Castles in Dorset

Kings and queens used to live in the beautiful castles in Dorset. These castles are worth a visit while you are staying in your spacious Dorset holiday cottages. Some of the majestic castles that are worth visiting are the Lulworth Estate, Maiden Castle and the Sherborne Castle. Complete your holiday in Dorset by visiting one of these castles and travel back to the time of the kings and queens.

Lulworth Estate

Taking a trip to Lulworth Estate should be a part of your itinerary during your Dorset vacation while staying in one of the luxurious Dorset holiday cottages. It is famous for its exquisite cove and beautiful waterfront. The estate holds a castle, a house, a park, and the stunning landscaped gardens all over the entire estate. When you visit the estate, you get the chance to see several works of art such as paintings and statues that has been passed on through three generations of families. The scenic 18^th century park is relaxing to walk around and explore. This is where the Lulworth House is currently situated. The estate is truly worth a visit because you get to its many wonderful sights and attractions plus get to take a glimpse of Dorset history.

Maiden Castle

The largest fort in the United Kingdom during the Iron Age is still up and standing to this date. The Maiden Castle was built hundreds of years ago in 600 BC. Located in Dorchester, the castle is a must-see during your Dorset vacation since it is near the Dorset holiday cottages. The castle underwent years of transformations as different people owned and took control of the castle. Renovations and improvements were made on the castle as expansions and additional lines of defences were built to strengthen the castle against its foes. It was initially built on top of the remains of the Neolithic settlement at around 600BC. Many people have lived and settled in the castle from 800 BC to 43 AD when the Romans took over the castle. Visiting this castle is like going several hundreds of years back. Every part of the castle is really worth exploring.

Sherborne Castle

Take a trip to Sherborne Castle while enjoying a splendid stay in your holiday cottages. Walk back in history as you step foot in this castle built in the 12^th century. It was Roger Bishop of Salisbury who built the castle as a part of his diocese in the 12^th century. In 1592, Sir Walter Raleigh gained possession of the castle and built another house in the deer park. The castle was then given a square look when Sir John Digby, a diplomat added four wings to the castle in 1617. It was in 1969 that the castle opened for public viewing. Currently the Wingfield Digby family is still the current owner of the castle. It is great to walk around and explore the castle before retiring to your Dorset holiday cottages.

Guide to Local Transports in Dorset

If you will spend holidays in Dorset for the first time, you would be enchanted by the beautiful county in the south west of England. Stunning coastline, picturesque villages and countryside, serene gardens and parks, and historic sites can be found here. Make a list of everything you want to experience during your holidays in Dorset to have unforgettable memories with family and friends. Have family picnics at nature trails and beaches or watch various games at county clubs. You can enjoy adrenaline-pumping activities at theme parks and recreational centres. Indulge in delightful feasts or retail therapy at dining establishments and shopping complexes.

For your lodging, you should choose the Dorset holiday cottages for maximum luxury and comfort. It is your home away from home because of its excellent self-catering facilities, complete amenities, pet-friendly environment, and ample parking spaces. Choose any Dorset holiday cottage that has traditional or modern interiors, depending on your preferences. Major transport stations are also easily accessible from the Dorset holiday cottages. Here are your popular options for travelling during your holidays in Dorset.

Bus

Buses are top choices for holidaymakers in Dorset. It is a good thing that most bus stations are a short distance away from the Dorset holiday cottages. Choose from South Coast Travel or Wilts and Dorset. Check online so you can know its scheduled trips, fares, travel rules, and promos. If you are with your family and friends, you might want to hire a mini bus, complete with a chauffeur. It is very convenient especially if you already planned your itineraries for the day. Enjoy the scenic views during the trip and feel safe because of the excellent service. You can also save on your fare if you choose buses during your holidays in Dorset.

Train

Aside from buses, trains are also practical options during your holidays in Dorset. If you plan to visit towns and villages, you can enjoy your travel experience by train. Most train services have great packages for families and groups so you can cut down on your expenses. The seating area is clean and comfortable while the facilities have high standards. Visit the website of Swanage Railway while at the Dorset holiday cottages to find out its fees and destinations.

Taxis

Sometimes you want to explore every nook and cranny of Dorset which is hard to do if you are riding the bus or train. Just hail a taxi and head out to your choice of destination. The drivers are polite and accommodating; you do not have to worry about getting lost and wasting your time. Moreover, it is easy to just ride a taxi after enjoying a night out at nightclubs, pubs, and bars. You can go back to the Dorset holiday cottages any time you want. It is quite expensive but you will feel safe and secured during your holidays in Dorset.

Ways to Enjoy Nights Out in Dorset

If you plan to spend your holidays in Dorset with your group of friends, you are sure to have a superb time. During the daytime, you can spend hours shopping and visiting Dorset’s castles, forts, gardens, adventure theme parks, nature trails, beaches and restaurants. Once the sunsets, you can visit Dorset’s trendy nightclubs, theatres, lively bars and fantastic restaurants during your holidays in Dorset. The best part about opting for the Dorset holiday cottages is that they are all conveniently located near Dorset’s popular attractions. The Dorset holiday cottages are self-catering units that offer a clean, comfortable and luxurious stay. The comfortable Dorset holiday cottages can accommodate a small or large group of people. Here are some fun things to do at night during your holidays in Dorset.

