Guidebook for Dorset
Food Scene
Les Mirabelles
Forest RoadAn authentic French restaurant in the heart of the New Forest.
The Jetty
95 MudefordWonderful food in a brilliant setting.
An beach cafe, that converts to a great restaurant come evening. A walk along the promenade will whet your appetite!
31 locals recommend
Bistro On The Beach
Southbourne Coast RoadAn beach cafe, that converts to a great restaurant come evening. A walk along the promenade will whet your appetite!
Great for a pub lunch after a walk at Badbury Rings, and lovely evening service too.
7 locals recommend
Anchor Inn Shapwick
West StreetGreat for a pub lunch after a walk at Badbury Rings, and lovely evening service too.
A pub restaurant owned by the Gussage All Saints village cooperative. A warm welcome at any time!
The Drovers
A pub restaurant owned by the Gussage All Saints village cooperative. A warm welcome at any time!
The Langton Arms
Gastro-pub in the lovely, remote village of Tarrant Monkton.
The Museum Inn
Top class gastro-pub, well worth the drive.
One of our very best local restaurants - book early, particularly at weekends.
21 locals recommend
The Tickled Pig
26 West BoroughOne of our very best local restaurants - book early, particularly at weekends.
The Old Inn
Holt LaneHandy local with good food.
Great vegetarian food - and a top-quality take-away lifeline in 2020. We were so grateful to them!
21 locals recommend
Restaurant Roots
141 Belle Vue RdGreat vegetarian food - and a top-quality take-away lifeline in 2020. We were so grateful to them!
Best fish and chips in the region. Order, collect and drive to the Bournemouth Beach to eat in true seaside style, or Deliveroo direct to the beach!
10 locals recommend
Nick The Fish of Penn Hill
Penn Hill AvenueBest fish and chips in the region. Order, collect and drive to the Bournemouth Beach to eat in true seaside style, or Deliveroo direct to the beach!
Weekend deliveries of great street-food burgers and pizzas. Another lockdown lifesaver.
Flaming Peaches
28 Benson RoadWeekend deliveries of great street-food burgers and pizzas. Another lockdown lifesaver.
Arbor Restaurant
4 Grove RdExcellent food after a walk along Bournemouth Beach at sunset.
The Pig on the Beach
Manor RoadTop lunches after a long scenic walk along Shell Bay.
NEO Restaurant
Exeter RoadNot tried it yet, but heard great things!
Escoffier Restaurant
Meyrick RoadHighly rated by several of our friends.
Brasserie Blanc - Bournemouth
105 W Cliff RdAnother highly rated eatery.
Good food in a beautiful North Dorset village. Some superb country walks to and from here.
8 locals recommend
La Fosse at Cranborne
8-9 The SquareGood food in a beautiful North Dorset village. Some superb country walks to and from here.
We've not tried it yet, but rated highly by recent guests -- and the location is terrific!
11 locals recommend
Acorn Inn
28 Fore StreetWe've not tried it yet, but rated highly by recent guests -- and the location is terrific!
Opened in 2020, and has become a very popular feature on Poole Quay. Just the place to refuel after a trip to Brownsea Island.
17 locals recommend
Rockfish Seafood Restaurant
9 The QuayOpened in 2020, and has become a very popular feature on Poole Quay. Just the place to refuel after a trip to Brownsea Island.
Recently renovated and with a large covered outside seating area. We've heard good reports of the food too.
The Old Thatch
285 Wimborne Rd WRecently renovated and with a large covered outside seating area. We've heard good reports of the food too.
Always a welcome watering hole in the New Forest, and some good food too.
14 locals recommend
The Trusty Servant
2 Compton CottagesAlways a welcome watering hole in the New Forest, and some good food too.
Drinks & Nightlife
Barley Mow Inn
Long LaneA good local inn, with a recently gained reputation for Thai food.
The Vine Inn
Vine HillAnother quirky local pub, with good beer and a dedicated clientele.
Not exactly a bar, but one of the most unusual pubs in the UK. You have to try it, before or after a bracing cliff walk.
92 locals recommend
The Square and Compass
Worth MatraversNot exactly a bar, but one of the most unusual pubs in the UK. You have to try it, before or after a bracing cliff walk.
A slightly longer walk than the Stocks, but another good local inn. Thursday is folk night -- be ready to join in!
The Horns Inn
Burt's HillA slightly longer walk than the Stocks, but another good local inn. Thursday is folk night -- be ready to join in!
Bankes Arms Inn Studland
Manor RoadPerfect after a clifftop walk to Old Harry Rocks.
The Stocks Inn
Our very local local - easily walkable.
The True Lovers Knot
Has to be here for the name alone.
A quick local pub on a variety of levels, with a lovely riverside walk nearby.
12 locals recommend
The Vine Inn
Vine HillA quick local pub on a variety of levels, with a lovely riverside walk nearby.
Eight Arch Brewing Co.
