Guidebook for Dorset
Sightseeing
One of the most photographed places in Dorset. The magnificent natural limestone arch was formed when the power of the waves eroded the rock and forged a hole through the middle.
403 locals recommend
Durdle Door
One of the most photographed places in Dorset. The magnificent natural limestone arch was formed when the power of the waves eroded the rock and forged a hole through the middle.
Iconic survivor of the English Civil War. The dramatic ruins of Corfe Castle stand on a natural hill guarding the principal route through the Purbeck Hills
425 locals recommend
Corfe Castle
Iconic survivor of the English Civil War. The dramatic ruins of Corfe Castle stand on a natural hill guarding the principal route through the Purbeck Hills
Old Harry Rocks are three chalk formations, including a stack and a stump, located at Handfast Point, on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset, southern England. They mark the most easterly point of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
152 locals recommend
Old Harry Rocks
Old Harry Rocks are three chalk formations, including a stack and a stump, located at Handfast Point, on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset, southern England. They mark the most easterly point of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Weymouth Harbour is a picturesque harbour at the seaside town of Weymouth in Dorset, southern England. It has a 17th-century waterfront.
52 locals recommend
Weymouth Harbour
13 Custom House QuayWeymouth Harbour is a picturesque harbour at the seaside town of Weymouth in Dorset, southern England. It has a 17th-century waterfront.
Lulworth Cove is a cove near the village of West Lulworth, on the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site in Dorset, southern England.
31 locals recommend
Lulworth Cove station
Lulworth Cove is a cove near the village of West Lulworth, on the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site in Dorset, southern England.
The Cerne Abbas Giant is a hill figure near the village of Cerne Abbas in Dorset, England. 55 metres high, it depicts a standing unclothed male figure with a prominent erection and wielding a large club in its right hand.
67 locals recommend
Cerne Abbas Giant
24 Long StThe Cerne Abbas Giant is a hill figure near the village of Cerne Abbas in Dorset, England. 55 metres high, it depicts a standing unclothed male figure with a prominent erection and wielding a large club in its right hand.
The Purbeck Hills, also called the Purbeck Ridge, are a ridge of chalk downs in Dorset, England. The ridge extends from Lulworth Cove in the west to Old Harry Rocks in the east, where it meets the sea
Purbeck Hills
The Purbeck Hills, also called the Purbeck Ridge, are a ridge of chalk downs in Dorset, England. The ridge extends from Lulworth Cove in the west to Old Harry Rocks in the east, where it meets the sea
Tyneham is a ghost village and former civil parish, now in the civil parish of Steeple with Tyneham, near Lulworth on the Isle of Purbeck.
67 locals recommend
Tyneham Village
Tyneham is a ghost village and former civil parish, now in the civil parish of Steeple with Tyneham, near Lulworth on the Isle of Purbeck.
Kimmeridge Bay lies within the Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve and boasts the best rockpooling and safest snorkelling site in Dorset! Check tide times to gain the most reward.
120 locals recommend
Kimmeridge Bay
Kimmeridge Bay lies within the Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve and boasts the best rockpooling and safest snorkelling site in Dorset! Check tide times to gain the most reward.
Arts & Culture
Dating back to 1485, Athelhampton is a fine example of early Tudor architecture. With Grade 1 listed formal gardens, featuring the world famous 30ft topiary pyramids.
31 locals recommend
Athelhampton House and Gardens
Athelhampton RoadDating back to 1485, Athelhampton is a fine example of early Tudor architecture. With Grade 1 listed formal gardens, featuring the world famous 30ft topiary pyramids.
Lulworth Castle, in East Lulworth, Dorset, England, situated south of Wool, is an early 17th-century mock castle. The stone building has now been re-built as a museum. The castle is surrounded by Lulworth Park and the Lulworth Estate.
56 locals recommend
Lulworth Castle Wareham
Lulworth Castle, in East Lulworth, Dorset, England, situated south of Wool, is an early 17th-century mock castle. The stone building has now been re-built as a museum. The castle is surrounded by Lulworth Park and the Lulworth Estate.
Thomas Hardy's Cottage, in Higher Bockhampton, Dorset, is a small cob and thatch building that is the birthplace of the English author Thomas Hardy
62 locals recommend
Hardys Cottage
Thomas Hardy's Cottage, in Higher Bockhampton, Dorset, is a small cob and thatch building that is the birthplace of the English author Thomas Hardy
Milton Abbey occupies probably the most beautiful setting of any church in the county of Dorset. It rests in a natural amphitheater surrounded by wooded hills, seemingly miles from anywhere. Discover over 1,000 years of history in the Abbey, founded by King Athelstan. This historic building and its unique environment and setting attracts visitors from around the world and provides a warm welcome to all.
