The stunning coastal charm of Dorset makes it one of England’s best loved counties. Here are our top 5 reasons to visit Dorset this autumn!
Beaches & Coastal Views
Dorset’s beaches are amongst the best in the country, with over twenty beaches (sandy and pebbled) scattered across the county. And with 364 more hours of sunshine throughout the year than the UK average, there’s even more time to enjoy them – even beyond the heat of the summer!
The beauty of Dorset’s coastline isn’t just sand-deep either – millions of years of history surround you as you soak up the sun. The county is home to the beautiful Jurassic Coast – a 95-mile stretch of stunning coastline that extends into East Devon. The layers of sedimentary rock reveal 185 million years of history, forming a near complete record of the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Explore the stunning coastline at Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door, West Bay or Chesil Beach – amongst many other locations – for a picturesque day by the sea.
History & Culture
Dorset is also steeped in ‘newer’ history with numerous points of cultural significance to explore. Discover over a thousand years of history at Corfe Castle, see Iron Age hill forts near Dorchester or visit the curious village of Tyneham (abandoned during WWII, the village remains uninhabited – a living WWII time capsule, untouched by the modern world).
Local Produce
From fresh fish caught in Poole Bay to Lyme Bay crab and Wookey Hole aged cheddar to locally sourced oysters Dorset is a foodie’s paradise! Sample the best fresh local produce at the regular farmers’ markets and food festivals that take place across the county throughout the year.
Dorset is also a firm favourite with lovers of real ale, cider, gin and wine due to the high number of breweries, distilleries and vineyards in the area.
Fine Dining
Due to the high quality of the local produce and the stunning coastal location, a host of celebrity chefs have flocked to Dorset to establish high-end eateries in recent years. From Rick Stein to Mark Hix and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, there are plenty of luxurious dining options to choose from. Enjoy award-winning gastronomic delights in beautiful locations around the county.
Countryside & Wildlife
The Dorset countryside has inspired many of England’s greatest authors – including Jane Austen and Thomas Hardy – and it isn’t hard to see why. More than half of the county has been designated as an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’, making Dorset a stunning place to visit at any time of the year – however, the russet and gold leaves of autumn mean that it is especially beautiful at this time of year. As well as enjoying the spectacular scenery, an autumnal walk through the Dorset countryside will also afford you a chance to spot some of the fauna that make the county their home. Try Brownsea Island for a picturesque wildlife spotting experience: the island is one of the only places to see red squirrels in southern England and there is a large population of non-native Sika deer on the island too.
Love Dorset? Take a look at our workspace solutions in Poole and Ferndown! Both centres offer exceptional office and studio space in the heart of Dorset, within easy reach of the New Forest, Bournemouth, Weymouth and Dorchester.