Dorset, a county in South West England is a stunning area with many beauty spots, hidden coves and sandy beaches perfect for day trips. As well as the beautiful Jurassic Coast, it has castles, islands and many National Trust properties too and is a great area to explore on your own, as a couple or with your family. Check out accommodation options in Dorset if you are thinking of staying in the area.
Let's have a look at 5 of the most interesting places to visit in Dorset according to me! This post is in collaboration with Hotels.com, but all views are my own.
Durdle Door
Durdle Door is a natural limestone arch part of the Jurassic Coast, an area of Dorset running from Exmouth to Studland Bay and known for its fossils. It's a free natural outdoor attraction owned by the Welds Family who own 12,000 acres of Dorset coast. It is accessible by car or bus and accommodation options nearby include independent cottages as well as holidays parks such as the Durdle Door Holiday Park. Lulworth Cove Visitor Centre is worth a visit, where you can learn more about the geological features of the Jurassic Coast, and after go fossil hunting.
Brownsea IslandBrownsea Island is the largest island in Poole Harbour. Owned by the National Trust and managed by Dorset Wildlife Trust, it's a wildlife sanctuary and a great place to see red squirrels and a huge variety of birds including peacocks and terns. There is also an outdoor centre, where Baden Powell started the scouting movement, which is a cool place for camping and activities like archery and orienteering.
Corf Castle
Corfe Castle and the surrounding village is worth a visit if you are into history. A National Trust property, the castle is over 1000 years old and was built by William The Conqueror. The village and castle stand over a gap in the Purbeck Hills on the route between Wareham and Swanage. The village has a number of independent shops, cafes and pubs as well as accommodation options. Admission to the castle is £10 per adult and £5 per child with family tickets being available too at a small saving.
Portland Bill
Portland Bill is a narrow promontory (or bill) at the southern end of the Isle of Portland. It's famous for its lighthouse, which you can visit, built to protect ships from the rocky coast since 1906. Portland Bill is a great spot for spotting wildlife such as dolphins and seals as well as birds of prey amongst other birds. It also is home to over 28 species of butterflies and lots of beautiful wildflowers. Admission to the lighthouse is £7.50 for adults, £5.50 for children, family tickets at a reduced rate also available.
Highcliffe Castle
Highcliffe Castle, whilst not as old as Corfe Castle, is intriguing in its own way. A grade one listed mansion in the romantic gothic style, Highcliffe Castle is situated just ten miles away from Bournemouth. Take a tour for a small charge to find out about its history including being owned by Mr Selfridge of the London department store, and the two fires that destroyed the interior in the 1960s. The well-manicured grounds are worth a stroll, as well as the tearoom which is worth a stop for tea and delicious cake. Children can enjoy dressing up in period costumed and the outdoor trails.
As you can see there are lots of interesting places to visit in Dorset, and these are just some of them. Please check the current opening hours of some of these attractions as they may be limited due to the Covid-19 situation to avoid disappointment.
Let me know, do you have a favourite place to visit in Dorset?
*Collaborative post
Brownsea Island sounds really interesting. I didn't know it was owned by the National Trust
ReplyDeleteYes it's a cool place to visit and watch wildlife.
DeleteI've never thought to visit Dorset. Not sure why as it sounds amazing and with plenty of things to do and see. I wanted to take the kids to the Jurassic Coast. Durdle Door sounds like a great place to fossil hunt.
ReplyDeleteI adore lighthouses so Portland Bill is right up my street.
DeleteLove Portland Bill!
ReplyDelete