I'm Cerdic. First King of Wessex

Blandford Forum is located on the banks of the River Stour in Dorset, which explains why its name comes from Blaen-y-ford meaning ‘the place near the ford’. The 13th century saw Blandford Forum as an important market town, enabling access by a bridge running over the Stour. In the 19th century accessibility was further improved by the addition of the railway and housing was being developed beyond the immediate town centre. Blandford Forum boasts a Georgian style Market Place, and photographic records are able to illustrate how the area has retained its open style. Markets continue to run in the same place every Thursday and Saturday near the Church of St Peter and St Paul, which has stood grand in the Market Place since 1739 and is a fine example of the Georgian architecture that can be seen throughout the town. Local attractions include the Royal Signals Museum at Blandford Army Camp, focusing on the history and significance of military communications, Blandford Museum and the Cavalcade of Costume Museum.
Annual celebrations take place in May for the Georgian Fayre, and September with Blandford Carnival and the week long, world-renowned Great Dorset Steam Fair.

BREWERY VISITOR CENTRE

CHETTLE HOUSE

The Museum presents displays selected from over 250 years of historical costume and accessories, in a lovingly restored Georgian townhouse. Visitors can enjoy new exhibitions each year and a friendly welcome in both the museum and our popular tea room. Access to a resource room, by appointment, is newly available for students of costume and fashion.

Lime Tree House, The Plocks ' Blandford Forum DT11 7AA  When in Blandford Forum town centre, from the market place follow the one way system up Salisbury Street. Take the right fork as the street divides and turn immediately right into The Plocks. The museum is apporximately 50 metres on the right.  Open: Thursday to Monday, Easter to September 11-5pm and October to Easter 11-4pm.Closed mid December until mid February.
CAVALCADE OF COSTUMES CLICK
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ROYAL SIGNALS MUSEUM

Bournemouth – a world class resort that has everything you need for a perfect holiday or short break, and where there’s a host of sights and activities within easy reach.Relax on our award winning beaches, with seven miles of golden sand fringing the clear blue sea. Wander through our exquisite parks and gardens, or explore our vast range of shops – from fascinating boutiques to large department stores. Experience the wealth of entertainment and amusements available for all ages and tastes. And when you fancy a spot to eat, take your choice from the restaurants, bars and bistros, offering everything from traditional English fare to the finest exotic cuisines.

ALICE IN WONDERLAND THEME PARK

BLUE LINES CRUISES 

BRILLIANT WEEKENDS IN BOURNEMOUTH

Stag Weekends, Hen Weekends, Activity Breaks, Corporate Weekends, Birthday Celebrations, Golf Weekends.

BOURNEMOUTH BEACH

BOURNEMOUTH EYE

BOURNEMOUTH INTERNATIONAL CENTRE

BOURNEMOUTH LAND TRAIN

BOURNEMOUTH LIBRARY

BOURNEMOUTH PIER

Situated in the Purbeck Hall the BIC provides a perfect venue for winter skating. With a large car park adjacent to the building and inhouse catering facilities everything you want is under one roof.

Skating starts on Wednesday 5th December and runs through until Sunday 24th February. Children from the age of 4 are welcome to skate however children aged 4 - 12 must be accompanied on the ice. Sessions last for 1 hour 30 minutes this includes getting on and off the ice.

In 1868 the first recorded pleasure excursion from Bournemouth Pier was by the steamer 'Fawn'. She was chartered for a trip to Spithead, where a review of the fleet was being held in honour of the Shah of Persia.Since 1871 there has been a long association between Bournemouth Pier and pleasure steamers.The principal paddle steamer operator on the Wessex coast was Cosen's of Weymouth 1918-1996. Fond memories abound of Monarch, Empress and Victoria, just some of their fleet of paddle steamers that regularly called at Bournemouth Pier.One of the first post-war boats Bolson's operated from the Pier was proudly given the name "Bournemouth Belle" and from then on the little fleet  were affectionately nicknamed "the Dorset Belles" by the holidaymakers.To this day the tradition of pleasure cruises from the pier continue to the delight of Bournemouth holidaymakers, along with regular seasonal visits by the paddle steamer "Waverley" and her motorised companion "Balmoral"

Fisherman’s Walk is a stretch of beach much enjoyed by locals. It is predominantly sandy with some shingle and provides safe bathing.   Best features: High standards of cleanliness and water quality have won the beach a Blue Flag Award. The recently replenished beach is now huge. Local facilities and shops: The beach is near café facilities and has deckchair hire and beach huts, plus a cliff lift. The huts are available to hire by the day, or pre-book for a week, call 0845 055 0968. It’s within walking distance of Southbourne Grove shopping centre.

