Our guide to the delights of Dorset
Discover this desirable area where the landscape’s outstandingly beautiful, the coastline’s dramatic, the local community’s genuine and the schooling’s excellent.
Dorset is a south coast gem that constantly enchants its visitors and long term residents alike. With an enviable quality of life, a rich history and a stunning array of country and coastal landscapes, it’s easy to see why locals feel lucky to call it home.
One such local is Simon Barker, Knight Frank Partner and Head of Dorset & South Somerset who was born and raised here, and has worked in Sherborne for nearly 30 years. He extols the area’s virtues from the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast to the pretty villages and rolling hills.
Simon Barker explains, “You’re in the country but it’s still accessible. It’s two hours to Heathrow and two or two and a half hours to Central London with a great train service. If you go further west to Devon and Cornwall, you’re looking at three to four hours plus. It really does make a difference if you need to access the city.”
Dorset retains a distinctly rural charm. “We don’t have an inch of motorway in Dorset which is very unusual,” reveals Barker.
Quality of life
Statistically, Dorset enjoys 364 more hours of sunshine per year than the national average. Its residents have a longer life expectancy too (four years longer to be precise).
There’s 100 miles of stunning coastline. 14 Dorset beaches have been awarded Blue Flags. That’s the highest amount for any destination in the UK. Exploring that coastline by walking the South West Coast Path from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset is an absolute treat.
There are endless opportunities for outdoor activity. Whether you favour running, cycling, horse riding or walking, there are tracks and bridleways to follow. For water enthusiasts, there’s incredible sailing, surfing, swimming and paddle boarding spots locally. Weymouth and Portland hosted the 2012 Olympic sailing and boarding events, so they’re wonderfully set up for fans of those sports.
Outstandingly beautiful landscapes
Over half of Dorset is designated a National Landscape (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). The county’s famous for its natural landmarks of Durdle Door and Lulworth Coast on the Jurassic Coast which UNESCO selected as England's first (and only) natural World Heritage Site.
It’s easy to spend hours hunting for fossils on that rugged coastline. It’s a timeless family activity that appeals to all generations, and still creates a thrill when an ammonite’s discovered.
Beyond that, Chesil Beach is a gorgeous place to visit and is popular for sea fishing. And at the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast, chalk formations known as Old Harry Rocks (named after a pirate according to legend) stand proudly off Studland Bay.
Away from the coast, you’ll encounter wonderfully lush rolling hills particularly in the west of the county. Then there are the chalk escarpments of the Blackmore Vale in North Dorset and to the south of Dorchester. It’s a varied and interesting landscape, exceptionally picturesque and crying out to be explored.
Exceptional schools
Many families are drawn to Dorset by the lure of the renowned local schools. There are excellent schools in both the state and private sectors. That’s very appealing for families.
“A lot of people with younger children may buy a home with an eye on them coming to school in the area. They buy when the kids are toddlers with the intention of them going to school here,” explains Barker.
Canford School, Sherborne School, Sherborne Girls and Bryanston School are just a few of the outstanding educational establishments in the area. The appeal of exceptional schooling is often the catalyst for families to relocate here.
Arts scene
The Sherborne - a high end arts and community centre - is an excellent new addition to the local area. It opened recently in the heart of Sherborne providing a “landmark destination for the arts.” Housed in a beautifully restored historic home, The Sherborne hosts carefully curated exhibitions along with an interesting programme of talks and events.
There’s a vibrant arts scene in Bridport which has a Boho vibe about it. The Electric Palace, The Lyric and Bridport Arts Centre showcase a vast range of cultural events. Then in November, the Bridport Literary Festival is a celebration of the written word.
Foodie hotspots
Across the county, independent shops sell brilliant local produce. It’s easy to find an artisan loaf, homemade jam, locally-produced cider or gourmet cheese. There are many farmers markets across the county, namely in Sherborne, Shaftesbury and Bridport.
You’ll find wonderful, traditional pubs that serve delicious local food too. The Queen’s Arms in Corton Denham, The Royal Oak in Cerne Abbas and The Square and Compass in Worth Matravers to name but a few.
On the coast, you can enjoy freshly caught seafood. Try The Pig in Studland (The Pig restaurant pictured below) and The Hive Beach Cafe in Burton Bradstock. Hix Oyster and Fish House in Lyme Regis and The Seaside Boarding House also in Burton Bradstock are two of the 13 Michelin starred restaurants in the area.
In neighbouring Somerset, Bruton’s become an increasingly trendy area. It’s home to The Newt in Somerset - an exceptional country estate and hotel with glorious grounds and seasonal fine dining. Then there’s Babington House, part of the exclusive Soho House member’s club, which is a hub for socialising, relaxing and dining overlooking the lovely grounds.
Exquisite properties and places
You’ll find an abundance of historic homes in Dorset. Unlike Georgian Bath, its properties aren’t defined by a particular period. Here, you’ll find a wealth of homes that date as far back as the 15th century.
“Every village has a manor house, an old rectory and two or three other prime houses. That’s a good selection in each village,” explains Barker. And those villages are full of charm and are absolutely picture-perfect.
Take, for example, Street Farm in the village of Marnhull, an attractive stone-built house dating back to 1680. The Grade II listed house is brimming with character having retained many original architectural fittings. These include window seats, ceiling beams, 18th century fielded panelling, elm and oak floorboards, several attractive fireplaces and even a plague window.
Alongside the seven double bedroom main house, there’s a former coach house (currently a garage) and further outbuildings. The extensive grounds include a swimming pool, paddocks and stables. Street Farm has an asking price of £2,500,000.
Combining the allure of country life with a waterside location, Culeaze House is set in over 44 acres of land alongside a tranquil stretch of the River Piddle. With woodland, extensive grazing, water meadows and mature gardens, it’s a secluded, rural retreat.
The impressive, three storey, late Victorian country house comprises ten bedrooms, eight bathrooms and five reception rooms, and has an asking price of £6,500,000. It’s a much-loved and beautifully presented family home and a perfect venue for entertaining. The nearby village of Bere Regis has a thriving community along with the all important pubs and village stores. The popular coastal town of Wareham is within easy reach, offering a country life by the sea.
Further north, in the sought after rural area of Holwell, Buckshaw House combines the rare blend of historical grandeur and contemporary comfort. The magnificent Grade II listed family home is a mid-18th century architectural masterpiece with significant 19th century additions.
The elegant eight to ten bedroom house enjoys a tranquil and private setting amidst its own extensive parkland and paddocks. It’s ideal for horse-riding enthusiasts with an additional cottage, stable flat and equestrian facilities which could provide an income stream. The remarkable country home is in the heart of the Blackmore Vale, just seven miles from Sherborne. It has a guide price of £5,950,000 and presents a wonderful opportunity.
Sherborne local, Simon Barker may be biassed, but he sings the praises of his hometown. With a fabulous selection of independent shops, cafes and restaurants, world class schools, regular cultural events, a magnificent abbey and no less than two castles, it’s easy to see why Sherborne featured in The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2024.
His favourite thing about living in the area? “The people are genuine,” says Barker. “Dorset people are happy to live in the county. Dorset’s local and that’s what’s really nice about it. It’s home.”
