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DORSET > SOUTHERN ENGLAND
Holidays in Dorset - Tourist information Dorset
Dorset is famous for the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, which features landforms such as Lulworth Cove, the Isle of Portland, Chesil Beach and Durdle Door.
Famous holiday resorts: Bournemouth, Poole, Weymouth, Swanage, and Lyme Regis.
County town Dorset : Dorchester.
car hire, holiday rentals, hotels, tour operators, travel guides, travel to dorset
links
Campsites Dorset & Caravanning
 Eurocampings - ACSI Camping Guide
Find a campsite in Dorset
Camping, Camp and Caravan sites in Dorset
Car Rental Dorset
Holiday Autos -
Holiday Autos offers the best fully inclusive car hire prices. Get cheap car hire quickly and securely online with holidayautos.co.uk, the experts in online car rental.
Holiday Rentals / Self Catering
Blue Chip Holidays
Some of the best 4 and 5 star holiday accommodation in Dorset. Blue Chip Holidays can offer Dorset holiday
cottages in many of the county's towns, each of which has a slightly different experience to offer than the next.
- leading UK provider of self-catered holidays
Availability search [ refining by specifying price, pet, pub nearby, open fire, swimming pool and more possible
], special offers and brochure request.
- Holiday Lodges and Holiday Parks Britain
A short break, or weekend, at one of our holiday parks gives you a real getaway, whatever the season.
You'll find well-equipped and cosily heated bungalows, lodges, chalets, apartments and caravans in beautiful forest, countryside and coastal surroundings.
Dorset Coastal Cottages
Dorset is ideal for a self catering cottage holiday. Close to London and the South-East and has more sunshine and less rain than Devon or Cornwall.
Classic Cottages in Dorset
Venture to inland Dorset, with its hamlets of thatched cottages, beamed pubs and watermills, and you'll feel as though you've walked into a living, breathing Thomas Hardy novel.
Hotels in Dorset
Hotels in Dorset [ Booking ] - Hotel Guide Dorset
Hotels in Bournemouth, Poole, Weymouth, Charminster, Christchurch, Dorchester, Sherborne, Blandford Forum, Winkton, Swanage, Saint Leonards, Horton, and more ...
Best Western Hotels -
If you're looking for hotel breaks in/near Dorset.
Travel Agencies / Tour Operators
Superbreak
Superbreak offer leisure hotel breaks and features 2-5 star hotels, with the majority in the 3-4 star+ rating.
Helpful Holidays - Holiday cottages in Dorset
Widest choice of self-catering holidays / short breaks. A self-catering holiday in one of Hoseasons' holiday
lodges and parks brings a new meaning to the word freedom. From the moment you arrive you can revel in the limitless possibilities offered at every resort centre.
And with late availability and last minute booking facilities, you'll soon be experiencing the holiday of your dreams.
- Create your perfect trip to Dorset
Lymebayholidays.co.uk
Holiday letting agency specialising in the area around Lyme Regis and Charmouth on the West Dorset/East Devon border.
Fossil Walks
Brandon Lennon, a local Professional fossil collector, and his father Ian (a Geologist), run a daily guided tour
from Saturday to Tuesday. Also, group bookings (e.g schools, birthday parties, private walks) can be booked on any day.
Accessiblesouthwest.co.uk
directory designed to assist visitors with disabilities travelling to the South West of England find suitable places to stay and visit.
Travel Guides Dorset / Related books
The Dorset Coast
Adam Burton (Author)
Although it includes many sandy beaches and picturesque coastal towns, the most spectacular feature of the Dorset coast is the geological diversity
which produces some of the most remarkable and easily recognisable natural landmarks in Britain. The rock formations of the 'Jurassic Coast'
include Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, Portland and Chesil Beach and, to the west, Golden Cap - the highest cliff on the South Coast, and the
astonishing riches in fossils and amonites of the cliffs around Lyme Regis. Adam Burton's expert photography captures the magic of this extraordinary landscape.
Hardcover: 128 pages; Publisher: Frances Lincoln (9 Oct 2008); ISBN-10: 0711229198; ISBN-13: 978-0711229198.
Dorset (Jarrold Pathfinder Walks)
Condduit Brian (Author)
Dorset must rank as one of the most unspoilt counties in England. Dominating the landscape are the chalk downs open, sweeping, grassy uplands that stretch
from the former forest lands of Cranborne Chase on the Wiltshire and Hampshire borders right across the middle of the county to the coast. The many ridge-top
footpaths (including one starting from Cerne Abbas which ends with the Cerne Giant in all its glory) that cross these downs provide splendid walking and a succession of panoramic views.
