Dorset Travel Guide
Dorset is the perfect UK summer destination this year for socially-distanced walking routes, rural viewpoints, large beaches and great history. Plan ahead and you’ll be able to choose places to visit and walking routes where you’ll only see a handful of other people.
Where to Stay in Dorset – Hotels and accommodation are currently closed in the UK due to Coronavirus restrictions and it’s important to stay safe and follow the government’s guidelines. The updated guidelines for hotels can be read here. However, if restrictions are lifted later on in the summer, Dorset has plenty of rural campaign spots and countryside hotels, so you can have your summer holiday without coming into contact with too many crowds.
Best Things To Do in Dorset
Coastal Walk from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door
The coastal path from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door is one of the most beautiful walks in the UK. Park up in the small village of Lulworth and start your walk along the grassy cliff top edges of the Jurassic coast from there. You’ll be rewarded with sweeping sea views and incredible rocky arches. There are a few pebble beaches and sandy bays along this walk, so bring your swimming kit and a picnic.
Corfe Castle
Standing more than 55 metres above the village of Corfe, this impressive limestone castle is steeped in more than 1000 years of history. Whilst the castle is partially in ruins now, that doesn’t take away from it’s gorgeous setting and amazing structure. Corfe Castle is currently open during summer, but due to coronavirus you need to book tickets in advance through the National Trust website. My mum works as one of the gatekeepers at Corfe Castle, so make sure to say a jolly ‘hi’ when you visit.
Stargazing at Dancing Ledge
Is there anything more romantic than an evening spent with a bottle of wine gazing at the stars? Dorset is full of quiet, rolling hills and Dancing Ledge is considered one of the best places for star gazers. Bring a thick blanket and warm coat as it can be chilly this close to the coast after dark.
Best Cafes & Restaurants in Dorset
I’ve shared all the best places to eat in Dorset over here, but here are two of my absolute favourites that you shouldn’t miss:
Mad Cucumber – For a healthy lunch or dinner spot, drop by Mad Cucumber in Bournemouth. This vegan restaurant serves up tasty curries, bean chillies, burritos and salad bowls.
Cafe Boscanova – Cafe Boscanova is the place to go for a good breakfast or brunch. Expect delicious pancake stacks, homemade granola, vegetarian breakfast plates and freshly ground coffee.
Blueberry pancake stack
Getting In and Out of Dorset
By Car – I’d recommend going by car to Dorset if possible. Whilst there are buses and trains that run regularly around the county, much of Dorset’s most beautiful spots are more rural and not well connected by public transport.
By Train – Trains to Bournemouth and Weymouth run regularly from London Waterloo. The journey time from London to Bournemouth is approximately 2 and a half hours.
Know Before You Go
Climate — The best time to visit Dorset is during the UK summer from June – September. You’ll be more likely to be greeted by blue skies and warmer weather during the summer, although rainy days are still possible. It is England after all! Bring your raincoat just in case.
ATMs — There are ATMs in all the main towns and cities in Dorset. If you’re going off-the-beaten track, I’d recommend heading to an ATM in Bournemouth or the nearest town beforehand. Though cards are regularly accepted, there are a few farm shops and other places that still only accept cash.
This Dorset travel guide was written in collaboration with Hotels.com, but all views are my own honest opinions and all the recommendations here come from my own personal experience.
