Dorset Coastal Cottages
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Things to do in Dorset
Houses / Gardens in Dorset

Dorset has a long and proud tradition of large estates and grand country houses and gardens.  Local families have carefully preserved these over the centuries.  In the modern era these families have had to find new means of survival and many of these houses are now open to the public.

The Yellow Book (National Gardens Scheme) is an excellent reference for gardens that are open and the quality and variety are outstanding.  The National Trust has a good range of interesting historic houses, including Thomas Hardy’s (Woolbridge Manor is also a point of interest as it was included in his famous novel ‘Tess of the Durbervilles’) and Lawrence of Arabia’s original homes, as well as spectacular landscapes including a number on the fossil filled Jurassic Coast.

Iron Age hill forts also abound and various tumuli/standing stones can form the basis for a most enjoyable outing, generally accompanied by wonderful views.

Our Dorset Coastal Cottages are in delightful rural/village locations along the Jurassic coastal area; the age of many will give you a day-to-day environment on your holiday sympathetic to the great houses, Athelhampton House and the sub tropical gardens at Abbotsbury being two wonderful examples.

Please note: Dorset Coastal Cottages cannot be responsible for the content of external websites
Sherborne Castle in Spring.Sherborne Castle

Sherborne Castle stands a short distance from the town centre and has ample free parking for cars or coaches. It has a Tea Room with both indoor and garden seating, plus a friendly Gift Shop. Open daily, except Mondays and Fridays (but open on Bank Holiday Mondays) from 11.00am with last admission at 4.30pm (Castle interior opens later on Saturdays from 2.30pm with last admission at 4.30pm).
www.sherbornecastle.com

Lulworth CastleLulworth Castle

For details of all events being held at Lulworth Castle and Park, please visit our web site at:

www.lulworth.com

 

Lists of most major houses in Dorset
http://www.nqsouthern.com/digitalpublication/digitalpublications/index.cfm?dpid=28&section_id=70

http://www.nqsouthern.com/digitalpublication/digitalpublications/index.cfm?dpid=28&section_id=69

http://www.dorsetshire.com/old/greathouses.html

Athelhampton House, Dorchester
www.athelhampton.co.uk

Abbotsbury Gardens
www.abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk

Mapperton Gardens, Beaminster
www.mapperton.com

Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-kingstonlacy/

Kingston Maurward, Dorchester
http://www.kmc.ac.uk/gardens/garden.htm

Bennetts Water Gardens, Weymouth
www.waterlily.co.uk

Minterne Gardens, Dorchester
http://www.minterne.co.uk/

Cranborne Manor
http://www.cranborne.co.uk/pages.asp?page=1

Sticky Wicket, Dorchester
http://www.stickywicketgarden.co.uk/home.htm

Maiden Castle, Dorchester
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/conProperty.279

Portland Castle
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server.php?show=conProperty.299

Old Sherborne Castle
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/ConProperty.309

Cerne Abbas Giant
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-chl/w-countryside_environment/w-archaeology/w-archaeology-places_to_visit/w-archaeology-cerne_abbas_giant.htm

Thomas Hardy
Hardys Cottage, Dorchester
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-hardyscottage/

Max Gate, Dorchester
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-maxgate/

Thomas hardy Trail
http://www.westdorset.com/index.cfm?articleid=3933

Lawrence of Arabia
Clouds Hill, Wareham
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-cloudshill/

Corfe Castle
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-corfecastle/

Palmers Brewery, Bridport
http://www.palmersbrewery.com/

Portland quarry and Sculpture Trust
http://www.learningstone.org/
Things to do in Dorset:
Golf | Walking | Cycling | Watersports | Horse Riding | Fishing | Nature | Local Produce
Houses/Gardens/Castles | Museums | Familiy Activities | Boat Trips | Markets | Events

Dorset Coastal Cottages
3 Station Road, Wool, Wareham, Dorset BH20 6BL
E-mail: hols@dorsetcoastalcottages.com
Tel: 0800 980 4070 • Fax: 01929 460152
International Tel: +44 (0)1929 401420


Dorset Holiday Cottages Ltd.

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