Are you planning to explore England? Don’t miss out on the beautiful Dorset in the South!

Dorset is a county in the South of England on the coast of the English Channel. An easy two-hour leisurely drive from London will get you to Dorset and just a two-day stay is enough to discover the following gems!

 

Knowlton Church & Earthworks

Knowlton Church entrance, Dorset, UK
Knowlton Church, Dorset, England, UK

Knowlton Church is a ruined church in a very peaceful, tranquil setting, the place for architecture photographers! You can walk around the earthworks path and go inside the ruins. It is in the middle of nowhere with long stretches of grassland all around it, a very open place with no shelter, limited parking and no toilets or café. Just you and the nature and fresh air!

It is the perfect place to bring your kids and a ball and have a sort of fun picnic day!

Badbury Rings 

Badbury Rings, Dorset, UK
Badbury Rings hills
Badbury Rings in Dorset

Badbury Rings‘ is an Iron Age hill fort in east Dorset. A visit to this place is an opportunity to explore this fascinating area rich in history, flora and fauna. There are some excellent views across the Dorset countryside.

This is a good place for walkers! The walks are marked and some are a bit challenging. The terrain has some inclines but otherwise an easy walk on maintained gravel tracks. Lots of opportunities to lengthen or shorten this route.

 

Corfe Castle and Village

Corfe Castle in Dorset, UK
View from Corfe Castle in Dorset
Corfe Castle entrance. UK

The romantic Corfe Castle ruins and the breath-taking views across Purbeck are worth the visit. It is Dorset’s iconic medieval castle with stunning views of the surrounding area. Absolutely brilliant.

With a lot of history from the civil war era and beyond, it is a lovely fresh air national trust site. Another attraction is a steam railway that runs about 1/2 mile away. This can add to the great views!

There is a scenic adventurous walk through the narrow path on the hill to the car park.

It is worth visiting the village nearby. The village and castle overlook a gap in the Purbeck Hills. Take a stroll through the village and stop for some English tea!

Kingston Lacy 

Kingston Lacy in Wimborne Minster, Dorset, UK
Anke and Jan at Dorset
Kingston Lacy gardens

Kingston Lacy is a beautiful country mansion built in the 17th century surrounded by gorgeous gardens and extensive parkland. The powerful Bankes family lived in this mansion for many years. It’s another beautiful National Trust property that is well maintained.

There are informative guided tours. The walls of the mansion are adorned with paintings by famous artists, there are ancient Egyptian artefacts and a stunning Spanish room with gilded leather and Venetian ceiling.

The gardens created by Henrietta Bankes are spectacular and include a Japanese garden, tea house and a shaded walk. There is also a fernery and a kitchen garden. Cherry blossoms and tulips bloom here in the spring months, and Autumn brings the vibrant colors of yellow and orange.

The Kingston Lacy Estate is enormous and is almost 8,500 acres all the way taking in the Badbury Rings. It’s a pleasure to stroll in the garden and the estate enjoying long walks. The National Trust also runs regular guided walks. Don’t forget to check out the café !

Jurassic Coast and the Durdle Door

Jurassic Coast, Dorset, UK
Durdle Door in Jurassic Coast, UK

This is the most impressive of all the Dorset attractions!

Jurassic coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site,  is a long coastal stretch on the English channel. Two prominent natural landmarks here are Durdle Door and the layered cliffs at nearby Lulworth Cove.

Durdle Door is a natural limestone arch, perhaps Dorset’s most photographed icon, eroded by time and nature. It is a magnificent structure. There are some awesome views, first from the car park that is high up on the cliff, and the challenging walk down to the beach through an almost 30-degree slope!

We think the whole experience and views are worth the long and hard climb back! Please do not miss it! 

Corfe Castle, England
Dorset, England

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Durdle Door, Jurassic Coast, Dorset, England
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Knowlton Church, Dorset, England, UK
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Badbury Rings hills
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