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The Classic Guide - Activities and Events in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset

Dorset


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Ant Hill Trail
Venture through meadows and pastures, across streams and up sunken lakes along the 6km trail from South Poorton Nature Reserve to Loscombe Nature Reserve in the countryside near Bridport. Keep an eye out for foxes, deer and buzzards, as well as the ant hills that gave trail its name.

Visit The Dorset Wildlife Trust website for more Nature Reserve walks in the area.
www.dorsetwildlife.co.uk
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50.775
-2.693
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Chesil Beach
Studied in geography lessons across the land as a prime example of ‘long shore drift’, Chesil Beach is a long, long strip of shingle stretching out into the sea.
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50.623
-2.545
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50.702
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Hive Beach Cafe
This beach café right by the sea on Chesil Bank bagged the Coast magazine award for Best Coastal Café, Pub or Restaurant 2009. Local fish and shellfish are specialities.
www.hivebeachcafe.co.uk
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50.698
-2.723
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Hix Oyster and Fish House
Overlooking the fishing port of Lyme Regis and The Cobb, Hix Oyster and Fish House is blessed with uninterrupted views of the Jurassic Coast. Simplicity of food is key here. The very best ingredients are used; make your choice from the blackboard of the day's landings and a small menu of house dishes. Award-winning restaurateur Mark Hix mastered his trade in London restaurants such as The Ivy. Just 45 covers means it is advisable to book.
www.hixoysterandfishhouse.co.uk
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50.714
-2.994
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Lyme Regis Golf Club
A clifftop course with fantastic views.
www.lymeregisgolfclub.co.uk
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50.735
-2.930
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Moors Valley Country Park and Forest
Cycling, fishing, walks, golf, rope swings; there are loads of activities to try here. Choose how active you want to be - swinging through the trees on the Go Ape rope swings, chugging along taking in the scenery on the narrow gauge steam railway, or just relaxing with a picnic by the lake. A great way to spend the day in the Dorset countryside.
www.moors-valley.co.uk
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50.850
-1.850
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Perry's Restaurant
Overlooking the harbour, Weymouth’s only Michelin-starred restaurant is ‘cheerful and a joy to the spirits,’ according to Bill Bryson in his Notes From A Small Island.
www.perrysrestaurant.co.uk
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50.606
-2.456
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Ringstead Beach
The Jurassic Kimmeridge clay found here makes for rich pickings in fossils.
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50.632
-2.353
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Studland Bay and Nature Reserve
A National Trust nature reserve, this three-mile curve of sand is home to many breeds of rare bird. Voted the UK's 4th top beach by Which? Magazine - though locals would probably place it higher. Studland is also a popular family beach famous for its nudist section at Knoll Bay, the National Trust's only designated naturist beach.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-studlandbeachandnaturereserv
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50.653
-1.953
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The Jurassic Coast
It would be remiss not to mention the pleasures of walking the Jurassic Coast here; a good way to combine a little exercise with a history lesson is to join one of the organised Fossil Walks from Charmouth.
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50.737
-2.904
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The Kingcombe Centre
An environmental study centre in the heart of West Dorset. Situated in a Nature Reserve, 'the farm that time forgot' uses traditional farming methods to work the land and offers courses and lectures on the local flora and fauna as well as art and music.
www.kingcombecentre.org.uk
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50.790
-2.634
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Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