Paperback: 96 pages; Publisher: Jarrold Publishing (1 Nov 2008); ISBN-10: 0711749825; ISBN-13: 978-0711749825.
Dorset: The Complete Guide
Jo Draper (Author)
Paperback: 224 pages; Publisher: The Dovecote Press; Revised edition (2003); ISBN-10: 0946159408; ISBN-13: 978-0946159406.
Transport / How do I travel to Dorset
Bournemouth Airport
London Airports [ London Gatwick, London Heathrow Airport, London Stansted Airport ]
London City Airport
Book cheap flights to Southern England at ebookers and benefit from discounted airfares. View their latest offers and book your flights, accommodation, car hire and insurance online
Airline Tickets / Bargain Flights
Flight tickets Dorset [ Bournemouth & London ]
thetrainline provides fast, easy and secure access to timetables, tickets and fares for all National Rail journeys across the UK.
 National Express
Travel by bus or coach to Dorset.
Southwesttrains.co.uk
Suburban commuter and longer distance services to Berkshire, Surrey, Hampshire, Dorset and the West of England.
Devon Bus - Bus maps, Bus stops & shelters
Dorset County Atlas
Map; Publisher: Geographers' A-Z Map Co Ltd (25 Aug 2006); ISBN-10: 1843484609; ISBN-13: 978-1843484608.
Links
Dorchester - market town in southern central Dorset, on the River Frome
Dorchester has been the county town of Dorset since 1305. See Visit Dorchester
Bournemouth
Dorset County Council
Blackmore Vale
The Blackmore Vale is a vale [ wide ] valley, in north Dorsetand part of the Stour valley. Small towns and
villages in the vale: Blandford Forum, East Stour, Gillingham, Henstridge, Shillingstone, Stalbridge, Stour Provost, Sturminster Newton, Todber, and West Stour.
Brownsea Island - with red squirrels
Situated in Poole Harbour. Island of woodland, wetland and heath with a rich diversity of wildlife. See National
Trust.
Dorset Coast
The whole Dorset coast is called a 'World Heritage Coastline'.
Dorset Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site - Jurassiccoast.com
The site stretches from Orcombe Point near Exmouth in East Devon to Old Harry Rocks near Swanage in East
Dorset, a distance of 153 kilometres and extremely well served by its Gateway Towns and villages which
provide a good range of accommodation, museums and visitor centres throughout the area. In addition to
these, the 'Anchor Towns' of Exeter, Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch also provide an extensive range of visitor facilities.
Lewesdon Hill - Dorset's highest peak
About 4 km west of Beaminster in south west Dorset. National Trust property. To the south of the hill is the Marshwood Vale.
Pilsdon Pen [ 277 m ] - Iron Age fort [ lovely views ]
great views over the lush Marshwood Vale in west Dorset. The hill is a lower greensand Cretaceous outcrop
situated amongst Jurassic strata of marl and clay, at the border between the chalk of South-East England and the granite of Devon and Cornwall.
Abbotsbury - with its famous swannery and lagoon
Abbotsbury has much to offer for the many visitors to discover and fully appreciate - whether your interest
lies in Abbotsbury's plethora of historical sites, in browsing through the craft shops, in looking for somewhere
just that extra bit special to stay or eat, in sporting or cultural activities or merely in stopping for a while to enjoy the stunning scenery.
Abbotsbury Swannery, voted Best Dorset Attraction by The Good Guide to Britain, is the only place in the
world where you are able to walk through the heart of a colony of nesting Mute Swans. A visit to the Swannery is considered one of the best things to do in Dorset. See Abbotsbury Village and Tourist Board Abbotsbury.
Beaminster - very attractive tiny town
At the head of the valley of the River Brit, 38 miles (61 km) west of Bournemouth. It hosts the Beaminster Festival, an annual nine-day music and art festival. See Beaminster Online
Burton Bradstock
Very pretty village (two pubs, PO/village shop, fine early medieval church), The village is situated ½ mile from
the sand/shingle 14 mile long Chesil Beach, 5 miles east of Bridport. It is a beautiful village and well worth a visit if you are in the area. . See Tourist Board Burton Bradstock, Burtonbradstock Online
Broadwindsor - Conservation village with good pub, PO, shop and handsome church
Excellent base for walking the beautiful West Dorset countryside.
Charmouth - sand, pebble and fossil beaches
Chedington - one of South Dorset's prettiest villages, and only a mile from the sea
Christchurch - Saxon port (King Alfred)
Christchurch is uniquely situated on the shores of its own harbour, close to the magnificent Dorset World
Heritage Coast and the tranquil New Forest National Park and only a short drive from the bustling nightlife of Bournemouth. See Visit Christchurch.
