Huy Nguyen

The county of Dorset, located on England’s Southwest Coast, is a perfect destination for a weekend getaway from london or a longer escape.

Blessed with beaches and natural wonders alongside lovely old towns and vast green vineyards, Dorset is a destination worth exploring time and again.

Beautiful Lyme Regis at sunset

The mysterious Durdle door

Located on the Jurassic Coast, Durdle Door is one of Dorset’s iconic attractions. The name “Durdle” is derived from old English and means “to drill” or “to bore.” This magnificent creation of nature is, in fact, an arch made from limestone that eroded over millions of years. The natural process created a mysterious beauty that continues to entice visitors. For many photographers in particular, this is a favorite pilgrimage site. In 2001, the Jurassic Coast was recognized as a World Heritage Site and is always near the top of the list of must-visit places in England.

Old Harry Rocks is a must see at Dorset

Fossil hunting

Dorset is also famous for fossils scattered across beaches from Orcombe Point to Studland Bay. However, if you’re a first-time fossil hunter, Lyme Regis might be the ideal place to start. As the tide goes out, fossils will be left behind on the shore. All you need is a pair of gloves, a small shovel and a bucket to start your hunt. You can also go to Lyme Regis Tourist Information Center to register with a group of fossil hunters. Even if you don’t find any fossils, you can enjoy the beautiful beach here. Considered the pearl of Dorset, Lyme Regis’ beach attracts millions of tourists every year, especially during the summer.

Coastal charm of Bournemouth

Overlooking the English Channel, Bournemouth is one of the most marvelous coastal cities in England, offering more than seven miles of white sand beach. Bournemouth is also a bustling small city with bars, coffee shops, and stores with a sea view, suitable for tourists who want to enjoy nature as well as modern amenities. At the Bournemouth pier, you can also try your hand at a zipline that races 250 meters from the pier to the shore.

Visitors strall all along the street at Bournemouth

Scenic shaftesbury

Situated in the north of Dorset County, Shaftesbury is world-renowned for its Gold Hill street. The picturesque steep cobblestone street began to capture the public’s attention when it appeared in an advertisement for Hovis bread featuring a boy pushing his bicycle up the simple yet gorgeous slope. It took no time for Gold Hill to become the symbol of England’s tranquil and beautiful countryside even in modern times. Gold Hill is one of the steepest streets of England, at an incline of 16.09 degrees. Recreating and capturing the exact image of the boy pushing his bicycle is a challenge many tourists enjoy.

Lush vineyards

There’s nothing better than enjoying lush vineyards in the English countryside. Dorset’s vineyards such as Langham supply wineries with their finest grapes. Grape growers here minimize their influence to ensure the natural taste and aroma of the wine. Tourists can come to Dorset during autumn to handpick ripe and succulent grapes as well as savor a glass of wine in a lush vineyard.

A taste of cream tea

Dorset is known far and wide for its cream tea, an English specialty. Similar to afternoon tea, cream tea is a light meal that includes scones with clotted cream and jam. Enjoying cream tea and watching the sunset at the Sandbanks Hotel in Bournemouth makes a fantastic end to a trip to Dorset.