Planted as a kitchen garden in 1765 by the first Countess of Ilchester, today Abbotsbury Gardens bring together rare and exotic plants from all over the world. Scintillate your senses with a visit to the world famous camellia groves and magnolias, enjoy a sedate stroll in the walled gardens or go wild for the stunning woodland valley views. The BBC's Alan Titchmarsh declared them to be 'one of the finest gardens I have ever visited'. See for yourself. If it leaves your green fingers itching for
www.abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk/gardens
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50.662
-2.629
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Lyme Regis
Awash with history, Lyme Regis is an integral part of Dorset’s famous Jurassic Coast; guided fossil hunting tours are a popular way to discover the rich geological history of the area. Literary history is equally important to Lyme Regis; the unique harbour, known as ‘The Cobb’ was immortalised by John Fowles in his novel ‘The French Lieutenant’s Woman’ and Thomas Hardy set many of his novels in the area.
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50.725
-2.937
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The George Inn
Enjoy a (not so) swift pint by the cosy log fire in winter or out in the patio garden in summer at this 17th Century thatched country inn. Lunch and dinner menus include locally sourced seafood and meats. You can enjoy a locally brewed pint of Palmers ale while the kids play on the giant Jenga. Booking is advisable in summer.
www.georgeinn-chideock.co.uk
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50.732
-2.814
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Charmouth West Beach
Charmouth has to be one of the most famous places for collecting fossils in the world. Part of Dorset's World Heritage Jurassic Coast; many a happy hour can be spent scouring the beach for ammonites and belemnites.
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50.733
-2.903
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Beach and Barnicott Bar and Restaurant
Dine or drink by candlelight in original 18th Century surroundings.There are three floors of beautifully decorated rooms to choose from in this grade II listed Georgian house .
beachandbarnicott.co.uk
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50.732
-2.759
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Corfe Castle
Home to some of the country’s most significant ruins, the village of Corfe Castle is surrounded by the beautiful countryside of the Isle of Purbeck, a peninsula that stretches across a large part of Dorset. History lovers will find the castle itself fascinating – a dramatic hilltop ruin over 1,000 years old. Corfe Castle has a lot more to offer, though; good shopping, some great places to eat, fantastic walking in every direction and even a model village complete with a reconstruction of the cas
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50.637
-2.056
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Goldhill Organic Farm Shop
Stock up on organic veg and British beef grown and reared on the farm. Goldhill has been an organic farm since 1988.
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50.913
-2.221
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Home Farm Shop
They stock everything here from fresh local veg, freshly laid eggs and local cheeses, to organic fruit, local juices and home produced meat and game in season. Feeling peckish? Drop in to the Tearoom for a traditional farmhouse breakfast or a Dorset cream tea.
www.homefarmshop.co.uk
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50.914
-2.123
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Lulworth Cove
Almost perfectly circular, Lulworth Cove is a much-photographed pebbly beach. Just along the cliffs is Durdle Door, one of the best natural archways in rock you’re ever likely to see.
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50.618
-2.247
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Monkey World
The whole spectrum from chimpanzees and orangutans to marmosets - most have been rescued.
www.monkeyworld.co.uk
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50.698
-2.216
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Seatown Beach
This lovely long stretch of beach is backed by the Ridge cliff which affords great views of the lush Devon countryside. A good spot to look for ammonites and other fossils all year round.
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50.722
-2.824
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Storm Fish Restaurant
The fish at Storm is landed by the owner of the restaurant, a claim that no other fish restaurant in Poole can make. The menu changes daily and depends both upon the catch of the day and what vegetables are available, also provided by the hands of the owner who who grows them during the milder months for use in the restaurant.

