Sandy beach with blue sea & blue sky backed by grassy rocks

Dorset, UK Area Guide

Dorset is home to and famous for the Jurassic Coast, a spectacular stretch of southwest England’s coastline that entrances visitors with its breathtaking landscape. Vibrant harborside towns like Weymouth and iconic landmarks, including Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove, delight alongside charming cobbled street villages. The birthplace of influential literary figures like Thomas Hardy, Dorset’s picture-perfect towns and hamlets often take center stage today in books, films, and well-loved TV series, showcasing its captivating scenery and historical heritage.
Pretty buildings by harbor water

Dorset, Southwest England

Located 2.5 hours from London and Heathrow Airport, the southwestern county of Dorset is easily accessible with excellent transport links and is rich in charming villages and historical gems. Bournemouth and Southampton Airports are just under an hour’s drive away.

This breathtaking pocket of the UK offers those looking for a holiday home in an area that favors an outdoor lifestyle a fantastic opportunity to disconnect from the busy day-to-day and reconnect with nature. Dorset is incredibly scenic and famed for its spectacular coastal walks, gorgeous coves, and sandy beaches. It also offers plentiful year-round activities for all the family to enjoy, making it a sought-after destination.

Experience Dorset

There is something quite magical about the UK’s third most southerly county. From its sandy beaches gracing the Weymouth, Swanage, and Poole coastlines to its serene countryside—a haven for walkers of all abilities. Whether you want to hike the scenic Jurassic Coast, stroll through the historic port towns, or amble through picturesque cobbled streets like Gold Hill in Shaftesbury—made famous by the 1970s Hovis advert, you’ll be hard-pressed even to scratch the surface on one visit.

National Trust members and history lovers can enjoy Dorset’s many preserved woodlands, gardens, ancient sites, and historical buildings, including the medieval Corfe Castle, the Cerne Abbas Giant sculpted into the chalk hillsides, novelist and poet Thomas Hardy’s house and monument, and the Venetian palace-esque Kingston Lacey house, amongst a long list of must-sees.

Each year, the Dorset festivals topping the calendar include the popular Dorset County Show, Great Dorset Steam Fair, Tank Festival at Bovington, Swanage Carnival, and Bournemouth Air Festival. If you’re looking for a music festival, crowdpleaser Camp Bestival at Lulworth Castle is a favorite, alongside Jurassic Fields, SandFest, and many more! Dorset offers something for every visitor.

Relaxing in nature, spending quality time with loved ones, enjoying endless year-round outdoor activities, and that quintessential English charm—Dorset has it all.

A row of houses lining cobbled street with green countryside behind
Scallop dish in shell with quarter of lemon

Taste Dorset

Dorset borders Somerset in the northwest, so it is no wonder that apples and cider feature heavily in this stunning southwestern pocket of the UK. No visit is complete without a slice of the famous Dorset apple cake served with a lavish dollop of cream, and the extensive apple orchards produce some of the best Dorset Cider. Don’t go away without sampling the Dorset Knob, baked using the same handmade method for over 150 years. This savory biscuit, steeped in tradition, perfectly pairs with the local Blue Vinny cheese. Delicious!

Buying a holiday home in Dorset gives you the best of both worlds regarding fresh local produce. You can dine out daily or shop locally sourced produce and cook at home. Whichever you choose, you must add Portland Lamb, Dorset Jugged Steak (slow-cooked), and Portland Crab to your list of local Dorset delicacies to try.

As you would expect, being by the coast, seafood is abundant, and oysters, scallops, lobster, mussels, and sole are amongst the regulars gracing the daily menus. From casual to fine dining, the many quayside and coastal restaurants are never more than a mere step away from the daily fresh catch. Foodies, be sure to add the late summer Dorset Seafood Festival to your calendar. It’s one not to miss!

Things to see & do

Explore Dorset, UK

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Dorset, UK Fractional Ownership Vacation Homes

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