7 locals recommend
Milton Abbey School
Milton Abbey occupies probably the most beautiful setting of any church in the county of Dorset. It rests in a natural amphitheater surrounded by wooded hills, seemingly miles from anywhere. Discover over 1,000 years of history in the Abbey, founded by King Athelstan. This historic building and its unique environment and setting attracts visitors from around the world and provides a warm welcome to all.
The Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum tells the harrowing tale of the Martyrs arrest, trial and punishment, leading to the foundation of modern day trade unionism.
9 locals recommend
Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum
Dorchester RoadThe Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum tells the harrowing tale of the Martyrs arrest, trial and punishment, leading to the foundation of modern day trade unionism.
The tiny cottage that was home to TE Lawrence (1888–1935) provides a compelling insight into a complex man. The British soldier became legendary after working with Arab tribes against Turkish forces in WWI
32 locals recommend
Clouds Hill
King George V RoadThe tiny cottage that was home to TE Lawrence (1888–1935) provides a compelling insight into a complex man. The British soldier became legendary after working with Arab tribes against Turkish forces in WWI
The Thomas Hardy collection here is the world's largest, offering extraordinary insights into his creative process.
35 locals recommend
Dorset County Museum
High West StreetThe Thomas Hardy collection here is the world's largest, offering extraordinary insights into his creative process.
Entertainment & Activities
The Tank Museum is a collection of armoured fighting vehicles at Bovington Camp in Dorset, South West England. It is about 1 mile north of the village of Wool and 12 miles west of the major port of Poole
247 locals recommend
The Tank Museum
Linsay RoadThe Tank Museum is a collection of armoured fighting vehicles at Bovington Camp in Dorset, South West England. It is about 1 mile north of the village of Wool and 12 miles west of the major port of Poole
Fun park with indoor/outdoor play areas, farm animals, woodland trails & a seasonal maize maze.
117 locals recommend
Farmer Palmer's Farm Park
Wareham RoadFun park with indoor/outdoor play areas, farm animals, woodland trails & a seasonal maize maze.
Privately owned cinema in the centre of Dorchester. Standard tickets only £2.50 per adult!!!!
22 locals recommend
Plaza Cinema
31-32 Trinity StPrivately owned cinema in the centre of Dorchester. Standard tickets only £2.50 per adult!!!!
The North Dorset Trailway Network is a Charity that is dedicated to extending and improving the Trailway, which is largely made up of sections of the old Somerset and Dorset Railway which used to link Bristol, Bournemouth and Christchurch. The North Dorset Trailway now extends from Sturminster Newton to Spetisbury, providing an off road trail for walkers, cyclist etc
7 locals recommend
North Dorset Trailway Blandford
The North Dorset Trailway Network is a Charity that is dedicated to extending and improving the Trailway, which is largely made up of sections of the old Somerset and Dorset Railway which used to link Bristol, Bournemouth and Christchurch. The North Dorset Trailway now extends from Sturminster Newton to Spetisbury, providing an off road trail for walkers, cyclist etc
Parks & Nature
The Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre is a 65-acre ape and monkey sanctuary and rescue centre near Wool, Dorset, England
319 locals recommend
Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre
LongthornsThe Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre is a 65-acre ape and monkey sanctuary and rescue centre near Wool, Dorset, England
Set in a deep clay bowl, steps lead down to the waters edge or up to views of the Purbeck Hills. The Pool is surrounded by 25 acres of heath, woodland and gorse interlaced with sandy paths that seem to take you to another world.
67 locals recommend
The Blue Pool
Furzebrook RoadSet in a deep clay bowl, steps lead down to the waters edge or up to views of the Purbeck Hills. The Pool is surrounded by 25 acres of heath, woodland and gorse interlaced with sandy paths that seem to take you to another world.
Bulbarrow Hill is a 274-metre hill, five miles west of Blandford Forum and ten miles north of Dorchester in Dorset, England. The chalk hill is part of the scarp of Dorset Downs, which form the western end of the Southern England Chalk Formation. Part of the hill is used for arable agriculture, but most is calcareous grassland. The hill overlooks the Blackmore Vale, and offers views of Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire and Devon. Rawlsbury Camp, a five acre Iron Age hill fort, is situated on a promontory of the hill. Little remains of the camp except the twin embankments and intermediate ditch which surrounded it. The hill gets its name from the several barrows that adorn the hill.
