Dorset Tourist Information

Dorset is situated on the South West coast of England and is famous for its stunning Jurassic Coastline which features many natural landmarks including Chesil Beach, Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove to name a few.

Apart from its Jurassic Coastline there is the rolling countryside, tranquil river valleys and unspoilt heathland making the area an ideal choice for a short break or holiday. You will find a host of guest accommodation ranging from b&b’s, hotels, inns, guest houses and farmhouses in this beautiful part of England.

Dorset borders three counties and gives easy access to neighbouring towns and villages. Why not take a day trip to the New Forest National Park famous for its woodland and wild ponies or Stonehenge, Salisbury, Salisbury Plain or the Somerset Levels. Popular holiday spots include Poole, Christchurch, Dorchester, Bridport, Lyme Regis, Shaftesbury, Blandford Forum, Bournemouth, Wimborne, Weymouth and the Purbecks.

Poole has some of the best beaches in England combined with a natural harbour, stunning scenery and a town steeped in history. It will surely make a memorable holiday or short break any time of the year.

Christchurch is situated on the shores of its own harbour, close to the Dorset Coast and the New Forest National Park. The combination of the countryside and coastline makes it ideal choice for a short break or holiday being close to a range of attractions, including Christchurch’s 11th century Priory Church.

When visiting Dorset make sure you visit the beautiful market town of Dorchester. It’s full of history and is the perfect place to relax, browse some shops and sample some of Dorset’s fayre.

Bridport is a town set in the West Dorset hills and famous for the popular Channel Four programme “Return to River Cottage”. Visit neighbouring West Bay with its beach and pretty harbour.

Lyme Regis (Pearl of Dorset), is a popular seaside resort and fishing port situated on the Dorset/Devon border. World famous for its fossils (some being 195 million years old) there is also a very steep hill leading down to the historic breakwater (The Cobb).

The beautiful market town of Shaftesbury, famous for the picturesque Gold Hill (Hovis Advert), sits overlooking Dorset's Blackmore Vale, a popular holiday destination. On a clear day the views from Castle Hill and Park Walk are spectacular. The area is ideal for walkers with easy access to the Wessex Ridgeway, Blackmore Vale and Cranborne Chase to name a few. Those that enjoy cycling can choose between the 73/45/26-mile North Dorset Cycleway and Wiltshire cycle routes as well as numerous shorter ones.

Blandford Forum is home to the annual Great Dorset Steam Fair. It is a rural market town boasting museums, shops and galleries and well worth a visit. Visit Bournemouth the largest holiday resort in Dorset. With miles of golden beaches, vibrant nightlife and beautiful parks and gardens to choose from; you will be spoilt for choice.

The historic town of Wimborne situated in East Dorset is well worth a visit. Follow the 12 green plaques featuring local places of historic interest and take in a wealth of history on the way (an enjoyable 2 hour trail).

Weymouth's award-winning family beach and historic harbour is home to unusual sand sculptures, Punch and Judy, Donkey rides, Pedaloes and of course a Merry go round. There are numerous shops, bars, pubs and restaurants and a choice of bed and breakfast / guest accommodation to choose from making it a popular choice for a seaside holiday.

There are no shortage of things to do in Dorset. Here are just a few of Dorset’s attractions. Brownsea Island (nature reserve), Athelhampton’s Tudor manor house and gardens, Abbotsbury Swannery, Weymouth’s Sea Life Centre, Monkey World rescue centre, Alice in Wonderland Family Fun Park, Sherborne Castle, Bovington’s Tank Museum and Corfe Castle to name just a few.

 Bed and Breakfast holiday accommodation in Dorset