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Dorset

From foodie adventures to fossil hunting along the iconic coast, Dorset is chock-full of fabulous days out backed by sprawling countryside and beautiful sandy beaches.

A guide to Christmas in Dorset 2024

Make the most of your festive escape in Dorset with this comprehensive guide to all things festive, from light displays and Santa soirees to Christmas Day swims.

Stef Parr

Best pubs in Dorset

Sink into the cosy charms of Dorset’s best pubs for a warm welcome followed by farm-to-fork fare and a refreshing glass of something special.

Abby Driver

Miracle Theatre

Discover Miracle Theatre, Cornwall’s iconic outdoor theatre company, at one of their fabulously zany shows that appeal to every age.

Annie Cowen

Best farm shops in Dorset

If you want to tickle your tastebuds, take a jaunt with us and explore some of Dorset’s many fabulous farm shops – yum!

Stef Parr

Best things to do in Dorset

Explore everything Dorset has to offer with our guide to the best things to do in this beautiful county, from castles and beaches to vintage train rides.

Annie Cowen

Best bluebell woods in the UK

The UK is home to some of the best bluebell woods in the world, from pocket copses to sprawling forests. Explore our favourites for your next spring adventure.

Annie Cowen

Food festivals in Dorset 2024

Are you ready to taste your way around all manner of delicious stalls and vendors? Find out why Dorset is the place to be for food festivals in 2024.

Annie Cowen

Michelin restaurants in Dorset

With seafood and locally grown produce at their heart, Dorset’s Michelin restaurants are the perfect way to get a true taste of this idyllic county.

Annie Cowen

Most romantic places in the UK

Make the most of your next couples getaway with a visit to these romantic places, from the coastal charms of Dorset to the wild beauty of Scotland.

Annie Cowen

Most dramatic places in the UK

Uncover the UK’s most dramatic spots, from the country’s tallest mountain to a waterfall you can walk behind!

Annie Cowen

Most popular cottages in 2023

From romantic sea-view escapes to rural group-friendly havens, discover our most popular cottages in 2023 for some holiday inspiration.

Lucy Williamson

Cottages for a New Year celebration

From romantic retreats with a hot tub to cosy cottages a few steps from a pub, these cottages are perfect for a New Year escape!

Annie Cowen

Best pubs for a Sunday roast in Dorset

Nothing beats a Sunday roast in Dorset, especially when it’s enjoyed in a cosy pub with seasonal fare and flowing local ales. Here are a few of our favourites.

Annie Cowen

Christmas markets in Dorset 2023

The holidays are well and truly coming and with them Dorset’s seasonal slew of Christmas markets where you can lose yourself in some Christmas shopping.

Annie Cowen

Gardens in Dorset

Whether you want coastal havens or topiaries backed with impressive castles, these gardens in Dorset are sure to get a green thumbs up.

Annie Cowen

Complete guide to the Dorset coast

Fall in love with the fascinating and oh-so-pretty Dorset coastline with our complete guide showcasing what to see, what to do, and where to go…

Stef Parr

Classic Cottages supports Julia’s House

We are delighted to support Julia’s House, an amazing charity supporting children with life-limiting conditions and their families in Dorset and Wiltshire.

Lizzie Heather

Landmarks in Dorset

From beautiful towns and historic sites, to ancient chalky cliffs and a limestone archway, Dorset is jam-packed with fascinating landmarks to visit.

Stef Parr

Famous regional foods across the UK

From the Cornish pasty to sticky toffee pudding, the UK has many delicious dishes to its name. Here are some of our regional favourites…

Annie Cowen

Best places to propose in the UK

From enchanting castles to dramatic clifftop scenes, these romantic spots are some of the best places to propose in the UK.

Annie Cowen

Best holiday cottages for groups

From country houses with hot tubs to coastal retreats with sea views and space galore, these holiday cottages are perfect for a group holiday.

Annie Cowen

Cosy holiday cottages near a pub

Whether you want a log fire in your living room or your local taproom, this collection of cosy holiday cottages near a pub is perfect for your winter getaway.

