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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. The iconic view from Gold Hill, Shaftesbury
    The iconic view from Gold Hill, Shaftesbury
  2. Blandford Forum's shops
    The market town of Blandford Forum
  3. Wimborne's Minster Church of St. Cuthburga
    Wimborne's Minster Church of St. Cuthburga

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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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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?

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.

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. Mudeford Quay - credit Millard Photography

    Add Mudeford to your Itinerary

    Mudeford

    Mudeford, CHRISTCHURCH

    Mudeford has an intriguing history of smuggling over the centuries and the picturesque quay is still the focal point of the local fishing industry.

    More info for Mudeford
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. Sturminster Marshall

    Add Sturminster Marshall to your Itinerary

    Sturminster Marshall

    Wimborne

    A large, pretty village with three pubs, village stores and several relics of past village life including the village stocks and maypole, the latter of which is still in use today.

    More info for Sturminster Marshall
  5. Piddletrenthide & Piddlehinton

    Add Piddletrenthide & Piddlehinton to your Itinerary

    Piddletrenthide & Piddlehinton

    Dorchester

    These small, sweet villages provide a charming base from which to explore Hardy country, whether it be for the literary links or just to enjoy some of England’s best countryside.

    More info for Piddletrenthide & Piddlehinton
  6. 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
  7. Milton Abbas

    Add Milton Abbas to your Itinerary

    Milton Abbas

    West Street, Blandford Forum

    One of Dorset's most famous villages, its 'street' a picture postcard thatch village with pretty cottages and wide lawns.

    More info for Milton Abbas
  8. Frampton, Visit Dorset

    Add Frampton to your Itinerary

    Frampton

    South Walks Road, Dorchester

    A quirky village with many attractive cottages.

    More info for Frampton
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. Puddletown

    Add Puddletown to your Itinerary

    Puddletown

    South Walks Road, Dorchester

    Nestling in the Piddle Valley, surrounded by rolling hills and woodland lies Puddletown, one of Dorset’s most attractive villages and which features heavily in Hardy’s novels - most notably 'Far from the Madding Crowd'.

    More info for Puddletown
  12. Mark Simons credit

    Add Osmington to your Itinerary

    Osmington

    Dorchester

    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.

    More info for Osmington
  13. Shell Bay, Studland

    Add Studland to your Itinerary

    Studland

    Studland is a small village located on a peninsula in south Purbeck, and is close to both Swanage and Corfe Castle.

    More info for Studland
  14. 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
  15. 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.

    More info for Sherborne
  16. Littlebredy, Visit Dorset

    Add Littlebredy to your Itinerary

    Littlebredy

    South Walks Road, Dorchester

    Little Bredy stands at the head of the Bride Valley where the River Bride tumbles down a waterfall from its springs and is well worth visiting for its gorgeous setting.

    More info for Littlebredy
  17. Bradford Peverell

    Add Bradford Peverell to your Itinerary

    Bradford Peverell

    South Walks House, Dorchester

    Bradford Peverell is one of the oldest villages in Dorset which pre-dates the Roman occupation of Dorchester. The village is the birthplace of John Hutchins (1698-1773), Dorset's most famous historian.

    More info for Bradford Peverell
  18. Sydling St Nicholas, Visit Dorset

    Add Sydling St Nicholas to your Itinerary

    Sydling St Nicholas

    South Walks House, Dorchester

    Sydling St. Nicholas is a stunningly picturesque village, winding along the little Sydling Water with tiny connecting bridges to the ancient thatched cottages which line the banks.

    More info for Sydling St Nicholas
  19. Durdle Door

    Add East and West Lulworth to your Itinerary

    East and West Lulworth

    West Lulworth, Wareham

    The Lulworth Estate is located in south Dorset. The scenery around the area is stunning, with the estate boasting some of the country's most iconic features. It also forms part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.

    More info for East and West Lulworth
  20. Spring Street, Wool

    Add Bovington and Wool to your Itinerary

    Bovington and Wool

    The Tank Museum, Monkey World and T.E. Lawrence's Clouds Hill are found near Bovington. Wool is a small, quiet village with it's own train station. Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door, the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and Wareham are all nearby.

    More info for Bovington and Wool
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Know Before You Go - Covid-19 information
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