Rustic and cosy the restaurant has a lovely atmosphere.
www.stormfish.co.uk
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50.713
-1.988
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Swanage Railway
Get all ‘Brief Encounter’ with a steam train trip on the Swanage Railway.
www.swanagerailway.co.uk
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50.610
-1.960
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The Blue Vinny
Named after the legendary Dorset cheese (Monty Python fans may recall it mentioned in the 'Cheese Shop Sketch'). The Blue Vinny has a great menu (naturally, featuring dishes such as sirloin steak glazed with Blue Vinny, with wild mushrooms and hand cut chips), and a lovely big beer garden to sleep it all off.
www.thebluevinny.co.uk
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50.751
-2.347
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The Martyrs' Inn
Named after the 19th Century Tolpuddle Martyrs, a group of farm labourers who famously rose up against landowners in demand of better pay and working conditions.
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50.749
-2.294
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The New Inn
Sunday lunch is a speciality at this attractive, thatched village inn.
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50.803
-2.777
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The Spyway Inn
Relax with a real ale in the beer garden after a walk at nearby Eggardon Hill.
www.spyway-inn.co.uk
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50.740
-2.663
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The Wise Man
Pretty, thatched 400-year-old village inn serving traditional pub grub.
www.thewisemaninn.com
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50.704
-2.389
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Washingpool Farm Shop and Restaurant
Run by a local West Dorset family that has farmed here for generations. The shop has won acclaim from the national press and the restaurant is up there too. Sit on the terrace and gaze out over Marshwood Vale to the sea.
www.washingpool.co.uk
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50.746
-2.765
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Athelhampton House and Gardens
The beautifully preserved 15th Century manor house has stunning interioirs replendent with antique furnishings. The famous formal gardens incorporate a series of tranquil, sophisticated spaces, including the great court with its giant pyramids, simple plantings of roses, clematis and tulips, fountains and pools laden with water lillies, a canal and the River Piddle. The 15th Century dovecoat still houses white doves. Stop off for some home-cooked refreshment at the Topiary Restaurant. Open March
www.athelhampton.co.uk
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50.746
-2.327
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Compton Acres
Ten acres of beautifully managed gardens including Italian, Roman, water and Japanese areas. Built in the 1920s by a margarine entrepeneur to reflect his worldwide travels and interest in horticulture, Compton Acres is a fine example of an historic garden in the late Victorian Mixed Style design.
www.comptonacres.co.uk
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50.704
-1.926
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Kingston Maurward Gardens
Formal gardens in the ‘Arts and Crafts’ style of the Edwardian era in the grounds of Kingston Maurward House. Thomas Hardy was a frequent visitor to the house as a boy, and it features as 'Knapwater House' in his novel Desperate Remedies. Children can meet Button and Pebbles the donkeys in the animal park, as well as miniature Shetland ponies, goats, pigs, rabbits, ducks, emus and peacocks. Bring a picnic to enjoy in the large picnic area. There is also a refreshment kiosk, visitor centre and s
www.kmc.ac.uk/gardens
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50.718
-2.404
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Mapperton Gardens
A terraced valley garden complete with grottos, a great lawn, topiary, croquet lawn, an orangery and 17th Century fish ponds, surrounding a Tudor/Jacobean sandstone manor house, home to the Earl and Countess of Sandwich. Used as a location in Jane Austen's Emma, Restoration and Tom Jones. Open March to October.
www.mapperton.com
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50.794
-2.706
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Minterne House and Gardens
Minterne House and Gardens nestle in a valley in the beautiful Dorest countryside, described by Simon Jenkins in 'England's 1000 Best Houses' as a "corner of paradise". The 18th Century gardens feature lakes, waterfalls, all kinds of rare trees and an incredible rhododendron collection. A profusion of spring bulbs and magnolias provide the colour in spring, followed by flowering Japanese cherries and streams lined with primulas and other water plants in summer. The garden is particularly noted f
www.minterne.co.uk
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50.835
-2.484
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Abbotsbury Swannery
Swans have lived here for 600 years; at around the end of May, visitors can watch cygnets taking their first tentative steps.
www.abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk
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50.648
-2.571
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50.715
-2.431
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Pilsdon Pen
Traditionally thought of as Dorset's highest peak (277m), until it was recently found to be a few feet shy of its neighbour, Lewesdon Hill. Height notwithstanding, the Iron Age hill fort atop this flat-topped hill provides great views over the lush Marshwood Vale in west Dorset. Walk the ancient ramparts in a circular loop to take in the 360 degree panorama across the gentle rolling hills, whilst buzzards wheel overhead. Reach it off the B3164 Broadwindsor road.