This popular arts centre specialises in theatre, dance, music and comedy and also features regular art and sculpture exhibitions, plus a programme of workshops and hands-on experiences. Situated in the heart of the New Forest, it serves both the local community and the wider audiences found in Southampton and Bournemouth. It has a fully licensed bar serving bottled beer, guest ales, wine and soft drinks, as well as confectionery and ice cream.

GO APE HIGH WIRE ADVENTURE

HENGISTBURY HEAD

THE LOWER GARDENS

THE PAVILION THEATRE

Bridport is a vibrant market town in Dorset. It is recognised as the Gateway Town for the World Heritage site of the Jurassic Coast. The town offers stunning natural beauty nearby in the form of West Bay. With the golden glow of the sandstone cliffs to the east and the shimmering Golden Cap to the west, the coastline lying just one and a half miles south offers naturally breathtaking scenery. The fossil-rich coast has attracted many dinosaur hunters, with the east cliff exposing 180 million years of history. It originally thrived as a fishing port and rope-making centre (the hangman’s rope being made at Bridport gave birth to the saying "stabbed with a Bridport dagger"). The Port is no longer in existence although the harbour at West Bay is a mile away.It has recently become the subject of articles where it has been nicknamed 'Notting Hill on Sea' and is attracting large numbers of second home owners with all the attendant social problems that this creates. In 2006 West Dorset was named 10th best place to live in the UK.  The town is twinned with Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, France.According to the 2001 Census, the population of the Bridport parish stands at 12,977. One and a half miles from the town centre and within the town boundary lies West Bay, a small fishing harbour known as Bridport Harbour. It is the location of one of the southwest's premier seafood restaurants, The Riverside. West Bay was also the scene for the opening shot of "The life and Times of Reginald Perrin" and the 1950's film of the "Navy Lark" was also shot there.Bridport has however seen the negative side of the press. During August 2006, Bridport hit the national news^[ as a result of the stabbings of 3 young girls after alighting the number 31 bus, a First Group service that connects Weymouth to Axminster. The girls survived the incident with no major injuries and the offender, Ian Andrew Ruby, has been indefinitely detained at Broadmoor Hospital. 

In a Grade II listed former Congregational Chapel the Museum's displays illustrate the history of Beaminster and the lives of its people from medieval to modern times. Find out about flood and fire, families, buildings, trades, schools and pastimes. Archaeology, agricultural and local village history are featured. Interest for all the family. Visitors can hear the organ play, listen to voices remembering times past, set in motion a turret clock and see the first lap top computer. Specially for children is the Beaminster Bee Trail. A programme of special exhibitions changes throughout the season. Facilities include a reference library and a shop. In the words of a recent visitor "what a gem of a place".

BRIDPORT ARTS CENTRE

From Romans to rope making! Come and discover Bridport’s unique history from Saxon times to the present day including the world famous rope and net making industries. Finds from nearby Roman hillfort can be seen and you can even try on a toga! Temporary exhibitions held. A gateway to the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, open April to October Monday to Saturday 10am-5pm.

  The Broadwindsor Craft and Design Centre is situated in in the heart of West Dorset's beautiful rolling countryside.  Redundant farm buildings on the edge of the village were the starting point in 1986 for this unique venture.  Today, The Craft Centre is renowned for its excellence and quality.The Centre underwent a major transformation in 2002 when an extension was built from locally quarried stone.  This allowed the addition of two dedicated rooms:- The Toy Room and The Garden Gift room.  The Gallery was also opened at this time displaying framed prints and a range of woodburning / multifuel, oil and electric stoves, together with iron fire grates, fireside tools, fire guards and products from Lyme Bay Forge (traditional blacksmiths).

