Dorset is a county steeped in historical past, pure magnificence, and charming coastal landscapes—a real gem to discover in southwest England.
When the chance to spend 3 days in Dorset introduced itself, it was tough to say no. As a lover of nature, historical past, and journey, the prospect of discovering unbelievable locations to go to in Dorset with its rugged shoreline, picturesque villages, and cultural heritage was an thrilling one!
With just a few days to discover the highlights of days out in Dorset, I crafted an plan with somewhat little bit of all the pieces I really like. I hope you get pleasure from my Dorset 3 day itinerary!
DAY ONE IN DORSET: Wimborne + Cerne Abbas
Knowlton Church
Knowlton Church and Earthworks is an English Heritage website constructed within the twelfth century and is alleged to be one of the haunted locations in Dorset. This Norman church is surrounded by Neolithic earthworks, related to prehistoric rituals. Fortunately, I didn’t hear ghostly figures or whispering voices!
|| Knowlton Church opens all yr | Free to enter | LOCATION
Sturminster Newton Mill
Sturminster Newton Mill sits on the River Stour with a legacy courting again to Saxon instances, with point out within the Domesday Ebook of 1086.
The current construction, an L-shaped constructing, includes the south and north wings, the previous rebuilt round 1650. Initially separate, the north wing, added in 1611, was later built-in with the grain mill. That is nonetheless a completely operational water mill, and you may even purchase the flour made with this spectacular industrial equipment.
In 1876-78, Thomas Hardy lived in Riverside Villas overlooking the Mill, the place he wrote “The Return of the Native.” He later recalled this time as his happiest, describing idyllic nights rowing on the River Stour.
Different factors of curiosity are the Sturminster Newton Museum (at present below renovation), the ruins of Sturminster Newton Fort and the stays of Fiddleford Mill. There’s a Farmers’ Market on the first Saturday of the month.
|| Sturminster Newton Mill opens on the final weekend in March to the tip of September | Price to enter | LOCATION
Cerne Abbas Big
The Cerne Abbas Big, a colossal bare determine wielding a membership, is carved into the chalk hillside close to the village of Cerne Abbas. Standing at 180 ft tall, it’s Britain’s largest, and most well-known, chalk hill determine.
The origins and function stay shrouded in thriller. Nevertheless, it’s believed to be a logo of fertility and spirituality that was presumably constructed within the late Saxon interval.
The Nationwide Belief viewpoint has round 10 areas to see the mighty Cerne Big.
Cerne Abbas is a quintessential village with previous cottages, a Benedictine abbey, and historic English pubs. The very best stopping level if you’re strolling the Cerne Valley Path.
|| Cerne Big Viewpoint is open all yr | Free automotive park | LOCATION
DAY TWO IN DORSET: Jurassic Coast
Lulworth Fort
Lulworth Fort was constructed within the early seventeenth century as a searching lodge, the fort has a storied previous, having served as a royalist stronghold throughout the English Civil Conflict and later reworked right into a lavish nation residence with turrets and battlements.
Sadly, Lulworth Fort was ravished by hearth on 29 August 1929, and the renovation works are ongoing. The magnificent interiors and opulent staterooms are left to your creativeness with images and knowledge on its fascinating historical past to assist.
Surrounding Lulworth Fort lies an unlimited expanse of gardens and woodlands to discover, in addition to a youngsters’s play space. Have a slice of cake within the tearooms within the Fort Rose Backyard.
|| Lulworth Fort is open all yr | Price to enter + Park | Free for full English Heritage members | LOCATION
Durdle Door
Durdle Door, a pure limestone arch alongside the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, stands as a charming marvel of nature. Carved over millennia by the relentless forces of wind and waves, this iconic landmark emerges majestically from the turquoise waters of the English Channel. And what a magnificence it’s!
The title, “Durdle,” is derived from an Previous English phrase that means “hole” or “door.” The arch spans roughly 200 ft and is flanked by towering cliffs, the right spot to sit down and admire the view.
How one can get to Durdle Door & Lulworth Cove
- For the drivers, the automotive park gives one ticket that covers Lulworth Fort, Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove
- Native buses (15, 30 and X55) join Wool Railway Station to West Lulworth for Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door.
- To stroll from Durdle Door to Lulworth Cove is simply over a 1 mile. You possibly can both stroll again or take the bus again to the automotive park.
- For a hassle-free expertise, discover the choices of Durdle Door excursions.
Lulworth Cove
Lulworth Cove is positioned in a horseshoe-shaped bay, shaped 10,000 years in the past by the erosive forces of the ocean. In case you look throughout the bay, rocks from 150 to 65 million years previous may be seen which blew my thoughts.
If you wish to geek out with extra info about Lulworth Cove, spend somewhat time within the Customer’s Centre. In case you handle to stroll previous the tempting ice cream retailers, you possibly can seize a crab and lobster burger freshly caught by the native fishermen.
The shingle seashore surrounded by towering limestone cliffs can get busy however it’s price taking the stroll as much as discover the notorious geological formations similar to Lulworth Crumple and Stair Gap.
