MileHacker Logo
Dorset Travel Checklist

Dorset Travel Checklist

Dorset Southwest England, England Travel Guide

Digital Aids

Essential Apps

  • Google Maps/Apple Maps:

    Download offline maps for navigation without internet.

  • Morebus/First Bus Apps:

    Track buses and view real-time timetables.

  • National Rail Enquiries:

    Official app for UK train times and booking.

  • Met Office Weather App:

    Reliable localized forecasts for outdoor activities.

  • National Trust / English Heritage Apps:

    Site information, opening times, and events.

Helpful Websites

  • Visit Dorset:

    Official tourism site for general information and events (visit-dorset.com).

  • Jurassic Coast Trust:

    Detailed geological insights and visitor guides (jurassiccoast.org).

  • South Western Railway / Great Western Railway:

    Comprehensive train details and ticket booking.

  • National Express:

    Long-distance coach services to and from Dorset.

  • AccessAble:

    Detailed accessibility guides for venues across the UK (AccessAble.co.uk).

Media & Community

Social Media

Follow official tourism boards (e.g., @VisitDorset) for updates and inspiration.

Podcasts & Content

Search for podcasts about the Jurassic Coast or Thomas Hardy for background information.

Online Communities

TripAdvisor forums and local Facebook groups provide valuable insights and answers to questions.

Language & Learning

General Phrases

  • Hello: A friendly greeting.
  • Thank You: Always appreciated.
  • Excuse Me: For navigating crowds.
  • Can you help?: For assistance.

Dorset Specific

  • Lulworth: Pronounced 'Lull-worth'.
  • Weymouth: Pronounced 'Way-mouth'.
  • Corfe: Pronounced 'Corf'.
  • Charmouth: Pronounced 'Char-mouth'.

Print Resources

Guidebooks

  • Bradt Guide to Dorset: In-depth and locally focused.
  • Lonely Planet England: General coverage of the region.
  • Rough Guides: Comprehensive and practical.
  • Local Travel Guides: Often found at tourist centers.

Maps

  • Ordnance Survey Maps: important for hikers, with detailed topographical information.
  • A-Z Street Maps: Useful for navigating larger towns.
  • Tourist Maps: Free maps available at information centers.
  • Digital Offline Maps: Complement physical maps for remote areas.

Local Publications

  • Free Tourist Magazines: Found in hotel lobbies and cafes.
  • Local Newspapers: For community news and events.
  • "What's On" Guides: Discover current events and festivals upon arrival.
  • Special Interest Leaflets: Available at attractions and shops.

Emergency & Medical Information

Health & Safety

Emergency Contacts

  • 999: For Police, Fire, Ambulance, or Coastguard (life-threatening).
  • 111: NHS non-emergency medical advice line.
  • Hospitals: Royal Bournemouth, Poole, and Dorset County Hospitals.
  • Embassy/Consulate: Keep London contact details handy for international visitors.

Lost Documents

  • Passport/ID: Report lost or stolen documents to local police immediately.
  • Contact Embassy: Arrange for emergency travel documents.
  • Credit/Debit Cards: Immediately report lost or stolen cards to your bank.
  • Crime Reference: Obtain a crime reference number from the police.

Natural Disaster Protocols

  • Coastal Storms: Follow advice from local authorities.
  • Warnings: Adhere to any warnings or evacuation instructions.
  • Local News: Stay informed via local news channels.
  • Emergency Services: Trust and follow instructions from emergency personnel.

Further Reading & Exploration

Literary Insights

  • Thomas Hardy Novels: Reading his works enhances your appreciation for Dorset's landscape.
  • Thomas Hardy's Homes: Visit his residences for a literary journey.
  • Rural English Life: His novels depict enduring character and challenges.

Geological Exploration

  • Formation of the Jurassic Coast: explore its scientific history.
  • Fossil Hunting: Engage with paleontological discoveries.
  • Cliff Formations: Explore unique geological features.

Visual Narratives

Documentaries and Films

  • "Broadchurch": Popular TV crime drama filmed in West Bay and other Dorset locations.
  • Jurassic Coast Documentaries: Explore geology and paleontology.
  • Streaming Platforms: Find various films about Southwest England.

Online Learning & Arts

  • Dorset Artists: Many galleries feature local landscape painters.
  • Local Music: Discover folk groups inspired by Dorset's history.
  • Skillshare: Find courses on photography or local crafts.

Local Pronunciations

Town Names - Part 1

  1. Cerne Abbas: Pronounced 'Sirn Abb-us'.
  2. Lyme Regis: Pronounced 'Lime Ree-jis'.
  3. Poole: Pronounced 'Pool'.
  4. Wool: Pronounced 'Wull'.
  5. Frome: Pronounced 'Froom'.

Town Names - Part 2

  1. Cranborne: Pronounced 'Cran-burn'.
  2. Shaftesbury: Pronounced 'Shaft-sbur-ee'.
  3. Wareham: Pronounced 'Wear-um'.
  4. Beaminster: Pronounced 'Bem-in-ster'.
  5. Puddletown: Pronounced 'Puddle-town'.

General Language Learning

Apps

Duolingo or Babbel assist if you venture beyond Dorset to non-English speaking regions.

Phrases

Learn basic phrases like 'hello', 'thank you', and 'excuse me' for general travel.

Global Context

While English is spoken here, language skills open doors globally.

Hospital Locations

hospitals: Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Poole Hospital, and Dorset County Hospital (Dorchester).

Immersion

Cultural Connections

Literary Insights

  • Thomas Hardy Novels:
  • Thomas Hardy's Homes:

    Visit his residences for a literary journey.

  • Rural English Life:

    His novels depict enduring character and challenges.

Visual Narratives

  • "Broadchurch":

    Popular TV crime drama filmed in West Bay and other Dorset locations.

  • Jurassic Coast Documentaries:

    Explore geology and paleontology.

  • Streaming Platforms:

    Find various films about Southwest England.

Art & Community

Local Music

Discover folk groups inspired by Dorset's history and landscape.

Dorset Artists

Many galleries feature local landscape painters or sculptors.

Online Learning

Consider Skillshare for photography or local crafts courses.

Language Focus

General Phrases

  • Hello: A simple greeting.
  • Thank You: Shows appreciation.
  • Please: For polite requests.
  • Excuse Me: For getting attention.

Local Pronunciation

  • Cerne Abbas: Pronounced 'Sirn Abb-us'.
  • Lyme Regis: Pronounced 'Lime Ree-jis'.
  • Poole: Pronounced 'Pool'.
  • Wool: Pronounced 'Wull'.

Dive

Geological Exploration

  • Formation of the Jurassic Coast: explore its scientific history.
  • Fossil Hunting: Engage with paleontological discoveries.
  • Cliff Formations: Explore unique geological features.
  • Coastal Erosion: Understand the dynamic coastline.

Historical Insights

  • Corfe Castle's Past: Discover its Norman origins and civil war history.
  • Ancient Settlements: Learn about Roman and Iron Age presence.
  • Maritime Heritage: Explore Dorset's seafaring traditions.
  • Abbey Ruins: Visit ancient religious sites and their stories.

Traveler Note

While English is spoken, Duolingo or Babbel assist if you venture beyond Dorset to non-English-speaking regions.

← Previous
Dorset Travel Resources
← Back to Dorset
Next →
Why Visit Dorset? Inspiration, Culture, Unique Experiences

Next Up: Why Visit Dorset? Inspiration, Culture, Unique Experiences

Continue to Why Visit Dorset? Inspiration, Culture, Unique Experiences