House to a number of the nation’s best-loved seashores and one among England’s first seaside resorts, Dorset has lengthy been a success with British holidaymakers. However there’s way more to this charming coastal county than bucket-and-spade seaside days and quaint fishing harbors.
Whether or not you’re searching for rest, journey or a seamless mix of the 2, there’s lots to see and do in Dorset.
These with even a passing curiosity in paleontology or geology – in truth, even these with out – can’t assist however be impressed by the dramatic surroundings and fossil-ridden seashores of the Jurassic Coast. Thrill-seekers will discover a wealth of experiences alongside the shoreline, whereas hikers can sort out the rollercoaster cliff climbs of the South West Coast Path or enterprise into the scenic splendor of the county’s rural inside.
Marvel at Durdle Door
Dorset options the lion’s share of the 95-mile-long Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage web site famed for its fossil-rich cliffs and large geological significance. All alongside the shoreline, uncommon rock formations reveal a visual file of tens of millions of years of historical past, forming a dwelling legacy that provides a novel contact to any cliff stroll or seaside day.
Durdle Door, a 200ft-tall (61m) rock archway over the ocean, might be the coast’s most well-known attraction, and for good cause. This iconic sight actually is a surprise, particularly when seen from the seaside. Stroll the good distance right down to the seaside – by way of the amusingly named Scratchy Backside – for a gentler descent that avoids (a few of) the crowds.
Calm down on Bournemouth Seaside
It might be one among Dorset’s hottest seashores, however Bournemouth remains to be among the finest locations for a day on the seaside. And with seven miles of sentimental sand to loosen up on, avoiding the summer time crowds is simple. Locals head west in direction of Branksome Chine or east to Boscombe and Southbourne. On the far jap finish of the bay, the cliff-backed pebble seaside at Hengistbury Head has a wilder really feel and is usually a lot quieter.
Step again in time at Corfe Fort
A peninsula as soon as so lower off by moors and marshlands that it felt extra like an island, therefore the identify, the Isle of Purbeck is without doubt one of the loveliest locations to go to in Dorset. And at its middle, the hilltop ruins of Corfe Fort present unbeatable views of the encircling countryside.
The thousand-year-old fort was largely destroyed throughout the English Civil Conflict in 1646, forsaking an evocative damage. Corfe Fort can also be believed to have been the inspiration for Kirran Fort in Enid Blyton’s beloved Well-known 5 books.
Experience the Waves on the Jurassic Coast
Adults trying to find enjoyable, adrenaline-pumping issues to do alongside the Dorset coast will uncover a myriad of watersports and boat journeys. A RIB trip from Weymouth Harbour (Weymouth Bay RIB Charter) or Lyme Regis (Lyme Bay RIB Charter) provides a fast-paced tour of the shoreline’s most spectacular points of interest; you’ll be able to zip from Weymouth to Durdle Door and again in simply over an hour. Dolphin and seal sightings should not unusual, and the thrilling rides supply a number of the finest views of the Jurassic Coast.
Spot fossils at Lyme Regis
Though she wasn’t taken as significantly as she ought to have been in her time, native paleontologist Mary Anning is now acknowledged as a vital determine within the research of the Jurassic Coast’s fossils, which she collected on the seashores close to her hometown of Lyme Regis. Right this moment, fossil finds are nonetheless frequent, significantly on the stretch of seaside between Lyme Regis and Charmouth.
The bases of the cliffs may be harmful (landslides should not unusual), so amateurs are suggested to steer clear – and to concentrate to tide instances, as excessive tide can lower off your return. Higher but, e book a guided fossil looking tour by way of the Lyme Regis Museum or Charmouth Heritage Centre.
Escape to Brownsea Island
Dorset’s Poole Harbour is without doubt one of the largest pure harbors on this planet, residence to yacht-filled marinas, sheltered bays for paddleboarding, and the well-known Sandbanks peninsula, aka the world’s costliest seaside resort. Take a ship tour of the harbor and its many islands, or hop on a ferry to discover the Nationwide Belief nature reserve at Brownsea Island. There aren’t any public automobiles allowed, making a peaceable setting that’s wealthy in wildlife.
