Dorset has at all times been one among Britain’s hottest vacation hotspots. The county on the south coast of the UK boasts all the things from scenic countryside to sandy seashores, fairy story castles and a famed prehistoric shoreline.
Durdle Door, Dorset
Natural magnificence is the headline act in Dorset, notably across the coast due to these steep cliffs, hanging rock formations and loads of lengthy, sandy stretches of seaside. The coast is likely to be the star attractions however Dorset is excess of a one-trick pony.
The rolling nation hills discovered inland are dotted with Iron Age forts, stately houses and loads of quaint and conventional villages. This allure continues within the coastal cities and cities which nonetheless cling on to that quintessential British seaside character.
Dorset is the type of place that can take you again to your childhood holidays however now you’re free to inject a bit extra type, luxurious and Prosecco into your weekend break ????
How to get to Dorset
Dorset is definitely accessible by air, prepare, bus, aircraft or automobile. Whenever doable I’d advocate driving so that you’ve bought the liberty and adaptability of your individual automobile when you arrive. Many of you’ll journey to Dorset by prepare which is one other simple choice as there are 23 prepare stations in Dorset. Use Google Maps to search out the prepare station closest to your lodging and ebook your prepare tickets as far upfront as doable. They’re at all times cheaper when booked upfront.
Weymouth Harbour
Where to remain in Dorset
As at all times, I feel vacation cottages are the best choice for a weekend break within the UK. Enjoy the privateness of your individual residence from residence mixed with the posh of staying someplace particular. Take a take a look at Wyke Dorset Cottages for some beautiful choices whether or not you’d like a comfy cottage, a luxurious pad or someplace sufficiently big for the entire household. I’m just a little bit in love with this beautiful cottage with a beautiful orangery.
Top 10 issues to do in Dorset
- Explore the Jurassic Coast
The Jurassic Coast is Britain’s first and solely pure World Heritage Site and consists of 95 miles of shoreline and round 200 million years of the planet’s historical past. Search for belemnites and ammonites (or larger beasts) throughout a fossil hunt on the seaside at Lyme Regis or study extra about this historic shoreline via the interactive shows at Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre.
- Hit the sands of Bournemouth Beach
If it’s a summer time weekend, there’s no higher place to go than the seaside resort of Bournemouth. The heat climate right here makes the seaside the proper place to spend the day and the shoreline in and round Bournemouth is residence to over seven miles of award-winning sandy seashores.
Bournemouth
- Marvel at Durdle Door
Of all of the dramatic coastal surroundings loved in Dorset, Durdle Door needs to be probably the most well-known location, and positively probably the most photographed. Discovered on the Jurassic Coast, simply to the west of Lulworth Cove, which by the way is one other stunning spot for a day paddle within the sunshine, Durdle Door is a pure limestone arch shaped by the erosive energy of the ocean.
- Enjoy a standard seaside escape in Weymouth
From the Punch and Judy present on the sandy seaside to the colorful ice cream parlours close to the water’s edge, Weymouth has all of the elements of a quintessential English seaside vacation. One of one of the best instances to go to Weymouth, particularly for foodies, is in early July when the harbour hosts the annual Dorset Seafood Festival.
- Spot pink squirrels on Brownsea Island
A National Trust website situated in Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island is likely one of the few locations in southern England the place indigenous pink squirrels could be noticed of their pure habitat. There’s loads of different wildlife too, together with a number of herons and egrets for eager birders. History additionally performs a task right here, as Brownsea Island was the scene of the formation of the worldwide Scout motion again in 1908.
Brownsea Island
- Ride the Swanage Railway
Swanage’s heritage railway line is a wonderfully-restored six-mile line which travels via the Purbeck countryside on a journey into the previous. Riding the steam prepare is a enjoyable time out for households and look out for the eating occasions that often happen on board for an additional particular expertise.
Swanage Railway
- Visit Corfe Castle
At one finish of Swanage’s railway line lies Corfe Castle, towering amongst the Purbeck Hills. Today the fortress is owned by the National Trust, however initially dates again to the 11th century and was constructed by William the Conqueror. A stroll via the stays and rubble effortlessly brings the story of the fortress to life. Learn extra concerning the fortress’s historical past through the summer time interval when a number of demonstrations and re-enactments happen.
Corfe Castle
- Hit the market in Dorchester
Dorset’s county city offers a handy base for exploring varied surrounding sights and places, however Dorchester itself shouldn’t be missed. The historic market city lives as much as its identify every Wednesday when the energetic market day kicks into motion. It can also be value taking the two-mile stroll to see Maiden Castle – an incredible Iron Age hill fort.
- Walk up Golden Cap
Arguably one of the crucial rewarding trails in Dorset; ascending to the 191 metre summit of Golden Cap will see you standing atop the very best level on the south coast, admiring one of many shoreline’s most breath-taking views.
- Stroll across the gardens of Kingston Lacy
This nation home, close to to Wimborne Minster, is one other of the National Trust’s properties, and is maybe most well-known for its gardens. The land surrounding Kingston Lacy has been listed within the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens, comprising round 390 acres, with the Japanese Garden and Kitchen Garden among the many most stunning spots.
Bonus factor to do: Visit Gold Hill in Shaftesbury, a steep cobbled avenue made well-known by the Hovis advert!
Off the crushed observe in Dorset
Dorset appears to be the unofficial residence of quirky and area of interest museums resembling The Tank Museum in Bovington. This museum is residence to the world’s greatest assortment of tanks and explosive reside shows. Dorchester, maybe Dorset’s capital of distinctive museums, boasts The Teddy Bear Museum and the family-fun Dinosaur Museum.
Another distinctive expertise discovered off the crushed observe is Monkey World in Wareham, a 65-acre ape rescue centre which offers a sanctuary for a few of the world’s endangered primates. This is a good place for younger households, with glorious instructional shows and excursions positive to encourage the youngsters, until they discover the massive Great Ape Adventure Play Area first!
For extra concepts about issues to do in Dorset, ensure you try Dorset Travel Guide!
View from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door
Where to eat and drink in Dorset
Food is a giant a part of Dorset’s id, notably across the coast the place the numerous harbours are abuzz with fishing boats. You’ll uncover some scrumptious seafood throughout the county, from the traditional newspaper filled with fish and chips on the seafront in Bournemouth, to classier seafood eating places within the likes of Swanage and Bridport.
If it’s contemporary seafood in a scenic surroundings you’re after, look no additional than the Hive Beach Café in Burton Bradstock. Serving up the catch of the day, amongst varied different meals, amid the attractive coastal setting of Burton Bradstock, that is the place to go for a style of the ocean.
It isn’t all contemporary fish, meaty crab and salty mussels; Dorset can do fashionable, Western delicacies too. One of probably the most talked about eateries of this description could be present in Weymouth within the form of The Dorset Burger Company. Rivalling the likes of London and New York relating to gourmand burgers, this award-winning restaurant is all about hearty and artistic burgers made with locally-sourced produce.
The Square and Compass is situated simply exterior Swanage in a village known as Worth Matravers and is famend amongst coastal path walkers for its native beer and cider. The Anchor Inn in Burton Bradstock is one other fantastic pub and restaurant offering sustenance after an extended stroll alongside the Jurassic Coast.
Pin this for later
[one_half]
[/one_half]