DORSET

The 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.

200 events crowd Weymouth's calendar throughout the year! The popular Carnival is held in August annually.

Isle of Portland is the venue for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Sailing events. A stunning choice. Portland has the largest man made harbour in Britain and has the very modern Weymouth and Portland Sailing Academy. On top of these fantastic facilities Portland is in a spectacular location on the south Dorset coast with the Jurassic coast as the backdrop.

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.

The Great Dorset Steam Fair at Tarrant Hinton www.geograph.org.uk  © Copyright Dunstable Dasher and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

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