Cerne Abbas is one of Dorset's most attractive villages, which up until the 19th century had a famous leather industry. The remains of a Benedictine abbey, a gatehouse with a fine oriel window and a guest house can be found behind Abbey House at the head of the street past the church.
Cut in the turf of the chalk hillside north-east of the village is the Cerne Abbas Giant, the figure of a naked man holding a club. The 180ft tall figure dates back to 1500 years and may be associated with fertility rites. The site is looked after by the National Trust.

Local towns and villages to visit

Beaminster
Dorchester
Milton Abbas
Shaftesbury
Sherborne
Weymouth

Beaminster, Dorset

Mapperton House and Gardens

Beaminster Museum,

Milton Abbas
Park Farm Museum, Milton Abbas, Dorset
01258 880704

Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum, TUC Memorial Cottages,Tolpuddle,Nr Dorchester, Dorset Tel: 01305 848237 The Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum tells the harrowing tale of the Martyrs arrest, trial and punishment, leading to the foundation of modern day trade unionism. The museum has been re-designed into a modern, informative, and educational exhibition, using interactive touch screen displays new graphic panels telling the story in text and images.

Arne World of Toys, Nr Wareham Wareham Collection of unique and collectors toys and musical boxes.
Tel: 01929 552018

Athelhampton House and gardens dates from the 15th century. pphone 01305 848363

Corfe Castle, Nr Wareham Village dominated by the ruins of a medieval castle, one of the most notable in England.
Tel: 01929 552740

World of Toys, Arne, Nr Wareham, Dorset Tel: 01929 552018

Hyde House Activity Centre, 122 Hyde, Wareham, Dorset. Tel: 01292471205

Lulworth Heritage Centre, Lulworth Estate Wareham, Dorset. Tel: 01929400587

Angling

Sea fishing at Lyme Bay, Lyme Regis, West bay Portland. Coarse fishing at Radipole Lake, Weymouth.

West Bay Holiday Park Bridport, Dorset has an array of facilities, including an indoor swimming pool with flume and toddlers' pool and a variety of children's' and teenagers' clubs, ensures something to suit everyone. The park's terrace, overlooking the picturesque harbour. More about this holiday park book online

Seadown Holiday Park, Charmouth Dorset. Set in the beautiful, Charmouth Valley, is the perfect choice for your family seaside holiday. Bordered by the River Char, this peaceful, level, family run park boasts its own direct access to the Jurassic Coast beach and the Heritage coastal path. Static Caravans for Holiday Rent

Dorset Holiday Parks Static Self Catering Caravan Caravan Holidays, Ideal for family self-catering holidays all year round, some allow pets, weekends, half term or just a short break.

A LaverHome Farm, Puncknowle, Bridport
Dorset DT2 9UX,Tel: 01308897258

Freshwater Caravan Park, Burton Bradstock
Bridport, Dorset DT6 4PT
Tel: 01308897317

COTTAGES

River Cottage Athelhampton, Dorchester, Dorset, South of England. In the grounds of one of the finest 15th century country houses in England, this charming thatched cottage offers very comfortable accommodation in lovely surroundings near the banks of the River Piddle. As well as shared use (free of charge) of the owners 3 green, 9 tee golf course, which lies beside the cottage's own garden, visitors to River Cottage also enjoy complementary passes to Athelhampton House and Gardens.

Autumn Cottage, Sydling St Nicholas, Dorset. sleeps 5. Set in the picturesque village of Sydling St Nicholas, just a short stroll from the village pub serving food, this warm and very comfortable property is in the heart of Thomas Hardy country, just 8 miles from historic Dorchester. At the end of a row of four in a quiet location adjacent to the owners home, it enjoys a pretty garden and views of the surrounding hills which are excellent walking country.

Primrose Cottage, Winterbourne, Steepleton, Dorset, sleeps 4. Nestling in beautiful countryside just 5 miles from West Bay, these comfortable lodge style properties offer an ideal base from which to explore the Jurassic Coast and glorious landscape inland.

Dorset Cottages

Cosy properties in delightful settings,

town or country.

0845 268 1255

Cutter Hotel Weymouth, Dorset
Tel: 01305771286

Beaufort Guest House Weymouth, Dorset
Tel: 01305782088

The Harbour Hotel Weymouth, Dorset
Tel: 01305787721

London Hotel Weymouth, Dorset
Tel: 01305785936

Morven House Hotel Weymouth, Dorset
01305785075

South West Lodge Weymouth, Dorset
Tel: 01305783749

Churchview Guest House
Winterbourne Abbas, Dorchester, DT2 9LS 01305 889 296

The Martyrs Inn
49 Main Rd, Tolpuddle, DT2 - 01305 848 249

The Thimble Inn
14 High St, Piddlehinton, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7TD - 01300 348270

European Inn
Piddletrenthide, Dorchester, DT2 7QT - 01300 348 308

Lambs Green Inn Vintage Inn, Corfe Mullen
Lambs Green Lane, Corfe Mullen, Wimborne, Dorset 01202 881 974

The Pudding & Pie
23 West St, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1JS 01202 882382