DORSETThe main part of the Dorset's population live in the coastal region, the rest of the county is largely rural. It is hardly surprising – the Jurrasic coast is spectacular. Along with East Devon the Jurrasic coast became England's first natural World Heritage Site. A geological walk through time of three periods, the Triassic, Jurrasic and the Cretaceous – 185 million years!  Sandstone Cliffs, Burton Bradstock © Copyright michael ely and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence. The South West Coastal Path runs along the whole coastline, all 95 miles of it. There are plenty of local paths leading into it, so shorter walks are easily undertaken. Sensational scenic views reward the walker together with rock formations that reveal the earth's geological wonders. Guided walks are offered right through the year and not just during the summer months. Details can be found in local Tourist Information Centres. Dorchester is the capital of the county, a charming market town with an ancient history. Dorchester's best known son was of course Thomas Hardy, the writer, who was born a few miles away at Upper Bockhampton. Both the house where he was born and the house he designed and his brother, Henry, built for him – Max Gate - are owned by The National Trust and open to the public.Weymouth that delightful old fashioned town on the coast, so beloved of generations of families for their holiday by the seaside. Still is. Halfway along the Jurrasic Coast it is an ideal place for a starting point for the South West Coastal Path as well, or just for a stroll along a bit of it. Definitely a shutterbug's paradise! 200 events crowd Weymouth's calendar throughout the year! The popular Carnival is held in August annually. Bournemouth and Poole extend a long way along the coast and entice the beach loving visitor to partake of the pleasure of the safe golden beaches. Walk up Bournemouth Chines for a magnificient vista on a lovely sunny day – or an awesome one on a stormy day. Bit blowy though! Visit the Russell Coates Museum on the Chine.Rural Dorset - winding lanes, green countryside, small villages wih attractive thatched cottages and intriguing little pubs, lend a tourist a peaceful haven for a relaxing break away from it all. Tarrant Hinton is a small pretty village on the Salisbury to Blandford Forum road. The village is famous as being the venue for the Great Dorset Steam Fair a five day festival held every year in September.
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