About Dorset
Dorset was founded by the Mesolithic Hunters sometime around 800 BC. The lovely county is based in the South West of England which has something for everyone, no matter if you’re coming to sunbathe on the sandy beaches in the summer, or visiting in the winter to see the famous landmarks. The county has a wide variety of activities which are appealing to all visitors; don’t waste anytime and feel free to book in at one of our friendly Hotels in Dorset.
A trip beside the seaside doesn’t have to be filled with sandcastles and donkey rides, especially in Dorset.
The county is perfect for an adrenaline-packed escape both on the water and dry land. Jet skiing, canoeing, even canyoning, there are plenty of pursuits to keep your pulse racing. With dry slopes, mountain bike trails and for those that prefer to take things slower, scenic hikes too, there’s something for everyone in the south-west sun. Get your social media captions ready because you’ll be taking plenty of snaps of Durdle Door and the beautiful Jurassic Coast.
If the charm of the great outdoors ever wears thin, you can always head to the bright lights of Bournemouth. Once you’ve strolled the pier, picked up a portion of fish and chips and ticked off every other traditional activity from the guidebook, it’s time to explore the sites off of the tourist trail. Book that family-run restaurant, hit the independent shops in Westbourne, you can even take your furry friend to the UK’s first food hall just for dogs.
Swanage
Have you been trying to plan where you will be going when you visit Dorset? They’re so many brilliant attractions that you can do, but if you are looking for something unique then look no further than visiting Swanage for the day.
Swanage is a coastal town based on the Isle of Purbeck and has thousands of visitors who come during the summer.
On a hot and sunny day Swanage Bay is well worth a visit; the sandy beach offers stunning views; it has also been awarded European Blue Flag awards.
Pop into town and visit The Old Forge Antiques; the shop has 8 rooms of items which include fossils, furniture and minerals. All of what they sell is extremely unique and makes the perfect gift.
Bournemouth
Bournemouth is the biggest resort in Dorset and has up to 4.7 million visitors per year.
If you’re looking to catch some of the sun while you’re in Dorset then Bournemouth might be just the best place for you, in July Bournemouth has its hottest days and the temperature can exceed 25 degrees, so why not take a lovely stroll down the sandy beach and maybe even dip in the sea.
Bournemouth has a great shopping centre. Castlepoint Shopping Centre is 5 miles away from the town centre and is home to many well-known shops and is perfect for picking up a wide variety of items from clothing to gifts.
Top Destinations in Dorset
Eating And Drinking In Dorset
Eating And Drinking In Dorset
The best fish and chips in Bournemouth! Chez Fred was founded in 1989 and is a family-run business. Since the opening of the popular restaurant it has been run by 3 generations of the Capel family.
Chez Fred is based in Westbourne Village in Bournemouth; they offer tasty fish and chips which you can sit in and eat or takeaway.
If you’re taking children to eat here then you are guaranteed to be catered for. Chez Fred offer a Ocean Heroes Sprat Pack, this includes actives and puzzles along with a wide variety of food and drink choices.
Founded in the year 2000 by Andy Price, who has been running the restaurant with his family ever since. West Beach specialise in providing locally sourced seafood and steaks.
The restaurant faces Bournemouth beach and provides beautiful views of the coast, especially at sunset.
West Beach is an ward-winning Beachfront restaurant that does not disappoint. In 2007, West Beach was awarded the best Seafood restaurant in England, by Seafresh.
Etna Italian are a small family-run restaurant who offer fresh quality Italian dishes. All of the food is made by a very experienced Italian chef; you’re in very good hands.
The Italian is based in Bournemouth, just off Charminster Road.
The traditional pub is based in Portland. The Little Ship serves food all day 7 days a week and has a wide variety of real ales.
You can have a pint in the sun while sitting in the large outdoor seating area, if it is cold then not to worry, sit by the fire inside and play well-known traditional pub games including a skittle alley which are open to visitors to the pub.
They also have a food menu which varies from pasta dishes to burgers and chips; there is something for everyone.
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The Black Dog
The Black Dog is based in Weymouth and is said to be the oldest pub in the area. Built in the late 16th century and still going strong, the pub sources local food and aims to suit a wide variety of customers.
Weymouth beach is a 1 minute walk from The Black Dog, after a day of sunbathing, why not treat yourself to a pint and some traditional pub food
Things To Do In Dorset
Things To Do In Dorset
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Durdle Door
One of the most popular landmarks in Dorset has to be the Durdle Door. It is on every tourists to do list when they visit, it is a part of the Jurassic coast. The stunning Coast starts from Exmouth and goes all the way to the Old Harry Rocks, near Swanage totalling a whopping 95 miles.
The Jurassic Coast is England’s one and only natural World Heritage Site. It is well known for its large amount of rocks and fossils which can be found on the coast.
The Durdle Door has been around for around 130+ million years. If you’re interested in geology, then this is the perfect place for you. Dinosaur and other interesting remains have been found in the area.
Brownsea Island is the largest island in Poole Harbour. The island is around 1.5 miles long and 0.75 miles wide. The island is currently leased from the National Trust and is open for visits from members of the public.
Red squirrels are able to survive on the island due to grey squirrels not being on the island. Grey squirrels carry squirrel pox which can be fatal to red squirrels. They’re around 200 red squirrels living on the island currently.
The beautiful island is based in the centre of Poole Harbour, the location provides views of the Purbeck Hills which do not disappoint.
Chesil Beach is 18 miles long, starting from West Bay all the way to Portland, it is well worth a visit if you’re heading to Dorset.
If you’re bringing a dog, Chesil Beach welcomes dogs all year round, but they must be kept on a lead at all times.
The beach was initially made up of sandy deposits in Lyme Bay; this was due to water levels rising quickly at the last ice age, which was around 20,000 years ago. The old deposits were eventually eroded and replaced with a mixture of sand and gravel as a barrier beach.
Dorset County Museum was founded in 1846 and is well known for its large collection of fossils from the Jurassic Coast, a collection which has up to four million items.
The building recently had a £16.4 Million refurbishment which started in 2018 and is now complete and welcomes visitors.
Get to view a wide variety of items which the well-known English novelist Thomas Hardy had used, which include a recreation of Hardy’s study, desk, and personal items which he had in his home at Max Gate. There are also items like toys which he played with as a child.
Dorset has its very own outdoor cinema at Lulworth Castle which is based in Wareham. Cinema night at the castle is a unique experience that is definitely worth doing.
The venue has a large variety of tasty food and a bar with all of your favourite drinks, along with comfortable seating, there is nothing more you will need to have a fun night at Lulworth Castle Cinema.
The Pool has been open to members of the public since 1935. The name of this attraction can be confusing, because the water changes from blue, brown, green, and grey. Depending on the time you visit and the amount of light shining on the water will depend on what colour it is.
Shopping In Dorset
Shopping In Dorset
Dolphin Shopping Centre is based in Poole and has been open since 1969.
The centre has over 80 shops which all vary from clothing, gifts, and technology.
Brewery Square is based in the centre of Dorchester. The popular shopping square boasts a wide variety of shops and places to eat.
Top Places to eat at the Brewery Square. Nando’s, Wagamama, Zizi and Brewhouse & Kitchen.
The modern mall is based in Bournemouth and features many popular shops.
Most visited shops in the mall, Primark, Boots, EE, Cex, Game, JD and Holland and Barrett.