The Best of Dorset | Recommended Places to Stay & Visit

Discover Dorset

A visitor's introduction to the county of Dorset, in South West England, with its popular coastal resorts, picturesque villages and scenic countryside.

The Best Dorset Hotels

Check out our editors' handpicked hotel recommendations throughout Dorset and explore a wide choice of special collections, including luxury hotels, family-friendly hotels, budget hotels, country house hotels, spa hotels and much more...

The Best Dorset Bed & Breakfasts

For a more personal travel experience, check out our editors' recommended B&Bs and guest house accommodation throughout Dorset, including special collections of luxury, country and city centre B&Bs.

The Best Dorset Pub Accommodation

Offering a less formal environment than most hotels, the traditional British pub, often with a surprisingly good restaurant, is a great place to relax at the end of the day. Check out our editors' recommended inns and pubs with rooms throughout Dorset.

Beaminster

Beaminster, in the rolling hills of Dorset, is a small town rich in historical charm and architectural beauty. Known for its abundance of 17th and 18th-century stone houses, Beaminster reflects a bygone era. The town, surrounded by stunning countryside, is celebrated for its local arts scene, annual music festival, and serene, unspoiled rural setting.

Blandford Forum

Blandford Forum is celebrated for its Georgian architecture, beautifully restored after the 1731 fire. This picturesque town near the River Stour and close to the innovative urban village of Poundbury, exemplifies a blend of historic charm and modern vision. Known for its historic market place and the unique Blandford Fashion Museum, it's encircled by stunning Dorset countryside.

Bournemouth

Bournemouth, a coastal resort town on England's south coast, is famed for its seven miles of sandy beaches and Victorian architecture. The town features a lively waterfront, well-maintained gardens, and an active pier. Renowned for its mild climate and scenic coastline, Bournemouth is a favored holiday spot, offering a diverse cultural scene, a variety of restaurants, and numerous leisure and entertainment activities.

Bridport

Bridport, a market town in Dorset, is historically significant for its rope-making heritage. Situated near the dramatic coastline of West Bay on the Jurassic Coast, it offers a blend of arts, culture, and a bustling street market. The town's combination of traditional charm and creative vibrancy, set against the backdrop of West Bay's stunning cliffs and beaches, creates a unique allure.

Christchurch

Christchurch, a historic town in Dorset, is celebrated for its picturesque setting at the confluence of the rivers Avon and Stour. The town boasts the magnificent 11th-century Priory Church and a thriving arts scene, highlighted by its popular local theatre. Surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including serene harbors and beaches, Christchurch offers a perfect blend of coastal charm and cultural richness.

Dorchester

Dorchester, the county town of Dorset, is a historic market town rooted in Roman origins. Known for its well-preserved Roman ruins and Iron Age hill forts, it's a hub of cultural heritage. The town, which inspired Thomas Hardy's novels, features a blend of ancient sites and modern amenities, set amidst the picturesque rolling hills of the Dorset countryside.

Highcliffe

Highcliffe, a scenic coastal village in Dorset, is known for its stunning cliff-top views overlooking the English Channel. It boasts the historic Highcliffe Castle, a fine example of Romantic Gothic architecture, and provides access to sandy beaches. The village's serene ambiance, combined with its lush nature reserves and proximity to the New Forest, makes it a tranquil and picturesque retreat.

Jurassic Coast

The Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in South West England, stretches 95 miles along the Dorset and East Devon coastlines. Renowned for its geological wonders, the coast reveals 185 million years of Earth's history, showcasing rock formations from the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods. This natural marvel is a haven for fossil hunters, hikers, and those fascinated by Earth's ancient past.

Lulworth

Lulworth, a village in Dorset, is famed for its geologically unique Lulworth Cove and the striking Durdle Door arch. Part of the Jurassic Coast, this area showcases extraordinary coastal landforms and geological features. Lulworth's picturesque scenery, coupled with its rich geological history, attracts visitors worldwide, making it a jewel in the crown of Dorset's spectacular coastline.

