Dorset
Dorset is such a wonderful county, from the beautiful beaches and glorious countryside to the peaceful market towns and picturesque villages. There is so much to see and do when you come here for your holiday in the West Country, with adventures, activities and attractions giving you heaps of choice for days out with the kids. If you decide to venture over the border when you're staying in our Devon holiday cottages at Stonehayes Farm a little forward planning will ensure you take in some of the best places to visit.
Watch Cygnets Hatching at Abbotsbury Swannery
Abbotsbury Swannery is home to the world’s only managed colony of nesting mute swans, with over 100 pairs living here. From the middle of May to the end of June you can see cygnets hatching and help with the daily feeds. Children will love the play area with its swan maze and nest swings, and if you get peckish (groan!) you can tuck into something tasty at the Swannery Cafe.
Stroll around Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
Less than 10 minutes' drive away are Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens where over 6000 plant species from around the world thrive in the unique microclimate. Stroll along the camelia grove, through the charming Victorian Garden, over the bridges and around the lily pond, see the extensive collection of rhododendron and hydrangea, and a multitude of Mediterranean plants. Allow time for a light lunch on the veranda of the cafe.
Other places that will appeal to garden lovers include Athelhampton House & Gardens, Kingston Lacy, Mintern House & Gardens, and over on the Somerset border, Forde Abbey where water from the highest powered fountain in England cascades into the Mermaid Pond from 160 feet in the air.
Step Back in Time at Corfe Castle
What's left of Corfe Castle stands high on a hill above the pretty village of the same name. Wander the iconic castle ruins, follow the audio tour to discover the fascinating history of this royal castle, from when it was established by William the Conqueror to the part it played in the English Civil War. Make time for a riverside picnic, or go to the tea shop in the village.
History buffs will also like the Iron Age hillfort complex at Maiden Castle, the Roman house in Dorchester, and the cliffside castle ruins of Sandsfoot Castle near Weymouth.
Make Like an Ape at Monkey World
At Monkey World you can see over 250 rescued and endangered primates, including the largest chimpanzee group outside Africa. There are orangutans, gibbons, capuchin monkeys, marmosets, macaques and lemurs, all living contentedly in large enclosures - learn all about them in the daily talks and keepers Q&A sessions. Let the kids monkey around in the play area, then get a bite to eat from the cafe or kiosk, or tuck into your sandwiches and sausage rolls at one of the picnic spots.
Animal lovers can also get up close to marine life at Weymouth Sea Life Adventure Park, spot red squirrels on Brownsea Island, or have a bird of prey experience at Dorset Falconry Park.
Spend a Day by the Sea
Discover some of Dorset's beautiful beaches, each with their own character and spectacular coastal scenery. For something different, the natural stone arch at Durdle Door will astound, the sheer beauty of Lulworth Cove will make you want to linger. While away a day playing on the sands at Weymouth, Bournemouth or Studland Bay, see the famous lighthouse at Portland Bill, go fossil hunting and mackerel fishing at Lyme Regis, or soak up the quieter vibe at Burton Bradstock and Seatown.
Visit Thomas Hardy's Cottage in the Woods
Hardy's Cottage at Higher Brockhampton is so idyllic, with its thatched roof and cob walls, roses around the door, and birdsong echoing from the wooded backdrop. Thomas hardy was born here in 1840 and it's where he wrote several of his earlier works including 'Far from the Madding Crowd' and 'Under the Greenwood Tree'. Take a peek inside to see how the rooms would have looked when Hardy lived here, amble through the garden and orchard, venture further into the woods or out onto the Dorset Heaths.
Other places to visit with literary appeal in Dorset include Hardy's house Max Gate in Dorchester, T E Lawrence’s rustic cottage at Clouds Hill, and Lyme Regis - the setting for John Fowles 'The French Lieutentant's Woman' and Jane Austen's 'Persuasion'.
Browse the Towns
If shopping is your thing go bargain hunting in Bournemouth, explore the city streets at Poole and make time for a leisurely cruise around the harbour; for something different, browse the lively vintage quarter in Bridport. Spend a day discovering Dorchester, the county town; browse the shops, watch an outdoor movie or live entertainment at Brewery Square, take your pick from the fascinating museums - Dorset Museum & Art Gallery has an important collection of Roman, Bronze Age and Iron Age artefacts, but you might prefer the Teddy Bear Museum, The Dinosaur Museum, The Terracotta Warriors Museum, or The Tutankhamun Exhibition.
Dorset's smaller towns are also worth visiting; Sherborne is lovely, with several independent shops, the beautiful Sherborne Abbey, knowns as the ‘cathedral of Dorset', and Sir Walter Raleigh's Sherborne Castle built in 1594. Shaftesbury is a delight to visit with its picture-postcard Gold Hill (anyone remember the Hovis advert from 1970??), its' fascinating Anglo-Saxon Abbey, and the stunning views across the Blackmore Vale.
Explore the Wilds
There are plenty of places where you can embrace the great outdoors in Dorset. Explore the internationally important Dorset Heaths with a mix of wildlife habitat, see the enormous Cerne Abbas Giant carved into the chalk hillside, discover the unique landscape of Chesil Beach, go birdwatching at Fleet Lagoon, walk the high clifftops on the South West Coast Path.
Dorset is a land of plenty and so much awaits you; pottle about the prettiest little villages, fill your baskets at a local farmer’s market, enjoy lazy picnics or pub lunches, pack in as much as you can and make the most of what Dorset has to offer. You’ll want to come back again and again because as the old saying goes – Dorset is bootiful.
All information correct at the time of writing