9 locals recommend
Bulbarrow Hill
Bulbarrow Hill is a 274-metre hill, five miles west of Blandford Forum and ten miles north of Dorchester in Dorset, England. The chalk hill is part of the scarp of Dorset Downs, which form the western end of the Southern England Chalk Formation. Part of the hill is used for arable agriculture, but most is calcareous grassland. The hill overlooks the Blackmore Vale, and offers views of Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire and Devon. Rawlsbury Camp, a five acre Iron Age hill fort, is situated on a promontory of the hill. Little remains of the camp except the twin embankments and intermediate ditch which surrounded it. The hill gets its name from the several barrows that adorn the hill.
Every May some 600 free-flying swans choose to nest at this swannery, which shelters in the Fleet Lagoon, protected by the ridge of Chesil Beach.
119 locals recommend
Abbotsbury Swannery
New Barn RoadEvery May some 600 free-flying swans choose to nest at this swannery, which shelters in the Fleet Lagoon, protected by the ridge of Chesil Beach.
Nestled in 26 acres of Dorset’s glorious countryside lies Sculpture by the Lakes, an oasis for art lovers and collectors alike created by renowned sculptor Simon Gudgeon and his wife, Monique.
67 locals recommend
Sculpture by the Lakes
Nestled in 26 acres of Dorset’s glorious countryside lies Sculpture by the Lakes, an oasis for art lovers and collectors alike created by renowned sculptor Simon Gudgeon and his wife, Monique.
Food Scene
The Thimble Inn
14 High StLocal pud in the heart of the Piddle Valley
The Fox Inn
Local pub, 1.5 miles from the Bungalow
The Rivers Arms
Pub serving home cooked food
THE PIG-on the Beach, is a mellow country house perfectly situated along Studland Bay. Designed in the same shabby chic style that has become THE PIG’s signature, it features a Kitchen Garden Restaurant, indoor and outdoor bar and a wood fired oven serving a choice of Flatbreads.
165 locals recommend
The Pig on the Beach
Manor RoadTHE PIG-on the Beach, is a mellow country house perfectly situated along Studland Bay. Designed in the same shabby chic style that has become THE PIG’s signature, it features a Kitchen Garden Restaurant, indoor and outdoor bar and a wood fired oven serving a choice of Flatbreads.
The Priory offers accomplished menus, excellent wines, and professional friendly service. A subtle blend of classic and modern dishes, using locally sourced ingredients and seasonal produce. Lunch and dinner are served daily in the Garden Room, candle-lit Abbot's Cellar Restaurant and alfresco on the riverside terrace.
26 locals recommend
The Priory Hotel
Church GreenThe Priory offers accomplished menus, excellent wines, and professional friendly service. A subtle blend of classic and modern dishes, using locally sourced ingredients and seasonal produce. Lunch and dinner are served daily in the Garden Room, candle-lit Abbot's Cellar Restaurant and alfresco on the riverside terrace.
The Blue Vinny
12 The MoorLocal pub serving home cooked food
The Martyrs Inn
49 Main RdLocal pub serving home cooked food
The Royal Oak
Local pub serving home cooked food
Carluccio's - Dorchester
Zizzi
5 Eldridge StNando's
Castle Lane WestThe Seaside Boarding House
Cliff RoadFresh seafood
Restaurant, Country house hotel and Spa
12 locals recommend
Summer Lodge Country House Hotel & Restaurant
9 Fore StRestaurant, Country house hotel and Spa
The Brace of Pheasants
Local pub serving home cooked food
Hambro Arms
Local pub serving home cooked food
Shopping
Marks and Spencer, Boots, Superdrug, Peacocks, White Stuff, Fat Face, Blacks, Sea Salt, Steamer Trading, WHSmith, Waterstones, Next, as well as many independant shops
Dorchester
Marks and Spencer, Boots, Superdrug, Peacocks, White Stuff, Fat Face, Blacks, Sea Salt, Steamer Trading, WHSmith, Waterstones, Next, as well as many independant shops
Essentials
Tesco Superstore
Weymouth AvenueWaitrose & Partners
Acland RoadLidl
M&S Blandford Forum Foodhall
Local village shop, 1.5 miles from the Bungalow. Selling milk, bread, and all the daily essentials
Brewery Farm Shop
Local village shop, 1.5 miles from the Bungalow. Selling milk, bread, and all the daily essentials
Village shop, selling everything from milk, bread, magazines, newspapers, to fresh bread and local produce.
9 locals recommend
Londis
Milton RoadVillage shop, selling everything from milk, bread, magazines, newspapers, to fresh bread and local produce.