10 Best Views in Dorset
We feel incredibly lucky to be able to call Dorset our home. It’s a beautiful and diverse county and we love living here. Whilst well known for the dramatic cliffs and stunning beaches of its Jurassic Coast there is so much more to explore. Our charming villages, bustling towns, quiet countryside and ancient woodlands are all waiting to be discovered. And with the staycation seemingly here to well and truly stay, you will be spoilt for choice whether you’re after exploration or tranquillity.
Enjoy your brew with a view!
We’ve put together a handy Dorset travel guide of our favourite lookout points, views and tea-drinking spots in this gorgeous county of ours. All you need to do is take your pick, pack a flask of your favourite Dorset Tea and then sit back and enjoy your brew with a view!
Old Harry Rocks
As one of the most famous points on the South Coast, Old Harry Rocks may not need much of an introduction. The white chalk pillars, (once attached to The Needles), can be viewed up close from Handfast Point. It’s a dramatic spot offering views out to the Isle of Wight, Bournemouth, Poole Harbour and the sandy beaches of Studland Bay. If you fancy a decent trek, start at Studland and walk via Old Harry into Swanage where you can reward yourself with a traditional Dorset cream tea in one of the many cafes and tearooms! Hop aboard the open top Purbeck Breezer for a more leisurely trip back to your start point!
Durdle Door
The limestone arch of Durdle Door is famous across the world and we’re lucky enough to claim it as our own here in Dorset! Steps and a steep path take you down to the shingle beach and crystal clear waters where you can sit back and relax to the sound of the lapping (or crashing) waves. Just as good is the view from the headland and whichever you choose you will definitely realise why it’s so high on the list of ‘things to do in Dorset’!
Lulworth Cove
Just a mile on from Durdle Door you will find Lulworth Cove, world famous for its geological features - we bet you know someone who has visited on a geography field trip! Whether you want to study the landforms, swim in the turquoise water or simply drink in the view, one thing is certain – tea stops don’t get much better than this!
Hengistbury Head
This dramatic headland of golden sandstone, situated southeast of Christchurch, offers stunning panoramic views. From the top you can see Christchurch harbour, Mudeford, Bournemouth Bay and across to the Isle of Wight – surely one of the best views in Dorset! We love doing the 3.6-mile circular walk as you also get to see the heathland, grassland and woodland of this nature reserve as well as the beautiful beach! A really lovely spot.
Corfe Castle
If you are an early riser, one of the best places in Dorset to watch the sunrise is Corfe Castle’s West Hill. As light cascades over these ancient ruins, sit back with your morning cuppa and marvel at what was once a royal palace and fortress. It’s hard not to feel captivated by this magical place as you imagine the secrets and stories it must hold.
Langmoor and Lister Gardens
Overlooking Lyme Bay, these award-winning elevated gardens are a fabulous place to sit and watch the world go by. We love Lyme Regis for its classic British seaside feel, and here you get a great view of the bustling promenade and busy harbour. A great spot with plenty to observe over a lovely cup of tea!
Golden Cap
If you’re into trekking but like to be rewarded for your efforts then this is the one for you! Located between Charmouth and Bridport, Golden Cap is the highest point along the south coast (191m). It’s a bit of climb to the top but well worth it as you are greeted with 360-degree views from Portland to the east to Dartmoor in the west. Seatown’s lovely Anchor Inn is a great place to finish your walk where you can refuel with good food and a nice cup of Dorset Tea.
Colmer’s Hill
Colmer’s Hill is the perfect place to sit and unwind while taking in classic Dorset views. Perched above the pretty village of Symondsbury, the small yet iconic hill features a perfect conical shape and tree lined summit – in fact the views on the approach are almost as lovely as those from the top! After a 45-minute walk up a steep but steady slope you’ll be rewarded with scenes of rolling hills and beautiful coastline.
Gold Hill, Shaftesbury
The chances are you recognise this photo? Made famous by Ridley Scott’s 1973 Hovis advert, Gold Hill’s steep cobbled streets continue to attract visitors to this picturesque part of Dorset. Along with the romantic view there is a church, museum and the ancient remains of Shaftesbury Abbey with its gorgeous walled garden, all waiting to be discovered. Whether you choose to pack a flask and sarnie or treat yourself to a cream tea or lunch out, one thing is for sure, you’ll need to factor in a tea stop or two!
Chesil Beach
This 18-mile sweeping shingle barrier beach is seriously impressive. Stretching all the way from Portland to West Bay it’s a popular spot to sit and watch the sun go down. Our favourite place to really take in the dramatic landscape and appreciate the sheer size of this undeveloped beach is up on the coast road. On a clear day you can see mile after mile of coastline, as well as the patchwork countryside and Fleet Lagoon, the area of water between Chesil Beach and the mainland.
Whether you are a local and regularly visit these spots, or a visitor being transported to our beautiful county, we’d love to hear about your favourite places for a tea break! Tag us in your snaps and let us know whether you’re sipping black tea, fruit, herbal or green!
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