Hive Beach is a long, coarse sandy beach overlooked by cliffs and farmland.  Best features: The beach is very clean. Local facilities & shops: The Hive café/restaurant right on the beach. Great for kids? The water is clean for swimming, but beware of strong tides and currents and of being cut off by tides.

The Old Brewery in Bridport has been in operation since 1794. This makes Palmers one of the few United Kingdom producers able to claim continuous production for over 200 years on the original site; indeed, part of the Brewery Building is still Thatched. Founded by the Gundry family, local rope and net makers, the business was subsequently acquired in the late 19th Century by the Palmer brothers, John Cleeves and Robert Henry. Since then, it has been growing steadily whilst being handed down from generation to generation. Today, two more Palmer brothers are running the business; John, Chairman and Managing Director and Cleeves, the Sales and Marketing Director, great-grandsons of the Founder.You can take a tour round the Brewery.

UK LLAMAS

West Bay is a busy village with a wide sandy beach split by the harbour entrance. Best features: Boats, pubs and restaurants make West Bay more than a day on the beach. Local facilities & shops: Plenty of eating places, around the harbour and beach. Great for the kids? Sandy and safe, although the sea can get rough in windy conditions.

ADVENTURE WONDERLAND

Dorset's award winning number 1 family theme park offers a full days fun with over 25 rides & attractions. Combines the outside Wonderland Park with the indoor Aztec adventure, Wild Thing!

CHRISTCHURCH NORMAN HOUSE

There has been a church on this site since around 800 A.D. The present building was begun in 1094 by Ranulf Flambard and has since been in continuous use as a place of prayer and pilgrimage.

Visitors never fail to be amazed to find such a beautiful church tucked away in this corner of Dorset, where it dominates the skyline of the historic town of Christchurch. It is by repute the longest parish church in England.

CHISTCHURCH SKI & LEISURE CENTRE

HIGHCLIFFE CASTLE

MACPENNYS WOODLAND GARDENS

A carefully restored mill situated on Christchurch Quay at the confluence of the rivers Stour and Avon. Although unable to grind corn, the wheel is able to turn when tidal conditions are right. Place Mill is home to a permanent market of arts and crafts, where local artists and crafts people are encouraged to exhibit and sell their work.

The Regent Centre is located in the High Street, Christchurch, with the two main towns of Bournemouth and Poole six and twelve miles to the West. The New Forest stretches to the East for some thirty miles as far as Southampton. The Centre was opened in 1931 as a cinema and was used thus or as a bingo hall until 1983, when it was purchased by Christchurch Borough Council for re-development. Local pressure and enthusiasm for the arts persuaded the Borough Council to re establish the cinema and add structures and fittings to enable theatre presentations. The Council provided a small number of key professional staff, but a majority of the day to day operation was carried out by volunteers. The programme of events at the centre has continued to expand and diversify since this time. In 1986, a temporary structure was added to the rear of the building to provide dressing room accommodation and a Studio rehearsal space. In 2000 a permanent four story replacement was completed as part of the town’s Millennium celebration.

Serendipity Sam's is next door to Peeks Party Store in Reid Street, north of the town centre on the B3073 Fairmile Road. It is 5 minutes walk from railway station.• First visit FREE!
• Their own personalised membership card
• Discounted entry fee at every visit to any centre
• Entry into our regular visitor draw for prizes
• Savings on selected items from our shops

Only five minutes walk from the centre of Christchurch, in the setting of a genuine Edwardian Power Station, the Museum of Electricity is a must for all ages. Everything here is electric, from an old Bournemouth tram to a pair of boot warmers! There really is something to interest everyone, with hands-on exhibits and the demonstrations for children tie in with the national curriculum. Car parking is free on site and picnic tables are available.

ABBOTSBURY ATTRACTIONS 

ATHELHAMPTON HOUSE & GARDENS

Cerne Abbas is a small, friendly village lying in the valley of the River Cerne, midway between Sherborne and Dorchester in north-west Dorset.

We pride ourselves on the welcome we extend to visitors and to those who come to join our community.

