The Top 10 Things to do in Dorset

Visiting Dorset and thinking about what activities and things to do on your stay?

• Visit a Farmers Market – Sherborne and Dorchester both have regular farmers markets, and there is an undercover antique/collectors market at Dorchester every Wednesday.

• Storm a castle – Sherborne boasts 2 castles, both members of the English Heritage.  The Old Castle is a ruin and The New Castle is still lived in by the Digby Family and is good for a rainy day, as is the historical Abbey in the town centre. 

• Browse and sup – you can while away more than a few hours in Sherborne, which boasts an abundance of antique shops and coffee shops.

• Climb a hill – Bulbarrow Hill is probably the best known hill in Dorset.  It is the site of a 5-acre Iron Age hill fort and offers spectacular views of Dorset and beyond, and some great walking.

• Don’t forget Dorchester – Dorchester is a lively historic Market town with museums and a hill fort.  It was also the home of Victorian novelist Thomas Hardy, and The Mayor of Casterbridge is based here.

• On your bike – Dorset has some splendid cycling routes, often on relatively quiet country roads.

• Weymouth and Portland – Right next to each other, but contrasting: Weymouth boasts a fine Georgian seafront along a crescent of golden sand, with spectacular views from the bay over the World Heritage Jurassic Coastline.  Portland is more exposed to the elements, and its unique geology and position are ideal for a wide variety of birds, animals and plant life (they also do a mean cream tea!). 

• Step back in time – A favourite local National Trust Property is Thomas Hardy’s Cottage, where you can also take in wonderful countryside walks.  And Stourhead Gardens is also worth a day out

• Do the taste test – why not visit the annual Cheese Festival in Sturminster Newton in September where you can sample local delicacies and produce and also enjoy a fun filled day out for the whole family. 

• Take a dip – There are many splendid beaches in Dorset, with most of them making up the UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Jurassic Coast.  Just East of Weymouth there is a National Trust beach called Ringstead Bay which is loved by keen fisherman and sun worshippers as well as all families who enjoy great rock pooling and swimming.

  By Jenny Abrahamsson – Mill House, Dorset. http://www.premiercottages.co.uk/cottages/mill-house.aspx