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The dog-friendly Mouse House at Milton Abbas nestles in the beautiful Dorset…
The charming county of Dorset boasts rolling hills, breathtaking countryside, quaint villages, sandy beaches and a coastline so beautiful that it has received World Heritage status. It is the perfect place to unwind and explore the many local attractions including historic houses and museums, to country parks, shops and markets selling fine local crafts and produce.
The dog-friendly Mouse House at Milton Abbas nestles in the beautiful Dorset…
Bramble Barn is a dog-friendly converted cart shed. A unique place to…
A pretty thatched cottage with an enclosed garden set in a beautiful…
Hoods is located on Kingsland Farm in the Dorset hamlet of Salwayash,…
The dog-friendly Coachman’s House is an immaculately presented holiday cottage in Weymouth,…
Apple Tree Cottage is a dog-friendly thatched cottage in Burton Bradstock, set…
Laundry Cottage is a Grade II Listed, 18th Century, cottage located in…
The stunning dog friendly Magna Cottage is located in Ashmore, Dorset’s highest…
Located in the Dorset village of Dewlish, Churn House is a converted…
This stunning dog friendly property offers the ultimate in space and grandeur…
When sitting down to decide where to travel with your dogs to make sure they have a great time without compromising on yours, there are a few criteria but the main focus is: will there be enough to do? Well, an easy solution to this decision-making process is usually travelling to Dorset, because it is so varied in its dog-friendly activities. Our guides show you this, and offer tips, tricks and destinations to visit regardless of whether you’re a countryside-lover, a beach-dweller or a culture activity enthusiast. But hopefully, you’re a mix of all three, because Dorset covers them all.
It is such a treat to be so close to both the beach and to so many natural reserves, parks and woodlands. It means you can walk every day of your visit, and the scenery will always be different. Let’s start by focusing on the dog friendly beaches, given that Dorset is one of the UK’s top summer holiday destinations as a result of its sprawling, golden beaches and its famous Jurassic coast. In fact, if you spend much time looking at photographs of Britain’s beaches, you are likely to have come across Durdle Door at some stage. It is a natural rock archway on a stunning beach over the hill from Lulworth Cove and this is only one of the many highlights of this coastline. What’s great about the Jurassic Coast is that you can walk along the hillside, viewing the sea without getting sandy, if that’s something you prefer, or you can walk on the beach yourself and feel the sand between your toes, if that’s more your cup of tea. Other landmark beaches include Bowleaze Cove, Mudeford Sandbank, Steamer Point Beach and Highcliffe Castle, which are a combination of shingle and sand beaches.
If you would prefer luscious greenery over a sea view or a sandy stroll, then Dorset continues to provide the good stuff. In fact, from the earthy centre of Thorncombe Woods in Dorchester, you would think you were in another universe and you would never know that you could be sifting through seashells just 15 minutes down the road. Talking about other universes, the same could be said for Corfe Castle, which is eerily beautiful and something you could imagine being inhabited by mystical creatures rather than you and the dogs. Wareham Forest is another gem and between its Sika Trail and Woodlark Walk, you will check blocks “exercise”, “beauty” and “dog-friendly” in one trip.
Just when you think there can’t be anymore wonderful, dog-friendly activities in Dorset, you realise you have only covered the natural stuff and that there are also plenty of cultural activities to sink your claws into. Not only does the Gold Hill Museum give you the opportunity to visit the Saxon town of Shaftesbury, but it is a whole lot of family fun on top of that. The same can be said for Swanage Railway, which allows you to get a feel for the area’s rich railroad history, as well as a little sightseeing of the area as the train takes you past Swanage beach, through the countryside, and past the ruins of Corfe Castle.
Though hugging the southwest coast of England is Dorset, this shire county is also bustling with natural beauty. Dorset is a nature reserve that has been named an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for a number of reasons, from its coastal cliffs to its sandy beaches, its expansive heathlands to its immersive forests.
B-line for Weymouth to get a feel for the beach element of the county. This small town on the coast has become identifiable by its rows of colourful beach huts. One of its most beautiful beaches is Weymouth Beach in Weymouth Bay, which is a highly popular spot for sunbathing and swimming during the Summer. Weymouth is a part of the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site that spans from East Devon’s Exmouth to Dorset’s Studland Bay.
The Melbury Downs are an exquisite place to go walking, whether it’s walking around the countryside surrounding St Thomas’ Church, or hiking to the peak of the Melbury Beacon atop Melbury Hill.
Alternatively, head to the far side of the coast from the likes of Weymouth and you’ll find Studland and Godlingston Heath National Nature Reserve. It is on the Isle of Purbeck and is perfect for casual beach strolls, a liberating, brisk sea breeze and views to write home about.