Domineys garden and arboretum open in 2008 on Sundays 13 April, 18 May, 10 August from 2pm to 6pm and on 26 October 12 noon to 4pm. Visits on other days by appointment. All seasons garden with rare and interesting plants in artistic setting. Small arboretum with 300 trees and shrubs, bulbs and perennials. A place to enjoy every day come rain or shine. Flowers of spring, shades of green, colours of autumn, stems of winter. Teas and Plant sale on open Sundays. Between Dorchester and Sherborne Admission £3.50 children free.All proceeds to charity - National Gardens Scheme and Arthritis Research Campaign.

DINOSAUR MUSEUM

DORCHESTER ARTS CENTRE

THE DORSET TEDDY BEAR MUSEUM

THE KEEP MILITARY MUSEUM OF
 DEVON & DORSET

& ANIMAL PARK

This is the best-preserved and most attractive Iron Age hill fort anywhere in Europe, and is a popular attraction in this area of the country. At its peak, the area would have been home to around two hundred families, living within the protection of the castle walls. The site was excavated on two occasions n the 20th Century and visitors are invited to learn about the history and development of the area.

MILL HOUSE CIDER MUSEUM

In the heart of Dorset, Mill House Cider Museum shows you exactly how this traditional drink was made.You can tour around the displays and equipment that shows the importance of cider as a drink over the years.Watch the ten minute video display that shows cider actually being made on the 18th and 19th century equipment!Find the hidden Smiley Apples around the museum to discover some unusual fun facts about cider and its traditions!Taste some of the range of different ciders in our shop.

 A 200-YEAR-OLD tree at the centre of worship by druids and witches has been chopped down to size after it became diseased.
The 80ft beech at Winterbourne Abbas has been reduced to a 10-metre stump by English Heritage because of fears it would die and fall over.The tree has become a dominant feature at the site, famous for the ancient stone circle standing beneath its branches.has been reduced to a 10-metre stump by English Heritage because of fears it would die and fall over.The tree has become a dominant feature at the site, famous for the ancient stone circle standing beneath its branches.

Experience 200 years of gruesome crime and punishment in a setting little changed over the years and is most famous for the trial of the Tollpuddle Martyre. Visit during the Summer period when an experienced guide will bring the history of the courtroom and cells alive. Enjoyed by adults and children as they can stand in the dock and sit in the creepy cells where the prisoners waited for their appearance before the judge.

POUNDBURY

ROMAN TOWN HOUSE

The only Roman Town House to be seen in its entirety in Britain.
Dating from the 4th century AD, the house comprises two separate ranges forming an L shape around a small courtyard. The remains show a number of architectural details, including 2 hypercausts with external stoke holes, a window, stone columns, a well and an excellent mosaic which is under the covered building.

TERRACOTTA WARRIOR EXHIBITION

One dawn, in the bitter February of 1834, six Tolpuddle farm labourers were arrested after forming a trade union. A frightened squire’s trumped up charges triggered one of the most celebrated stories in the history of human rights. That dawn arrest created the Tolpuddle Martyrs, who were punished with transportation as convicts to Australia. Every third Sunday in July the museum holds the Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival. Summer: Tuesday-Sunday. Please phone for winter opening.

Fine Grade I listed mediaeval and Elizabethan house lying in water meadows near the confluence of Rivers of Cerne and Frome. Much embellished around 1560. It has magnificent carved oak panelling, splendid plaster ceilings, grand fireplaces and unique stone stairs. Fine pictures and furniture of 17th century. The mediaeval gatehouse has two unmatched and older towers. Cider house, cider for sale. Gatehouse and 19th century Lodge available for self-catering holidays.

WORLD RENOWNED
 TUTANKHAMUN EXHIBITION

LYME REGIS

 BROAD STREET RESTAURANT

BY THE BAY RESTAURANT

Country house hotel set in over 2 acres of walled grounds, only 3 miles from historic lyme regis
2 AA Rosette restaurant Heated swimming pool April - October Smoking in Bar only

