Plan Your Visit to Dorset

Plan Your Stay

Dorset's Coastal Areas

The Dorset coast is a unique place to visit with over 95 miles of coast and 100 beaches. Its coastal geology is like no other place in the UK. The coast has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site Status and its on any geology students must visit list. But what makes the coast interesting, makes it breath-taking for visitors. From balmy shallow harbours with golden sandy beaches to dramatic, craggy coves, stacks and doors – Dorset has it all.

Visitors to Dorset come to enjoy walks along the beach and coastline, many taking the length of the South West coastal path in their stride. Popular destinations such as Swanage and Weymouth showcase Dorset’s varied coastline, combining sandy beaches, coastal walks and vibrant town centres.

Lulworth Visitor Information

The Jurassic Coast

Swanage and Studland

Dorset's Towns and Villages

Our expert local staff live in the small market towns and quaint villages that break up the beautiful natural landscape that is Dorset. Its quite a unique County with just two large conurbations. Dorset has a rich agricultural heritage, this lead to several market towns being established, Today those towns such as Wareham which nestles along the River Frome, have swapped livestock markets for fresh produce markets but still retain the architectural charm of a town with a history dating back over 1000 years. The County town of Dorchester whilst larger retains the atmosphere and character immortalised in Thomas Hardy’s novels, blending history, literature and the Dorset countryside.

Dorset’s coastal and countryside villages reflect centuries of history, with many shaped by the local materials available at the time. This heritage remains visible today in features such as the thatched roofs of Abbotsbury and the distinctive Purbeck stone cottages of Corfe Castle.

Langton Matravers

Chapmans Pool near Worth Matravers, In Dorset

Wareham

Weymouth and Portland

the dorset countryside overlooking the fleet

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Over 50% of Dorset has been designated as a Natural Landscape (formally AONB) making it one of the UK’s largest open areas to explore. Its countryside is uniquelly available to explore with over 200 miles of public paths to stroll along and enjoy British wildlife, hill forts, castles and the countries most diverse countryside.

Dorset is so peaceful and underdeveloped it doesnt even have a motorway. Its home to some distinct heathlands and home to species not found anywhere else in England. We invite you to explore our local guides which detail all this glorious spot on the South Coast has to offer.