News

County of Southwest England. First recorded in 940 as Doseteschire. West Saxon settlers who made their home around the Roman city of Dorchester were known as the Dorsaete. Seatan is Old English for settlers. Dorset is a picturesque county in the southwest of England, renowned for its stunning coastline, rolling countryside, and charming villages. The county offers a mix of natural beauty, history, and cultural attractions, making it a popular destination for visitors seeking both relaxation and adventure. Dorset offers a mix of natural beauty, history, and culture, making it a destination with something for everyone. Whether you're interested in exploring the Jurassic Coast, visiting historic castles, or enjoying traditional seaside resorts, Dorset has it all.

Towns and cities

Bournemouth:

A popular seaside resort and the largest town in Dorset, Bournemouth is known for its sandy beaches, gardens, and vibrant nightlife. The town is a hub for culture, shopping, and outdoor activities.

Poole:

Located next to Bournemouth, Poole is famous for its large natural harbour, which is one of the largest in the world. The town has a rich maritime history and offers a mix of modern amenities and historic sites.

Weymouth:

A traditional seaside town, Weymouth has a wide sandy beach and a picturesque harbour. The town is a gateway to the Isle of Portland and the Jurassic Coast.

Dorchester:

The county town of Dorset, Dorchester is known for its historical sites, including Roman ruins and connections to Thomas Hardy. The town has a range of museums, shops, and cultural attractions.

Swanage:

A small town on the Isle of Purbeck, Swanage is a popular destination for beach goers and nature lovers. The town offers access to the Jurassic Coast and the Swanage Railway.

Bridport:

A market town with a vibrant arts scene, Bridport is known for its rope-making heritage and proximity to the Jurassic Coast. The town hosts regular markets, festivals, and cultural events.

Shaftesbury:

A hilltop town with stunning views, Shaftesbury is known for its steep cobbled streets and historical buildings. Gold Hill is a famous landmark in the town.

Lyme Regis:

A historic seaside town on the Jurassic Coast, Lyme Regis is known for its fossil- rich beaches and charming old town. The town is a hub for fossil hunting and maritime history.

Sherborne:

A historic town with beautiful architecture, Sherborne is home to a famous abbey and two castles. The town has a rich history and is a centre for education and culture.

Wareham:

A historic market town located near Poole Harbor, Wareham has ancient walls, a riverside setting, and is close to the wildlife-rich Arne Nature Reserve.

Area

2,541 sq. km / 981 sq. miles

Population

764,000 (2022)

Topography

Dorset is bordered by Devon to the west, Somerset to the north-west, Wiltshire to the north, and Hampshire to the east. The county has a diverse landscape, with the iconic Jurassic Coast (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to the south, rolling hills, fertile farmland, and the chalk downs of the Cranborne Chase. The Jurassic Coast stretches for 95 miles and features dramatic cliffs, coves, and beaches, many of which are rich in fossils. Inland, Dorset's countryside is dotted with quaint villages, market towns, and ancient woodlands.

Commerce

Traditionally, Dorset's economy was based on agriculture, fishing, and quarrying, particularly for Portland stone. Today, agriculture remains important, but tourism is a major industry, with visitors drawn to the county's natural beauty, historic sites, and coastal resorts. In addition to tourism, Dorset has a growing creative and digital sector, particularly in the larger towns like Bournemouth and Poole. The county is also home to some light manufacturing and marine-related industries.

Famous people

Anthony Ashley Cooper, Thomas Love Peacock, Thomas Hardy, Charles Parry

Attractions

History

Dorset's history stretches back to prehistoric times, with evidence of early human settlements in the form of hill forts, burial mounds, and stone circles. The county was later inhabited by the Celts and became part of the Roman Empire after their invasion in 43 AD. During the Anglo-Saxon period, Dorset was part of the Kingdom of Wessex, and it played a significant role in the defence against Viking invasions. The county's medieval history is marked by the construction of castles, churches, and abbeys, many of which still stand today. In more recent history, Dorset was a key location for the preparation of the D-Day landings during World War II, with troops and supplies being stationed along its coast.