LYME REGIS MUSEUM

RUMOURS FRUITS DE MER RESTAURANT

Specializing in local fresh fish . Menu changed daily . Homemade speciality breads and ice-creams. Local meats and poultry.Rumours is quite small and cosy, with a pleasant ambience using a musical theme in the décor – old instruments and a wind up gramophone on display (but thankfully not playing!). Unobtrusive piped music plays.
King Scallops are landed at the Cobb and cut ready for the table by the chef .A local fisherman pots our crabs which are then cooked and picked on our premises. Live Local Lobsters available 24 hours notice required ensuring freshness and quality.They buy fresh produce which is prepared on the premises, Freshly Baked Specialty Breads, Seafood soups and of course wonderful Ice-creams and homemade Desserts. For ultimate freshness and flavour all dishes are cooked to order. All main courses are served with Fresh Vegetables of the day or Fresh Garden Salad.Rumours has been awarded an AA Rosette

POOLE

BOWLPLEX

CASTLEMAN TRAILWAY

COMPTON ACRES

Compton Acres is one of the finest privately owned gardens in the South. A unique series of stunning themed gardens spread over 10 acres offer beautiful views. There is also a tea room and cafe, a restaurant, craft shop and model railway.

COURTYARD CRAFT CENTRE

This building is a replica of the previous, eighteenth Century Customs House, which was destroyed by fire in 1813. The ground floor was traditionally used for weighing, examination and storage. The distinctive double flight of steps leads to the first floor where transactions would have been made. The wooden structure outside is a replica of the Town Beam, used for weighing goods. Plaques on the building commemorate the many small craft that set sail from Poole Quay for the D-Day evacuations. The first floor is now a restaurant

FARMER PALMER'S FARM PARK

GUS GORILLAS JUNGLE PLAYGROUND

LIGHTHOUSE

Once the home of the Poole lifeboat, this nineteenth Century building is now a small R.N.L.I museum. The main exhibit it the former Poole lifeboat, Thomas Kirk Wright, which was built in 1938 and launched from the lifeboat house until it went out of service in 1962. This boat took part in the Dunkirk evacuation of 1940. Poole’s current lifeboat is kept afloat in the harbour ready to serve the many sailors and holiday makers that visit the area.

OLLIE'S ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND

This large arts and entertainment centre is a popular venue for touring pop, rock and classical concerts, theatre productions and art exhibitions, offering large comfortable concert halls and fully licensed bars. The full range of the arts is covered including dance, ballet, opera and classical music and the centre boasts a full yearly programme from the highly acclaimed Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. Independent cinema productions are a regular feature, as well as an annual pantomime and big-name comedy one-man shows.

As the second largest natural harbour in the world after Sydney, Australia, Poole Harbour is an attraction in its own right. The calm waters are busy with luxury yachts and fishing boats while several secluded islands offer the perfect habitat for a wide range of bird and plant life. Harbour boat tours are available from Poole quay throughout the year. A chain ferry also takes cars and foot passengers across the narrow harbour entrance to the beautiful Isle of Purbeck beyond.

Just a quick stroll from the town centre, this spacious park has plenty to offer. There is a large boating lake, putting green, bowling green and public tennis courts. Young children can enjoy the crazy golf course, play area, remote controlled model boats or just feeding the ducks. A trip on the narrow gauge railway with Desmond the diesel engine, takes passengers on a half mile journey round the wild fowl lake.

ST. JAMES CHURCH

Located near Poole Quay, this large parish church has long been associated with the local fishing trade and is known to many as ‘the fishermen’s church’. This is born out by its unusual weather vane fashioned in the shape of a fish.
The church has a long tradition of bell ringing. Local lore has it that during Edward VI’s reign, the Duke of Somerset ordered eight bells to be sold in aid of Poole’s fortification. Unfortunately the bells were lost at sea during passage to Holland.

Enjoy a spot of celebrity watching on Britain’s smartest beach. Pop stars and footballers flock to this three-mile stretch of golden sand, stunning views and trendy bars. Great for families too, this beach, at the entrance to Poole harbour, is patrolled by the prestigious Poole lifeguards and has won many awards for its cleanliness and top class facilities. Water sports enthusiasts can make the most of the ideal conditions for wind surfing, kite surfing and dingy sailing. Equipment hire and lessons are readily available on site.

