Explore Dorset’s historic market towns
The historic market town of Bridport is renowned for its rope making industry and Palmers Brewery. Come and explore Bridport and its twice weekly street markets.
There’s a thriving Arts Scene, galleries to browse, Arts Centre, the Electric Palace vintage theatre and the re-developed Bridport Museum with its local history.
Palmers Brewery in Bridport has been brewing since 1794
Ancient Dorchester is the county town of Dorset and in the heart of Dickens’ country! The famous novelist Charles Dickens lived in Dorchester and was born nearby.
Dorchester goes back to prehistoric times and long before the Romans arrived, but is perhaps more well known when occupied by the Romans. At the top of town are remains and mosaics of a Roman Town House and on the edge of the town is Poundbury which is built on Duchy land.
“The Keep Military Museum and memorial to the Dorset Martyrs”
Explore Lyme Regis with the fine golden sandy beach and pleasant promenade offering an outstanding view along the Jurassic coastline.
The historic harbour, the Cobb possibly dating back to late 13th/early 14 Century is Grade I listed and have many adn varied boats moored in the harbour.
“The historic Cobb harbour in Lyme Regis”
In the beautiful town of Sherborne, there’s two castles to explore. The new one of Sherborne Castle with its substantial and pleasant grounds is a great day out, and the older Castle to visit is owned by English Heritage and located further along the road.
Sherborne Abbey is one of the best and finest Abbey’s you’ll ever come across. Founded by St. Aldhelm in AD705 Sherborne Abbey has developed from Saxon cathedral to the worshipping heart of a monastic community, and is one of England’s most beautiful churches. A visit is highly recommended.
“Visit the ancient and fine Abbey at Sherborne”
Weymouth and Portland is a bustling and wonderful coastal holiday resort attracting many holiday visitors throughout the year. The resort is an ideal destination to enjoy all types of holidays in Dorset with many B&Bs, hotels and abundance of self-catering holiday accommodation and many offering dog friendly places to stay.
Enjoying a long Georgian era esplanade with a large fine golden sandy beach with many popular family visitor attractions to enjoy. With theatres, gardens, markets, a bustling shopping centre and the SeaLife Adventure Park and the popular Jurassic Skyline.
Weymouth enjoys a large and popular harbour with vessels of all sorts. Close by jutting out to sea is Portland. Portland Bill has lighthouses, coastal footpaths and stunning views back over the coast.
“Weymouth harbour view from the bridge crossing”
⇒ A glance of Dorset history facts
- Bridport’s world-renowned rope and net making industry dates back more than 700 years to before King John and the Middle Ages
- Palmers Brewery in Bridport has been brewing since 1794
- In 1651 King Charles II escaped capture in Lee Lane, Bridport
- Follow in the footsteps of the Neolithic period on the The Ridgway causeway
- Abbotsbury Swannery, established by Benedectine monks has been there since the 1040s where the monastery was also built, later destroyed during the dissolution in 1539
- Dorchester was founded by the Romans in approx 60 AD, but was inhabited for 1,000s of years before the Romans arrived
Dorset’s beaches and harbours
Exploring the rugged, dramatic and amazing coastline you’ll discover delightful historic harbours, hidden coves, amazing rock and cliff formations along the many coastal and headland footpaths that offer outstanding and commanding sea and country views.
“The remains of a Roman Town House in Dorchester”
Discover picturesque West Dorset villages
When you’re visiting West Dorset come and explore the many wonderful and picturesque villages. You’ll just love the old and historic thatch roof cottages like in the village of Abbotsbury with its tea rooms and access to the many footpaths.
“Enjoy cream teas and Dorset apple cake in Abbotsbury”
“Discover and explore Dorset’s streams and waterfalls”
“Beautiful villages with thatch roof cottages and delightful footpaths”
“Beautiful villages with thatch roof cottages and delightful footpaths”
