Bed & Breakfast in the heart of Dorset

Things to do around Dorset

Nearby towns and villages

Lyme Regis is a picturesque seaside town with safe beaches, a variety of interesting shops, and the famous stone-built Cobb. It has recently been awarded World Heritage status.

The Georgian resort town of Weymouth has miles of sandy beach.

The small market town of Bridport has markets on Wednesday and Saturday, the latter including a large and thriving antique and flea market.

The isle of Portland, a short drive away, is a rocky outcrop joined to the mainland by the narrow curve of Chesil Beach. There are stunning views, with waves crashing and foaming beneath the famous Portland Bill lighthouse.

Dorchester is the county town for Dorset and is well worth a visit for its museums, shops and quiet malls. Nearby is Poundbury, Prince Charles' new town. On the outskirts of Dorchester is Maiden Castle, the largest Iron Age hill fort in Europe.

Beaches

There are safe beaches at Lyme Regis, Charmouth, West Bay and Weymouth, all within 10 miles.

The beach at Westbay

Walks

Several enjoyable walks can be taken in the countryside around Chideock. Further afield is the walk from Lyme Regis to Seaton, taking you through the Undercliff Nature reserve, Tyneham and Windspit. There are also various ridge walks around Eggardon Hill, and above Abbotsbury and Pilsden Pen. There are too many routes to mention here, but we can provide maps and instructions for the more scenic walks.

The view from Eggardon Hill

Historic Buildings

In nearby Sherborne is the beautiful 16th century castle with grounds landscaped by 'Capability' Brown, and the impressive and ancient Sherborne Abbey.

Thomas Hardy enthusiasts can visit his lovely thatched cottage at Bockhampton.

Mapperton House, in Beaminster, is a beautiful Elizabethan manor set in a romantic valley garden. Another fine 15th century manor, with lovely walled gardens, is Athelhampton House near Dorchester.

Local Events

These are just some of the main events in the area - for more information/other events have a look at the www.worldheritagecoast.com website.