Annie Cowen

Best fish and chips in Dorset

Whether you want an extra helping of mushy peas or cheesy chips and an ocean view, fish and chips in Dorset is a foodie choice everyone can enjoy.

Annie Cowen

Art galleries in Dorset

With plenty of natural beauty to inspire its artists, Dorset boasts a plethora of art galleries from stunning outdoor sculpture parks to fascinating museums.

Elizabeth Dale

Best bike rides in Dorset

From woodland rides to miles upon miles of serene countryside, here are some of the best bike rides in Dorset.

Elizabeth Dale

Dog-friendly beaches in Dorset

Whether you fancy a pebbly cove or miles of sand just waiting to be dug, here are some of the best dog-friendly beaches in Dorset.

Annie Cowen

Best walks in Dorset

From coastal stomps with jaw-dropping views to cross-country treks that offer ancient castles and rolling vistas, there are lots of walks in Dorset to enjoy.

Annie Cowen

Places to eat in Lyme Regis

Whether you’re a seafood lover, a plant-powered diner or a cake connoisseur, here are the best places to eat in Lyme Regis.

Silvia Lowe

Everyman at Miracle Theatre

Questioning life, death and everything in between, here’s everything you need to know about the Everyman show at Miracle Theatre.

Annie Cowen

Beaches in Dorset

Whether you want some of the most Instagrammable spots in the UK or to enjoy white sands and warm seas, here are Dorset’s best beaches.

Annie Cowen

Best restaurants in Dorset

From the Jurassic Coast to the idyllic countryside, the only thing that beats the scenery in Dorset are the restaurants. Here are some of our favourites.

Annie Cowen

Woodland dog walks in Dorset

Discover the wonderous woodlands of Dorset with the dog. Pack a picnic and pin point the pubs to really make the most out of these walks.

Becky Bye

Visiting Sherborne Castle

The historic home of the Digby family since 1617, the castle is a well-known place to visit in Dorset.

Becky Bye

50 things to do in May Half Term

50 ideas to keep you busy during school holidays, ranging from fruit picking to wild swimming. There's plenty of ideas to kick start your holiday planning.

Kayleigh Hardy

Best Swimming Beaches in the South West

If you’re coming to the South West and can’t wait to get into the water, this is the list for you. We’ve compiled a list of the best beaches to go swimming so you can get straight into the action.

Lizzie Heather

Things to do in Salisbury

Set in the heart of Wiltshire and boasting a wealth of history, Salisbury is the perfect stop off point, either to explore nearby Dorset and Hampshire, or to spend a couple of days soaking up some culture before heading further on down the country to your holiday destination.

Becky Bye

Holidays on the Isle of Purbeck

Abundant wildlife, clifftop walks and breath-taking seascapes make Purbeck one of our favourite places to visit in Dorset.

Liz Arnell

Top Walks in the West Country

Whether to wear out the kids, or to rediscover alone time together, here are a few of our favourite walks in the South West.

Katie Chown

Properties on the Jurassic Coast

Join Lynne from our owner support team for a tour along the Jurassic Coast and a few suggestions of where to stay on the way.

Lynne James

Longleat house and gardens

Step behind the luxurious doors of the Longleat mansion and take a peek at what life was like for the family who used to live here.

Becky Bye

5 reasons to stay in a safari tent

Looking to try a new place to go on holiday? Take a look at our safari tents for your next staycation adventure with the family.

Kayleigh Hardy

Things to do in Tolpuddle

This ancient Dorset town is so tranquil and laid back, R&R is practically guaranteed so you can kick back and zone out. But if you like to occupy your time away, there are plenty of things to do in Tolpuddle.

Katie Chown

Poole beach review

There's so much more to Poole beach than simply sand and sea. Join our writer, Becky, on an adventure around this Dorset holiday hot spot.

Becky Bye

Stonehenge

Learn Stonehenge facts by visiting Stonehenge Visitor Centre and marvel in the ancient history of the English landscape.

