Dorset

Dorset's coastline draws most visitors first, and rightly so. Bournemouth offers wide sandy beaches and a lively town centre, while neighbouring Poole combines a working harbour with quieter stretches of shore. Christchurch sits where two rivers meet the sea, calmer than its larger neighbours, and Swanage further along the Jurassic Coast feels like a traditional seaside town frozen pleasantly in time. Weymouth balances a Georgian seafront with plenty of family attractions, and Lyme Regis, famous for fossils, remains one of the county's most charming coastal spots.

Inland, Dorset slows down considerably. Dorchester, the county town, mixes history with everyday market-town life, and nearby Sherborne is known for its abbey and honey-coloured stone streets. Blandford Forum offers handsome Georgian architecture and a peaceful pace, while Bridport, close to the coast but distinctly its own, suits those after independent shops and a creative atmosphere. The village of Burton makes a quiet base near Bridport, and Abbotsbury, with its swannery and thatched cottages, rewards those willing to explore beyond the main towns.

Dorset's coastline shapes where you'll want to stay. Bournemouth and Poole offer the widest spread of hotels, from seafront terraces to smaller guest houses tucked back from the beach, and suit those who want nightlife and sandy shores close at hand. Weymouth and Portland lean more towards family-run B&Bs, many within walking distance of the harbour, while Swanage keeps a quieter, old-fashioned seaside feel.

Further west, Lyme Regis has a good cluster of guest houses like Blue Shutters and Dorset House, popular with walkers tackling the Jurassic Coast and those after fossil-hunting weekends. Inland Dorset trades sea views for countryside quiet, with places such as Pump Cottage suiting a slower pace.

Budgets and styles vary widely, from simple rooms at places like Millbrook Guest House to more particular stays such as Weymouth Vegan B&B. Booking ahead matters most in summer, when coastal towns fill quickly.

Dorset's coast and countryside give it an unusually wide spread of days out, from fossil-hunting on the beach at Charmouth to boat trips along the water at Lyme Regis. Bournemouth and Poole cover the bigger family attractions and indoor activities, useful for wet afternoons or school holidays, while smaller towns like Wareham and Bridport tend towards farms, pottery studios and local trails.

Families with younger children will find soft play, animal encounters at places such as Foxdown Childrens Farm, and craft sessions like Hot Pot Pottery scattered across the county rather than in one spot, so it's worth checking which town suits your base. Older kids and groups are better served by laser tag, treasure trails and skateparks around Dorchester and Poole, while seasonal outings such as pumpkin picking add another reason to explore beyond the coast.

Dorset's dining scene runs from harbourside chippies to smart restaurants making the most of the day's catch, with Poole Quay and Bournemouth's seafront and town centre offering the heaviest concentration of places to eat. Christchurch adds a quieter, more villagey mix of cafés and gastropubs along the Stour, while inland Dorset favours traditional pubs with proper Sunday roasts and log fires.

Seafood is the county's strong suit, given its fishing ports, but you'll also find curry houses, coffee shops and casual bistros filling the gaps between meals. Choosing often comes down to setting: a pub with a beer garden for a lazy afternoon, or a coastal café for something quick between beach visits.

Dorset's mix of rolling farmland, chalk downs and Jurassic coastline makes it well suited to camping and glamping, and the choice runs from simple farm pitches to well-appointed shepherd's huts. Places such as Barkhill Shepherd's Huts and Tokenhill Dorset Shepherd's Huts suit those wanting comfort without giving up the outdoor feel, while sites like Fred's Field Campsite and Lower Bridge Farm Camping keep things closer to traditional tent camping.

Inland spots such as Hilltop Farm Camping, Frome View Camping and Hincknowle Cider Apple Farm Camping tend towards quiet, working countryside settings, good for walkers and those happy with a low-key stay. Others, including The Daggles and Threshold Farm, offer a bit more space to spread out. With so many small, independent sites across the county, it's worth thinking about how close you want to be to the coast versus the inland hills before booking.

Dorset's self-catering choices run from converted farm buildings to seaside retreats, with Admirals Rest and Bookham Court's Little Coombe showing the range of rural conversions on offer. Properties such as The Tack Room and Sunray Cottages' Milk Parlour make good use of old farmyard buildings, while Walnut Farm's Russet Yurt suits those after something a little different from a standard cottage stay.

Inland spots near the Blackmore Vale and the Purbeck hills tend to suit walkers and families wanting a quiet base, while cottages closer to the coast put Lyme Regis, Weymouth and the Jurassic Coast within easy reach. Places like The New Inn Farm's farmhouse or Hurst Cottage work well for larger groups, and smaller bolt-holes such as Our House or Coach House suit couples or short breaks.

With such a wide spread across the county, it is worth deciding first whether you want coast, countryside or somewhere in between, as Dorset offers convincing options for all three.