Dorset is rich in archaeology, unspoilt rural villages and countryside and has many country houses and other historic sites to visit. In the east, most land is low lying, with extensive heath lands. The centre of Dorset is chalk down land, with extensive rivers and streams, whilst the west of Dorset is more hilly, with a landscape of woodland and small fields. The north is dominated by a plain, known as the Blackmore Vale. As in Hardy's day its chief agricultural pursuit is dairying, which has preserved a landscape on intimate scale - often tiny fields defined by ancient hedgerows and winding lanes. You can spend days wandering the maze of small roads, footpaths and bridleways. The Dorset Downs and Cranborne Chase, areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, lie further to the south and east. Fine country for walking, riding or just picnicking.
Dorset has over 150 charming villages all well worth exploring. Small fishing fleets operate out of harbours such as Poole, Weymouth and West Bay.
Thomas Hardy, Dorset's most famous son, immortalized the County town of Dorchester as 'Casterbridge'. His novels still attract thousands of visitors each year keen to see the settings for 'Far from the Madding Crowd', 'Jude the Obscure', the 'Return of the Native', and of course 'The Mayor of Casterbridge'.
This charming house was built about 1900 and is situated on the outskirts of Manston, a peaceful and relaxing rural village. Recently been modernised, with one double with private facilities and one twin ensuite, sleeps 4, sitting room ? gas log fire, dining area, kitchen, patio, Bbq, shared laundry. more info...
Dorset has a climate intermediate between the south-east of England, where there are hot summers, cold winters and generally lower humidity, and the south-west of England, which has a more oceanic climate, with mild wet winters and cool moist summers.
Sandwiched between the M3 and M5 motorways there is a good major road system serving the county. Trains from London take just over one and a half hours.
Dorset has several leisure centers, and two dry-ski slopes and available sports include sailing, walking, horse-riding, diving, wind-surfing, golf, cricket, soccer, tennis, bowls, rugby and fishing. The main towns of Dorset are Bournemouth and Poole, both attractive vibrant places to visit.
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