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About the Area

West Dorset really is a unique part of the country, with a magnificent coastline designated a UK World Heritage Site , idyllic countryside and vibrant towns . Our coastline is unrivalled and is fantastic for fossil hunting and family fun.

Ancient Sites: Cerne Giant Looming high on the hill over the picturesque village of Cerne Abbas is the Cerne Giant, an 180ft high male figure believed to be an ancient symbol of spirituality.
Countryside: Discover the spectacular Dorset countryside; the ideal destination for your holiday. With over 42% of the county designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty , there is something to capture every imagination.
Famous Residents: West Dorset has attracted and inspired many famous visitors and residents. Thomas Hardy , our most famous literary resident, lived in Dorset for most of his life.
Film / TV Locations: Film-makers, TV researchers, poets and authors have all been captivated by the outstanding beauty of the landscape and coastline of West Dorset, as well as the spectacular historic houses and gardens .
Seaside: Whatever you want from the seaside, the glorious sweep of West Dorset's coastline will provide it all.
Thomas Hardy: Thomas Hardy, internationally renowned poet and novelist, was born in 1840 at Higher Bockhampton, near Dorchester and spent most of his life in Dorset. 2008 marks the eightieth anniversary of the writer's death on 11th January 1928.
Towns: West Dorset's towns provide a contrast in experiences...from bustling shopping precincts in Dorchester, to mellow-stoned buildings housing handcrafted goods in Sherborne - there is truly something for everyone.
West Dorset Weddings: If you are dreaming of getting married in a beautiful setting, look no further than West Dorset.

Group Travel

West Dorset is the ideal location for your next group visit.

Coach Parking: Information to help plan your group or school visit to West Dorset including maps, toilet and parking facilities.
Guiding Services: Whilst in West Dorset, why not allow an experienced guide to show you around some of the area's most significant and fascinating sites? Blue Badge Guided Tours take the stress out of organising group visits, and can be arranged ...
Itineraries: During your visit to West Dorset, why not take the chance to explore the area using some of our suggested holiday itineraries? Whether your party are fascinated by fossils or mesmerized by the area's military past, there is an ...

Local Food And Drink

From tasty home cooked food in one of West Dorset's traditional public houses to the finest cuisine in one of our many award winning restaurants, you're sure to find something to tantalise your taste buds! Local produce is all ...

Eating Out in West Dorset: West Dorset is renowned for its excellent local produce and comprehensive menus, so treat yourself to a meal out to discover it for yourself.
Food & Drink Events: West Dorset is renowned for its abundance of local produce.
Local Produce & Markets: West Dorset, a region of temperate climes, gentle downlands and sweeping coastlines, is home to a variety of high quality producers of delicious food and drink.
Direct From Dorset: Dorset is extremely proud of its local food and drink. Direct From Dorset recognises food and drink products which have been grown, reared or produced in Dorset from a majority of Dorset ingredients.

Things To Do in West Dorset

West Dorset is brimming with things to do and see. On a full holiday, a midweek break or a weekend away, you'll never be short of something to do.

West Dorset Activities: Whether you want to stroll through the rolling green countryside, eat up the miles on a bike or try a less energetic way of chilling out, you'll find the perfect answer in West Dorset.
West Dorset Attractions: West Dorset's attractions are second to none. Look no further for ideas for days out in West Dorset, there is something for everyone. Arts & Crafts West Dorset is rich in artistic wealth and history.

Tourist Information Centres

Visit any of West Dorset's Tourist Information Centres in Dorchester , Bridport , Sherborne and Lyme Regis to access a vast range of detailed and up-to-date information for the whole area.

Bridport Tourist Information Centre: Bridport Tourist Information Centre South Street Bridport DT6 3NY Tel: 01308 424901 Email: bridport.tic@westdorset-dc.gov.
Dorchester Tourist Information Centre: Dorchester Tourist Information Centre Antelope Walk Dorchester DT1 1BE Tel: 01305 267992 Email: dorchester.tic@westdorset-dc.gov.
Frequently asked questions: Please click on the links below for the answers to some frequently asked questions How do I get to West Dorset ? How can I book accommodation ? What is there to do in West Dorset ? Can I ...
Lyme Regis Tourist Information Centre: Lyme Regis Tourist Information Centre Church Street Lyme Regis DT7 3BS Tel: 01297 442138 Email: lymeregis.tic@westdorset-dc.gov.
Sherborne Tourist Information Centre: Sherborne Tourist Information Centre Digby Road Sherborne DT9 3NL Tel: 01935 815341 Email: sherborne.tic@westdorset- dc.gov.

Travel

Getting Here It's easy to get to West Dorset by road, rail, sea or air. See our how to get here page for more information.

How To Get Here: How to get here However you decide to travel, getting to West Dorset couldn't be easier! By Road From the north: Leave the M5 at Junction 25 and follow the signs for Yeovil.
Maps Of West Dorset: You can download free maps of West Dorset by clicking the links below.
Travel Around West Dorset: West Dorset is ideal for exploring by foot or on two wheels. Walking There are nearly 300 coast and countryside guided walks to choose from and numerous leisurely pub strolls.