Becky Bye

Dorset festivals 2018

Yet another reason to make sure that at least part of your summer holiday is spent in Dorset, there are festivals a-plenty to add excitement to your visit.

Becky Bye

The ultimate summer barbecue guide

Nothing says summer more than the sizzle of a barbecue in the summer sunshine. We’ve put together our top tips to make your next barbecue the best one yet.

Kayleigh Hardy

Lyme Regis beach review

Follow Becky's fond memories of growing up by the sea in Lyme Regis as we explore this popular Dorset beach.

Becky Bye

Studland beach review

Surrounding a national nature reserve stretching from Old Harry Rocks to Poole Harbour, this stretch of coast is perfect for those who love spending time on the water.

Becky Bye

How to Spot a Rip Current

It’s best to familiarise yourself with the dangers that come with swimming in the sea so that you can stay safe and happy - how to spot a rip current is important.

Lizzie Heather

An evening of theatre in Dorset

A short break in Dorset deserves a night at the theatre - a great date night for the grownups. Around Dorset the theatres and venues are packed with some really big names throughout the year.

Becky Bye

Dorset bucket list

Our ultimate guide to the things to see and do in Dorset on your next holiday (or two).

Kayleigh Hardy

Moors Valley Country Park

I cannot recommend Moors Valley Country Park highly enough, in fact I've already sent a number of friends and family along and hope to go back again myself soon.

Faye

Dorset escapes

With the children back at school it is safe for the parents and grandparents to get out into the world unhindered; this might be the perfect time for a romantic getaway, just the two of you on a Dorset escape.

Becky Bye

Things to do in Poole

One not-so-touristy spot on the coast of Dorset which has a quaint charm worth spending a few days getting to know, is Poole.

Becky Bye

New Year in Dorset

Explore Dorset during your down time over Christmas and New Year. A much better use of your holiday time than staying in and watching TV - that's what catch up is for.

Kayleigh Hardy

Favourite places to eat in Salisbury

Stop off on your way west, or have a day trip when on holiday in Dorset - there's lots of lovely places to eat in Salisbury to keep you satisfied as you explore.

Becky Bye

Things to do in Bournemouth

There is so much to see and do that I have narrowed down the selection to my top two places to visit, which can both be seen in one day if you’re on a short visit, or equally spread out over several days if you’re on a longer holiday in Bournemouth.

Becky Bye

Film locations near Dorset

A TV and film location pilgrimage might be the perfect weekend of escapism for you and your other half. Wiltshire, Hampshire and Dorset are littered with both well-known and not so well-known film sets, with their period buildings and rolling countryside providing the perfect cinema backdrop.

Becky Bye

Things to do in Beer

Beer may be small but there are lots of things to do to keep everyone entertained. From beach days to places to eat and entertainment, it makes a great day out in Dorset or Devon.

Becky Bye

UK Island hopping escapes in the South and West

Island hopping can be a beautifully British pastime. In this case, it’s all about the transport, as recommended by our staff, travelling on alternative modes of transport and escaping to an island in the South and West.

Katie Chown

Things to do in Wareham

Wareham is a beautiful old town with literary connections and a great place to stop to break up a long journey, or spend a few days if you are heading down towards the coast.

Becky Bye

Things to do in Beaminster

Dorset walks, places to eat and things to see and do in the unassuming but very pretty little market town of Beaminster, north of Bridport. It's worth a quick visit when you're on holiday in Dorset.

Katie Chown

West Bay, Dorset

A winning day out with all the family, West Bay in Dorset has golden cliffs, beautiful beaches, award-worthy play areas and even a harbour for crabbing.

Katie Chown

Crabbing in West Bay

We swooped in and took over a vast expanse of sea wall with multiple seawater buckets, miles of tangled string, and a stinking bag of bacon, dried whitebait and squid. West Bay is a family favourite for crabbing competitions.

Emma L

Things to do in Lulworth Cove

If you’re after a coastal day out in Dorset, but fancy something a little more adventurous than Lyme Regis or Swanage, then Lulworth Cove is for you.