Lyme Regis

Lyme Regis, a charming seaside town in Dorset, is famed for its Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Renowned for its rich fossil history, it attracts paleontology enthusiasts worldwide. The town's scenic beauty, historic Cobb harbour wall, and vibrant cultural life, alongside its literary associations with Jane Austen and John Fowles, make it a captivating destination on the English Channel.

Poole

Poole is renowned for its large natural harbour, sandy beaches, and rich maritime history. It serves as a significant tourist destination and a bustling commercial port. The town's historic Old Town, Poole Museum, and the nearby Brownsea Island, famous for its wildlife and as the birthplace of the Scouting movement, are key attractions.

Portland

Portland, Dorset, an island connected to the English mainland by a narrow causeway, is celebrated for its unique geology, rugged coastline, and the iconic Portland Bill Lighthouse. Known for its high-quality Portland stone, the island has a rich quarrying heritage. It's also a haven for birdwatchers and climbers.

Purbeck

Purbeck, between Swanage and Poole, is renowned for its stunning landscapes, featuring dramatic cliffs and secluded coves. It's a haven for wildlife and a popular destination for geologists and nature lovers. The region is dotted with historic sites, including the iconic Corfe Castle, and picturesque villages.

Sandbanks

Sandbanks, a small peninsula in Poole, Dorset, is famous for its luxurious properties and stunning beaches. Known for having some of the highest land values in the world, it attracts a wealthy demographic. The area offers panoramic views of Poole Harbour and the English Channel, alongside popular activities like sailing, windsurfing, and enjoying its pristine, soft sandy beaches.

Shaftesbury

Shaftesbury, perched on a hilltop in Dorset, is a picturesque market town rich in medieval and Georgian architecture. Famous for Gold Hill, with its steep, cobbled street and picturesque cottages, it offers breathtaking countryside views. Its historical charm, including the ruins of Shaftesbury Abbey, and a vibrant arts community, make it a typical example of England's timeless rural beauty.

Sherborne

Sherborne, a charming market town in Dorset, is steeped in history with origins dating back to the Saxon era. It's renowned for its beautiful medieval buildings, including the historic Sherborne Abbey, known for its stunning fan-vaulted ceiling, and two castles. The town's picturesque streets, lined with boutique shops and traditional inns, reflect a rich cultural and architectural heritage.

Sturminster Newton

Sturminster Newton, in the Blackmore Vale area of Dorset, is a picturesque market town rich in rural charm. Renowned for its historical Sturminster Mill and the 17th-century Sturminster Newton Castle, the town offers a glimpse into traditional English countryside life. Surrounded by lush meadows and crossed by the River Stour, it's a favoured spot for walkers and nature enthusiasts.

Swanage

Swanage, a coastal town in Dorset, sits at the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its sandy beaches, Victorian pier, and stunning natural bay, it's a popular seaside destination. Swanage retains a charming, traditional feel, hosting a steam railway and offering a gateway to the scenic Purbeck countryside and Durlston Country Park.

Wareham

Wareham, a picturesque market town in Dorset, is steeped in Saxon history. Surrounded by the remnants of ancient walls and crossed by the picturesque Rivers Frome and Piddle, it's a gateway to the Isle of Purbeck. Wareham's charming streets, lined with traditional architecture and local shops, lead to its historic quay, making it a delightful blend of history and natural beauty.

Weymouth

Weymouth is a seaside resort on the Dorset coast, with views across Weymouth Bay, used for the 2012 Olympic sailing events. There is an award-winning sandy beach and a long seafront promenade with several popular hotels. The old town, around the harbour, has many popular shops, pubs and restaurants.

Wimborne Minster

Wimborne Minster, a market town in Dorset, is famous for its eponymous Minster, a magnificent 12th-century church with a unique chained library. The town blends historic charm with lively cultural events, including the annual folk festival. Its quaint streets, lined with a mix of independent shops and historic buildings, offer a vibrant yet serene atmosphere, reflecting its rich heritage.