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Looking for outstanding places to visit where you can soak up the atmosphere of bygone eras? You’ve come to the right place!
If you’re looking for something more from your holiday then why not come and discover Dorset’s rich and intriguing history and heritage.
Dorset offers more than just stunning scenery and fabulous coastline; you’ll feel a real connection with our ancient past in Dorset. There aren’t many areas that can claim a huge naked chalk giant, a coastline where you can follow in the footsteps of dinosaurs and the largest hillfort in Europe.
From past to present – Dorset’s Jurassic Coast
Love the coast but looking for more than just a lazy day by the sea? You will be stunned when you arrive at Dorset’s coastline!
The awe-inspiring, dramatic Jurassic Coast tells a mighty tale of bygone eras when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Take some time out to explore and you may discover prehistoric fossils and gigantic footprints at the foot of the ancient cliffs formed 185 million years ago.
Magic & Mystery in Dorset
Uncover fascinating tales of mystery and intrigue in Dorset.
Why not climb the hill above the village of Abbotsbury to the medieval St Catherine’s Chapel where young women would go to pray for a husband. Make sure you stop a while to take in the breathtaking scenery whilst you are up there – you won’t be disappointed.
Visit the picturesque village of Cerne Abbas and marvel at the huge club wielding giant carved into the hillside. There are many theories behind this ‘rude man’, but which one do you believe?
Looking for somewhere to visit that may send a tingle down your spine? Many of the historic houses in Dorset are said to have a ghostly past…..do you dare to visit?
Quintessentially Dorset!
Dorset is the perfect place to travel back through centuries to explore fascinating architecture and artefacts with an eclectic range of castles, country houses and forts.
Dorset’s castles and country houses offer an insight into the lives of our ancestors. Roam the grounds, immerse yourself in the surroundings and enjoy a taste of the high life!
Literary Dorset
Looking to find the inspiration behind many a great author and film maker? Dorset’s amazing landscape is the answer!
Dorset is Thomas Hardy’s Wessex and this is the landscape that the novelist used time and time again as a backdrop for his tales of love and tragedy. Much of the grassy vales, pebble-strewn beaches and furze flattened heaths of Hardy’s Wessex are little changed today. Soak up the scenery and imagine yourself in one of his fictional hamlets.
More recently, Dorset’s iconic coast has been a prominent character in ITV’s Broadchurch. Creator and writer, Chris Chibnall, wrote Broadchurch as a love letter to the Jurassic Coast and it’s easy to see why.
Dorset’s Fascinating Museums
Still looking to find out more about Dorset’s unique history and heritage? Then take time to visit one (or perhaps more!) of our museums. Discover life-size reconstructions of dinosaurs, experience live action in military vehicles or delve into the history of some of Dorset’s amazing towns.
Why not stay a while?
Phew, with so much to discover you’re going to need to stay a while! Book a break to Dorset and uncover what makes this county extra special!
