Dorset - What you need to know before you go - Go Guides

Jaw-dropping Dorset sprawls across southern England’s Jurassic Coast, an endless stretch of secluded bays and dramatic limestone cliffs, where mesmerizing dinosaur fossils have been discovered in abundance. There’s a stretch of coast to suit every kind of vacationer, from bustling Bournemouth with its lively seafront to the scuba diving haven of Chesil Cove.

The county is dotted with cozy traditional pubs, where you can sip full-bodied local ales alongside friendly regulars. No Dorset trip is complete without a traditional afternoon tea – help yourself to freshly-baked scones smothered with thick clotted cream and enter a state of self-indulgent bliss.

Top destinations in Dorset

Where will you go next?

Poole
While Poole boasts some beautiful beaches, you won’t have much time to sunbathe – this seaside town is all about living life to the full. You can try your hand at a whole range of water sports in the safety...
Poole
Bournemouth
Bournemouth is among Britain's best-loved seaside towns. The star attraction is unquestionably its stretch of soft, sandy beach, which buzzes...
Bournemouth
Weymouth
Weymouth is a seaside town in the county of Dorset famed for its scenic coastline with colorful beach huts and...
Weymouth

What to see & do in Dorset

Featured stories & fun stuff

14 Best Things to Do in Dorset
The best things to do in Dorset highlight the county's enchanting English countryside. Instead of a central bustling metropolis, it’s made up of dozens of delightful villages and towns that each have their own personality. Featuring scores of lively fairs,...
14 Best Things to Do in Dorset
9 Best Things to Do in Bournemouth
Bournemouth is renowned for offering some of the best things to do at a modern British seaside resort. Many similar...
9 Best Things to Do in Bournemouth
10 Best Things to Do in Weymouth
A stalwart of southern England’s vacation scene, Weymouth is a delightful Georgian town that fulfils all of the clichés of...
10 Best Things to Do in Weymouth
11 Most Picturesque Towns and Villages in Dorset
Dorset is home to a fair share of charming towns and villages. In fact, it’s undoubtedly one of the most...
11 Most Picturesque Towns and Villages in Dorset
10 Best Things to Do in Poole, Dorset
Poole is a quaint coastal town on the southern coast of England that has a rich history and many outdoor...
10 Best Things to Do in Poole, Dorset
10 Best Beaches in Dorset
Dorset beaches are among the finest in all of England. The variety of this historical county’s coastline is truly impressive,...
10 Best Beaches in Dorset
10 Great Places Only Locals Know in Weymouth
Weymouth is a charming town for a vacation or day trip but there are a number of obscure places and...
10 Great Places Only Locals Know in Weymouth
10 Things to Do with Your Family in Bournemouth
Bournemouth is one of England's most charming seaside towns, thanks to its iconic pier and striking beaches, alongside a variety...
10 Things to Do with Your Family in Bournemouth
10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Bournemouth
A romantic trip to Bournemouth offers the opportunity to relax in a classic English coastal resort town with spas, islands,...
10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Bournemouth

Where & what to eat in Dorset

10 Great Restaurants in Bournemouth
The great restaurants in Bournemouth offer anything from fresh seafood and fine dining to international flavors or a traditional English menu. This lovely seaside town sits along 7 miles of the beautiful Dorset coastline and is a popular beach destination...
10 Great Restaurants in Bournemouth
10 Places Where Locals Love to Eat in Weymouth
If you’re looking for the best local food and where to find in Weymouth, you've come to the right place....
10 Places Where Locals Love to Eat in Weymouth
10 Places Where Locals Love to Eat in Bournemouth
Looking for Bournemouth’s best local food scenes? Whether it’s a cool café serving good old British fare or interesting joints...
10 Places Where Locals Love to Eat in Bournemouth

Where to shop & what to buy in Dorset

10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Bournemouth
Bournemouth's shops attract droves of visitors to England’s south coast throughout the year. Although the town’s beloved beaches and outdoor experiences remain at the top of every traveller's to-do list, Bournemouth also offers exceptional places to shop that heighten any visit. Featuring sprawling department stores, laid-back shopping streets and pop-up boutiques, there’s no shortage of shopping destinations that appeal to every...
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Where to go & what to do at night in Dorset

10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Bournemouth
Bournemouth has many exceptional restaurants for a family dinner or romantic couple’s night, but what can you do to top off the evening? Fortunately, the city has an abundance of post-sunset activities to ensure the fun doesn’t stop. Whether you want a few laughs at a comedy club, a swanky night at a club, or a thrilling virtual-reality adventure with aliens...
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Useful information

Bournemouth Travel Essentials
Our Bournemouth Travel Essentials lays out the essential information you need to help you plan your trip to one of the most popular destinations in the County of Dorset, England. No matter how frequently you travel, some questions will always...
Bournemouth Travel Essentials
10 Money Saving Tips in Weymouth
You don’t need to miss out on an exciting vacation in Weymouth if you’re on a budget. A great start...
10 Money Saving Tips in Weymouth
10 Money-Saving Tips in Bournemouth
Wondering how to enjoy Bournemouth with a small budget? Boasting the best beaches in Britain, Bournemouth is a brilliant destination...
10 Money-Saving Tips in Bournemouth

5 Best Activities and Stops in Bournemouth

5 Best Activities and Stops in Bournemouth

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Where to stay in Dorset

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