Friday night real ale evenings
Sightseeing
An amazing building in the quintessential English country town.
199 locals recommend
Winchester Cathedral
9 The ClAn amazing building in the quintessential English country town.
Salisbury Cathedral
Another stunning cathedral, immortalised by Constable.
It's a day trip on the ferry, and step back in time once you get there. Plus the scenery is quite beautiful.
55 locals recommend
Isle of Wight
It's a day trip on the ferry, and step back in time once you get there. Plus the scenery is quite beautiful.
House visits at selected times; tea in the garden throughout the summer.
13 locals recommend
Cranborne Garden Centre
Wimborne StreetHouse visits at selected times; tea in the garden throughout the summer.
Lymington
A charming, scenic harbour town in the New Forest
County town of Dorset with a local museum featuring a fine collection of Hardy memorabilia
131 locals recommend
Dorchester
County town of Dorset with a local museum featuring a fine collection of Hardy memorabilia
Corfe Castle
Major historic relic, with great views to the Jurassic Coast
Much more cosmopolitain than you might think, and with wonderful beaches and a 7 mile walk along the prom.
262 locals recommend
Bournemouth
Much more cosmopolitain than you might think, and with wonderful beaches and a 7 mile walk along the prom.
Iron Age fort. Circular walk along the defensive mounds, from which you can see three counties and the sea (on a clear day)
35 locals recommend
Badbury Rings
Blandford RoadIron Age fort. Circular walk along the defensive mounds, from which you can see three counties and the sea (on a clear day)
National Trust - White Mill
Mill LaneA little slice of Dorset history
Go early to avoid the crowds, and enjoy a wonderful cliff walk to Durdle Door
383 locals recommend
Lulworth Cove
Go early to avoid the crowds, and enjoy a wonderful cliff walk to Durdle Door
Durdle Door
Classic Jurassic.
A massive car park, but walk a couple of hundred metres and you'll find quiet and dramatic beaches. At the end of the spit, see the the ludicrously expensive beach huts in all their rainbow glory!
264 locals recommend
Hengistbury Head
A massive car park, but walk a couple of hundred metres and you'll find quiet and dramatic beaches. At the end of the spit, see the the ludicrously expensive beach huts in all their rainbow glory!
The cliff that featured heavily in ITV's Broadchurch. The series used many locations around Harbour Cliff
167 locals recommend
West Bay
The cliff that featured heavily in ITV's Broadchurch. The series used many locations around Harbour Cliff
Corfe Castle station
The mighty magic of steam - a step back in time.
Several guided trips on small boats to see the Jurassic Coast, Sandbanks, Poole Harbour etc.
14 locals recommend
City Cruises Poole
The QuaySeveral guided trips on small boats to see the Jurassic Coast, Sandbanks, Poole Harbour etc.
A beautiful National Trust property with a superb walled rose garden (best in June and July).
35 locals recommend
Mottisfont
A beautiful National Trust property with a superb walled rose garden (best in June and July).
Parks & Nature
Fantastic National Trust stately home and gardens. Great for cream teas!
16 locals recommend
Kingston Lacy Estate
Blandford RoadFantastic National Trust stately home and gardens. Great for cream teas!
Martin Down National Nature Reserve
Iron Age fort, and National Nature Reserve
Durdle Door
A great picnic spot after a clifftop walk from Lulworth Cove.
Lulworth Cove
Pretty fishing cove with great swimming from the beach.
Wonderful clifftop views of the Isle of Wight and the English Channel. The easternmost part of the Jurassic Cost. Afterwards, lunch at the Bankes Arms.
152 locals recommend
Old Harry Rocks
Wonderful clifftop views of the Isle of Wight and the English Channel. The easternmost part of the Jurassic Cost. Afterwards, lunch at the Bankes Arms.
Chesil Beach
A massive shingle beach enclosing a long seawater lagoon.
Undiscovered chalk downland with many stunning footpaths and bridleways.
8 locals recommend
Cranborne Chase AONB
B3081Undiscovered chalk downland with many stunning footpaths and bridleways.
From Old Harry Rocks, you can walk the Coast as far as Devon if you have the time. A World Heritage Site.
194 locals recommend
Jurassic Coast
From Old Harry Rocks, you can walk the Coast as far as Devon if you have the time. A World Heritage Site.
Shell Bay
Miles of sand - great place for a picnic breakfast
Beautiful Private Gardens with an international reputation for ornamental grasses.
6 locals recommend
Knoll Gardens
Stapehill RoadBeautiful Private Gardens with an international reputation for ornamental grasses.
Go for the trees, in fact Go Ape. Or just enjoy a quiet stroll and lunch.
262 locals recommend
Moors Valley Country Park and Forest
Horton RoadGo for the trees, in fact Go Ape. Or just enjoy a quiet stroll and lunch.
Unspoilt beauty, after a beautiful boat trip from Poole Quay. Spend a day spotting the red squirrels.
