Dorset Travel Guide

Get ready to explore the eclectic blend of cultural and natural attractions of Dorset. Plan your trip and experience the best of England's West Country with our comprehensive tour guide.


Introduction to Dorset

Dorset is a charming county located in England’s West Country. It is famous for its long Jurassic Coastline, rolling hills, and beautiful countryside. Dorset’s eclectic blend of cultural and natural attractions makes it a perfect destination for travelers interested in history, outdoor adventures, and scenic beauty.

List of Places to Visit in Dorset

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Dorset is rich in history and offers many culturally important attractions such as museums and historical places like the following:

  • The Tank Museum
  • The Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum
  • The Dinosaur Museum
  • The Mary Anning Museum
  • The Nothe Fort
  • The Shaftesbury Abbey Museum and more.

Natural Attractions of Dorset: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Dorset is blessed with a variety of natural attractions where visitors can explore the great outdoors. The following are the must-visit destinations in Dorset:

  • The Jurassic Coast
  • The Blackmore Vale
  • The Hardy’s Monument
  • The Corfe Castle
  • The Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door
  • The Old Harry Rocks
  • The Brownsea Island and more.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Dorset

Dorset’s rolling hills and countryside offer great opportunities for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Some of the popular trails are:

  • The South West Coast Path
  • The Hardy Way Trail
  • The Wessex Ridgeway Trail
  • The Purbeck Way and more.

Best Things to Do in Dorset: Activities and Tours

Dorset offers a wide range of activities and tours that cater to all types of travelers. Here are some of the top things to do in Dorset:

  • Go fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast
  • Take a boat tour to visit the Old Harry Rocks and the Isle of Wight
  • Visit the Weymouth Sea Life Adventure Park
  • Go horseback riding in the countryside
  • Take a hot air balloon ride and admire the beautiful landscape from above
  • Attend a festival or event such as the Dorset County Show and more.

Week-Long Itinerary for Dorset

If you want to make the most of your time in Dorset, here is a week-long itinerary to follow:

Day Itinerary
1 Explore the Jurassic Coast, visit Durdle Door and the Lulworth Cove
2 Explore the Isle of Purbeck, visit the Corfe Castle and Swanage
3 Visit the lovely market town of Bridport and go hiking at Golden Cap
4 Visit the charming seaside town of Lyme Regis
5 Join a boat tour, visit Old Harry Rocks, and Brownsea Island
6 Go fossil hunting at Charmouth and visit the Dinosaur Museum
7 Visit Weymouth and Portland, and enjoy the seaside activities

Food and Drink Scene of Dorset

Dorset’s food and drink scene is famous for its fresh seafood, locally made cider and beer, and artisanal cheese. Here are some dishes and beverages that you must try:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Dorsetshire cider cake
  • Dorset Knobs
  • Dorset apple cake
  • West Country Pasty
  • Dorset Sole

Local Beverages

  • Dorset cider
  • Dorset tea
  • Palmers beer
  • Black Cow Vodka

Where to Stay in Dorset: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Dorset caters to all types of travelers, and visitors can choose from a wide range of accommodation options such as luxury hotels, cozy bed and breakfasts, hostels, and guesthouses. Here are some popular options:

  • The Acorn Inn
  • The Pig on the Beach
  • The Green House
  • The Grove Hotel
  • The Clavell Tower and more.

What to Buy in Dorset: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Dorset is famous for its local products such as cider, cheese, and beer. Visitors can also buy handmade crafts and souvenirs to take home.

Local Culture and Customs of Dorset

Dorset has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors can experience the local customs and traditions by joining festivals and events such as the Dorset County Show, the Bridport Hat Festival, and the Great Dorset Steam Fair.

Best Time to Visit Dorset

The best time to visit Dorset is during the summer months of June to August when the weather is pleasant, and the outdoor activities are in full swing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Dorset

Do:

  • Explore the Jurassic Coast
  • Try the local food and drink
  • Visit the cultural and historical attractions
  • Respect the local customs and traditions

Don’t:

  • Litter
  • Harm the environment
  • Disrespect the local culture and traditions

Safety and Health

Safety in Dorset

Dorset is a safe destination with low crime rates. However, visitors should be careful while driving on the narrow and winding roads.

Health in Dorset

Dorset has excellent healthcare facilities, and visitors can get medical assistance at the local hospitals and clinics.

Getting to Dorset: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Dorset

  • Bournemouth Airport
  • Southampton Airport
  • Exeter Airport

Bus Stations Near Dorset

  • South West Coaches
  • National Express

Other Options

  • Trains
  • Taxis
  • Rental Cars

How to Get Around in Dorset

Visitors can get around in Dorset by using public transport such as buses, trains, and taxis. They can also rent a car or a bike to explore the countryside.

Where to Go Next from Dorset: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Dorset’s central location makes it easy to explore nearby destinations such as:

  • Bath
  • Bristol
  • London
  • The Isle of Wight and more.

Conclusion

Dorset is a perfect destination for travelers looking for a mix of culture, history, and outdoor adventures. The county’s scenic beauty, charming towns, and rich cultural heritage make it an ideal destination for a memorable vacation.

8, 10 and 12, Long Street, Cerne Abbas 8, 10 and 12, Long Street, Cerne Abbas The Cerne Abbas Giant The Cerne Abbas Giant Pilsdon Pen, 2nd highest point of Dorset and an Iron Age hill fort Pilsdon Pen, 2nd highest point of Dorset and an Iron Age hill fort


    Abbotsbury
    Blandford Forum
    Charmouth
    Christchurch
    Corfe Castle
    Dorchester
    Gillingham
    Poole
    Shaftesbury
    Swanage