About Dorset
Bordering three counties and an easy drive from the World Heritage Coast, the New Forest, the south coast resorts of Bournemouth and Poole, and heritage cities of Bath and Salisbury, Dorset is ideally situated for a perfect holiday or short break.
A few miles to the south lie the lively resorts of Bournemouth and Poole and the charming Priory town of Christchurch,whilst to the east the region borders the picturesque New Forest, with its traditional woodland, heathland and ponies.
England's first Natural World Heritage site, the magnificent Dorset and East Devon Coast, is several miles to the south. Dorset also borders Somerset and Wiltshire, and Bath, Stonehenge and Salisbury are all an easy drive away across dramatic Salisbury Plain or the gentle Somerset Levels.
West Dorset is almost entirely designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the coastline is a Natural World Heritage site. This is fossil hunting country and there is much to uncover along our Jurassic Coast.
The 95 mile 'Jurassic Coast' stretches from Dorset to East Devon and is of outstanding universal value. The geology represents major stages of the earth's history.The beaches around Charmouth and Lyme Regis are the best places to hunt for fossils.
Hunting for fossils is especially good in the winter months. The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, together with the Philpot Museum and Dinosaurland in Lyme Regis, give advice and run regular guided fossil collecting walks.
Olympics 2012!
Spectators will be able to view the sailing, not only from the shore, but the many high advantage points around the coastline overlooking both Weymouth Bay & Portland Harbour. The area sits right at the heart of England's first natural World Heritage Site.
BOURNEMOUTH
Relax on our award winning beaches, with seven miles of golden sand fringing the clear blue sea. Wander through our exquisite parks and gardens, or explore our vast range of shops - from fascinating boutiques to large department stores.
Experience the wealth of entertainment and amusements available for all ages and tastes. And when you fancy a spot to eat, take your choice from the restaurants, bars and bistros, offering everything from traditional English fare
to the finest exotic cuisine.
LYME REGIS
Situated in the South West , Lyme Regis is an historic unspoiled seaside resort and fishing port on the world famous Cobb harbour. Surrounded by beautiful coastlines and countryside, the area has now been awarded World Heritage Site Status; famous for its geology and fossil finds.
CHRISTCHURCH
The medieval town of Christchurch nestles between the New Forest and Bournemouth on the Dorset coast at the point at which the rivers Stour and Avon meet. One of the finest parts of the country, the area has been inhabited since the stone age. Fine beaches, historical sites,
good food and drink and plenty more is on offer at this best kept secret on the south coast.
POOLE
A bustling Quay, the best beaches in England and the stunning natural harbour make Poole, Dorset a natural first choice on the South Coast. In peak season it is ensured that sands are sifted, cleaned and raked on a regular basis, in addition litter is cleared throughout the day. .
Specific dog-free zones and activity areas for boarders and swimmers are part of our commitment to you, to provide a relaxing, fun and safe time for all ages. Poole guarantees you an exciting Summer getaway
CHARMOUTH
Charmouth with its sandy beach, is world famous for the fossils formed within Jurassic rocks 200 million years ago, and now being revealed as the cliffs erode in massive landslips. Charmouth is located between Lyme Regis and Seatown. The beach stretches between Black Ven in the West to Golden Cap in the East.
No matter which end of Dorset you visit,you will find something to make you want to come back again and again.......