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50.808
-2.834
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The Crown Inn
Stop off here after a walk up nearby Bulbarrow Hill, and reward yourself with dinner and a pint.
www.thecrowninnibberton.co.uk
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50.868
-2.302
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The Half Moon
Thatched village pub.
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50.776
-2.731
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The Riverside Restaurant
Fresh local seafood in a lovely light and airy position on the banks of the river.
www.thefishrestaurant-westbay.co.uk
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50.712
-2.763
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The Saxon Arms
Thatched village pub with good selection of beers and excellent menu for lunchtime and evening meals.
www.thesaxon-stratton.co.uk
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50.742
-2.497
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50.718
-1.876
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The Wild Garlic
Mat Follas, winner of the BBC's 2009 MasterChef competition, has opened his own restaurant. A must-eat for serious foodies.
www.thewildgarlic.co.uk
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50.809
-2.740
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50.818
-2.408
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Abbotsbury
A perfect village of honey-coloured cottages, and home to the Swannery, where swans have lived for over 600 years.
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50.665
-2.598
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Abbotsbury Children's Farm
The fun includes goat racing, toy tractor racing and a smuggler's ship soft play area.
www.abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk/farm.htm
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50.664
-2.598
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Adventure Wonderland
Rides and all the mad theme park fun that kids seem to love.
www.adventurewonderland.co.uk
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50.774
-1.845
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Aerosaurus Balloons
See the South West from the air with hot air balloon flights over Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset. Flight meeting locations include Exeter, Tiverton, South Brent and Lee Mill in Devon; Launceston and Bodmin in Cornwall; Taunton, Castle Carey and Yeovil in Somerset, and Sherborne, Blandford Forum and Shaftesbury in Dorset.
www.ballooning.co.uk
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50.755
-3.385
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50.711
-1.896
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Amherst Lodge Fishery
Fly fishing for trout on river-fed lakes.
www.amherstlodge.com
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50.751
-2.976
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Antonio's Trattoria Italian Restaurant
Family-run restaurant serving traditional Italian dishes and locally-caught seafood.
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50.725
-2.933
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Ashley Wood Golf Club
One of the oldest golf courses in the country, and one of the best in Dorset. The course ambles through ancient woodland.
www.ashleywoodgolfclub.com
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50.860
-2.129
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50.728
-1.734
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Beaminster
Beaminster sits at the head of the Britt Valley, through which flows the river of the same name. The countryside here is glorious and a stay in Beaminster would be incomplete without a stroll through the rolling hills that surround the town. For the history buff, playing ‘spot the listed building’ is great fun – even though Beaminster has been devastated by fire no less than three times, the town still lays claim to some 200 listed buildings. The highlight of Beaminster’s calendar is the Festiva
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50.809
-2.740
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Bere Regis
If peace and tranquility are on the agenda, head for Bere Regis. Tucked away amidst woodland, ancient heaths and traditional watercress beds, Bere Regis was made famous by Thomas Hardy in his classic story ‘Tess of the d’Urbervilles’ (he called it Kingsbere in the novel). Wander through the grounds of the imposing 15th century church and you might be tempted to say that little has changed since Hardy wrote about the village – the noise and rush of the 21st century seems conspicuous in its absenc
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50.755
-2.219
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Blandford Forum
One of Dorset’s larger market towns, Blandford Forum beautifully demonstrates the Georgian approach to architecture with wide, elegant streets and a large, square market place. Four museums, all kinds of shops and plenty of cafes and restaurants – you could happily lose days mooching about the town. There are some great opportunities for days out, too; the Dorset coast is a short drive away, enabling easy exploration of local gems like Durdle Door, Studland Bay and Chesil Beach.
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50.856
-2.163
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Blue Lias Gallery
Art in every medium, from the traditional to the avant-garde.
www.bluelias.co.uk
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50.725
-2.933
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50.719
-1.842
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50.715
-1.875
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Bowleaze Cove Beach
This is prime ground for hunting giant fossil oysters.
