisure facilities.

    More info for Ferndown
  6. Portesham, Visit Dorset

    Add Portesham to your Itinerary

    Portesham

    South Walks House, Dorchester

    A pleasant village, sheltered beneath the 776 ft Blackdown Hill on which the iconic Hardy's Monument stands.

    More info for Portesham
  7. Weymouth

    Add Weymouth to your Itinerary

    Weymouth

    Commercial Road, 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.

    More info for Weymouth
  8. Church of St Nicholas, Edmondsham

    Add Edmondsham to your Itinerary

    Edmondsham

    Wimborne

    A quaint village with old brick houses and cottages, a big iron village pump dated 1884 and a charming Manor House and church.

    More info for Edmondsham
  9. Evershot, Visit Dorset

    Add Evershot to your Itinerary

    Evershot

    Sherborne

    Evershot is the second highest village in Dorset at 625ft above sea level and is well known for its inclusion in much of Thomas Hardy's literature.

    More info for Evershot
  10. Lower Bockhampton

    Add Lower Bockhampton to your Itinerary

    Lower Bockhampton

    South Walks Road, Dorchester

    Lower Bockhampton is a small hamlet on the River Frome, home to the school where Thomas Hardy first attended as a young boy.

    More info for Lower Bockhampton
  11. Christchurch Quay, Dorset

    Add Christchurch to your Itinerary

    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.

    More info for Christchurch
  12. Buckland Newton, Visit Dorset

    Add Buckland Newton to your Itinerary

    Buckland Newton

    South Walks Road, Dorchester

    Buckland Newton is an average sized village which sits at the head of the Blackmoor Vale and lies amongst lush AONB meadow land and gentle hills.

    More info for Buckland Newton
  13. Shaftesbury, Gold Hill

    Add Shaftesbury to your Itinerary

    Shaftesbury

    Shaftesbury

    Saxon hilltop town with famous Gold Hill and stunning views. Visit the abbey ruins and gardens, Gold Hill Museum or browse old-fashioned shops and stores.

    More info for Shaftesbury
  14. The Old Coach House

    Add Hooke to your Itinerary

    Hooke

    Dorchester

    The quiet village of Hooke is tucked away in the Dorset Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Close by is Eggardon Hill Fort and the historic town of Beaminster.

    More info for Hooke
  15. Melbury Osmund

    Add Melbury Osmund to your Itinerary

    Melbury Osmund

    Sherborne

    This quiet and unspoilt village is where Hardy’s parents were married in 1839.

    More info for Melbury Osmund
  16. Queen Mother Square Poundbury, © Prewett Bizley Architects

    Add Poundbury to your Itinerary

    Poundbury

    South Walks House, Dorchester

    Developed on land owned by the Duchy of Cornwall, Poundbury was the brainchild of the Prince of Wales to build an urban extension to the historic county town of Dorchester.

    More info for Poundbury
  17. Colmers Hill - Copyright James Loveridge

    Add Symondsbury to your Itinerary

    Symondsbury

    Bridport

    Symondsbury is a large, pretty village of golden sandstone, known for its iconic landmark – Colmers Hill, which is featured extensively on postcards of the area and is the subject of many atmospheric photographs.

    More info for Symondsbury
  18. Holt

    Add Holt to your Itinerary

    Holt

    Wimborne

    Several scattered hamlets with wonderful names; Gods Blessing Green and Pig Oak, make up Holt, itself centred around a large green faced by pretty thatched cottages and a traditional village inn.

    More info for Holt
  19. Upton House at Upton Country Park

    Add Upton to your Itinerary

    Upton

    POOLE

    Upton is located in between Poole and Wareham. The town's biggest attraction is Upton Country Park with walking and cycling routes near Poole Harbour - Europe's largest natural harbour.

    More info for Upton
  20. credit Mark Simons

    Add Batcombe to your Itinerary

    Batcombe

    Sherborne

    Batcombe is a very small village hidden under the northern slope of the Dorset Downs and is surrounded by mysterious legends.

    More info for Batcombe
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