Dorset

With so much natural beauty in Dorset, it is a destination of choice for those wanting to enjoy nature, expeience the great outdoors and escape the everyday.

Dorset stretches from the county of Hampshire to the edge of Poole, and includes the seaside towns of Christchurch and Bournemouth. Known as the gateway to the Jurassic Coast, this part of Dorset is a popular holiday destination due to is beautiful sandy beaches, easy access to the UNESCO World Heritage site and array of accommodation choices to suit all budgets.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole offer some of the UK’s most beautiful coastline, with nearly 15 miles of glorious beaches, including nine out of the eleven blue flag award winning beaches in Dorset.

Dorset is also home to the world’s largest natural harbour at Poole, which includes world famous Sandbanks and the beautiful Brownsea Island, the largest island in Poole harbour, known for its red squirrels, wildlife and scouting. Poole is also home to a bustling quayside and a beautiful historic old town. Take to the water and start your exploration of the Jurassic Coast from Poole. Stretching from Old Harry’s Rock near Swanage, to Exmouth in Devon and covering 95 miles, this is England’s only natural world heritage site.

Christchurch is sandwiched between the New Forest National Park on one side and the bustling resort of Bournemouth on the other, it is the perfect location for a fantastic holiday or short break with its six fabulous beaches, coastal nature reserves and heritage attractions.

Top 10 things to do in Dorset

• With 20 miles of the South Coast beaches to choose from, including 11 blue flag award winning ones, enjoy an ice-cream, go for a paddle in the sea or hire a beach hut.
• Explore the world’s second largest natural harbour by boat from Poole Quay with City Cruises. Sail pass the famous National Trust Brownsea Island, Sandbanks Peninsula and Studland Bay or start your exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast with a Sea Train Adventure sailing past Harry's Rocks on the way to Swanage.
• Take to the water with one of the hosts of watersports on offer in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, including paddleboarding, sailing, surfing, kayaking, jet skiing, snorkelling, wakeboarding, sailing, powerboating.
• Explore the award-winning Victorian gardens at the heart of Bournemouth. This 1.5-mile grade II listed gardens, retains much of their Victorian character and charm
• Experience the world’s first pier to shore zip wire from Bournemouth Pier. Climb the 60ft zip tower above the sea and zip-surf over the waves to the shore.
• Join a Christchurch Priory Tower Tour and climb the 176 steps up to enjoy panoramic views of the town and harbour or take a visit to Red House Museum and Gallery and find out more about Christchurch for the before the Ice Age to morden times.
• Enjoy a  visit to Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve, a must for walkers, lovers of wildlife and nature.
• Explore Poole’s Historic Old Town - Pick up a Cockle Trail leaflet at Poole Tourist Information Centre, located in Poole Museum and retrace Poole’s rich historical heritage.
• Enjoy afternoon tea for two on the terrace at Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum in Bournemouth, or attend one of the dazzling programme of special events all year round from weekly firework nights in the summer, the UK’s biggest air festival or Christmas Tree Wonderland.