Culture

Dorset has a rich cultural heritage, with traditions that reflect its rural roots and maritime history. The county is known for its folk music, traditional dances, and local festivals, such as the Dorchester Show and the Great Dorset Steam Fair. Literature and art have also played a significant role in Dorset's cultural identity. The county was the home of Thomas Hardy, one of England's greatest novelists, who used Dorset as the setting for many of his works, often referring to it as "Wessex." Hardy's cottage and Max Gate, his later home, are popular literary landmarks. Dorset has also inspired other writers and artists, including T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia), who lived near Bovington, and painter John Constable, who famously depicted the Dorset countryside.

Jurassic Coast:

This World Heritage Site is famous for its dramatic cliffs, fossil-rich beaches, and unique geological features. Popular spots include Durdle Door, a natural limestone arch, Lulworth Cove, Chesil Beach, and the Fossil Forest near Lyme Regis.

Corfe Castle:

A ruined castle in the village of Corfe, this iconic site has a history dating back over 1,000 years. The castle offers stunning views over the surrounding countryside and is a popular spot for history buffs and photographers.

Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove:

These natural landmarks on the Jurassic Coast are among Dorset's most famous attractions. Durdle Door is a natural limestone arch, while Lulworth Cove is a perfectly formed bay with clear waters, ideal for swimming and kayaking. Lulworth Castle is a striking historic building on the Dorset coast in southern England - often described as a “mock castle” rather than a true medieval fortress.

Lyme Regis:

A charming seaside town on the Jurassic Coast, Lyme Regis is known for its fossil-rich beaches, historic Cobb harbour, and literary connections (it features in Jane Austen's "Persuasion" and John Fowles' "The French Lieutenant's Woman"). The town is a hub for fossil hunting and has a museum dedicated to Mary Anning, a pioneering palaeontologist.

Bournemouth:

A vibrant coastal resort town, Bournemouth is famous for its sandy beaches, gardens, and lively cultural scene. The town offers a mix of traditional seaside attractions and modern amenities, including theatres, art galleries, and shopping centres.

Poole:

Known for its large natural harbour, Poole is a bustling town with a rich maritime history. The harbour is a gateway to the beautiful Brownsea Island, famous for its wildlife, including red squirrels and a variety of bird species.

Weymouth:

A classic British seaside resort, Weymouth is known for its sandy beach, Georgian seafront, and lively harbour. The town is also close to the Isle of Portland, a rugged peninsula famous for its stone quarries and lighthouse.

Swanage:

A small coastal town on the Isle of Purbeck, Swanage is known for its sandy beaches, Victorian pier, and proximity to the Jurassic Coast. The Swanage Railway offers heritage train rides through the scenic countryside.

Shaftesbury:

A historic market town known for its steep cobbled streets and panoramic views. Gold Hill, made famous by the Hovis bread commercial, is one of the most picturesque spots in Dorset.

Dorchester:

The county town of Dorset, Dorchester is steeped in history, with Roman ruins, a medieval castle, and connections to Thomas Hardy. The town is home to several museums, including the Dorset County Museum and The Keep Military Museum.

Abbotsbury:

A quaint village known for its Swannery, where visitors can see hundreds of swans, and the Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens. The village also has a beautiful medieval church and offers stunning views of Chesil Beach.

Studland Bay:

A beautiful stretch of sandy beach and dunes, Studland Bay is a popular spot for swimming, walking, and wildlife watching. The area is managed by the National Trust and offers views of Old Harry Rocks, a striking chalk formation.

Sherborne:

A historic town with beautiful architecture, Sherborne is home to Sherborne Abbey, one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in England, and Sherborne Castle, built by Sir Walter Raleigh.

Myths and Legends

Dorset has its share of myths and legends, many of which are tied to its ancient landscape. The county is home to the Cerne Abbas Giant, a giant chalk figure carved into the hillside, which has long been the subject of speculation and folklore. The figure is often associated with fertility rituals. Another legend is that of Moonfleet, a tale of smuggling along the Dorset coast, made famous by J. Meade Falkner's novel. The story is set in the village of Fleet and features secret tunnels, hidden treasures, and ghostly apparitions.

Weather

Dorset enjoys a mild maritime climate, with warm summers and cool winters. The coastal areas tend to be milder, while the inland regions can experience more variation in temperature. The county’s coastal location also means it can be prone to strong winds and occasional storms, especially in winter.

html5 menu by Css3Menu.com