Dorset - Recommendations please .

[The Maharajah of Sydney]

Through NSC over the years I've discovered and subsequently visited amongst other delights ;
The Minack Theatre in Cornwall , West Wittering Beach in Sussex and The Cask Pub & Kitchen in Pimlico .
As a side-trip to a vist to Brighton this June I rather like the idea of short 3 day stay in Dorset .
I'm looking for nominations for villages or small towns to base ourselves in . Any particular highlights along the Jurrasic Coast ? Know of any short (2-3 hours) circular walks that start & finish at nice country pub ?
In fact I'd be glad to hear anything about the county that might not be widely known , both positive & negative .

 

[Mr Smggles]

Try Lulworth Cove, just got back from a wedding there, absolutely beautiful place.

 

[keaton]

I have a weekend near Swanage in Dorset most years.

Lulworth Cove is lovely.

The Bankes Arms in Studland is very good pub, with microbrewry on site, good food and views and short walk from Old Harry's Rocks.

The Square and Compass is often in the top 10 pubs in Britain and is fantastic and has a big selection of beers and home brewed ciders

Apart from that depends what you like Arne nature reserve very nice and there's Monkey World

 

[Lord Bracknell]

The Square and Compass is often in the top 10 pubs in Britain and is fantastic and has a big selection of beers and home brewed ciders

... and it's in Worth Matravers.

 

[Lord Bracknell]

A good base to get the best of the Isle of Purbeck is Corfe Castle.

 

[Falkor]

I like Bridport in Dorset

 

[keaton]

... and it's in Worth Matravers.

I don't understand, that's still in Dorset isn't it?

 

[Lord Bracknell]

I don't understand, that's still in Dorset isn't it?

Of course. I was adding what I thought was an essential bit of information that wasn't in your earlier post. And you're right. It's a superb pub.

The Square and Compass Pub Worth Matravers

 

[jimhigham]

Are you looking to stay in hotel, B&B or camping? I know some good campsites but that may not be what you're after.

Corfe Castle is great but if you're after something coastal then Lulworth Cove may be more your thing. I went camping in Eype, which is close to Bridport. Again, gorgeous spot and a couple of miles down the coast you have Charmouth where you can chip out old fossils by renting a hammer and some goggles. Swanage also great. Etc.

 

[narly101]

Don't forget a stop in Lyme Regis, and a pint in the Royal Lion, then a saunter down the coastline onto the Cobb.

 

[daveinprague]

I spent a couple of years of my young years growing up in a village called Toller Fratrum about 8 miles from Dorchester. Used to be a Knights templars place back in the day, but have to say, yeah, Lulworth cove was always looked forward to...

 

[bobbab5]

... and it's in Worth Matravers.

My Uncle lived in Swanage and when he died we had the wake in the Square and Compass. It's a lovely pub and there was a lot of baby chicks running around
Also check out the Jurassic museum inside.

 

[Bold Seagull]

Dorset is amazing. All the places mentioned are lovely. For a smaller 1 pub on a bay experience, Seatown is pretty nice with some great walks and a lovely beach and a small holiday / camping resort type thing. It's pretty much halfway between Bridport and Lyme Regis so makes a good base. http://www.seatown.org.uk/Content/default.asp

 

[Norman Potting]

Nice County with some attractive little inland towns with character - Shaftesbury and Sherborne to name 2. Swanage is a nice little seaside town with a good beach, a trip across to Brownsea Island is also good.

 

[Tom Bombadil]

a trip across to Brownsea Island is also good.

That sounds like a euphemism.

"You wife's walking funny this morning"

"Yeah I took a trip to Brownsea Island last night"

 

[Daffy Duck]

Definitely Lyme Regis. Smashing little town, albeit a bit hilly.
Lulworth Cove and also Durdle Dore are well worth visiting.

 

[Moshe Gariani]

That sounds like a euphemism.

"You wife's walking funny this morning"

"Yeah I took a trip to Brownsea Island last night"

very good...!

 

[tubaman]

I was born and raised in Swanage so I am a little biased. If you want walks to consider;

1. Swanage to Studland over ballad down and stopping at the Bankes Arms.
2. Studland heath over the NT land.
3. Swanage to Corfe along 9 Barrow down and eat in the square.
4. Swanage to Durleston / St Adhelms point.
5. Worth (S & C) over the fields to Dancing Ledge.
6. Kingston (Scott Arms) to Encombe House.

Just a few.

 

[tubaman]

Forgot to mention the walk from Tyneham village through the army ranges down to Warbarrow tout and beach. (if the ranges are open)

 

[Stat Brother]

I like Bridport in Dorset

Is the right answer.

A good setting for Dorchester & Weymouth in the East.
Lyme Charmouth & Axminster in the West.

In Bridport opposite Leakers bakery is the 'giant cake shop'
If you go to Abbotsbury, the Swannery and Chissel Beach, there's a giant cake tea rooms, just along from the pub.

The Ilchester Arms in Symonsbury is a fantastic pub, but no cakes.

Golden Cap is a great walk.
As is the beach walk from West Bay to The Hive in Burton Bradstock.

The pub in Seatown is a must.