Uncovering Dorset’s Hidden Treasures
Travelling your home country is one of life’s more vastly underrated pleasures. Many, in search of experiences new, place their holiday ambitions in the hands of commercial airlines and package holiday providers – the latter of which have become markedly more expensive in recent months.
But the art of ‘staycationing’ is very much alive and well, and far more than a cost-effective alternative to an international trip. The UK is a crucible of culture and history, with every corner and cranny offering something wonderful to discover. Dorset is one such cranny, being an idyllic region of the South-West with incredible links to the rest of the country – and a great deal of magic for you to unearth too. What are some of Dorset’s more magical treasures, and where can they be found?
Durdle Door
Durdle Door is a natural rock formation found in coastal Wareham, and an interstitial part of the Jurassic Coast. The Jurassic Coast describes the south-facing coastline of Britain, from Dorset to Devon; it is so named for the plentiful fossils of that era found across its beaches. Durdle Door is practically the face of the coast, with its dramatic and imposing arch poking out into the Channel. This is a true treasure of a British landmark that must be seen to be appreciated fully!
Lulworth Cove
Just a short, mile-long walk from Durdle Door, you will come across the quiet majesty of Lulworth Cove. Lulworth Cove cuts a quintessential form in Dorset’s coast, as a quiet inlet with blue waters and pebbled beachland for the family to explore. It also plays host to some remarkable rock pools, and if caught on a truly quiet day, can feel like the best-kept secret in the whole country!
The South West Coast Path
If the above wonders of the Jurassic Coast weren’t quite enough for you, there is a special treasure that
describes the entirety of the South West coast; this treasure takes the form of the UK’s longest contiguous National Trail, the South West Coast Path.
This public footpath starts from Dorset’s own Poole Harbour, snaking over 630 miles around England’s coast – taking in Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove and innumerable other incredible landmarks on its journey to Minehead in Somerset.
Maiden Castle
Of course, Dorset’s wonders are not entirely found on its coastline; there are a great many things to discover inland, starting with Maiden Castle. Maiden Castle is a truly ancient installation, being the remnants of an Iron Age hill fort thought to have been constructed some hundred years before the birth of Jesus. Not only that, but the land on which the hillfort was built had been in use some 3000 years prior!
Corfe Castle
For a more stereotypical castle experience, though, there is Corfe Castle – a 1000AD construction fortified by none other than William the Conqueror, Corfe Castle wears the scars of its history proudly; it has been lovingly maintained by the National Trust in its semi-demolished state, and is a true treasure to explore.
Have you visited Dorset before?