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50.637
-2.421
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50.707
-1.910
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Brenscombe Outdoor Centre Ltd
A dizzying range of activities from abseiling to wakeboarding.
www.brenscombeoutdoor.co.uk
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50.643
-2.045
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Bridport
A busy and thriving market town, Bridport is one of the most popular gateways to the Jurassic Coast. The town still has three weekly markets, including a farmer’s market. Shopping in Bridport reveals its strong arts and crafts heritage. Bridport lies just inland from West Bay, with a gorgeous sweep of sandy beach and a pretty harbour that perfectly complement Bridport’s charms.
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50.730
-2.757
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50.711
-2.749
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Bridport Farmers' Market
Go celeb-spotting; Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall can sometimes be found here, selling produce from his River Cottage HQ, alongside 30 other local producers. Held in the Arts Centre on the second Saturday of the month, 9am-1pm.
www.dorsetfarmersmarkets.co.uk/markets/bridport.html
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50.732
-2.757
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Bridport Museum
The history of Bridport is housed in an attractive Tudor building.
www.bridportmuseum.co.uk
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50.731
-2.759
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Brownsea Island
Home to the endangered red squirrel, Brownsea Island is a haven for wildlife and a renowned site for bird watchers. The varied and beautiful landscape makes for some fine walks; with woodlands and fields inland and cliffs and beaches on the coast offering some spectacular views of Poole Harbour. The island is also famous for being the birthplace of Scouting and Guiding. The Baden-Powell Outdoor Centre offers sailing, canoeing, archery, orienteering and other outdoor activities at the site where
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
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50.688
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Bulbarrow Hill
Bulbarrow Hill is probably the best known hill in Dorset and is a chalk hill site of an Iron Age hill fort - the name comes from barrows or burial mounds on the hill. Standing at 274m (899ft) high and giving the longest view in Dorset, with spectacular views over five counties, Bulbarrow Hill is the second highest point in Dorset and is a very popular beauty spot.
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50.849
-2.320
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By the Bay Restaurant and Wine Bar
Right on the seafront by the Cobb harbour. Enjoy the seaside views over a coffee or an evening meal, or pick up some fish and chips from their take away to have on the beach. Come in the evening and you might catch some live music.
www.bythebay.co.uk
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50.726
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50.701
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Cerne Abbas
Home to the famous Cerne Giant, a huge chalk man carved into the hillside whose function is (clearly) as a fertility symbol. Expect much sniggering from younger members of the family.
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50.810
-2.475
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Chez Cuddy
Relaxed bistro.
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50.733
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Church Ope Cove
The rocky headlands make access a little difficult, but if you are able to traverse them , you'll find a nice peaceful spot. Keep an eye out for oyster and ammonite fossils here.
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50.538
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50.610
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Clouds Hill
Now a National Trust property, Clouds Hill was once the Dorset home of Lawrence of Arabia. There is an exhibition detailing Lawrence's extraordinary life and his grave can be found in the churchyard of St Nicholas Church in Moreton. There is also a beautiful new trail through rhododendrons to a delightful picnic spot on top of the hill. House open March to October only.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-cloudshill
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50.717
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Corfe Castle Ruins
High on a windswept hill, this atmospheric castle is a dark and brooding place indeed.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
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50.638
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50.882
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Dorchester
Dorset’s county town has more than its fair share of heritage. A stroll through the centre reveals Roman, medieval, Tudor and Georgian buildings jostling for space; Dorchester has numerous museums to help you make sense of all this history. The town’s most famous former inhabitant is novelist Thomas Hardy, who set his famous story ‘The Mayor of Casterbridge’ in Dorchester. His home, a gorgeous thatched cottage with lovely gardens, now belongs to the National Trust and is open to the public.
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50.714
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50.622
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50.713
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Eggardon Hill
Crowned with the ramparts of an Iron Age hill fort, Eggardon affords king-of-the-castle-views across the Dorset countryside. There are two Bronze Age burial mounds here too.

