DORSET is blessed with a host of attractions, landmarks, restaurants and places to visit.
There are plenty of things to see and experience in our beautiful county.
If you were in any doubt of what Dorset has to offer, here are things we deem worth putting on your 'must-see' list.
Whether you've lived here for six months or 50 years, there's always something new to discover.
How many of these places have you visited and can you think of any others we should add?
Let us know in the comments below.
1. Durlston Country Park
The 320-acre country park and nature reserve at Swanage is part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and boasts a visitor centre and gallery in a renovated Victorian castle.
The Park is Grade II listed in the National Register of Historic Parks and Gardens and most of it is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest.
In June 2008, Durlston was awarded National Nature Reserve status by Natural England in recognition of the national importance of Durlston for wildlife.
2. The Pig on the Beach
Want your food with a view? The Pig on the Beach at Studland offers fabulous food in a great location with views across Old Harry Rocks.
Previously named as having the best seaside location in the UK, diners can enjoy the likes of organic ox heart, topside of cedar organic beef and roast rack of pork.
It is also a hotel.
3. The Banksy-esque artwork at Hengistbury Head
The artwork of a small child fishing in a fishbowl appears on the side of the coastguard lookout station.
It is believed to be the first time the artist has produced a piece in Dorset.
4. Jurassic Coast
It was named one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the UK last year and it's not hard to see why.
The 95-mile stretch of coast from Studland Bay to East Devon was picked for its almost continuous sequence of rock formations covering the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods and its contribution to the study of earth sciences over the past 300 years.
The World Heritage site includes Old Harry Rocks, Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove.
5. Corfe Castle
It's the Dorset castle that inspired a popular children's author. Enid Blyton was a regular visitor to Purbeck and Corfe Castle was said to be the inspiration for Kirrin Castle which featured in the Famous Five books.
Now owned by the National Trust, Corfe Castle was built in the early 12th century for King Henry I, William the Conqueror’s son.
The iconic landmark is much-loved by visitors and photographers alike.
6. Swanage Railway
An absolute must for railway fans young and old. The 10-mile branch line from Wareham to Swanage opened in May 1885 after businesses worked for 40 years to bring it to fruition.
Trains ran for almost 87 years – until the evening of January 1, 1972, when the last British Rail service went from Wareham to Swanage and back. Work on rebuilding the line from nothing began in February 1976.
Now the railway operates full-size steam and diesel passenger trains along the five and a half miles of line from Norden to Corfe Castle and down to Swanage with a colourful Steam and Lights experience running at Christmas.
7. Lyme Regis
The seaside town is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is situated where the West Dorset and East Devon coastlines meet.
It has a history dating back to the 8th century and is the birthplace of famous fossil hunter Mary Anning and there's a museum built on the site of her family's home.
The most iconic landmark is the historic harbour wall known as The Cobb.
Over the years Lyme Regis has been used as a filming location including The French Lieutenant's Woman, Ammonite and, most recently, the upcoming movie Wonka starring Timothee Chalamet.
8. Sherborne
This market town in the northwest of Dorset may be small but it boasts an abbey and not one but two castles; Sherborne Castle and Sherborne Old Castle.
Sherborne Old Castle is a 12th-century ruin set in beautiful grounds next to New Sherborne Castle which was built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594.
9. RSPB Arne
Calling all nature lovers. RSPB Arne is a fantastic place to spot wildlife including Dartford Warblers, sika deer, spoonbills and sand lizards.
It covers more than 565 hectares of the Arne peninsular in the Isle of Purbeck and is reportedly one of the few places in the UK where all six of the UK's native reptiles can be found.
So rich in wildlife, Arne has previously been featured on BBC show Winterwatch.
10. West Bay
West Bay became known around the world in 2013 when ITV crime drama Broadchurch was first broadcast.
The show, starring Olivia Colman, David Tennant and Jodie Whittaker, was filmed in West Bay with its recognisable golden cliffs taking centre stage in the show.
However, the popular beauty spot is known for cliff falls so please stay clear from the base and top of the cliffs if you're visiting.
11. The Blue Pool
This Wareham attraction has been drawing even more visitors this winter thanks to a new nighttime event which sees the Blue Pool lit up as part of a woodland trail.
Blue Pool is former clay-pit, dug by hand and abandoned in the early 19th Century, which subsequently filled with rainwater.
The pool's waters can appear green or turquoise due to suspension of clay particles.
Read more: Everything you need to know about Dorset's Blue Pool - and what makes it special
12. Abbotsbury Hill
Abbotsbury Hillfort situated in south west Dorset above the village of Abbotsbury offers panoramic views across the Jurassic Coast and South Dorset Ridgeway.
The Iron Age hillfort is known as Abbotsbury Castle is situated on a high chalk hill overlooking the English Channel.
13. Highcliffe Castle
The castle was built for the diplomat Lord Stuart de Rothesay between 1831 and 1836.
Materials were used that had been salvaged from French medieval structures, including glass windows and stone gargoyles.
It went on to become home to a famous name in shopping, Harry Gordon Selfridge, between 1916 and 1922.
14. Mudeford
For sea air, crabbing and some fantastic views, Mudeford is a great place for families to visit.
The quay fronts Christchurch Harbour and Avon Beach and has lots of places nearby to visit for a bite to eat and some family-friendly beaches to enjoy.
It's also popular among those who love kayaking, windsurfing and sailing.
15. Brownsea Island
The largest island in Poole Harbour, Brownsea is owned by the National Trust and boasts wonderful walks, fantastic views and bountiful wildlife - including the rare red squirrel.
It is the birthplace of the Scouting and Guides movement
The island is car free and only accessible by ferry from Sandbanks or Poole Harbour and reopens to visitors on March 19, 2022.
16. Wimborne Model Town
Wimborne Model Town first opened in 1951 but it wasn't complete until 1955.
Decades later, the town is still inviting guests in and showing them the history of Wimborne.
It even provided some inspiration for Hot Fuzz when award-winning director, Edgar Wright, studied at Arts University Bournemouth.
Read more: Wimborne Model Town: A brief history
Read more: Hot Fuzz director Edgar Wright inspired by Wimborne Model Town
17. Tyneham
It's the 'lost village' where time stopped in 1943.
Tyneham village and neighbouring hamlets were cleared to enable Allied forces to train for the D-Day landings.
The 255 villagers always thought one day they would be able to return home, but after the war Tyneham became the permanent property of the Ministry of Defence.
Today, the village is still part of the army’s Lulworth Ranges but members of the public are able to access it on most weekends and public holidays.
Read more: PICTURES: Tyneham, the Dorset village where time stopped in 1943
18. Russell-Cotes
This year marks 100 years of the formal opening of Bournemouth’s Russell-Cotes as an art gallery and museum.
Located on Bournemouth's East Cliff, the Russell-Cotes is where Victorian couple Merton and Annie Russell-Cotes gathered art as well as objects from world cultures in the Victorian villa overlooking the sea.
The couple then gave it to the people of Bournemouth for their inspiration and enjoyment.
19. Monkey World
Monkey World, based at Wool, is a 65-acre ape and monkey sanctuary and rescue centre.
It has assisted governments around the world to stop the smuggling of primates from the world since 1987.
It was established by Jim Cronin, who operated the park with his wife Dr Alison Cronin and in 2006, Monkey World became the focus of TV documentary series, Monkey Life.
Read more: Monkey World through the years in pictures
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