Dorset Southwest England, England Travel Guide
Focus on Bournemouth Area: Morning walk on Bournemouth Pier, Lower Gardens. Lunch: fish and chips. Afternoon: Russell-Cotes Art Gallery or promenade towards Boscombe Pier. Evening: dinner and nightlife/show.
A quick visit allows for a taste of the coastal town's main attractions.
A 2-3 day focus on the Central Jurassic Coast.
Arrive, settle in Lulworth/Wareham. Afternoon: Lulworth Cove walk to Durdle Door. Dinner at local pub.
Morning: Explore Corfe Castle ruins. Consider Swanage Railway to Swanage. Afternoon: Swanage beach or Studland Bay. Dinner in Swanage or base.
Drive to Weymouth. Explore Nothe Fort for views. Walk historic Georgian esplanade, bustling harbour. Final Dorset lunch before departing.
Days 1-2 (East Dorset), Days 3-4 (Central Jurassic Coast), Days 5-6 (West Dorset & Inland), Day 7 (Departure).
For stays of a week or more, renting a holiday cottage provides a great base. Choose a central location and explore with day trips.
A central location for ease of access to coast and inland.
Makes day trips simple.
Offers a true 'home away from home' experience.
Tailor your Dorset itinerary to focus on specific passions like history, food, adventure, or family fun.
Begin in Dorchester (Roman history, Hardy connections), visit Maiden Castle. Explore Corfe Castle ruins and Sherborne (Abbey, castles). Include Kingston Lacy.
Explore Bridport Market for local produce. Visit farm shops, cider producers. Dine at seafood restaurants. Try Dorset Apple Cake. Enjoy local pubs.
Hike South West Coast Path (Durdle Door, Golden Cap). Kayaking/paddleboarding in Poole Harbour. Coasteering. Fossil hunting at Lyme Regis/Charmouth. Cycling, climbing on Portland.
Weymouth Beach & Sea Life Centre. Monkey World Ape Rescue. The Tank Museum. Brownsea Island for red squirrels. Studland Bay. Farmer Palmer's Farm Park for younger children.
Explore the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum in Bournemouth. Admire the architecture of Sherborne Abbey. Visit local art galleries in Bridport, Lyme Regis, and Shaftesbury. Explore historic manor houses like Kingston Lacy and Athelhampton House. Discover Sculpture by the Lakes near Dorchester for outdoor art.
Enjoy the tranquility of coastal walks and the calming sea air. Visit peaceful spots like St Catherine's Chapel above Abbotsbury for panoramic views and reflection. Seek out yoga or meditation retreats in rural settings. Spend time in Dorset's beautiful gardens (e.g., Kingston Lacy, Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens).
Dorset accommodates various budgets, from frugal backpacking to luxury escapes.
Hostels/budget B&Bs, camping/glamping. Self-cater from supermarkets (Lidl, Aldi). Pack lunches. Affordable pubs or fish and chip shops for meals out.
Comfortable guesthouses, mid-range hotels, moderate holiday cottages. Eat at pubs and independent local restaurants. Enjoy cream teas. Mix of public transport and occasional car hire.
Book boutique hotels, spa resorts, premium self-catering. Indulge in fine dining, high-end seafood. Hire a car or private transfers. Enjoy premium tours, wellness treatments.
Visit during shoulder season (Apr-May, Sep-Oct) for lower prices, fewer crowds. Purchase National Trust/English Heritage passes. Look for accommodation deals and early bird restaurant specials.
Dorset's appeal changes with the seasons, offering different activities and atmospheres.
Winter (Nov-Mar): Quiet coastal walks, cosy pubs, Christmas markets. Spring (Apr-May): Wildflower blooms, mild weather for walking and gardens.
Plan your trip around specific events like Great Dorset Steam Fair, Lyme Regis Fossil Festival, or food festivals.