Corfe Fort
Corfe Fort is perched dramatically on prime of a steep hill within the coronary heart of the Isle of Purbeck. Courting again over a thousand years, this iconic fortress has witnessed centuries of tumultuous occasions, from medieval battles to the English Civil Conflict.
The village can be named Corfe Fort the place you possibly can discover the quaint retailers and artwork galleries, or take the heritage steam prepare on the Swanage Railway.
|| Corfe Fort is open all yr | Price to enter + free to Nationwide Belief members | LOCATION
|| Jurassic Coast Excursions You Might Like
DAY THREE IN DORSET: Bournemouth
Highcliffe Fort
Highcliffe Fort is a surprising Victorian-era architectural gem in-built 1830 within the Gothic Revival fashion. The proprietor and visionary was Lord Stuart de Rothesay who used the mansion to host royalty and rich company. Its’ commanding clifftop place gives breathtaking views of the English Channel and the Isle of Wight.
Sadly, Highcliffe Fort was left as nothing greater than a hole shell following two devastating fires within the Sixties. Now, owned by BCP Council, this Grade I listed constructing is being renovated again to its’ former glory.
My favorite function is the Jesse stained-glass window which dates again to 1547 because it was retrieved from the church of St.Vigour at Rouen, which was partly destroyed throughout the French Revolution.
|| Highcliffe Fort is open all yr from Sunday-Thursday | Price to enter | LOCATION
Hengistbury Head
With sweeping views of the English Channel, Hengistbury Head is residence to various habitats and remnants of historic civilisations, that are showcased within the interactive exhibitions on the Guests Centre.
Traditionally, Hengistbury Head bears proof of Stone Age artefacts to an Iron Age hillfort, the Roman invasion of 43AD and the Battle of Mudeford between smugglers and coastguards.
The character reserve of Hengistbury Head has a spread of is residence to over 500 plant species, 300 kinds of birds and an outstanding number of bugs, reptiles and small mammals. There’s a beautiful round stroll which is a part of the Stour Valley Means to find views of the Isle of Wight and Previous Harry Rocks.
|| Hengistbury Head is open all yr | LOCATION
Sandbanks
Sandbanks is located on a slender peninsula between Poole Harbour and the English Channel and is famend for its golden seashores and prestigious properties.
I travelled to Dorset in March and loved a blustery stroll alongside the shores, however in hotter climate, it’s a super vacation spot for water sports activities lovers. If in case you have the chance, take into account taking a ferry to Brownsea Island, managed by the Nationwide Belief, the place you possibly can wander via wooded paths and catch glimpses of Sika deer.
|| Excursions You Might Like in Bournemouth
Journey Assets for 3 Days in Dorset
tips on how to get to dorset
Attending to Dorset may be finished by automotive, ferry, prepare, bus and aircraft. Travelling round Dorset may be finished by automotive and public transport. It might take somewhat longer to navigate by bus and rail so it’s possible you’ll want to issue this in when planning what issues to see in Dorset.
Dorset by Automobile
For a Dorset highway journey, the county is handy to succeed in from any a part of the UK. Though the county lacks motorways, the M5 from Bristol offers quick access to the western area, catering to travellers from the West Nation, North, and Wales.
Driving does make sightseeing simpler in Dorset, so you can rent a automotive earlier than you set off or from the closest prepare station in Dorset. My go-to for automotive rental is Uncover Automobiles who additionally supply electrical autos for accountable travellers. In case you are driving an EV, test the charging factors in Dorset.
Dorset by public transport
Dorset advantages from a dependable rail community connecting it with main UK cities, cities and native stations nationwide. Examine the prepare instances and routes with TrainLine.
To journey by bus and rail throughout the southwest, one of the best app is Traveline South West.
The place To Keep in Dorset
You’ll be spoiled for selection on the place to remain in Dorset. I stayed in an eco-friendly cottage in Wimborne to benefit from the Darkish Sky nation escape. The Previous Dairy is likely one of the Traditional Cottages Eco-Assortment, and I extremely suggest it for an extended weekend in Dorset.
|| YOU MAY LIKE TO READ PLACES TO VISIT IN SALISBURY AND THINGS TO DO IN STRATFORD-UPON-AVON
Dorset FAQs
is dorset price visiting?
Surely! Dorset’s gorgeous seashores, charming villages, and historic websites similar to Corfe Fort make it an unbelievable vacation spot for nature lovers, historical past lovers, and anybody in search of scenic magnificence.
What number of days ought to I spend in Dorset?
The perfect period for a go to to Dorset depends upon your pursuits and itinerary. A minimal of three days in Dorset permits time to discover its predominant points of interest. In case you can afford the time, one week in Dorset would supply a extra immersive expertise.
What’s Dorset greatest identified for?
Dorset is greatest identified for its gorgeous Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Website, that includes dramatic cliffs, fossil-rich seashores, and iconic landmarks like Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. Exploring the shoreline shouldn’t be missed out of your Dorset itinerary.
PIN TO PLAN 3 DAYS IN DORSET
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