12 Dorset

Spacious Downs and Spectacular Heritage Coast

Chesil Beach from Portland, Dorset (Photo: © Paul Kirby)

Some of the best views of the Dorset coast can be seen between Weymouth and Lyme Regis from the upper deck of First service X53 which operates all year round including Sundays. The service runs from Exeter to Poole and travels through Bridport, Weymouth and Wareham on its route through Dorset. Other buses serve intermediate points along the coast from inland destinations. Why not explore the beaches, search for fossils or just walk along the cliffs admiring the rock formations on this unique stretch of coast?

Although the coast is an important feature of the county, there are numerous attractions inland. Dorset has small picturesque villages hidden down narrow lanes as well as larger market towns. Dorchester, Wimborne, Blandford and Shaftesbury are all well worth visiting, each having its own distinctive style and attractions. Take a bus to a smaller village, explore for an hour or two, perhaps have a pub lunch and then catch the bus back on its return journey. Views from the buses take in the landscapes immortalised by Thomas Hardy in his novels, from the heathlands of East Dorset and Purbeck to the sweeping hills in West Dorset. Several long distance walking routes cross the county and there is a network of well marked footpaths and bridleways giving opportunities for walkers to catch a bus to their starting point and then walk back to their original location.

Public Transport Information

Information is available at www.dorsetforyou.com/publictransport

For printed timetables and maps:
Dorset Passenger Transport, Dorset County Council, County Hall, Dorchester, DT1 1XJ
or email: dorsetpassengertransport@dorsetcc.gov.uk

For journey planning: Traveline 0871 200 22 33 or www.travelinesw.com

Tourist information and accommodation

www.dorsetforyou.com/tourism
www.visit-dorset.com

Suggested trips

Weymouth - Bridport - Lyme Regis - Dorchester - Weymouth (Mon-Sat; allow 1 day).
Wimborne - Blandford - Shaftesbury and return (Mon-Sat; allow 1 day).
Bridport - Yeovil - Dorchester - Bridport (Mon-Sat; allow 1 day).