Jurassic coast

Dorset Attractions

The largely unspoilt county of Dorset boasts stunning scenery. Its Jurassic coast is England’s first and only World Heritage site.

Mileage to attractions is quoted from Long Acre.

Dorchester is the Roman “Durnovaria” or Thomas Hardy’s “Casterbridge”.

Maiden Castle:

(7 Miles)
Two miles south of Dorchester. Largest Iron Age Hill fort in Europe.
Thomas Hardy’s Birthplace:

(6 Miles)
National Trust property at Higher Bockhampton. Open to the public.
Athelhampton House:

(6 Miles)
An exceptionally fine 15th Century house with scenic formal gardens.
Dorset County Museum:

(7 Miles)
Dorset Military Museum:

(7 Miles)

The Purbeck area contains beautiful landscapes and world renowned beaches

Lulworth:

(5 Miles)
Picturesque Lulworth is a perfectly formed sandy cove on the Jurassic coast. This is the most visited geological site in Britain. Stairhole and the natural limestone arch of Durdle Door are nearby. The restored early 17th century Castle and grounds are situated in the village of East Lulworth.
Corfe Castle:

(14 Miles)
A picturesque fairy-tale like castle ruin on a conical hill.
Monkey World:

(5 Miles)
An ape reserve situated near Wool in a 65 acre park.
Bovington Tank Museum:

(6 Miles)
Here can be found the World’s best collection of tanks. Many events are staged throughout the year. A £16 million re-development programme took place in 2009.
Lawrence of Arabia’s Cottage:

(6 Miles)
National Trust property near Bovington open to the public.
Moreton Church & Lawrence of Arabia’s Burial Place:

(3 Miles)
This unique country church is world renowned for its clear engraved windows by Laurence Whistler. Lawrence of Arabia’s burial place is in the cemetery which is a short walk across the road, under the white arch.

Weymouth is a very popular family seaside resort with a long curving safe sandy beach and scenic harbour, where ferries cross to the Channel Islands.

Abbotsbury Swannery & Sub Tropical Gardens:

(12 Miles)
Sheltered and protected, baby swans hatch between mid-May and late June. The sub-tropical gardens were planted in the 18th century.
Nothe Fort:

(9 Miles)
An underground museum of Coastal Defence in a prime location overlooking Weymouth harbour and Portland harbour.
Sea Life Park & Marine Sanctuary:

(8 Miles) Uniquely set across a 14 acre Park with both indoor and outdoor exhibits – perfect to visit in any weather!
Discovery Interactive Centre, Brewers Quay:

(6 Miles) Ideal wet weather activity with over 60 hands on scientifically based exhibits, mainly geared towards young visitors.