Further Afield

The iconic Durdle Door arch is every bit as impressive in the flesh. On a calm day, swimming through the arch is joyous. Just a short walk from Durdle Door is Lulworth Cove with its rock pools and unique landorms.  Combine the two for a geography lovers day out! (~1 hour drive east).

Abbotsbury has a unique microclimate that supports 30 acres of spectacular, renowned subtropical gardens!  Nearby, the Abbotsbury swannary is a sanctuary for over 600 swans on the site of an 11th century monastery.  (~30 mins drive east along a lovely coastal road).

Rugged and rocky Chesil Beach, of Iean McEwan fame, is one of the most dangerous stretches of beach in England.  The undertow is so strong you can hear the sound of pebbles being moved by the waves several miles inland at times. (~45 min drive east along the coast).

This sturdy lighthouse at the tip of the penninsula warns sailors of the treacherous rocks around Portland. Tours are available via the visitor centre inside and there are some great walks around the island culminating at Portland Bill. (~50 min drive east along the coast).

The famous chalk giant may still elicit sniggers from the kids, but it is fascinating. Its origins are unknown but it dates from as far back as at least 17th Century. (~50 mins drive east).

Made famous by the Ridley Scott Hovis Advert and appearing in Far from the Madding Crowd, Gold Hill really is as steep as it looks on screen!  Spend some time meandering through this steep Saxon market town overlooking Blackmore Vale (~1 hour 20 min drive northeast).

We love hiking the otherworldly landscapes of Dartmoor National Park, with its prominent rock outcroppings ("tors"), moorlands, stone circles, and of course, the rare breed Dartmoor ponies. (1 to 1.5 hrs drive west depending on your entry point).