The Dorset Travel Guide looks at the local attractions, places of interest and entertainment for visitors and contains useful tourist information for travellers. The scenic county of Dorset, located on England's south coast. Dorset has made great strides in recent years and attracts increasing numbers of visitors each year, famous for its great beaches, scenery and surf, the county offers something for most visitors. Dorset is known for being Thomas Hardy country, the famous writer is among Dorset's most famous sons. Hardy is thought to have drawn inspiration from the county and used some of the places where he lived and worked in his novels.
Overview and Attractions
There is much to like about the Dorset coast, the port of Lyme Regis, is one such example with its steep Georgian streets above Lyme Bay. Walkers have plenty of places to discover and enjoy in this scenic county. Weymouth due to its location has always had strategic importance; it has long been a popular port and is a popular seaside resort too. King George III bathed here and popularised it as a seaside resort. Perhaps the most impressive of the local beaches is Lulworth Cove, a horseshoe bay that is surrounded by limestone cliffs; it makes for quite a view. The Old Harbour is home to Deep Sea Adventure that is in a Victorian grain warehouse and covers all aspects sub marine exploration. The Timewalk exhibition in Brewer’s Quay allows visitors to walk through 600 of local Weybridge history.
Sherborne boasts a number of buildings built from the local gold stone. Sherborne boasts two castles, the old castle dates from the 12th century and is now a ruin. The town also has a well known public school. To the north of Dorset is Blandford Forum, a market town that first gained prominence during the medieval period, its strategic position helped give it importance. Fires in the 18th century devastated the town with only the Old House and Ryves Almshouses standing. The town was rebuilt and is known for its fine examples of architecture. Museums in the town include the Calvacade of Costume Museum and the Blandford Forum Museum in Bere’s Yard. The town features in the works of the famous local writer, Thomas Hardy.
Bournemouth is one of the most popular seaside resorts in the UK. Visitors come to see the sandy beaches and experience one of the UK's greenest seaside resorts, there are a number of parks and gardens helping to make Bournemouth a pleasant open place. Bournemouth is referred to by some as the Garden City by the Sea due to its 2,000 acres of parkland and gardens. There are several miles of golden sandy beaches, parklands, plenty of entertainment with restaurants, bars and clubs and a vibrant nightlife. There is a good vibe about the town, it is also a university town and this has helped give it arguably the most thriving nightlife in the area.
Bournemouth attractions include the Oceanarium at West Beach and the Russel-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum specialising in Victorian works. There is plenty to see and do here and makes for a good place to take the whole family.
The historic town of Poole is located on the northeast shore of a stunning natural harbour that is close to 95 miles from end-to-end, making it one of the largest in the world. History fans can go to the quayside to learn more about the town's history and heritage at the Waterfront Museum. Horticulture enthusiasts can visit the gardens located close by at Compton Acres, here there are a number of different gardens that each have a different international inspired theme. The South West Coast Path starts in Poole and ends in Lyme Regis, it was named the Jurassic Coast because of the geological features and fossils in the area. It is arguably among the most stunning coastline in the whole of the UK.
The coast path offers walkers wonderful coastline walking opportunities, where you can see the scenery up close, as well as the wildlife and take in the heritage and atmosphere of the region. The Dorset & East Devon Coast has been part of the world heritage site since 2001 and offers visitors with some stunning natural scenery to see along with picturesque towns and villages along the 95 mile coastal route.
Highcliffe Castle is a Grade I listed castle, located in Highcliffe, Dorset. It was built back in the 19th century, on the site of a Georgian mansion. The castle ended up being a unique building in the Romantic Picturesque style, which remained in the Stuart family until 1950 when most of the estate was sold separately from the castle. Visitors can enjoy strolling through the grounds, enjoy some tea in the tearoom and visit the castle, home to a program of evolving exhibitions within the stateroom galleries. The castle has a gift shop for those souvenirs.
Mapperton House and Gardens is located in the unspoilt Dorset countryside. The lovely gardens at Mapperton descend from the great lawn, down to the valley garden. The manor house has a church, stable block and coach house makes for a wonderful countryside site. The house and gardens make for an enchanting visit in this pleasant countryside environment. The house is thought to be a great example of how a manor can fit in to its surroundings so effortlessly. It manor is the home Earl and Countess of Sandwich, Mapperton is still a family home.
