Dorset is steeped in history offering castles, abbeys, museums, historic houses and gardens as well as wildlife parks and pretty towns and seaside villages to explore.
We’ve listed a few of our favourites:
Places to visit
Dorchester – the county town. Visit the Roman Town House and Amphitheatre and also stand in the dock where the Martyrs stood trial.
Sherborne – a beautiful and historic market town, home to Sherborne Abbey, Castle (the former home of Sir Walter Raleigh) and Gardens. The town itself has a wide range of individually owned shops, boutiques and antique shops to while away the afternoon.
Milton Abbas – the epitome of a Dorset village, dozens of beautiful thatched cob cottages lining each side of the only road in and out of the village, complete with pub and tea rooms serving delicious food. The Abbey church close by is also open to the public.
Weymouth – The classic English seaside resort and a favourite bathing place of George III. Sandy beaches with brightly coloured beach huts, punch and judy and donkey rides, sit comfortably alongside a back drop of independent shops, cafés and restaurants. The Sealife Centre isn’t far from here if the weather is inclement.
Wareham – sits on the banks of the River Frome and is a saxon walled town. A great place to wander around with various unique shops and cafes. Hire a boat or kayak or for the less energetic board a river cruise to while away an hour or two.
Corfe Castle and Village – The dramatic ruins of Corfe Castle stand on a natural hill guarding the main route through the Purbeck Hills. The seaside town of Swanage, with it’s steam railway and the beautiful sandy beach of Studland are close by.
Jurassic Coast – a World Heritage site, stretching from Studland Bay, on the southern shore of Poole Harbour, to Exmouth in East Devon. The Dorset coast incorporates just over 80 miles of the South West Coast Path along this stretch.
Local Attractions
Gold Hill – a steep cobbled street which is the home to the Hovis bread advert. Located in the beautiful small market town of Shaftesbury in North Dorset.
Cerne Abbas Giant – at 180ft tall this is Britain’s largest chalk hill figure, the climb is rewarded with great views over the Cerne Valley and the village below.
Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum – tells the world- renowned story of how six farm labourers from a little village in Dorset formed a trade union which ultimately lead to the foundation of modern day trade unionism.
Thomas Hardy’s Cottages – both Hardy’s birthplace in Bockhampton and his house, Max Gate, just outside Dorchester, are owned by the National Trust and well worth a visit.
Places to eat and drink
Langham Wine Estate – A local vineyard producing award winning wines. Offering organised or self-guided tours, ultimately ending with a sample or two back in their tasting room!
Brace of Butchers – Family run, award winning butchers located in Poundbury, featuring ‘Naked Brace’ a zero single-use plastic retail area for fruit and vegetables, bread, dried ingredients, cooking oils, etc.
The Gaggle of Geese Pub – our village local, good pub grub and a friendly welcome.
The Thimble Inn – just a short drive through the Piddle Valley in Piddlehinton, a real foodie pub.
The Greyhound, Sydling St Nicholas – Excellent food and friendly staff, located in a pretty village in the Cerne Valley.