An Introduction to Dorset

On the south coast of  England, tucked between Devon and Hampshire lies the stunning, unexplored county of Dorset. It is a county of outstanding natural beauty and a land of great contrast and breathtaking scenery. It has rolling hills, breathtaking countryside, beautiful villages, sandy beaches and a coastline so unequalled it has recently received World Heritage status, the first time England has ever been given this prestigious award for a natural site.

But the Jurassic coast, with its amazing fossil finds, is not the only rich, historical pride of this lovely place. The county is littered with stone circles, earth barrows and ancient hillforts (Maiden Castle near Dorchester is the finest and largest Iron Age hillfort in Europe). There is an excavated Roman house at Dorchester and the remains of a Saxon abbey at Shaftesbury, founded by one the most famous kings of all, Alfred the Great. And then there is the famous naked Giant, the huge, ancient figure hewn into the chalk hill of Cerne Abbas, looming over the village, wielding his club.

Along the coast there are the lovely resorts of Bournemouth and Poole and the beautiful, Victorian Swanage, all with their award-winning beaches as well as the picturesque harbours of Lyme Regis and Weymouth, where small fishing boats bob on the waters once prowled by pirates and smugglers.

A journey inland through the winding country lanes reveals much more than the numerous pretty chocolate-box villages. There are carnivals, village fairs and maypole dancing and traditional thatched pubs and tearooms offer locally brewed ales and homemade fare. There is also the historic market town of Sherborne boasting a stunning Gothic abbey, a medieval high street, antique shops and two castles, one of which was the home of Sir Walter Raleigh.

Dorset is also the home of one of the greatest writers of all time - Thomas Hardy. In fact, Dorset is ’Wessex’, the county where Hardy based the majority of his books. His birthplace at Higher Bockhampton and his final home at Max Gate, now both owned by the National Trust, can still be visited today. Dorset was also the home of the enigmatic T.E. Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia. His house at Cloud’s Hill (also owned by the National Trust) is situated just north of Bovington and he is buried in the churchyard at Moreton.

Dorset amazes and delights at any time of the year. There is something for everyone in this rich and varied county: numerous boat rides, the steam railway at Swanage, tank rides at the Tank Museum at Bovington, long distance walks, cycleways, horseriding, llama-trekking, windsurfing, rock-climbing, fishing and a choice of 45 golf courses.

Bournemouth - a Mecca for sun-worshippers, shoppers and clubbers, this is a vibrant town with plenty to do for everybody. But then again, with seven miles of golden sand beaches, you can safely stay on the seafront and enjoy all sort of activities, no matter what the weather is like. There are many festivals, concerts and other cultural gatherings held in Bournemouth all year round, with many restaurants and pubs serving the demand of visitors as well as locals.
 
Bridport - has a long history as a centre of net and rope making industry, former fishing village. It has developed to be one of the most charming little towns on the Dorset coastline, with its cosy pubs, cafes, hidden shops and many amusement arcades. It is also an ideal location for camping, with many camping and caravan sites within a walking distance from the beach. The nearby West Bay, famous for the amount of fossils found each year by the fossil-collecting enthusiasts, offers some breathtaking views and romantic sunsets.
 
Dorchester - an important county town with beautiful pre-dominantly 18th century architecture, local attractions include: Maiden Castle, Roman Town House, Keep Military Museum, Tutankhamun Exhibition, Dorset Teddy Bear Museum, Thomas Hardye Leisure Centre/swimming pool and Arts Centre

Lyme Regis - a great destinations for a family day out, with many seafront attractions as well as Marine Aquarium, Philpot Museum, Town Mill, Cobb, pubs and bars. Lyme Regis is also known for the Charmouth fossil beach and other prehistoric sites, including Lambert's Castle, located seven miles from the town.