204 locals recommend
Brownsea Island
Unspoilt beauty, after a beautiful boat trip from Poole Quay. Spend a day spotting the red squirrels.
Exbury Gardens
Beautiful, year round -- with a steam railway thrown in.
Superb New Forest gardens, with so many walks close at hand. Try the Trusty Servant for lunch, before or after your visit.
41 locals recommend
Furzey Gardens
School LaneSuperb New Forest gardens, with so many walks close at hand. Try the Trusty Servant for lunch, before or after your visit.
Arts & Culture
Clouds Hill
King George V RoadT E Lawrence's last home - a National Trust property.
An unexpectedly interesting day out, with genuinely awesome hardware, and some remarkably sensitive stories of the lives of tank crews.
247 locals recommend
The Tank Museum
Linsay RoadAn unexpectedly interesting day out, with genuinely awesome hardware, and some remarkably sensitive stories of the lives of tank crews.
The former home of Thomas Hardy and is located on the outskirts of Dorchester, Dorset, England. It was designed and built by Thomas Hardy for his own use in 1885 and he lived there until his death in 1928.
16 locals recommend
Max Gate
The former home of Thomas Hardy and is located on the outskirts of Dorchester, Dorset, England. It was designed and built by Thomas Hardy for his own use in 1885 and he lived there until his death in 1928.
Live music of all kinds, plus comedy and other theatrical events.
101 locals recommend
Bournemouth International Centre
Exeter RoadLive music of all kinds, plus comedy and other theatrical events.
Newly renovated as the Museum of East Dorset -- you'll get a good sense of the local history of this part of the world.
6 locals recommend
Priest's House Museum & Garden
23-29 High StNewly renovated as the Museum of East Dorset -- you'll get a good sense of the local history of this part of the world.
It's been popular for a long time now, but the motor museum has some exquisite antique machines. Summer weekends are best avoided...
155 locals recommend
Beaulieu
It's been popular for a long time now, but the motor museum has some exquisite antique machines. Summer weekends are best avoided...
Entertainment & Activities
Impressive local arts centre for music, cinema, theatre, art - and coffee.
53 locals recommend
Lighthouse, Poole's Centre For The Arts
21 Kingland RdImpressive local arts centre for music, cinema, theatre, art - and coffee.
Tower Retail Park
Dorset WayMultiplex cinema, plus shops and chain restaurants.
Local arts centre, kept running very efficiently by the community. Movies, music, and other entertainments.
16 locals recommend
The Tivoli Theatre
19 West BoroughLocal arts centre, kept running very efficiently by the community. Movies, music, and other entertainments.
A great day out, with an excellent collection of vintage wheels.
197 locals recommend
National Motor Museum, Beaulieu
A great day out, with an excellent collection of vintage wheels.
Yoga on the Beach
2494 Undercliff DrWe haven't tried the yoga, but the beaches at Bournemouth are spectacular..
Remedy Oak Golf Course
Horton RoadExcellent local golf course.
An absolute thrill, with some coaching before you let rip on the ocean!
11 locals recommend
Jetski Safaris
40 Salterns WayAn absolute thrill, with some coaching before you let rip on the ocean!
Swanage Piers Trust
One of the best sites in the UK for underwater adventures.
Good local centre with a nice indoor pool, good gyms and several classes every day.
Queen Elizabeth Leisure Centre
Blandford RoadGood local centre with a nice indoor pool, good gyms and several classes every day.
Learn the art of perfume making, or just enjoy a great lunch
10 locals recommend
Keyneston Mill, Home of Parterre Fragrances
Keyneston MillLearn the art of perfume making, or just enjoy a great lunch
Dreamboats Wimborne
Hire a boat and take leisurely trip along the river in your own time.
Wareham Boat Trips
3 The QuayNavigate yourself along the River Frome in a kayak.
Feeling adventurous? You can learn to kitesurf from the beach at Poole.
Easy Riders Sandbanks Beach Club
Shore RoadFeeling adventurous? You can learn to kitesurf from the beach at Poole.
Easy to get to, but much harder to get out of. A great diversion if the weather isn't with you.
Margonin
Easy to get to, but much harder to get out of. A great diversion if the weather isn't with you.
Essentials
Furzehill Village Store and Post Office
Smugglers' Lane(Almost) everything you need, a five minute walk away.
Co-op Food - Wimborne
Hanham RoadWimborne's second best supermarket
Co-op Food - Colehill
1 Smugglers' LnAnother handy convenience store, 5 minutes drive away (with parking)
M&S Foodhall
Ringwood RoadHandy local M&S Food Hall
The Woodshed Ltd
Good dried logs, year round.
Waitrose
Rowlands HillWimborne's best supermarket.
Pamphill Dairy Farm Shop & Parlour Café
546 Abbott StreetLight meals, farm food, and logs.
High Lea Butchers
Witchampton LaneGood quality meat and vegetables, just up the road, no parking hassles.