Becky Bye

Things to do on Portland

On a day out in Dorset, Portland peninsula, which dangles off the south coast, has a surprising amount to do, so if you want to avoid the summer beach crowds in Weymouth, then head over to Portland for something a little different.

Becky Bye

Arts cinemas in the South and West

Cinemas are everywhere. And can be a great way to dodge a rainy day while you’re on holiday. But if you like places with a dash of character and plenty of good films to go around, you might want to plan a special trip to one of these.

Kayleigh Hardy

Things to do in Swanage

A day out in Dorset would be far from complete without a trip to the seaside. Swanage is the best town on the Jurassic Coast for scenery.

Becky Bye

A last minute local staycation

Holidays don't have to be two weeks. A break for a few days can sometimes be enough to relax and refresh you, ready to get back to the office on Monday.

Anna H

Places to picnic around Somerset

Look no further than the amazing picnicking backdrop of the South. From Dorset to Wiltshire and Somerset to Hampshire, English Heritage and National Trust places to picnic which boast the most beautiful gardens and have their gates open wide for families and dogs.

Becky Bye

Things to do in Wimborne Minster

Little known Dorset town Wimborne Minster has a lot of activities to offer, whether you are after a family day out, or a quiet relaxing weekend for two.

Becky Bye

Best Dog Friendly Places in Dorset

One of the best things about holidaying in Dorset is long walks that end up in a cosy pub – and it’s just not the same if you don’t take your four-legged friend with you. Luckily we have some of the best dog-friendly cottages in Dorset.

Amanda Tomlin

Things to do in Dorchester

For anyone who is a bit of a history buff and likes a bite of traditional English lunch, then Dorchester is a much needed mark on your Dorset map.

Becky Bye

How to take great holiday photos

Follow our simple hints and tips on how to capture your holiday memories. Including composition ideas, group photos and how to snap that all important sunset shot, we’ve got you covered on it all.

Kayleigh Hardy

Things to do in Weymouth

I wonder if Weymouth is actually rather overlooked and under-rated, with visitors flocking more to other Dorset locations such as Bournemouth, but Weymouth has some brilliant hidden gems that I want to share with you.

Becky Bye

Things to do in Lyme Regis

Lyme Regis is the perfect seaside destination for a weekend break, come rain or shine. Almost bordering on Devon, Lyme Regis is tucked away on the edge of Dorset, along the Jurassic Coast and has lots to do, whether you’re an active family, or a quiet couple.

Becky Bye

5 top tips for holidays with dogs

Dogs are man's best friend and who wouldn't want to take their best friend on holiday? Choose one of our dog friendly cottages for a great stay with your four legged friend.

Kayleigh Hardy

Valentines in Dorset

The 14th February first became associated with romantic love within Geoffrey Chaucer’s circle in the 14th Century, when the tradition of courtly love flourished and was incredibly fashionable.

Becky Bye

Colourful autumn walks in Dorset

Dorset and Wiltshire have an impressive array of autumn colours to tempt you to wrap up in your warmest layers and head out with the dog to earn a nice hot toddy.

Becky Bye

Blood Moons and Dark Sky Tourism

When on holiday, consider a slightly different point of view. Grab a blanket, a bottle of wine and come and check out the latest in night-time activities.

Lizzie Heather

The best of the best places to eat in Dorset

Starting in my home town of Shaftesbury in north Dorset, we are incredibly lucky to boast no fewer than nine cafes and at least six great places for a wonderful dinner. There are however two which for me stand out above the rest and are worth travelling down to this part of Dorset especially for.

Becky Bye

Walking in Dorset

Some of the more rural country walks in North Dorset suggest themselves as more of a waterproof coat and wellington boot alternative, though there are plenty of coastal walks for the slightly more adventurous types with hiking boots and walking sticks. However, these are my particular favourites;

Becky Bye

Fossil hunting in Lyme Regis

Even my twelve-year-old son was soon bashing away at rocks with his hammer and proudly announcing his discovery of belemnites, crinoid stems and an ammonite

Amanda Tomlin

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