Attractions in West Dorset

Standing at 626 feet (191 m), Golden Cap is the highest point on the South coast of England. From the cliff, you are afforded utterly breathtaking views over Lyme Bay to Dartmoor and ahead to the Isle of Portland.

Pilsdon Pen affords fine views over the rolling Dorset countryside. In clear conditions, you can see Golden Cap, Marshwood Vale, and the ocean to the south, Exmoor and the Quantocks … read more

Part of the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, West Bay is a beautiful harbour settlement. Originally designed as a commercial harbour for nearly Bridport to export fishing nets, West Bay declined … read more

The monument is not for Thomas Hardy, but was built in 1844 in memory of Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas Masterman Hardy, Flag Captain of HMS Victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. … read more

Colmer's Hill is a fantastically distinctive, conical hill in the west of Dorset. It rises above the stunning Symondsbury Estate and makes for an excellent objective on a walk in … read more

This striking tower stands to the north of the Isle of Portland and offers fantastic 360 degree views of Dorset and the English Channel. Although the novelist Thomas Hardy lived … read more

Author John Fowles described Chesil Beach as “an elemental place, made of sea, shingle and sky”. Backed by The Fleet, the largest tidal lagoon in Britain, this natural pebble beach … read more

The crumbling sandstone cliffs at West Bay reveal geology that is 175 million years old. These immense cliffs are awe-inspiring to gaze at from the beach and afford wonderful views when you climb to the top.

Ride down Acreman Street for a marvellous view of the Cerne Abbas Giant.

Measuring at 55 metres (180 ft) high, the origin of the figure of a man wielding a … read more

One of the best preserved towns in the UK, Dorchester (AKA Casterbridge if you're Thomas Hardy) is beautiful.

There's historic buildings on either side of you, narrow streets and some … read more

Off road and traffic free. Quite a few gates and can be a bit rough in winter - mud & gravel.
There can be some significant flooding.

Burton Bradstock is a stunning Dorset village lying just back from the beach in Lyme Bay. A popular holiday destination, the village has everything you need with cafes, pubs and … read more

This tiny chapel occupies a magnificent location above the Dorset village of Abbotsbury. Thanks to its height, it has fantastic views across the sea and across to the Isle of … read more

Catch this at the right time of the year and you'll understand why it's called Rhododendron Mile. A rolling road that cuts through Puddletown Forest, you'll fall in love with Southern Dorset's countryside.

Lyme Regis is an enchanting seaside town that is featured in the Domesday Book and is home to much history. Set against moody blue cliffs yielding fossilised evidence of life … read more

Built in 1800, this stunning thatched cottage was the birthplace of the famous writer, Thomas Hardy. Built by his great-grandfather, Hardy lived here for over 30 years and wrote some … read more

Thorncombe Beacon once formed part of a chain of beacon sites along the south coast to warn of the approach of the Spanish Armada in 1588. These days, you can still enjoy wonderful coastal views from this great vantage point.

The classic Abbotsbury view is of Chesil Beach. It's a quaint village with a swannery, but the roads are so nice you'll probably be going too fast to look at the birds.

Any persons wilfully injuring any part of this county bridge will be guilty of felony and upon conviction liable to be transported for life by the court T Fooks

Maiden Castle is a stunning hillfort with huge ramparts. It affords breathtaking views over the Dorset. Built during the 1st century BC, it is one of the largest and most … read more