Dorset is one of the most rural counties of England and is situated on the south coast between Devon and Hampshire. To find out more about the interesting places to visit while on holiday in Dorset, click on one of the links to the left. The map of Dorset below shows the locations of Bournemouth, Weymouth, Poole and many other towns in the county.
Bournemouth and its surrounding area is by far the most populous area and it is also the primary holiday destination in Dorset. Close to Bournemouth is the cosmopolitan town of Poole, with its bustling Quay, some of the best beaches in England and a stunning natural harbour. Weymouth is another seaside holiday resort, popular with families because of its safe sandy beach.
Dorchester, the county town, is packed full of history and heritage, from Roman relics to the Bloody Assize, the Tolpuddle Martyrs and Thomas Hardy. In the green valleys and wooded hills of the north of the county lies Sherborne, with its famous schools, two castles and magnificent abbey church.
To the west is Lyme Regis, the setting for the film The French Lieutenant’s Woman, and one of the best locations for fossil hunting. In the heart of rural Dorset is the beautiful Georgian market town of Blandford Forum, which boasts some outstanding architecture, a selection of fascinating museums, shops and galleries, and which is home to the annual Great Dorset Steam Fair.
