The Local Area

We are situated close to the stunning Jurassic Coastline, and wherever you choose to visit it, this holds a wealth of experiences. From Dancing Ledge over near Studland, the stunning sights of Durdle Door near Lulworth Cove, the lovely old Harbour at Weymouth, The Flete and Chesil Beach around Abbotsbury, Golden Cap at Chideock, the famous Cob at Lyme Regis and the wonderful fossil hunting. With stunning coastal walks covering nearly all of these areas, the views, cliffs, rock formations, beaches and coastal farmland all offer an exhilarating experience at many different times of year.

Coming inland Dorset is peppered with pretty rural villages, wonderful thatched cottages, traditional country pubs, hidden churches and narrow lanes taking you through the hidden valleys and over stunning hill tops. The coastal road from Bridport to Abbotsbury, the old Roman road from Eggardon Hill to Powerstock and The Three Horseshoes Pub are really essential for anyone wanting to get the feel of Hardy’s Dorset. The northern tip of the county has the old town of Shaftesbury with Gold Hill (Hovis advert!!) and stunning views on the way along the high road from Blandford.

The Cerne Giant in the pretty village of Cerne Abbas is only 10 minutes away. Sherborne Abbey and the old market town are also well worth a visit as is the pretty market town of Beaminster. The coastal town of Bridport is full of local characters, and is where many artists, bespoke furniture makers and interesting folk congregate, this runs down to Westbay Harbour and the sea. Not forgetting Dorchester, the county town, inhabited by the Romans and full of history. Both these are also Market Towns.

The walking and cycling trails are extensive both from Dove House and nearby locations. We can direct you to some great circular walks to justify that big supper in the evening!

There are more gardens, National Trust properties, houses and locations than you could ever fit in a one week visit. The Tourist Board can give you the annual National Garden Scheme booklet for open gardens prior to your stay, also the area's National Trust Properties and Gardens and any other recommendations depending on your particular interests.

For Nature lovers there is the also plenty to do (see Green Policy/Issues for nature reserves etc), along with just sitting at Dove House and watching nature around you!

We supply the monthly print out from the Tourist Board of any local events that are happening, or you can download one if you wish from www.westdorset.com What's On events section and link for word document. This is usually available in the last week of the month prior or you can ring them and they will send you one if you want to forward plan.