The natural beauty of Dorset is appreciated by people from all over the world, and every year thousands of tourists visit the county to experience the picturesque rolling countryside and the stunning coastline. What is often forgotten is that Dorset\’s towns and villages are equally special, and offer an abundance of history, architecture and unique character.

This article provides a list of ten of the best and most interesting towns in the county, from bustling market towns to sleepy seaside resorts.

Lyme Regis

Lyme Regis is probably best known for the Cobb, the iconic 13th century sea wall featured in the movie The French Lieutenant’s Woman. It’s also a great spot for foodies, with celebrity chef Mark Hix’s Oyster House perched on the cliff overlooking Lyme Bay.

Charmouth

If you’re looking for a charming, idyllic village with plenty of classic Dorset character, Charmouth should be near the top of your list. The town is particularly popular with fossil enthusiasts, as the nearby pebbled beaches are a goldmine for prehistoric remains from millions of years ago.

Bridport

Visitors to Bridport are often attracted by the lure of fantastic local food and drink in the town’s wonderful collection of restaurants, cafes and pubs. Bridport’s weekly markets, which are held on Wednesdays and Saturdays, are also popular with tourists and locals alike.

Swanage

Swanage boasts a really special claim to fame, as it has one of the UK’s few surviving steam railways. Visitors can experience a magical journey through six miles of beautiful scenery, passing alongside the magnificent ruins of Dorset\’s Corfe Castle.

Weymouth

Weymouth is home to many fantastic attractions including a large sandy beach, a picturesque old harbour and a Sealife park. Along with neighbouring Portland, Weymouth will be hosting the sailing events in the 2012 Olympics next year.

West Bay

A great place to get an authentic taste of the sea, West Bay has a fabulous selection of eateries with everything from traditional cod and chips to freshly caught lobster, crab, scallops and crayfish.

Abbotsbury

The Abbotsbury Swannery is the village\’s most famous attraction, and every year around May and June lucky visitors get to see the new baby cygnets hatching from their eggs. Abbotsbury is also the home to the biggest willow maze in Dorset and to the amazing subtropical gardens, which were recently featured on ITV’s Countrywise.

Lulworth

Lulworth is a tiny village perched next to the world famous Lulworth Cove, the sweeping natural bay which is one of the jewels in the crown of Dorset’s world heritage coastline. It’s hugely popular in the summer months, and can get quite crowded at the height of the tourist season.

Dorchester

When most people think of Dorchester they think of Thomas Hardy – the town’s most famous son and one of Britain’s greatest ever authors. While today it is a bustling modern market town, Dorchester is still hugely proud of its history, and its many museums are a big draw for visitors.

Seaton

Seaton is just over the Dorset border in neighbouring Devon. It has a beautiful pebbly beach and wonderful old fashioned tramway, making Seaton a genuine delight for visitors of all ages.

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Category: Travel
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