Dorset: A Delightful Rolling Countryside

About The Place

Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty is the title that more than half of Dorset has been given. This county in Southern England has a long history, rich heritage and fascinating places. Dorchester is the administrative headquarters of Dorset which interestingly, has a lot of Roman hint into it. Dorset is the place where the famous novelist Thomas Hardy and the poet William Barnes were born. Looking into the works of Barnes, you’ll see how he has celebrated his birthplace.  As a matter of fact, Dorset has no cities; just villages and towns make up for the whole 1024 square miles of the area.

Culture And Heritage

It all started in 8000 BC when Mesolithic hunters visited Dorset but permanently they moved to the county only in 3000 BC. Population around the region was scanty. Animal husbandry and agriculture were made possible in the Bronze Age. Around 600 BC, Maiden Castle was constructed which today stands as the one of Europe’s largest hill fort from the Iron Age. Romans took over this Castle in 43 AD and there presence could be seen in the county, especially in Dorchester. For 150 years, Romans prevailed and defending the county against Saxon forces but they did get a hold of the county by the 7^th century.

After series of civil wars, Dorset played an important role in the two world wars. In 1974, Christchurch and Bournemouth were made a party of the county. George III vacationed in Dorset in the 19^th century and consequently, the county gained tremendous popularity; so much so that it receives 18 million tourists every year and tourism is the major industry leaving behind agriculture which has been supporting the economy since the beginning.

Attractions & Sports

Dorset has a lot to be seen. Visitors discover a new life here filled with history, beauty and secrets. Resorts in Bournemouth as well as the beaches there, Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, Monkey World, Hardy’s Cottage, Dorset County Museums and many more places are a must visit whenever you’re in the county. Missing out on anything could be like missing a piece from the puzzle – you won’t be able to see the complete picture of Dorset as a link from history would be absent.

 For adrenaline rush, Dorset is just the place to be. Walking, cycling, golf or equestrian sports, whatever gives you thrill, Dorset has it. Water sports are quite obviously appreciated for the county on the coast of English Channel. It has beaches which provide the wet and wild sports from fishing to scuba diving to sailing to diving to surfing.  Sanbanks, Weymouth beach , Bournemouth beach, Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour, Chesil Bank, Hive Beach, Shell Beach should all be looked out for.

Food & Drink

From tearooms to pubs to restaurants, Dorset is filled with places to eat out. You’ll taste some of the most delicious food here – freshly caught fish or the famous Apple cake, you’ll find everything cooked with extra love. There are many award winning restaurants and chefs spoiling their diners crazy. The food is one thing visitors miss the most when they get back.

In Christchurch, you’ll find the Indian restaurant Masala Bay, Tide’s Restaurant of Captain’s Club Hotel with Sunday brunch specialty, the waterside restaurant The Jetty and Lord Bute with classical setting among many others. Hen hole restaurant in Poole, Grad Hotel in Swanage, Manor House Hotel in Studland, Prezzo, Smugglers Inn in Weymouth, The Fox Inn in Dorchester are a few on the list restaurants serving amazingly delicious food.

Shopping

All the towns in Dorset have markets. Farmer markets are particularly popular for they offer everything – seafood, beef, marmalade and the other locally produced eatables. Christchurch, Bridport and Poundbury have the best picks; you’ll get to taste the gold in these farmer markets directly from the hands of the producers.

Independent shops of gifts, arts, jewelry and antiques dominate the two towns – Sturminster Newton and Sherborne. Dorchester, Wareham, Weymouth, Bridport, Badger Ales, Lyme Regis have all got something to offer. Only when you visit each market everyday you’ll know what life in Dorset is all about.

Bournemouth has departmental stores for all the family essentials and streets shops for antiques, accessories and handcrafted jewelry. All year long, Dorset celebrates festivals and organizes shows around the county which are just the ideal events for a true Dorset shopping experience.

Music And Nightlife

If you are the nightlife junkie, take your pick – comedy club, pubs and bars or cinemas. Dorset is not incompetent when it comes to the activities of the night. Starting with the historic Electric Palace in Bridport which takes you to the world of movies and music, make timely stops at the Funnybone Comedy Club in Bournemouth, Opera House in Bournemouth, Rex Cinema in Wareham, and Mai Tai Lounge Bar in Poole.

Amazing UK say’s

Dorset gives you a package, a complete one. Don’t just take souvenirs home; take back memories, love and joy you experienced here. A vacation is special and Dorset is extra special. Only greater good can come out when these two positives meet.