This is Poole’s best preserved medieval domestic building. Once known as the George Inn it is believed to have been occupied by troops during the Civil War. Initials and dates from that time can still be seen scratched on some of the buildings original fireplaces. The property fell into disrepair until the Society of Poole Men bought and restored it in 1928. Volunteers replanted the unique Tudor walled garden in 2001. Exhibitions and family events are held here as well as an ongoing educational program for local school children.

The gallery is home to an extensive collection of mid 20th Century paintings and sculptures that are owned by Bournemouth and Poole College. These include pieces by Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, Ivon Hitchens and Bridget Riley, to name but a few. The gallery also hosts a variety of visiting exhibitions and organises its own regular shows based on emerging talents from the south coast region.

WATERFRONT MUSEUM

SHAFTESBURY

Close to Shaftesbury lies Gillingham, Dorset`s fastest growing town, with direct rail connections to London Waterloo, Salisbury and Exeter. The Gillingham Local History Society was founded in 1953 in order to oversee the extensive collection that the Freame family had bequeathed to the parish. The collection can be found at Gillingham Museum; it is large and varied in its themes, taking visitors on a journey from natural history and geological artefacts through Roman, Saxon and Tudor relics to a selection of beautiful antiques from the last century.

Gold Hill is the most famous street in Shaftesbury, a town full of quaint corners and superb views on the edge of a 700-foot plateau. This ancient cobbled street, running beside the walls of King Alfred’s abbey, features on countless chocolate boxes and calendars. It was also used as an advertisement for Hovis. Each year Shaftesbury plays host to the Gold Hill Fair, named after the town’s landmark, to raise money for local charities, it is the largest free event in Dorset, and attracts over 12,000 visitors.

Located at the top of Gold Hill, Shaftesbury Town Museum is an interesting attraction for those looking to discover more about the town, its history and the people of the region. As well as enjoying fine views from the museum, visitors are treated to an extensive collection of archaeological finds that have been excavated locally. Other highlights include a large photo archive and displays on the crafts and button-making industries.

SHERBORNE

Along with the town’s two castles, Sherborne Abbey is one of the main attractions to the historic market town of Sherborne. It is a magnificent building, with around thirteen hundred years of history, and well worth a visit. There is no admission charge but a donation is recommended. Each year there is also the Sherborne Abbey Festival, the programme of events for which has proved to be a great success.

BOW HOUSE

THE CONDUIT

HOSPITAL OF SAINTS JOHN THE BAPTIST & JOHN THE EVANGELIST

In the heart of Sherborne, tucked inside the Abbey Gate, is this Victorian mock-Tudor building. It was turned into a museum for the town in 1968. Although the museum is small, it manages to hold over 15,000 items related to local history, including archaeological finds, archives, costumes and textiles, coins and medals, and objects that shed light on the long history of Sherborne from Roman to modern. The museum is run entirely by volunteers.

Few English schools can claim a more impressive history than Sherborne. Edward VI founded it in 1550, but it replaced a monastic school and made use of monastic buildings. On the right of the picture is the former west claustral range that now forms the school library. Sherborne is an independent school and its premises are private, but some of its most historic buildings can be let for functions, including the Jacobean Old School Room.

Swanage has so many facets; a traditional family-friendly beach resort with Victorian charm, the eastern gateway to the Jurassic coast with outstanding geology that attracts global attention, a lively town in which to celebrate the carnivals and music festivals and a peaceful retreat for that spring or autumn weekend break that you so deserve….you may hear this a lot from other holiday destinations, but Swanage truly has something for everyone!!Swanage changes with the seasons, but the World Heritage Site Jurassic Coast has overlooked this atmospheric town for 130 million years; certainly standing the test of time! For music lovers the town also has a fantastic range of events that everyone can enjoy; there is the Blues Festival in March, a Jazz Festival in July, Swanage Carnival and Regatta in August and the Folk Festival in September. Come and experience the lively atmosphere with brightly decorated umbrellas, treasure hunts, Caribbean style carnivals, spectacular fireworks and music and dancing to suit everyone – why not join in the fun?!

can be found on the rolling hills that lie to the west of Swanage beach. The park is a fantastic site of around 260 acres where you can see stunning views and an abundance of natural beauty, flora and fauna as well as magnificent marine mammals and bids, all set in nature's great open book. The park hosts a wide range of events throughout the year including dolphin watches and Durlston Castle is being developed as one of the key visitor centres for the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.