Corfe Castle
The village is constructed almost completely from the local grey Purbeck limestone and comprises two main
streets, East Street and West Street, linked at their north end at the Square. Around the square, with its cross
commemorating Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee of 1897, are clustered the small collection of shops, the post office, church and pubs.
Corscombe - pretty by-road village
With ancient church and Dorset's pub of the year, in hilly wooded farmland close to the edge of the Downs.
Kingston - a small village on the Isle of Purbeck
Situated about two miles south of Corfe Castle and five miles west of Swanage on a hill near Swyre Head, the highest point of the Purbeck Hills. See Corfe Castle.
Melbury Bubb - farm hamlet with fascinating church, beautifully sited below a wooded hill
This is West Dorset at its best, rolling countryside, unhurried, soft and gentle. Footpaths all round, lovely walking, huge views.
Lyme Regis [ harbour ] - coastal town in West Dorset.
Historic unspoiled seaside resort and fishing port on the world famous Cobb harbour. Surrounded by beautiful
coastlines and countrysid'. Sand, pebbles & beaches, nicknamed "The Pearl of Dorset". The town has a
number of annual events, including the 'Lyme Regis Carnival and Regatta', the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival and
Mary Anning Day. The traditional conger cuddling event takes place during Lifeboat Week.
Located 25 miles west of Dorchester and 25 miles (40 km) east of Exeter. The town lies in Lyme Bay, on the
English Channel coast at the Dorset-Devon border. See Lymeregis.com.
Milborne St Andrew - small village
In a valley below the great chalk downland arc of the Dorset hills midway between Dorchester (county capital) and Blandford Forum (handsome Georgian market town)
Monkton Wyld - hamlet with church in oak-wooded hills
Poole - large coastal town and seaport
Poole is a tourist resort, attracting visitors with its large natural harbour, history, the Poole Arts Centre and
Blue Flag beaches. The town has a busy commercial port with cross-Channel freight and passenger ferry
services. The Royal Marines have a base in the town's harbour. Poole is also the home of The Arts University
College at Bournemouth, the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and a significant part of Bournemouth University.
Sandbanks - sandy beach-lined peninsula
At the mouth of Poole's enormous and magnificent natural harbour, thronged with yachts, used by bigger ships also, including ferries to France.
Shaftesbury
Interesting, attractive, small Saxon hilltop town that grew around its 9th cent. abbey
Shillingstone - village
Stour Provost - little Dorset village
Old stone houses peaceful in lanes between the rich farming vales of Stour and Blackmore: 'Tess of the
d'Urbervilles' country. Tremendous views from the wooded top of Duncliffe Hill. Good walking, many footpaths. Situated on the River Stour between Sturminster Newton and Gillingham.
Swanage - small coastal town & popular tourist resort, south east of Dorset
Situated at the eastern end of the Isle of Purbeck, approximately 10 km south of Poole and 40 km east of
Dorchester. Nearby are Ballard Down, Old Harry Rocks, with Studland Bay and Poole Harbour to the north and with Durlston Bay and Durlston Country Park to the south. See Town Coumcil Website
West Bay
Situated at the western end of Chesil Beach / Chesil Bank, the area forms part of the Dorset Jurassic Coast
World Heritage Site within Lyme Bay. West Bay, Dorset is a wonderful seaside location for family holidays,
coast and countryside walks, fossil hunting, fishing / angling trips, scuba diving, paragliding, golfing, river boating and so much more. See Westbay.co.uk, Westbaydorset.com.
Weymouth - seaside resort with handsome seafront and sandy beach
The Classic Seaside Resort of Weymouth, with its beach and idyllic leisure harbour, nestles perfectly
alongside the rugged "Isle" of Portland, the perfect place for visitors who just want to get away from it all and and having an outstanding holiday experience.
Weymouth and Portland offers a host of attractions and activities for everyone to enjoy. The Lodmoor Country
Park has many attractions and amenities including The Sea Life Park & Marine Sanctuary. Situated within
walking distance of the Town Centre is the Brewers Quay Complex and Timewalk Museum, The Nothe Fort and Sharky's Adventure Play Zone, all of which are open throughout the year.