Take a Experience on Swanage Steam Railway
Journey again in time on a superbly restored heritage steam railway throughout the Purbeck countryside. Step on board at Norden Station to trip the rails so far as the seaside at Swanage, searching for the view of Corfe Fort on the right-hand facet of the prepare as you chug previous.
Uncover Studland and Outdated Harry Rocks
Marking the jap finish of the Jurassic Coast, Outdated Harry Rocks are a collection of chalk stacks stretching out into the English Channel. Considered named after an notorious native pirate, Harry Payne, the rocks have been as soon as a part of the identical chalk band because the Needles on the Isle of Wight.
Whereas the headland above Outdated Harry Rocks has change into a well-liked vacation spot in recent times, one of the simplest ways to see them is from the water. Be a part of a kayaking tour with Fore/Adventure and paddle out throughout Studland Bay for a close-up view of the stacks, searching for the resident seals as you go. These searching for lesser-known spots in Dorset ought to head into the close by Studland and Godlinston Heath Nature Reserve, residence to a wealth of wildlife – together with sand lizards and Dartford warblers – in addition to the mysterious Agglestone Rock, an infinite orange boulder perched on a hilltop.
Wander the Gardens at Kingston Lacy
Immerse your self within the in depth artwork and historical past collections of a Seventeenth-century manor home, earlier than a calming stroll by way of the scenic grounds. Maybe the best of Dorset’s quite a few stately houses, Kingston Lacy sits on an unlimited 8500-acre (3440-hectare) property. Wander the grounds and gardens, particularly the enticing Japanese Backyard. Professional tip: attempt to go to throughout spring, when the property’s woodlands are full of bluebells.
Monkey Round at Monkey World
One in every of southwest England’s most family-friendly days out, Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre close to Bovington is an sudden gem within the Dorset countryside. Don’t agree with animals in captivity? Concern not: Monkey World is just not a zoo. They rescue and rehome primates from unlawful captivity reminiscent of circuses or black market trades. Animals that may’t be launched into the wild come to dwell on the middle in Dorset, with earnings from ticket gross sales supporting their worldwide rescue work.
Meet the Locals at Sea Life Aquarium
Probably the greatest-loved points of interest in Dorset, Sea Life Weymouth Aquarium is common with adults and youngsters alike. Uncover each native and unique marine life throughout 13 completely different themed zones, together with an interactive rockpool showcasing British coastal life. For one thing particular, contemplate reserving a non-public shark or seal feeding expertise to your budding marine biologists.
Discover the Misplaced Village of Tyneham
Whereas it’s recognized to many locals, Tyneham stays one of many better-kept secret locations to go to in Dorset. The tiny village was taken over by the British authorities for army coaching throughout WWII, and the houses have been by no means returned to the locals. Right this moment, the ruined homes nonetheless stand, eerily overgrown, whereas the restored church and schoolhouse supply a glimpse of rural English life within the Forties. Mix your journey with the one-mile stroll right down to the coast at Worbarrow Bay, a distant seaside that not often sees many guests, even on sunny days.
Paddle in Portland Harbour
Weymouth and Portland performed host to the crusing occasions of the 2012 Olympics. Straightforward to see why, whenever you thought-about the sheltered waters of Weymouth’s idyllic bay and the huge walled harbor on the Isle of Portland. The safety of the breakwater wall makes this an ideal place to apply stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Hire a board or e book a lesson – attempt OTC Watersports or Adventure4All – then head to the close by Crab Home Cafe or Billy Winters for a well-earned seafood supper.
Climb Golden Cap
Ramblers will discover a wealth of trails to stomp all through Dorset, each inland and alongside the coast, the place the final leg of the South West Coast Path provides an array of well-signposted trails. For views, sort out the quick however steep climb up Golden Cap. At 627ft (191m), it’s the best level on the south coast of England, with views throughout Lyme Bay so far as Dartmoor on clear days.
Eat seafood on Weymouth’s historic harbor
This near the water, Dorset has no scarcity of unbelievable seafood to take pleasure in, and the colourful harbor at Weymouth has a number of the finest. For fish and chips, most locals will advocate Fish ‘n’ Fritz or Bennett’s. In summer time, the annual Dorset seafood pageant Seafest is a must-attend, held alongside the harbor towards a backdrop of yachts, fishing boats and pastel homes.