Bliss

Bliss is one of the most popular nightclubs in Dorset and is a must-visit attraction during your holidays in Dorset. Located in Bournemouth, this nightclub is just a short taxi ride away from the upscale Dorset holiday cottages. The entire nightclub is spread out over two floors. You can enjoy some fantastic drinks at the nightclub’s bar. The bartenders whip up some mean cocktails too. However, the drinks don’t come cheap here, as this is a premium nightclub. You will be able to spend the night dancing away to the wee hours of the morning. Bliss always has some great DJs and performers that liven up the night. The décor is plush, with some sections that offer comfortable and fancy lounge chairs to rest after dancing to the DJ’s superb beats. On the weekends, Bliss hosts special nights such as 50% Off Fridays and Saturdays @ Bliss, which offers free entry to couples.

O2 Academy

Yet another great way to spend a fabulous night out during your holidays in Dorset is by visiting the O2 Academy. This live show venue hosts club nights as well as concerts. The O2 Academy is located on Christchurch Road in Bournemouth, just a short drive away from the comfortable Dorset holiday cottages. It was originally established in 1895 as the Grand Pavilion Theatre when it was used as a circus venue. Over the years, it was used as a dance hall and then later in the 1970s, it was one of the most popular discos. Today, it has been renamed as the Opera House, complete with a grand auditorium with three levels of seating. Thus, a visit to the iconic O2 Academy is a must during your holidays in Dorset. You are guaranteed to love the O2 Academy’s richly decorated interior, which has an art- deco theme. Visit the O2 Academy to attend popular live acts by famous musicians. However, it is highly important to book tickets for these shows in advance.

Places for Families to Visit in Dorset

If you happen to choose Dorset as your holiday destination, then have a look at staying at one of the Dorset holiday cottages for a pleasant stay. These holiday cottages offer a comfortable and clean stay and extremely close to most of Dorset’s attractions. The Dorset holiday cottages are pet friendly too. Located near the holiday cottages are numerous museums, beaches and restaurants to visit. The fantastic Jurassic Coast can be found near the Dorset holiday cottages. Thus one can never really have a bad time staying at one of the Dorset holiday cottages. Here are some of the places you shouldn’t miss if you happen to be staying at the Dorset holiday cottages.

Abbotsbury Swannery

The Abbotsbury Swannery is located very close to the holiday cottages and is perfect for the entire family include children. Enjoy taking in the natural beauty of this place that is abundant in elegant swans. You may also get to see the hatching of baby swans if luck is on your side. The Abbotsbury Swannery remains open throughout the week between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. However, the best time to visit would have to be between noon and 4 p.m., during which one can watch the swans being fed.

Adventure Wonderland

The entire family gets a chance to enjoy a day filled with adventure and thrills at Dorset’s Adventure Wonderland theme park. This park is very close to the holiday cottages. This park comprises indoor as well as outdoor parks that offer guests a chance to ride on around 30 rides out of which Turbo Teacups is the most famous. Yet another place to visit when spending a day at Adventure Wonderland is the Animal Cuddle Corner, perfect for young children. Adventure Wonderland is open throughout the week from the 20^th of March through the 12^th of September, while it is open only on weekends till the 17^th of October. The “Wild Thing” section remains open daily except on the 25^th and 26^th of December and the 1^st of January.

Dinosaur Museum

Yet another exciting place to visit in Dorset is the Dinosaur Museum, located not too far from the Dorset holiday cottages in Dorchester. Here, you and your family will get a chance to view life-size replicas of the monstrous dinosaurs of erstwhile times. One also gets to see dinosaur skeletons and fossils. This museum remains open throughout the week from 9:30 a.m. and shuts at 5:30 p.m.

Pubs to Visit in Dorset

If you happen to be planning a holiday to Dorset, then it’s a good idea to book yourself into one of the many Dorset holiday cottages. In fact, Dorset is becoming a superb destination in South West England for families as well as groups of tourists. The best part about the Dorset holiday cottages is that they offer guests a comfortable stay and excellent customer service, in addition to being pet-friendly.

These holiday cottages are perfect for small groups as well as large groups of people. Yet another good thing about the holiday cottages is that you are sure to be located near most of Dorset’s tourist attractions. You will find pristine beaches, museums as well as fabulous restaurants in close proximity to the holiday cottages. Here are some great pubs to visit, all of which are quite close to your Dorset holiday cottages.

The Poole Arms

Step out from your Dorset holiday cottage and head to the Poole Arms on the Poole Quay to enjoy a fine evening in Dorset. In fact, this pub happens to be one of the oldest pubs in Dorset, and is very close to the holiday cottages. At Poole Arms, you and your group will be able to indulge in some excellent food and drinks. Besides enjoying the pub’s wide selection of beer, ales and wines, one should not miss the well-prepared seafood dishes here. Herring Roes, King Prawns, Moulles Marinier and Crab Salad with Potatoes are just some of the pub’s mouth-watering dishes.

1812

Yet another superb pub to visit in Dorset is 1812, once again located not too far from the Dorset holiday cottages. Interestingly, this pub was constructed by Captain Lewis Tregonwell way back in 1812. It was the first house to ever be built in Bournemouth. Later on in the year 1876, this house was taken over by Henry Newlyn, which was then converted into a hotel. 1812, which is now well engrained in the history of Dorset comprises a bar and a restaurant. Over the last three years, 1812 has garnered a lot of attention from visiting tourists. It’s no wonder then that this pub has managed to bag a number of awards for its exceptional service.  You can expect to bask in the pub’s warm atmosphere, while indulging in excellent food and drinks with your group of friends before heading back to your holiday cottages. 1812 is open from Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. right up to midnight, while on Fridays and Saturdays, the pub’s timings are 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sundays see visitors dropping in for lunch between 12 noon and 4 p.m., while some people come in for dinner between 6 p.m. and 9.30 p.m.