 Dorset is located on the South East coast of England, 130 miles from London. It benefits from a favourable climate all year round and has 88 miles of remarkable World Heritage Coastline including the mighty Chesil Beach, one of the geological wonders of Europe. Dorset's history can be traced back to the Jurassic age, with Roman remains, Medieval minsters and strong literary connections in its past. Places of Interest Dorset is often known as Thomas Hardy country, with the county town of Dorchester at its heart. Settled by the Romans two thousand years ago, remains of the original Roman wall and a Roman house can still be seen today. Overlooking the town is Maiden Castle, the largest of the many Iron Age hill forts scattered across the Dorset landscape. In Hardy's novels, Dorchester was renamed 'Casterbridge' and Hardy's home, Max Gate, where he later lived and died is situated in the town. On the shores of Poole Harbour, Poole is Dorset's second largest town. The second largest natural harbour in the world after Sydney, Poole has become a major focus for water sports and recreation as well as the home of internationally important wildlife habitats. There are miles of sandy beaches and good ferry connections to France. On the border with Devon, Lyme Regis is famed for its strategic importance in the landing of the Duke of Monmouth in his bid to win the Crown from James II. The Cobb harbour is the setting for Jane Austen's 'Persuasion' and John Fowles' novel 'The French Lieutenant's Woman'. Recently voted Britain's Resort of the Year, Bournemouth offers a traditional seaside resort alongside a vibrant city centre. Beautiful sandy beaches, award-winning gardens, shopping and top entertainment all contribute to make Bournemouth well worth a visit. Dorset also offers myriad market towns and fishing villages, many dating back to medieval times, in addition to the natural beauties of the New Forest. Living in Dorset - Education, Shopping and Travel Links Dorchester, the county town of Dorset, is 130 miles from London, approximately 2 ½ hours drive via the M4 motorway. It is also approximately 90 minutes drive from Bristol and just over 2 hours from Cardiff. Direct trains to London take approximately 2 ½ hours or 2 hours to Bristol. The main shopping centres in Dorset are concentrated in Bournemouth, which has 5 malls, and in Poole, with the Dolphin Centre. Most towns and villages have markets and independent retailers, often selling local products. There are more than 23 leisure centres in Dorset, with many outdoor sports facilities such as fishing, walking, golfing and watersports also available. Dorset has over 15 theatres and arts centres, including Bournemouth International Centre, Pavilion Theatre and Pier Theatre in Bournemouth, the Layard and Tivoli Theatres in Wimborne as well as theatres in Poole, Lyme Regis and Swanage. Dorset LEA provides 148 Primary and 46 Secondary schools, while adult education is available at Bournemouth and Poole College, Weymouth College and Bournemouth University. |
