Discover Dorset - Welcome to the world of exceptional unspoiled natural beauty. Whatever your heart desires, Dorset has it all - dramatic coastlines with sandy beaches, wooded hills, scenic river valleys, chalk down-lands, picturesque villages with their buzzing local markets and ancient treasury sites. Find out what you can do and see in Dorset with airGads.com and then book flights, car rental and hotels in England using our site's easy system.
Many of us live life in the fast lane nowadays, although we do not have a choice most of the time. We need to relax, switch off and find new inspiration. Why not accomplish all three in the perfect setting of the Dorset countryside and coastline? You are guaranteed to receive the warmest of welcomes in Dorset, especially if you also decide to indulge in many of the Dorset's traditional food specialities.
Is an action filled holiday/break what you are looking for? Look no further, Dorset coastline offers the best environment for any water based activities, cycling, walking and also cliff-climbing. If visiting historical sites is your favourite pastime activity, Dorset is certainly your kind of place to visit. You can discover historic houses and gardens; pop in to the smallest pub in the UK dating back to the reign of Charles II, as well as see the famous Cerne Abbas Giant!
Dorset is known for its many stunning beaches, amongst others an the award winning resorts, such as Charmouth, Lyme Regis and West Bay, which offer a huge variety of activities: water-skiing, paddling, swimming, wind-surfing, regattas, fishing, or simply gentle strolls along the promenades and waterfronts.
10 Best Places to Visit in Dorset (England):
The Dorset towns and villages are very distinct, bursting with history and yet full of modern and vibrant culture:
1. Dorchester
Dorchester - an important county town with beautiful pre-dominantly 18th century architecture, local attractions include: Maiden Castle, Roman Town House, Keep Military Museum, Tutankhamun Exhibition, Dorset Teddy Bear Museum, Thomas Hardye Leisure Centre/swimming pool and Arts Centre.
2. Bournemouth & Pool
Bournemouth - a Mecca for sun-worshippers, shoppers and clubbers, this is a vibrant town with plenty to do for everybody. But then again, with seven miles of golden sand beaches, you can safely stay on the seafront and enjoy all sort of activities, no matter what the weather is like. There are many festivals, concerts and other cultural gatherings held in Bournemouth all year round, with many restaurants and pubs serving the demand of visitors as well as locals.
Poole - immersed in culture and history, it is a place with many attractions and things to do, from water sports to dining and shopping, an exciting mix of an old and new world. Amusement Arcades, Shopping Centres, Aqua and Leisure Centres as well as Compton Acres, amongst the finest gardens in Europe, simply, Pool has it all to please even the most picky visitor.
3. Sherborne & Beaminster
Sherborne - nestled in green valleys of north Dorset and surrounded by wooded hills, this thriving cultural centre is a home to many interesting sites: Abbey, Almshouse, Old Castle, New Castle and Gryphon Leisure Centre.
Beaminster - this is an ideal place for shopping, sampling local specialities and admiring the craftsmanship of the locals. Worth visiting: Mapperton House & Gardens, Beaminster Museum, UK Llamas.
4. Weymouth
Weymouth - this is a former fishing village, now an enchanting sea-town, with many cosy fish and chips cafes and charming antiques shops. Weymouth is home to the famous Amusement Arcade - Bowleaze, ideal for a day out with kids!
5. Bridport
Bridport - has a long history as a centre of net and rope making industry, former fishing village. It has developed to be one of the most charming little towns on the Dorset coastline, with its cosy pubs, cafes, hidden shops and many amusement arcades. It is also an ideal location for camping, with many camping and caravan sites within a walking distance from the beach. The nearby West Bay, famous for the amount of fossils found each year by the fossil-collecting enthusiasts, offers some breathtaking views and romantic sunsets.
6. Lyme Regis
Lyme Regis - a great destinations for a family day out, with many seafront attractions as well as Marine Aquarium, Philpot Museum, Town Mill, Cobb, pubs and bars. Lyme Regis is also known for the Charmouth fossil beach and other prehistoric sites, including Lambert's Castle, located seven miles from the town.
7. Fleet Air Arm Museum
Fleet Air Arm Museum it is one of the world's largest aviation museums, located near Ilchester, off A303. Major Aviation museum with more than 50 historic aircrafts, including World War II Crafts, Concorde 002, flight simulator and new leading Edge displays.
8. Isle of Purbeck
Isle of Purbeck with its beautifully dramatic coastline, pretty villages, rolling hills, traditional seaside towns and ruins of a castle, it is surrounded by water on three sides. It is an ideal place for walkers, cyclists, naturalists and lovers of exceptional scenery.
9. Godmanstone - The Smallest Pub
The smallest pub in the UK in a village called Godmanstone near Dorchester, it is a small thatched roof cottage off the main road with a picturesque beer garden backing onto a stream.
10. Cerne Abbas
Situated in the lovely stone and timbered cottages village of Cerne Abbas, on one steep side of the downs above the village looms its most famous figure - The Cerne Giant. The figure is 180 metres long and is of a primitive man wielding a club. Undoubtedly ancient, he is most likely to have been a fertility symbol.