Respect, Protect & Enjoy Dorset

We know that following the updated guidance from the government allowing wider access to outdoor spaces, many of you will be keen to get outside and visit Dorset’s Jurassic Coast and countryside on a day trip. Our number one priority right now is ensuring that people are able to enjoy our glorious county in a safe and responsible way; looking after our local community, our visitors and the landscape around us. 

Dorset boasts mile upon mile of the most beautiful rolling countryside as well as over 100 miles of stunning coastline and over 4,700 well-signed and waymarked footpaths, bridlepaths and byways to explore so there’s more than enough to go around. It's better for everyone to stay local right now but if you do plan to visit Dorset please follow the simple steps below on how to respect, protect and enjoy Dorset.

Respect Dorset

• Respect our beaches and country parks and if they are busy please turn around and visit when it is quieter and safer to do so. Why not head inland and discover our beautiful open countryside and riverside walks.
• Respect our local communities by sticking to the Public Right of Way (footpaths and bridleways), keeping dogs on the lead, not picnicking on private land, not parking outside people’s houses, and taking your litter home.
• Respect the wildlife. Nature may have recolonised some areas, so please tread carefully and look out for wildlife that has moved into unexpected places during lockdown. Please keep your dog on the lead and stick to footpaths and bridleways so as not to disturb ground nesting birds and other wildlife.
• Respect any specific guidelines that have been put in place by our friends and partners across the county, by planning ahead before travelling, and checking what facilities are open to you

Protect Dorset

• Protect yourself and others. Always follow hand washing guidance, and strict social distancing of 2 metres apart from others who are not in your household. Social distancing not only applies to any form of exercise such as walking, running or cycling but also sitting or sunbathing.
• Protect the landscape by not using disposable BBQs or lighting small fires. The fire risk at the moment in Dorset is extremely high.
• Protect the landscape and follow the Countryside Code, which sets out how visitors to Dorset’s rural areas can behave safely and responsibly.
• Protect the environment by travelling sustainably and staying local. If you can, try to journey by foot or bike. This means you’ll have a chance to experience our wonderful county as you travel, and you won’t have to worry about finding a car parking space. 

Enjoy Dorset

• Enjoy getting off the beaten track. We know everyone has their favourite spot in Dorset - or maybe their favourite two, or three - but if large numbers of people head to the same place, it becomes impossible to stay safely socially distanced. Instead, seek out some new favourites away from the crowds, perhaps head inland and enjoy our open countryside, riverside walks and cycle paths.
• Enjoy our beautiful beaches safely, by following the important advice issued by the RNLI. Please be aware that the usual life guard service may not currently be in place.
• Enjoy supporting our local businesses. Many Dorset businesses are open online and can deliver to your doorstep.  We really encourage you to shop with them, check out our online shopping and home delivery page and let us bring Dorset to your door!
• Enjoy a Dorset takeaway – if you’re local to Dorset then why not enjoy some delicious food available for takeaway or delivered to your door.

If you are holding off from getting outside for now, or are self-isolating and unable to leave your home, we’re totally committed to bringing the very best of Dorset to you virtually. Check out our website where we have loads of information about enjoying Dorset from home or follow our social channels:

www.facebook.com/VisitDorset
www.twitter.com/DorsetTourism
www.instagram.com/visitdorsetofficial

When the time is right and safe to do so, we’ll be waiting to welcome you to Dorset with open arms. 

#RespectProtectEnjoy