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Maybe these stunning photos of Dorset will change your mind! Dorset really has it all. Gorgeous countryside, cute little seaside towns and historic villages, crumbling ruined castles, nature reserves teeming with bird- and wildlife… and one of the most spectacular coastlines in the whole country!
Dorset is probably most famous for its soaring limestone arch, Durdle Door, which is featured on many a postcard of the area. Nearby is the picture perfect horseshoe bay of Lulworth Cove which attracts visitors all year round due to its stunning setting and quaint village.
- Marvel at Durdle Door
- Relax on Bournemouth Beach
- Step Back in Time at Corfe Castle
- Ride The Waves on The Jurassic Coast
- Spot Fossils at Lyme Regis
- Escape to Brownsea Island
- Take A Ride on Swanage Steam Railway
- Discover Studland and Old Harry Rocks
- Wander The Gardens at Kingston Lacy
- Monkey Around at Monkey World
Dorset features the lion’s share of the 95-mile-long Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its fossil-rich cliffs and huge geological significance. All along the coastline, unusual rock formations reveal a visible record of millions of years of history, forming a living legacy that adds a unique touch to any cliff walk or beach day...
It may be one of Dorset’s most popular beaches, but Bournemouthis still one of the best places for a day at the seaside. And with seven miles of soft sand to relax on, avoiding the summer crowds is easy. Locals head west towards Branksome Chine or east to Boscombe and Southbourne. At the far eastern end of the bay, the cliff-backed pebble beach at ...
A peninsula once so cut off by moors and marshlands that it felt more like an island, hence the name, the Isle of Purbeck is one of the loveliest places to visit in Dorset. And at its center, the hilltop ruins of Corfe Castle provide unbeatable views of the surrounding countryside. The thousand-year-old castle was largely destroyed during the Engli...
Adults searching for fun, adrenaline-pumping things to do along the Dorset coast will discover a myriad of watersports and boat trips. A RIB ride from Weymouth Harbour (Weymouth Bay RIB Charter) or Lyme Regis (Lyme Bay RIB Charter) offers a fast-paced tour of the coastline’s most impressive attractions; you can zip from Weymouth to Durdle Door and ...
Although she wasn’t taken as seriously as she should have been in her time, local paleontologist Mary Anning is now recognized as a crucial figure in the study of the Jurassic Coast’s fossils, which she collected on the beaches near her hometown of Lyme Regis. Today, fossil finds are still common, particularly on the stretch of beach between Lyme R...
Dorset’s Poole Harbour is one of the largest natural harbors in the world, home to yacht-filled marinas, sheltered bays for paddleboarding, and the famous Sandbanks peninsula, aka the world’s most expensive seaside resort. Take a boat tour of the harbor and its many islands, or hop on a ferry to explore the National Trust nature reserve at Brownsea...
Journey back in time on a beautifully restored heritage steam railway across the Purbeck countryside. Step on board at Norden Station to ride the rails as far as the seaside at Swanage, looking out for the view of Corfe Castle on the right-hand side of the train as you chug past.
Marking the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast, Old Harry Rocks are a series of chalk stacks stretching out into the English Channel. Thought to be named after an infamous local pirate, Harry Payne, the rocks were once part of the same chalk band as the Needles on the Isle of Wight. While the headland above Old Harry Rocks has become a popular desti...
Immerse yourself in the extensive art and history collections of a 17th-century manor house, before a relaxing stroll through the scenic grounds. Perhaps the finest of Dorset’s numerous stately homes, Kingston Lacy sits on a vast 8500-acre (3440-hectare) estate. Wander the grounds and gardens, especially the attractive Japanese Garden. Pro tip: try...
One of southwest England’s most family-friendly days out, Monkey World Ape Rescue Centrenear Bovington is an unexpected gem in the Dorset countryside. Don’t agree with animals in captivity? Fear not: Monkey World is not a zoo. They rescue and rehome primates from illegal captivity such as circuses or black market trades. Animals that can’t be relea...
- Whole Coastline is Filled with Natural Wonders. The Dorset Coast is a captivating destination that boasts a remarkable variety of natural wonders. When you visit, you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking combination of towering cliffs, secluded coves, sandy beaches, and rolling hills.
- Fossil Hunting is a Thing on Dorset Coast. One of the most exciting aspects of the Dorset Coast is its fame for fossil hunting! This coastline holds a treasure trove of ancient secrets waiting to be discovered.
- Wide Range of Watersports are Available at the Shoreline. If you’re a water sports enthusiast, the Dorset Coast has plenty to offer! Firstly, one popular water sport along the coast is surfing.
- Dorset Coastal Walks Are Ideal for Spotting Wildlife. The coastal walks along the Dorset Coast are an absolute treat. Not only do they offer stunning views, but they also provide excellent opportunities for spotting wildlife.
- Corfe Castle. Corfe Castle is a stunning 11th-century castle in Dorset, that has fulfilled a number of roles throughout its thousand-year history. The current incarnation of Corfe Castle was built by William the Conqueror in around 1066, although even before this the site was of great historical importance.
- Cerne Abbas Giant. The Cerne Abbas Giant is a giant naked figure sculpted into a chalk hillside in Dorset, often associated with fertility. Hill glyphs (also known as geoglyphs) are found across the UK: some date back as far as the Iron Age, with others created as recently as the 19th century.
- Tyneham Village. Dating back to the Iron Age, the village of Tyneham was noted in the Domesday Book as Tigeham, or ‘goat enclosure’. Just before Christmas 1943, as the Allied World War Two effort was reaching a crucial stage, the War Office (now Ministry of Defence) requisitioned Tyneham so that the army could prepare for D-Day, 7 months away, by using the land as firing ranges for training troops.
- Lulworth Cove. One of the most striking sites on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, Lulworth Cove is world-famous for its prehistoric geology and landforms. Today, it is a popular tourist spot for geologists and sunbathers alike.
Mar 20, 2021 · Cute villages, secret beaches and historic streets, these are the loveliest spots in Dorset for a weekend trip, including Durdle Door, Abbotsbury Hill and Gold Hill.
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Sep 4, 2023 · #1 Visit Corfe Castle. Coming in at number one, it’s an absolute English and National Trust classic. Corfe Castle, near Swanage, has some gorgeous walks around, including the Purbeck Ridge, but the castle grounds, along with the incredibly cute model village nearby, make this a fantastic day out.