Enjoy views of Old Harry Rock from our licensed cafe, browse the gift shop and take a stroll on the sandy beach. Open 10am - 4pm daily

The Mowlem Theatre was opened in 1967 and replaced the smaller original Victorian building which had stood for over 100 years. It can seat up to 400 patrons in the stalls and circle and is situated on the sea front at Swanage at the junction of two of the main shopping streets. It has a combined programme of, typically, over 200 film performances each year in addition to 60-100 nights of live theatre. There are two bars, a licensed restaurant, a function room and four shops within the complex. The present Theatre was opened in 1967 and replaced the smaller original Victorian building which had stood for over 100 years.

PUTLAKE ADVENTURE FARM

This three mile stretch of beach is well managed by the National Trust and ample parking and refreshment facilities are provided. The combination of natural sand dunes and heath land provides a haven for rare birds and plants while the sheltered waters make a perfect anchorage for sailors. Dinghy and windsurfer hire is available. Studland beach is also home to the Trust’s only official nudist beach, which is surprisingly popular in all weathers.Shell Bay, Knoll Beach, Middle Beach and South Beach are all popular sandy beaches at Studland owned by the National Trust. A marked section is reserved for nudists.

SWANAGE BEACH

WAREHAM

The town's strategic setting has made it an important settlement throughout its long history. The older streets in the town follow a Roman grid pattern, though the current town was founded by the Saxons. The town's oldest features are the town Walls, ancient earth ramparts surrounding the town, which were built by Alfred the Great in the 9th century to defend the town from Norsemen. The town was a Saxon royal burial place, notably that of King Beorhtric (800 CE); also in the town is the coffin of Edward the Martyr, dating from 978, his remains now to be found in Shaftesbury Abbey in north Dorset. The River Frome serves as a small harbour and the town was a port in centuries when boats were smaller and before the river silted up.After the Monmouth Rebellion of 1685, Wareham was one of a number of towns in Dorset where Judge Jeffreys held the Bloody Assizes, with traitors being hanged from the town walls. The Frome estuary in the east of the parishIn 1762 a fire destroyed two thirds of the town, which has been rebuilt in Georgian architecture with red brick and Purbeck limestone, following the Roman street pattern. The town is divided into four quarters by the two main roads, which cross at right-angles. The medieval Almshouses escaped the fire, and some of the Georgian facades are in fact disguising earlier buildings which also survived. Because of the constraints of the rivers and marshland Wareham grew little during the 20th century, while nearby towns, such as Poole, grew rapidly.In the Anglo-Saxon St Martin's Church, there is a recumbent effigy of T. E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) in Arab clothing. He is buried at Moreton churchyard where every year a quantity (decreases by one each year) of red roses are left.  Since the 15th century Wareham has been a market town, and still holds a market on Thursdays and Saturdays.

BLUE POOL & TEA HOUSE

CORFE CASTLE MODEL
VILLAGE & GARDENS

Starting with the iguanadon, (dinosaur) through stone age man and the riches underfoot. The Museum has images and artefacts taken from Corfe’s past with the clay, stone and Purbeck Marble industries and snapshots of why and how the village became what it is today. The Museum is housed on the ground floor of the smallest Town Hall in England and so it is quite small too, but well worth a visit. It is open every day and entry is free.Corfe Castle Town Hall consists of a single room built in 1640 from the remains of the nearby castle, which was destroyed during the English Civil War.The windows of the town hall in Dorset, which is now a museum, are made from old fireplaces taken from the castle.

Ginger Pop Promotions helps Enid Blyton fans of all ages to a greater enjoyment of her books through exploring the places in Dorset where the stories were set and by understanding the historical period in which they were written.  This is achieved through The Ginger Pop Shop in Corfe Castle village Square. The Ginger Pop Shop will be open from March 24 to end of October from 11.30 - 5pm, but may be closed on Fridays out of Dorset school holidays. The Ginger Pop Shop is a shop about childhood, and is not just a children’s shop!  It is next door to the Post Office in Corfe Castle village square.  From the window there is a splendid view of the castle, immortalised as Kirrin Castle in the Famous Five series, and usually with the jackdaws flying around the towers!  The shop has an Enid Blyton Appreciation Book for customers to sign, and some of the best comments  are being flashed across their web site. 