See the skies above Eggardon Hill alive with colour at the annual Eggerdon Kite Festival, held here in September.
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50.750
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50.745
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Eype's Mouth Beach
Along the coast from Seatown. You might find some fossils here, but expect to have work for them.
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50.716
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Farmer Palmer's Farm Park
Woodland walks, bouncy castles, tractor rides and lots of unbearably cute animals.
www.farmerpalmers.co.uk
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50.732
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50.720
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Fossil Walks
Guided fossil hunting walks along the Jurassic Coast. Having worked as senior warden at Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre and earth science advisor for the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, we think it's fair to say that Chris Pamplin knows his stuff when it comes to fossils in this neck of the woods. Chris leads family fossil expeditions and public fossil walks from Charmouth and Lyme Regis.
www.fossilwalks.com
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50.733
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50.733
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Golden Cap
Recently featured in the Ramblers’ Top 50 walking routes to Britain’s best views, Golden Cap is the highest sea cliff in Southern England at 191 metres. Walk through Langdon wood (great in April/May for bluebells) and up to the top for jaw-dropping views of Charmouth and down to Lyme Regis. The stretch of coast between Lyme Regis and Bridport has over 25 miles of paths to explore and traces almost 185 million years of the Earth's history - so there's plenty to explore.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-goldencap
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50.726
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Goldy's Farm Shop
Dedicated to homemade, home grown produce, Goldy's is also a test-bed for green, sustainable technological wizardry. Make doing the grocery shopping into a family outing with a visit to the rescued donkeys. Goldy's was named FARMA Own and Local farm retailer of the year for 2009.
www.goldys.co.uk
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50.672
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Green Cottage Riding Centre
Countryside hacks for novices and experienced riders.
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50.853
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50.710
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Hardy Monument
Not to be confused with perhaps Dorset's most famous son, Thomas Hardy, this monument was erected in memory of Vice Admiral Hardy of the HMS Victory (of "Kiss me Hardy" fame). Situated on Black Down near Portesham, it offers glorious views across the Dorset countryside to the sea, and is within a mile of the inland route of the South West coastal path (which avoids Chesil beach). National Trust owned.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-hardymonument
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50.687
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Hardy's Cottage
A classic cottage with real romance; close your eyes and imagine the characters of Far from the Madding Crowd coming to life here.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
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50.730
-2.390
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Hardy's Dorchester Home, Max Gate
Take a step back into literary history at Thomas Hardy's Dorchester home, where classics such as Tess of the d'Ubervilles, Jude the Obscure and The Mayor of Casterbridge were written. Now a National Trust property, the house was originally designed by Hardy, who lived there for 43 years until his death in 1928. For a literary day out, combine it with a visit to Hardy's Cottage in nearby Higher Brockham.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-maxgate
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50.708
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50.712
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Henley Hillbillies
A 200 acre estate offering quad biking, clay pigeon shooting, archery and hovercraft racing.
www.henleyhillbillies.co.uk
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50.837
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50.736
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Days Out and Short Breaks that match your search

Top 5 West Country Walks

Grab your walking boots and blow the cobwebs away.

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A few pointers to get you started on your holiday in Dorset.

Fireside Breaks

Storm watching, star gazing, Dorset rocks and Devon stones in the South West this winter.

It’s difficult to know where to start in describing all the ways in which you can enjoy Dorset. Summarising its appeal is almost impossible, since there is simply so much going on in this county.
Top 5 West Country WalksGrab your walking boots and blow the cobwebs away.
Days Out and Short BreaksBrowse our selection of hand-picked activities for days out and short breaks in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset.
Your ItineraryView your personal itinerary of things to do, places to visit and where to eat on your holiday.
 
 
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