Coronavirus: What are the social distancing rules? Find out more here. Heritage Highlight: King Charles Cottage - a narrow escape for a future king! For the literature fans among you, must-visits include Thomas Hardy’s Max Gate and Hardy’s Cottage. It is believed that the transport of that time took advantage of the various rivers in the area and the closeness to the natural harbour at Poole. Fans of the arts can find places offering Jane Austin walking tours and even Broadchurch tours, too. Belchalwell village is situated in the Blackmore Vale, near Okeford Fitzpaine, Blandford Forum, Dorset, UK, under the north facing escarpment of the Dorset … Bere Regis, The name comes from a combination of words for the 'Abbot's broad ford'. As you can see there are many quirky little villages in Dorset, each with their own history, claim to fame and individual mysteries just waiting to be discovered and unless you spend a night or two, there’s no way you will be able to see them all! Pretty busy town with so much going on. Famous for the enigmatic and well-endowed Cerne Abbas Giant, one of the largest hillside figures in Britain, the village of Cerne Abbas lies just east of the... During the Iron Age, the area between the rivers Avon and Stour were settled and the town of Christchurch was born. The River Frome flows into the western end of the harbour. Shaftesbury is perhaps best known for Gold Hill, the steep cobbled street made famous in the classic 1973 Hovis advert, Boy on the Bike. The Castle, built in 1086, was one of the country’s great strongholds and was defended by Lady Bankes during the English Civil War. Towns in Dorset: West Bay. Dorset Towns, Villages and City. Dorset schools hit by coronavirus days after reopening; Base jumper rescued from Dorset radio transmitter; Bournemouth teenagers electric skateboard wins design competition; Student finance: 'It's tough to find money for the bills' Carole Packman murder: Russell Causley granted parole; Campaigner's 100-mile swim to highlight coastal litter If you’re planning a trip to this breathtaking corner of southern England, be it to stop in one place or explore the wider county, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing where to go. Its vibrant seafront is home to a sandy beach lined with multi-coloured beach huts and equally colourful houses. It lies halfway between Exeter, to the west, and Dorchester, to the east, and is known as “The Pearl of Dorset”. England, Heritage Rating: ? The abbot concerned was the abbot of nearby Sherborne Abbey, and the ford crossed the Yeo just south-east of modern Yeovil. If you’re looking to wander down winding country lanes lined with sweet scented wild flowers, tinkling streams, thatched cobb cottages before chancing upon a quaint little village pub or tea room, you’ve come to the right place. Jurrasic Coast, You’d be forgiven for thinking that you don’t know what the small village of Cerne Abbas is famous for, but then you’ll see that instantly recognisable image of the nude man carved into the chalk hillside. Blandford Forum, Next to the house is a 15th... Yetminster is a lovely village, situated on the River Wriggle and built almost entirely of honey coloured limestone, and is well worth visiting. To anyone who has read and enjoyed the novels of Thomas Hardy it is synonymous with the Wessex novels. Located on the banks of the River Yeo and packed with independent galleries, bookshops and eateries, Sherborne is a beautiful town to discover. Broadwindsor, Welcome to the Itinerary Planner. Excludes taxes and fees. There was a Roman settlement at Wareham and the modern town has grown up over this. of Abbotsbury. Visit the Bridport Website. All community organisations are offered free pages on the site, and commercial companies have free listings and details posted in the business directory. As well as having some of the most beautiful coastal scenery to be found anywhere, Dorset is home to some fascinating towns and idyllic villages. The picturesque coastal town of Weymouth has all the ingredients for a traditional British summer holiday. Dorset, This quiet village on the Dorset coast boasts a world-famous Swannery, an award-winning sub-tropical garden, a remarkable medieval tithe barn, an Iron Age hill fort, and a striking medieval chapel on the hill above the village. And, what other English county has such evocative village names as Whitchurch Canonicorum, Rhyme Intrensica or Gussage All Saints? Sutton Poyntx is picture-postcard pretty with a village pub overlooking the duckpond. * The value of 1 reward night is the average price of the 10 stamps you collect. Use this tool to build your own journey or choose from an exciting range of specially selected tours. The village is bordered by the River Frome and is made up of just a few streets. Visit the Abbotsbury Website. Lyme Regis is a breathtaking seaside town in West Dorset, hugging the famous Jurassic Coast. Covid symptoms: What are they and how do I protect myself? Film and TV enthusiasts with a sharp eye may well recognise places such as Sherborne Abbey and Sherborne School from the likes of Far From The Madding Crowd and the 2014 blockbuster The Imitation Game, starring Benedict Cumberbatch. A site to discuss news, sports, whats on and other matters of interest in a user friendly environment for people from Christchurch. From Saxon times, the Great Priory Church occupied a prime position close to the river, dominating a timber-walled town arranged in a grid system. Situated at the mouth of the river Lym, Lyme Regis is the most westerly town in Dorset. Plus, no trip to Lyme Regis would be complete without a visit to the traditional Marine Aquarium. and Breakfasts. The donkeys on... Wimborne lies on the River Stour. When you’re not exploring real-life historic landmarks, step back in time on a journey through the intricately-detailed Corfe Castle Model Village, giving you a glimpse into what life used to be like here in 1646. Belchalwell village is situated in the Blackmore Vale, near Okeford Fitzpaine, Blandford Forum, Dorset, UK, under the north facing escarpment of the Dorset Heights. The pillar was used to dramatic effect in Thomas Hardy's novel, 'Tess of the D'Urbervilles'. And set in the heart of Cranborne Chase, once a mediaeval hunting estate, are the intimate, rural villages of the Tarrants, Chrichels and the Gussages. Abbotsbury is a popular, pretty, picture-postcard village steeped in history and surrounded by spectacular scenery. The charming market town of Sherborne is rich in history, with fascinating ancient landmarks to explore. Following the Norman Invasion,... Corfe Castle is a village, civil parish and ruined castle with views stretching across the width of the Isle of Purbeck. The list below includes all the major towns and villages in Dorset.