Welcome to West Dorset

With its breathtaking coastline , stunning countryside and vibrant towns , West Dorset really is one of the most beautiful places in England to holiday.

New Year Break in West Dorset: Banish those January blues and book a break to West Dorset - the perfect destination for a winter getaway! Winter Breaks Whether you want a family run B&B, a rural retreat or an elegant hotel, there's plenty of excellent ...

West Dorset Hotels & Accommodation

There is a superb variety of holiday accommodation in West Dorset to suit all tastes and budgets which is available for you to search and book online .

Short Breaks & Special Offers: Enjoy a break away from it all and take advantage of the wonderful things happening in West Dorset over the coming months with some great deals on accommodation ! Short Breaks and Offers West Dorset is one of the ...
Accessibility: A free booklet 'West Dorset for Visitors with Additional Needs' is available free of charge, please contact us for a copy.
Accommodation Types Explained: For serviced accommodation there are two separate schemes - one for hotels and one for guest accommodation. All accommodation is put into a category as described below.
Advanced Search: Visit our Advanced Search page.
Booking Service: To secure accommodation that best suits your requirements, it is advisable to book in advance. Website Room availability can be checked using the search facility on the right.
Holiday Agencies: In addition to the properties listed on our accommodation pages, self-catering holidays can be booked through the folowing local agencies.
Quality Grading Explained: All accommodation featured on this website has been quality assessed by either VisitBritain or the AA. The VisitBritain and AA ratings are your clear guide to what to expect, in an easy-to-understand form.
Search Tips: Self Catering Search Tips Most establishments do weekly lets with a specific start date (typically a Friday or Saturday), although some businesses do offer short breaks of two nights or more.
West Dorset Hotels: You'll find a range of hotels in West Dorset, whether you want a luxurious hotel with spa facilities, a stylish boutique hotel or a charming country house hotel- you're sure to find it here.
Self Catering Holidays in West Dorset: West Dorset's self catering accommodation offers you the ultimate flexibility and freedom. You can get up when you like, come and go as you please and eat when you want.
West Dorset Bed & Breakfasts: If you're looking for a home from home atmosphere, there are a variety of good quality B&Bs in West Dorset. Our B&Bs offer that personal touch, with a warm and friendly welcome.
Guesthouses: West Dorset Guesthouses offer that homely feel, with a friendly welcome. Guesthouses tend to be bigger than your average Bed and Breakfast with 3 or more rooms and they sometimes offer dinner and may be licensed.
West Dorset Inns: West Dorset inns or traditional pubs, usually provide accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis (with an option of an evening meal). Many of our inns are located in idyllic rural locations and all offer a warm welcome.
West Dorset Farm Accommodation: West Dorset's green surroundings and stunning natural beauty provides the perfect setting for a relaxing stay on a farm.
Caravan & Camping Holidays in West Dorset: If it's a night under canvas that you're looking for or a break in a luxury caravan - try one of West Dorset's campsites or holiday parks.
West Dorset Holiday Parks Association: West Dorset Holiday Parks Association is a group of individual family owned and operated caravan holiday homes, touring and camping parks.
Green Tourism Business Scheme: West Dorset tourism businesses are making their own contribution to sustainability by participating in the Green Tourism Business Scheme. This is a national scheme to promote the best environmental practice within the tourism sector.

What's On in West Dorset

From spring events celebrating the beauty of the season, to craft workshops , concerts , theatre , and children's activities , there is always something new and exciting going on in West Dorset.

Accessibility Statement

We believe in access to information over the Internet for all. This accessibility statement provides an overview of the accessibility features we have implemented on this website.

Brochure Request

Visit our Brochure Request page.

Contact Us

To contact one of our Tourist Information Centres please click here . If you would like to contact a member of the Tourism Promotion and Development team, please email us .

Data Protection Policy

Under the Data Protection Act, West Dorset District Council has a legal duty to protect any information it collects from you.

Itineraries

This is the itineraries ...

My Itinerary: Visit our My Itinerary page.

Links

On this page you will find links to other organisations which you may find useful when planning your holiday. West Dorset District Council accepts no responsibility for the content of any website to which a link from this website exists.

Link Your Website to westdorset.com: Help visitors to your website find out what to do, where to stay and what's on in West Dorset by adding a link to westdorset.com from your website! Website URL http://westdorset.

Press & Media

West Dorset's stunning coastline , beautiful rural landscapes , delicious local produce and fascinating history have attracted many television and film researchers, journalists, and many other press and media professionals.

Image Library: This is the Image Library ...

Request Brochure

Please click here to request a copy of our 2008 West Dorset Holiday Guide.

Terms & Conditions

Terms of Use 1.Access to and use of this website is provided by West Dorset District Council and is subject to the following Terms and Conditions. 2.

Working With Us

This website is produced by West Dorset District Council's tourism team. West Dorset District Council's tourism team runs a membership scheme for tourism businesses in West Dorset and the surrounding area.

Contact Us: Visit our Contact Us page.
Membership Scheme: Why become a member? Working with West Dorset District Council's tourism team enables your business to participate in local, regional, national and international campaigns, provides new routes to market and unique access to services and marketing activities to promote ...
Members Area: Welcome to our members' area.