Dorset

 
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. More »
 

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. More »
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50.714
-2.994
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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. More »
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50.81
-2.475
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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. More »
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50.6228
-2.54503
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50.702
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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. More »
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50.737
-2.904
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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 the trail its name.

Visit The Dorset Wildlife Trust website for more Nature Reserve walks in the area. More »
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50.7749
-2.692893
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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. More »
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50.849
-2.32
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Corfe Castle Ruins
High on a windswept hill, this atmospheric castle is a dark and brooding place indeed. More »
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50.63755
-2.057278
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Lyme Regis Golf Club
A clifftop course with fantastic views. More »
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50.735
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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. More »
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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. More »
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50.606
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Plumber Manor
Crisp white table linen, impeccable service and fabulous food. More »
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50.904
-2.325
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Ringstead Beach
The Jurassic Kimmeridge clay found here makes for rich pickings in fossils. More »
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Sculpture by the Lake
Visit this beautiful location to view these sculptures which demonstrate and individual artist flair. Set beside these picturesque lakes the sculptures unite with the environment. More »
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50.71991
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Shaftesbury
Another famous haunt of the novelist Thomas Hardy, Shaftesbury has some of England’s most fascinating architecture, including the famous cobbled street of Gold’s Hill and the ruins of the abbey which date back to 888AD. The town sits at the top of a hill with panoramic views in every direction over Dorset and Wiltshire. Despite its glorious position and the beauty of its buildings and streets, Shaftesbury remains unspoilt by tourism. More »
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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. More »
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50.65284
-1.952607
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Taj Mahal Restaurant
Offering the finest Indian cuisine, freshly prepared on the premises with the flexibility of dining at the restaurant or taking it away to the comfort of your home! More »
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50.73223
-2.757452
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The Half Moon
Thatched village pub. More »
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50.776
-2.731
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The Kingcombe Centre
'The farm that time forgot' uses traditional farming methods to work the land. This environmental study centre is situated in a nature reserve in the heart of West Dorset and offers courses and lectures on the local flora and fauna as well as art and music. More »
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50.78963
-2.633519
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The Marquis of Lorne
This 16th Century country inn serves excellent food and real ales at reasonable prices. There is a children's play area and walkers will find The Marquis also makes a good starting point for walks up the famous Eggardon Hill, where there are the remains of an Iron Age fort and Bronze Age burial mounds, as well as great views across the Dorset countryside and coast. More »
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50.75786
-2.685552
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