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Out and About
Dorset and the surrounding area offers natural beauty providing some of the most stunning scenery in
the country. Home to rolling hills, rugged coastline, lush forest and of course, mile after mile of
fantastic golden sandy beaches, the county is easily accessible, and is tailor made for exploring by car,
foot or bike. Here are a few places to get you started.
The seaport town of Poole is home to the second largest natural harbour in the world. The historic
Quay area offers many types of boat trips along this magnificent stretch of coastline and don’t forget
to hop over to Brownsea Island, a wonderful nature reserve owned by the National Trust.
The ancient New Forest, created as the hunting ground of William the Conqueror, is ideal for the
cyclist, walker or horse rider. Ponies, donkeys and cattle all roam freely through the Forest’s
picturesque villages, like Burley and Brockenhurst.
Wimborne is a quaint market town with a lovely Square and the beautiful 12th century Wimborne
Minster. The town has a very lively three-day folk festival in early June.
Weymouth, located to the west of Dorset, is a busy harbour town, with Fleet Lagoon nature reserve
located nearby. The town will host the sailing events for the 2012 Olympic Games.
Dorset’s Jurassic Coast is a stunning World Heritage site, recording 185 million years of history in its
rugged cliffs. Take in Durleston Head, Dancing Ledge, Lulworth Cove and don’t miss Durdle Doors’
famous rock archway. A camera is a must!
The small village of Studland on the Isle of Purbeck is known for its National Trust beach and nature
reserve, which is home to all six types of British reptile. Studland Bay, protected by Old Harry Rocks,
has great views of the Isle of Wight and Studland itself served as Enid Blyton’s inspiration for Toytown
in the classic Noddy books.
Just inside the Wiltshire border to the north is Salisbury, whose cathedral has the tallest spire in the
UK. The cathedral also has the best preserved copy of the original Magna Carta. Steeped in legend and
folklore, the Salisbury area also boasts one of Britain’s best historic sites - Stonehenge.
Corfe Castle is an iconic survivor of the English Civil War, with over 1,000 years of history packed in its
dramatic ruins. Perched on a hill, the castle site has great panoramic views of the surrounding
countryside, overlooking the delightful village.
In the most easterly borough of Dorset is Christchurch, whose harbour is the meeting point for the
rivers Avon and Stour. The impressive Priory which gives the town its name, dates from the 11th
century, while the ruins of Christchurch Castle pre-date the Norman Conquest. The art deco Regent
Centre stages plays and films and the town holds a weekly market.
Other things to consider are hopping on a ferry to the Isle of Wight and discovering why it is a
designated Area of Natural Beauty, walking 18 miles in the shingle of Chesil Beach, from Portland to
West Bay, visiting T. E. Lawrence’s (Lawrence of Arabia) cottage Clouds Hill, Wareham, and going to
Shaftesbury and seeing Gold Hill, the steep, cobbled street from the memorable Hovis advert.
For further information or to arrange a press trip please contact Bournemouth Tourism Press Office T: 01202 451750
E: [email protected].