Portland is home to some outstanding natural attractions including the World Famous Chesil Beach. Themed
attractions include Portland Bill Lighthouse, Portland Stone Sculpture Park and Portland Castle to name a few. See Weymouth and Portland Borough Council
Whitchurch Canonicorum - small hillside village
In the lovely Marshwood Vale with its River Char
News from Dorset - Real West Dorset
University Poole - Arts University College at Bournemouth
Specialist higher education institution devoted solely to the study of the arts. Honours Degree Courses :
Acting, Arts and Event Management, Fine Art, Illustration, Architecture, Costume with Performance Design,
Fashion Studies, Modelmaking, Animation Production, Film Production, Graphic Design, Photography.
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra [ BSO ]
Founded in 1893 by Sir Dan Godfrey, one of the most important figures in British musical life, the Bournemouth
Symphony Orchestra throughout its illustrious history has worked with some of the finest composers,
conductors and musicians in the world including Elgar, Sibelius, Holst, Stravinsky, Vaughan Williams and Sir Thomas Beecham to name but a few.
Royal Marines Poole (RM Poole) - British naval base in Poole
Centre for the Royal Marines and Royal Navy amphibious and riverine activities. See The History of RM Poole
University Bournemouth - Bournemouth University
BU is an innovative, international institution offering high quality education, research, enterprise and professional practice.
Cuisine Dorset
Blandford Pudding, Dorset Apple Cake, Dorset Blue Vinny [ white cheese ], Dorset Jugged Stake, Dorset
Knobs [ light, crisp roll-shaped biscuits produced by Moores of Morecombelake ], Dorset Sausage [ a meat loaf ].
Britannia.com - regional cooking
The food of Dorset reflects its coastline and rich dairy pastureland...
Dorset Jugged Steak recipe
Dorset Apple Cake
In Dorset, the areas around the towns of Bridport and Beaminster have a soil which particularly suits apple
growing. Cider is made from some of the apples grown in the county, and in the past was used as a necessary supplement to farm labourers' wages.
Dorsetshire.com - recipes
Bestindorset.co.uk
Some of the finest food in the country is produced in Dorset and on these pages you will find many of the
best producers. From the farmers producing meat and vegetables to the baker, the cheese maker and the preserve maker and manufacturers of ready meals, many organic, they are all here.
Dorset cider [ West Milton Cider Club ]
In 1796 Dorset had 10,000 acres of orchards. Now all we see are the remnants of a once thriving industry. In
their search for old cider apple trees their aim is to put Dorset back on the map as a quality cider making county.
History Dorset
History of Dorset - see Wikipedia
Pre-Roman Devon, Roman, Post Roman, Saxon, Devon during Middle Ages, Early Modern and Modern Devon.
Dorsetshire.com
Dorsetshire is the old name for the county, as the map, a 1650 copy of John Speed's work by Dutchman Jan
Jansson, shows. It formed part of 'The Old West Saxons' which became known as Wessex. In Dorset one
finds places like Ryme Intrinseca, Peaceful Lane, Knacker's Hole and Dirty Gate. Ramble through this site, look
at the old maps and especially if you live in Dorset compare earlier maps with today. Enjoy the William Barnes poetry and the Dorset dialect.
Dorset County Museum
A museum where the story of Dorset's rich landscape unfolds in a range of fascinating displays. Visitors to
the Museum can find out about local writers, history, archaeology, geology and the natural sciences in one of the Museum's many galleries.
The Museum is housed in a beautiful, gothic-style building, which dates from 1884. Its diverse collections
include Roman mosaics, original Thomas Hardy manuscripts and fossilised dinosaur footprints. And behind the scenes there is a great deal more…
Lyme Regis
A busy trading centre in Medieval times and one of the most important ports on the south coast in Tudor times,
the town became a popular sea spa in the 18th century attracting Royalty and inspiring poets, writers and painters.
Music, Art & Culture, Events
Dorset is the principal setting of the novels of Thomas Hardy English novelist and poet [ 1840 - 1928 ].
Dorset Arts & Music
Lyme Regis Carnival and Regatta
Nine days of action-packed activities for the whole family.
Lyme Regis Fossil Festival
Mary Anning Day
Conger cuddling event
A traditional event in which a dead conger eel was thrown at members of the Royal National Lifeboat
Institution (RNLI). The eel was attached to a rope and thrown at nine people standing on flowerpots. The
traditional event took place during Lifeboat Week. In 2006 the RNLI made the decision that the event was "inappropriate". See Fish lover's anger ends eel event.
Pirates Day at West Bay
The Lighthouse - arts centre in Poole
With an unique mix of venue, programme and culture there is something for everyone to discover, experience
and participate in at Lighthouse. The concert hall is home to the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. Wants to become the leading regional arts centre in the Southwest of England.
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