Summary
In England’s West Country, Dorset is a rural region devoid of any cities.
However, what Dorset offers are the most picturesque countryside and remarkable coastal landscapes that constitute the UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast.
Regardless of your location within this area, there is always something significant to explore nearby.
Along the coast, one can find atmospheric ports, pristine sandy beaches, towering cliffs, and natural wonders such as Durdle Door.
This region is often referred to as England’s fossil-hunting capital, where exciting discoveries are assured with a modicum of perseverance.
Additionally, scattered throughout the inland areas are castles, abbeys, and stately homes, many of which may already be familiar to you from television or films.
Let’s examine the premier destinations in Dorset:
1. Weymouth
The coastal town of Weymouth is a popular destination for visitors: Immediately, you are greeted by the charming harbour, nestled on the banks of the River Wey before it meets the sea.
The quays showcase a delightful mix of historic inns and warehouses, where one can enjoy the atmosphere from a waterside bench while observing yachts and trawlers navigating in and out.
The beach is expansive, sandy, and provides safe waters for children to have enjoyable sunny days filled with paddling and splashing.
Weymouth is vibrant, hosting events such as the Kite Festival in May and the Seafood Festival along the quaysides in July.
2. Bournemouth
A spa town since the early 1800s, Bournemouth has drawn members of Regency and Victorian society for health retreats due to its relatively mild climate, gardens, pine woodlands, and invigorating sea air.
This period saw the establishment of large villas, which continue to impart a sense of grandeur and elegance to the town.
Bournemouth boasts seven miles of coastline, including the Blue Flag Alum Chine beach with its pristine golden sands.
You can browse through artisan shops in Westbourne and experience the nightlife in the Square area.
The Russell-Cotes Gallery, located in an exquisite Art Nouveau villa on a cliff-top, is a treasure trove of British art and design.
3. Dorchester
Dorchester serves as Dorset’s county town, renowned for its beauty and historical significance, featuring numerous listed buildings in the city center alongside magnificent estates such as Athelhampton and Kingston Maurward in the surrounding countryside.
For shopping and nightlife, Brewery Square, recently revitalized, is an excellent choice, positioned in front of the impressive Eldridge Pope Brewery.
Famed Victorian novelist Thomas Hardy spent a significant portion of his life in and around Dorchester.
Visitors can explore Thomas Hardy’s Cottage, a charming thatched house where he was born in 1840, and remained until age 34, during which he authored classics like Far from the Madding Crowd.
Max Gate, a Victorian residence that Hardy called home from 1885 until his passing in 1928, is also open to the public.
4. Jurassic Coast
The entire western shore of Dorset, stretching from Studley to the border with Devon, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The rugged limestone in this region encapsulates approximately 185 million years of natural history, layered with fossils of various flora and fauna that have existed here throughout the millennia.
The beaches have long been prime locations for fossil hunting, gaining fame through the efforts of 19th-century pioneer Mary Anning, whose exceptional skill in locating valuable fossils remains unmatched.
The village of Charmouth is situated near Golden Cap, the highest cliff on England’s southern coast, and is home to the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, where visitors can explore both natural and cultural history.
5. Poole
Set on an expansive natural harbour, Poole boasts some of the finest waters on the south coast for a variety of water sports, catering well to sailors, fishermen, and windsurfers alike.
For those interested in sightseeing, the quaint traditional quay in Poole serves as a working maritime district and the launch point for numerous cruises and excursions.
A popular destination includes Brownsea Island, exclusively owned by the National Trust and enveloped in pine and oak woodlands, featuring captivating remnants of its storied past.
Sandbanks, however, is what truly attracts visitors to Poole.
This area is often regarded as having the best beach in Britain; a sandy spit that protects the northern side of the harbour and offers a kilometer of soft golden sand.
6. Sherborne
Sherborne frequently appears in lists of the most scenic towns in the UK.
The town predominantly features ochre-colored “ham stone,” sourced from just across the border in Somerset, enhancing its overall aesthetic appeal.
For a small town, there is an abundance of attractions to explore.
The abbey is particularly striking, especially the intricate fan vaulting within the nave.
This structure originated as a Saxon cathedral in the early 8th century, with remnants of its initial design still evident around the western portal. Complement this with two castles, including one commissioned by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594, and you will have an ample itinerary for a couple of days filled with sightseeing.
7. Lyme Regis
If you see yourself as the next Mary Anning, head directly to Monmouth Beach, where she unearthed most of her fossils.
Reports suggest that the likelihood of finding something valuable increases when the weather is inclement during low tide.
During summer, you might appreciate a leisurely few hours by the sea.
The Cobb is a legendary landmark, serving as a formidable harbour wall that you may recognize from Meryl Streep’s “The French Lieutenant’s Woman,” also described in Jane Austen’s “Persuasion,” who resided in Lyme Regis for a time.
If this is the case, Cobb beach is the ideal destination, a pristine pebble beach with tranquil waters that are notably clear on sunny days.