LULWORTH CASTLE PARK

Monkey World rescues primates from all over the world. Living at the park is the largest group of chimpanzees outside Africa, orangutans, gibbons, and many more primates in spacious enclosures amongst a natural woodland setting. In the Malagasy habitat one can walk through the lemurs forest and come nose-to-nose with these beautiful primates.An outdoor play area, woodland walk, pets encounter, a soft play area and Big Al's Adventure with many amusements keep kids busy all day. There is also a café, a gift shop, education centre, picnic area and free parking.A primate adoption scheme helps Monkey World to rescue and rehabilitate more of our closest living relatives who need our help.

No membership necessary- Ample free parking - childcare- Holiday Clubs - Harry's Sports Bar & Cafe. Tennis, Table Tennis, Squash, Badminton, Football, Hockey, Swimming, Cricket,fitness room, sauna, fitness classes and sports injury & therapy clinic.

Along the coast you will find the deserted village of Tyneham where in 1943 the 250 inhabitants were evacuated when the village was taken over for military use. The villagers were billeted out throughout Purbeck and told they would return to Tyneham when the hostilities ceased. The villagers never did return and the land has continued to be used as a military training area. Open weekends. Exhibitions in Tyneham School and Tyneham Church open from 10am- 4pm.

Weymouth lies not far from the border of Devon and Dorset. The main route into the town is along the A354 which leaves the A35 at Dorchester. Weymouth is a major holiday destination on the south coast that attracts thousands of visitors each year. It is also a working port with ferries to France and the Channel Islands and a fleet of fishing boats. Weymouth is also the gateway to the rocky peninsular  known as Portland Bill that juts out 6 miles into the English channel. The resort of Weymouth is an attractive town that is spread along the coast overlooking a beach of golden sand. Much of the town was built in the reign of George III when the town played host to the monarch on many occasions. There are still numerous Georgian style buildings within the town. The inner harbour is home to the local fishing fleet and is an interesting area to visit. 

BENNETT'S WATER GARDEN

BREWER'S QUAY

Just off Weymouth's Old Harbour you will find Brewers Quay. This redeveloped Victorian brewery building houses a unique undercover Shopping Village with over 20 specialist shops offering a fascinating choice of goods. The Timewalk is also housed here, allowing the visitor to travel back through 600 years of local history and also to explore the unique brewing heritage from which the present attraction was created. Brewers Quay is also home to the Weymouth Museum with its unique record of local and social history.

One of Britain’s natural wonders, a unique shingle ridge. Where is it? Stretches for 17 miles from Portland to West Bay. Access at various points along its route. Best features: The natural beauty plus watersports facilities – the beach overlooks Portland Harbour, a centre for wind and kitesurfing. Local facilities & shops: Chesil can be a lonely place, but there are facilities at West Weares, Portland; Ferrybridge; Moonfleet; Abbotsbury and Burton Bradstock. Great for the kids? Beware steeply shelving shingle, strong currents and treacherous seas.

GREAT DORSET MAIZE MAZE 

Each year sees a different amaizing maize maze at Rodden Farm near Weymouth. Just off the main Weymouth to Bridport coast road (B3157) the theme for the 2004 maze was 'Out of This World'.
Planted each year in late April the crop of maize grows to 4ft tall by the opening in July and continues growing to a spectacular 10ft by September. It's great fun for all the family plus there are farm animals, sandpits, puzzles and quizzes and a barbecue and picnic area.

The Layard Theatre was opened by Sir Richard Eyre in May 1999,  having been funded in part from the sale of the Assyrian Frieze, which had originally been brought to Canford by Sir Henry Layard in the mid-nineteenth century.Attractively sited on the campus of Canford School, in 250 acres of parkland on the banks of the River Stour, the theatre offers the pleasure of the performing arts in a beautiful and historic setting.

For the best all-round live entertainment you need look no further than Weymouth Pavilion Theatre.

Top name shows, talent contests, music festivals, comedy, musical theatre, children's shows, and of course - pantomime - we really know how to put on a show