With its delightful mix of coastal locations and rural countryside, the county of Dorset is wonderfully varied. Located in the South West of England bordered by Devon, Somerset, Wiltshire, Hampshire and the English Channel, it is famous for the Jurassic Coast, a stretch of coastline where the cliffs contain fossils and rock formations with millions of years of geological history. But you can also enjoy unspoilt countryside, picture postcard villages, and the vibrant towns of Bournemouth, Poole, Dorchester and Weymouth in this county. Over half of Dorset is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and on top of this, Dorset has the highest life expectancy in the entirety of Britain: this county is truly a unique place to call home.
Getting around
Dorset is one of the few English counties not to have a motorway within its borders, but the county is still very well-connected and easy to reach. The A303 from London to Devon briefly passes through the county, with A roads branching off allowing easy access to towns and villages. Good train links connect Dorset’s towns to London, the midlands and the south west. Bournemouth airport serves many European cities and destinations, while ferry services from Poole and Weymouth connect the county to the continent and Channel Islands.
Sports and Leisure
Dorset’s stunning coastline simply cannot be ignored and offers endless opportunities to explore. Bournemouth, the county’s largest town, offers 7 miles of golden sand, while nearby Poole is notable for its large natural harbour where you can catch a ferry to Brownsea Island, a National Trust nature reserve offering the perfect wildlife adventure. Traditional seaside towns like Weymouth, Lyme Regis, Charmouth and West Bay offer a varied selection of gorgeous beaches, fit with fish and chip shops, ice cream parlours and coffee shops. They line the fossil-rich 95 mile stretch of Jurassic coast, England’s only natural World Heritage Site, where you can find the iconic natural landmarks of Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, Chesil Beach and Portland Bill – perfect for a spot of fossil hunting.
Dorset is known for the sport of sailing: the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy hosted sailing events in the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics, and the venue still holds events attracting the elite sailors. Water sports like windsurfing, surfing, kite-surfing and water-skiing here, and there are plenty of clubs and groups welcoming visitors and locals alike where you can dip your toe into something new.
Dorset’s spectacular landscape attracts intrepid visitors looking for fun and adrenaline-filled activities to do. Coasteering, climbing, abseiling and horse-riding are popular hobbies here – but for those seeking a calmer way to enjoy the scenery, there are an abundance of walking trails, leisurely cycling routes and tranquil fishing lakes to explore.
You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to family attractions if you make Dorset your home. Monkey World, an ape sanctuary with over 250 rescued and endangered monkeys is a fantastic local wildlife reserve to support. The kids will also love a day at Moors Valley Country Park, set in 1000 acres of parkland and woods with the tree top walk ways and a high wire adventure. For something truly amazing, you can take a trip to Abbotsbury Swannery, the unique wildlife attraction where you can walk through the heart of a swan colony.
Culture and arts
Dorset offers a real mix of cultural attractions: from the Bovington Tank Museum to the Swanage Steam Railway, there are lots of places where you can step back in time and reflect upon British history. The county town of Dorchester is home to fascinating centres such as the Tutankhamun, Dinosaur, and Dorset Teddy Bear museums. The thousand-year-old ruin at Corfe Castle is worth exploring, as are other National Trust sites like Thomas Hardy’s Cottage and the Cerne Giant chalk sculpture.
For a spot of shopping, head to Bournemouth, Poole, Dorchester or Weymouth to find both high street staples and artsy boutique stores. Bridport’s art and vintage quarter is a real treasure trove, while Boscombe is also becoming a destination for vintage, antiques and bric-a-brac with a variety of independent shops, quirky cafes and individual book shops. Charming antique shops are a feature of nearly every Dorset town, along with a range of traditional theatres and modern art centres where you can watch everything from Renaissance plays and live orchestras to amateur dramatics and live comedy.
Education
Dorset residents can relax in the knowledge that good schools are all around: from primary school to university the county has a plethora of options when it comes to education. High-performing private schools include Canford School, Sherborne School and Talbot Health School, with Gryphon School, Woodroffe School and Swanage School offering excellent state school options. Sixth forms in Weymouth and Poole and universities in Bournemouth offer outstanding opportunities for older learners.
Making the move
If you’re after clear air, sweeping clifftop walks, breath-taking views and lively towns brimming with places to eat and shops to explore, Dorset is for you! As residential property search agents, we specialise in helping people find their dream home in Somerset, Devon and Dorset, with in-depth local knowledge in this area. To find out how we can help, contact us today.