8. Christchurch
If you find yourself in Bournemouth, consider taking a short train journey to Christchurch, located just east of the city.
This town features unspoiled countryside, a captivating historical quarter, and high-quality beaches at the confluence of two rivers.
The area is so rich in attractions that it may be beneficial to hire a bicycle to navigate from one stunning location to another.
Enjoy a tranquil walk along Highcliffe beach, attempt crab-fishing at Mudeford Quay, or investigate the ruins of the Constable’s House, an original Norman edifice.
Of particular note is Christchurch Priory, a magnificent medieval monastery that survived the Dissolution of the Monasteries by becoming a parish church in the 1500s.
9. Swanage
Set amidst breathtaking scenery, Swanage is a seaside town with a beach that ranks among the best in the county.
The beach, featuring soft white sands, gently slopes down to create shallow waters that are perfect for younger beach-goers.
The resort maintains its Victorian architecture, which houses a selection of tea rooms, pubs, and fish & chips shops.
Being part of the Jurassic Coast, the area is home to natural wonders.
Old Harry’s Rocks stands as the most impressive site in the region, a series of stunning chalk formations.
If you are not deterred by heights, you can traverse the eroded path along the narrow isthmus, providing a closer view of the vertical stack at the end.
10. Shaftesbury
Shaftesbury is an endearing country town, recognized as the only significant hilltop community in Dorset, positioned more than 200 meters above sea level.
Being accustomed to tourism, Shaftesbury features an ample selection of inns and bed & breakfasts housed in splendid period buildings.
The site has a history of settlement dating back to Saxon times, with the former abbey established in the 9th century.
Visitors should stop by the museum adjacent to the ruins, which are set within exquisite gardens.
Gold Hill perfectly exemplifies rural England.
This steep cobbled street, lined with thatched stone cottages, reveals stunning vistas of the surrounding countryside.
Gold Hill first gained national attention through a Ridley Scott advertisement for Hovis bread, subsequently becoming an iconic landmark.
11. Blandford Forum
In 1731, the town of Blandford was devastated by fire.
This event ultimately provided it with such architectural coherence today, as the majority of the buildings in the center were constructed during the subsequent rebuilding led by the uniquely named Bastard Brothers.
Thus, a visit to Blandford offers the pleasure of wandering its refined Georgian streets, particularly around the baroque town hall and corn exchange, both of which hold Grade I-listed status.
A Fire Monument located in the marketplace commemorates the fire, while the local museum features intriguing exhibits related to the impressive reconstruction.
One must-visit location around Blandford is the Hall & Woodhouse Brewery, which has been operating since 1777 and is renowned for its Tanglefoot ale.
12. Lulworth
Encompassing both East and West Lulworth, this region along the Jurassic Coast showcases some of the most breathtaking vistas of the UNESCO site.
Of particular note is Durdle Door, a natural arch that frames a secluded sandy bay.
This arch is accentuated by resilient limestone, which rises above Durdle Door to the east and is equally spectacular when viewed from Man O’ War Bay nearby.
Lulworth Cove is also magnificent, recognized as one of the South’s seven natural wonders, forming an almost complete bowl encircled by rugged rocks.
Do include Lulworth Castle in your itinerary: Though it presents a formidable appearance, this 17th-century structure functioned primarily as a stately home rather than a fortress and has witnessed a variety of fascinating events throughout its existence.
13. Wareham
Few English towns can boast being defended by their Anglo-Saxon fortifications.
However, Wareham can lay claim to this distinction, and for history enthusiasts, a tour of these imposing earthen banks is highly recommended.
Though originally Roman, the walls were reinforced by the Saxons during Alfred the Great’s reign to fend off the Danes.
Informational boards highlight sites of significant battles and tragic executions throughout history.
Nearby, the haunting yet picturesque ruins of Corfe Castle remain, showcasing substantial portions of the keep and imposing gatehouses.
14. Isle of Portland
As you cross the tombolo at Chesil Beach onto Portland, you transition from the gentle countryside of Dorset to a dramatic plateau of Jurassic limestone.
This jagged, elongated island spans four miles and is expose to the elements.
Many of the world’s most renowned landmarks are constructed from stone quarried here; Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral, and the United Nations headquarters in New York are all made with Portland Stone.
The limestone attracts adventure sports enthusiasts eager to climb and abseil on its formidable cliffs.
For others, there are invigorating walks and stunning coastal views, including Portland Castle, an artillery fort commissioned by Henry VIII in 1539.
15. Bridport
This town is composed of two sections: the inland Bridport, an amiable market town set amidst rolling hills, and West Bay, a particularly picturesque fishing harbour along the coast.
The town is quite welcoming to visitors, featuring a diverse selection of unique shops and dining options that encourage extended stays.
Additionally, the coastal area is characterized by traditional port features, limestone cliffs, and inviting sandy beaches.
Fossil hunting is a notable activity in this town, with the Bridport Tourist Information Centre providing valuable insights and tips to enhance your chances of success.