Visitors with an interest in the arts are likely to appreciate the Swan Gallery, established in 1982, it is located in the town of Sherborne, Dorset. This historic town also boasts a medieval Abbey and two castles. The gallery contains a diverse range of art works, these include prints, watercolours and oil paintings attracting the attention of collectors from around the world. There are watercolour and oil painting galleries, print shops, framing and restoration studios, all housed under one roof.
The Dorset County Museum tells the many stories of Dorset's history. The Museum was founded in 1846 aimed at protecting and preserving the county's unique historical and natural environment. Visitors to the museum can discover more about local history, archaeology, geology and the natural sciences in the many galleries the museum has. There are activity carts for children and an audio-guide to take you round the exhibits. The museum is located inside a gothic-style building dating back to 1884. There is a diverse collection on show here including Roman mosaics and original Thomas Hardy manuscripts among others. The museum makes to an interesting and educational visit.
The Shaftesbury Abbey Museum and Garden is located in Shaftesbury in Dorset. The abbey was founded in 888AD by King Alfred, the abbey acted as the catalyst for the prosperity of the town and surrounding area for 100s of years. The excavated foundations of this once influential Abbey lie in a peaceful walled garden, a lasting reminder of the Abbey's eventful past. The museum brings to life the stories behind the abbey for visitors to experience. The garden has a wide range of plants and flowers to enjoy.
The Lighthouse Arts Centre in Poole is the largest arts centre outside London with close to a 700 seat theatre and 1,500 seat concert hall. There is also a studio, cinema, Image Lab/media suite, a large gallery for photography and digital art, a restaurant and function rooms. Formerly the Poole Arts Centre, the centre has been refurbished and modernised and is now the Lighthouse. There is plenty going on here and arts fans are sure to find something of interest to them. The Lighthouse is home to the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, a major UK orchestra who play across the whole of the south and south west and London.
A meal at the Sandbanks Brasserie is a perfect accompaniment to visiting Sandbanks, an upmarket, sophisticated area and beach on the Dorset coast. The stunning beach side location allows most of the tables to enjoy the breathtaking view over Poole Bay. The menu is a combination of both traditional and modern dishes. You can enjoy a great evening meal with candlelight in this impressive location. With one of the finest beaches in the country just outside, it certainly adds to the wonderful experience for diners here. There is much to enjoy here, with the food, relaxed atmosphere and wonderful surroundings. For this popular establishment it is advisable to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Twenty is a restaurant and bar located in Bournemouth. Modern British food is served here. The restaurant is comfortable and stylish, while the relaxed atmosphere adds to the experience. There is freshly prepared dishes on the menu and look out for the chefs’ daily specials board for daily specials. This restaurant aims to serve in modern British cuisine for those that like quality food. Address: 20 Post Office Road, Bournemouth, BH1 1BA and Telephone: +44 (0) 1202 558399.
If you are a fan of traditional country pubs then the Elm Tree Inn is worth a visit. Situated in the quiet village of Langton Herring, between Bridport and Weymouth, the pub offers visitors a large range of ales, wines and soft drinks. You can also order food here and the variety on offer varies from sandwiches to a traditional menu and homemade desserts. The location of the pub ensures you are only a few miles from the world heritage site of the Jurassic Coast, a journey that is full of stunning views. There is a nice friendly atmosphere in the pub that greets visitors.
Fans of a vibrant nightlife will find Bournemouth a vibrant place at night. Helped by the student population, the town has a thriving night scene and among the largest nightclubs in the area is Lava Ignite (formerly Elements). There is a variety of music on offer here ranging from dance and house to garage, soul and retro. The nightclub is a very popular spot and attracts clubbers from all over the south. It is located in the centre of the town's famed pub and club area, there are a number of promotions going on usually.
Dorset has plenty of attractions from castles and stately homes, to wonderful sandy beaches and stunning scenery, from historical towns and villages filled with character to a vibrant nightlife, there is much more to Dorset than meets the eye. For visitors it is connected by road and rail links particularly for those from the south of the UK, there is also an airport at Bournemouth for those that would need to fly in.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
