11 January 2024
With breathtaking coastline cliffs and quaint towns, there’s a never-ending list of reasons why Dorset makes for the perfect holiday destination.
It’s no surprise Britons and international tourists visit Dorset year after year, making sure to stop at one of the county’s numerous famed coastal towns – Christchurch, Lyme Regis, Bournemouth, Weymouth and Poole.
Dorset’s famed Jurassic Coastline is a must visit, with its array of highly popular sightseeing locations, stunning rock formations and locally sourced seafood. It’s just one of many, must visit sightseeing hot spots and attractions you can go to in one of the UK’s most cherished counties. It’s towns, views and tourist spots are just a few reasons why buying a luxury lodge in Dorset is a sort after investment.
Why buy a holiday lodge in Dorset?
Picturesque walks
Dorset really is the perfect holiday destination for the entire family. Even more so if you love fresh air and countless outdoor adventures. This is because Dorset is a true walkers paradise, with over 4,500 waymarked footpaths linking together miles and miles of coastline, idyllic towns, pubs and meadows.
With scenery right out of a novel, Melbury Downs is the perfect place for a sunrise or sunset stroll with its majestic rolling hills and greenery. Marshwood Vale is another picturesque countryside location that is a must visit when you’re in West Dorset, with its numerous walks on offer.
For a seaside walk to remember, visit Old Harry Rocks for some stunning footpaths. Formed by natural sea erosion, take in views of endless chalky cliffs looking across to Poole Harbour and as far out to sea as the Isle of Wight.
Outdoorsy things to do
But Dorset isn’t just known for its walks. It also boasts a huge list of outdoor adventures and activities for you to enjoy. Cyclists can find themselves at home with captivating hill climbs on gravel tracks or weaving their way through quiet village lanes. Dorset also offers some fantastic ways of travelling… by horseback – imagine galloping along one of the beaches at sunset – we can’t imagine anything more spectacular!
If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, the local area offers some thrilling water sports. Try windsurfing, stand up paddling (SUP), kitesurfing or a fast-paced boat trip to really get your heart racing. Pop to Brenscombe Outdoor Centre at Corfe Castle for a ropes course, climbing, mountain biking and many more activities the whole family can enjoy.
Jurassic Coastline
You’ll find the famous Jurassic Coastline nestled in West Dorset. Take in the unique views on one of many professional guided tours. Go hunting for fossils and take countless pictures of rolling hills and spectacular sea views.
There’s plenty enough seaside to go around. Trek along 95 miles of stunning coastline – taking a walk through time as the landscape physically showcases 185 million years of life on earth – through the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous dinosaur periods. The ideal location for groups of any age to enjoy plenty of days out in nature in a unique historical location.
Top tourist towns on the south coast of England
Dorset boasts more than a few popular seaside towns to explore throughout the year. Weymouth’s Georgian architecture is sure to draw you in. Here you’ll find traditional British seaside activities that include donkey rides and Punch & Judy. Not forgetting its’ golden sandy beaches, safe to swim in shallow waters and Weymouth Sea Life and Adventure Park; you’ll not want to leave!
The largest resort you’ll find in Dorset – Bournemouth, offers seven miles of gorgeous coastline, shopping locations, entertainment hotspots and parks. Hop onto one of the local cliff lifts for an easy way of getting to and from the award-winning beachfront. For a more historical trip, why not visit Bournemouth’s grade II listed Victorian gardens where you’ll find Pine Walk, an ornamental rockery, an aviary and much more.
Poole is another fantastic bustling beachside town along Dorset’s east coast. Not only is it home to Europe’s largest natural harbour, Poole boasts beautiful historical buildings and award-winning blue flag beaches. You’ll want to sit next to the sailing harbour at one of the charming cafes, beachside restaurants or a traditional pub, taking in spectacular views and a welcoming atmosphere.
Family attractions
Dorset is home to some of the best family attractions you’ll find in the whole country. For the grandchildren in the family, they’ll be more than happy with a day out at Farmer Palmer’s in Organford, where young adventurers can see animals in their habitat, interact with them and learn. With a new animal activity every half hour including bottle feeding of lambs and goat kids, pony grooming and viewing cows being milked – there’s so much to do throughout the day!
Another great animal orientated family attraction is Monkey World, located in Longthorns, Bovington. Children and adults alike will be thrilled with the variety of primates at the multi-award winning tourist destination in Dorset. Admire some fantastic Chimpanzees, Orangutans, Gibbons and much more. The 65-acre park is also home to the stars of TV’s Monkey Life and Monkey Business.
On top of some great parks, you’ll find dozens of museums dotted around Dorset. Spend a pleasant afternoon at The Keep Military Museum in Dorchester with 300 years of history spread over 4 floors. The Museum of Jurassic Marine Life in Wareham is another great attraction that showcases enthralling historic pieces. You’ll view the remains of prehistoric predators and sea monsters that walked the earth and swam in our oceans over 150 million years ago.
Historical attractions
If you’re looking for one of the largest hillforts in all of Europe, you won’t have to go far, as you’ll find Maiden Castle just two miles south of Dorchester. The spectacular hillfort is the size of 50 football pitches and once housed several hundred residents in the Iron Age (800BC-AD43). But that isn’t Dorset’s only hillfort, you can also find lots of others including Eggardon Hillfort in Bridport, Hambledon Hill in Child Okeford and Badbury Rings near Wimborne.
If you love a good old church, there are plenty to go around. Deep in the rural countryside, you’ll find Knowlton Church and Earthworks, an enchanting 12th-century church ruin that’s riddled with superstition. You’ll also want to visit St Catherine’s Chapel, set perfectly on a high hilltop overlooking Abbotsbury Abbey. The 14th-century chapel was built by monks as a place of pilgrimage and is now highly visited for its beautiful, timeless architecture.
Great shopping destination
Dorset is home to a community of local artists, printmakers and crafters. You’ll find them at Purbeck Artisan Yard where there’s something for everyone. Check out some fantastic unique furniture, jewellery, homewares and paintings. If you love a good bargain, don’t miss out on a visit to Dorchester Market, a weekly indoor showcase of the best Dorset produce, bric-a-brac, antiques and collectables.
When you’re looking for a great shopping day out, you’ll be pleased to see vibrant high streets located in every major town in Dorset. Bournemouth is home to a pleasant mix of high street names, fashion stores and independent shops. Additionally, if you want to visit one of the UK’s largest retail parks – featuring 40 well-known brand shops – Castlepoint is only 3 miles north-east of the bustling town.
Great investment opportunities
Since Dorset is one of the UK’s best and biggest tourist destinations, there really isn’t that many places better to invest in. With hundreds of things to do and see, when you buy a holiday lodge in a local holiday park, you won’t have to go far to enjoy yourself. There are many financial benefits of buying a holiday lodge.
Use our online Park Finder to see parks with lodges for sale in Dorset.
Written by Clara Baillie-Lane