Red Carnation Hotels

UNMISSABLE TOP 11

1. Stonehenge
Stonehenge is estimated at over 5000 years old, and is a marvel of engineering that still baffles scientists and indeed visitors to the site. It is open throughout the year, but be sure to check the opening times for Stonehenge.
Distance: 60 miles | Journey Time: 70 minutes 
www.stonehenge.co.uk

2. Abbotsbury, Swannery and Tropical Gardens
Located on the World Heritage Coast (voted the best family attraction in Dorset). Open Daily 10:00am-5:00pm. March to October. Mass swan feeding session daily at 12:00 midday and 4:00pm.
Distance: 21 miles | Journey Time: 45 minutes 
www.abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk/swannery.htm

3. Mapperton House and Gardens
Open 1 March to 31 October 2:00pm-6:00pm. House open weekdays only for July. 2:00pm-4:30pm licensed café, gift shop. A unique valley garden – one of the top 10 in Britain (The Independent)
Distance: 7 miles | Journey Time: 25 minutes
www.mapperton.com

4. Thomas Hardy Cottage
Birthplace of poet and author Thomas Hardy in 1840.
Distance: 13 miles | Journey Time: 25 minutes
www.theheritagetrail.co.uk

5. Jurassic Coast
The Dorset coast is world famous for rocks and fossils formed in the Jurassic period of geological time, between 200 and 135 million years ago. The 95 miles of coastline from Studland Bay in Dorset to Exmouth in Devon is unique. Besides the fossils, the action of the sea has produced spectacular natural features such as Lulworth Cove and the arch at Durdle Door. World Heritage Site.
Distance: 21 miles | Journey Time: 40 minutes
www.jurassiccoast.com

6. Cerne Abbas Giant
The largest hill figure in Britain
Distance: 8 miles | Journey Time: 25 minutes
www.mysteriousbritain.co.uk/majorsites/cerne_abbass.html

7. Sherborne Town, Castle and Abbey
Open 8:00am-4:00pm in winter and 8:00am-6:00pm in summer. Founded by St. Aldheim in AD 705, the abbey has developed from Saxon Cathedral to the worshipping heart of a Monastic Community and finally to one of the most beautiful of England’s parish churches. It features Saxon, Norman and Perpendicular architectural designs.
Sherborne Castle. Open every day except Mondays and Fridays from 11:00am until last admissions at 4:30pm.  Set in 40 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped gardens and grounds around its 50-acre lake, the Castle contains a splendid collection of art, furniture and porcelain. Built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594.
Distance: 15 miles | Journey Time: 30 minutes
www.sherborneabbey.com

8. Forde Abbey
Garden open throughout the year 10:00am-4:30pm. House closed Mondays and Saturdays, otherwise open 1 April until 31 October 12:00pm-4:00pm. Family-run estate founded by Cistercian monks over 800 years ago. Restaurant and tearoom, famous Eeles pottery exhibition
Distance: 29 miles | Journey Time: 40 minutes
www.fordeabbey.co.uk

9. Monkey World
Distance: 32 miles | Journey Time: 55 minutes
www.monkeyworld.org

10. Lyme Regis
This historic seaside town and fishing port, nicknamed "The Pearl of Dorset" is surrounded by beautiful coastlines and countryside.
Distance: 25 miles | Journey Time: 50 minutes
www.lymeregis.com

11. Chesil Beach
Part of the Jurassic Coast, this 18 mile long shingle beach is well worth a visit
Distance: 11 miles | Journey Time: 25 minutes
www.chesilbeach.org