The exhilarating United Kingdom is a must-visit for some peaceful, pollution-free vacation. This summer, enjoy some warmth and water by the beaches while you take a break to grab some fresh seafood and beer by the seaside pier. Indulge yourself in some great sports activities in the gardens and best of all, get a glimpse of heaven on Earth.
To live in a beach house and wake up to the sounds of the subtle waves is among life’s greatest delights. The county of Dorset is one among the top ten places to visit in the UK, especially in summer because they have one of the best beaches in the country. From waffles and ice creams to fish and chips you have every summer food that you may have been craving. From boating in the Tea Lake to take in the expanse of an aerial view on the big balloon, you can do it all. Dorset, with its peaceful charm and beaches, will fascinate you beyond your imagination.
Places to visit:
The county of Dorset comprises the districts of Weymouth and Portland, West Dorset, North Dorset, Purbeck District, East Dorset, Christchurch, Bournemouth, and Poole.
History, Art, and Architecture
The Tank Museum: History has always impressed us especially when it’s a part of a great tourist destination. Museums are always a cherry on top. They talk about the place, its history and unsolved mystery. The Tank Museum is one such place holding a collection of armed fighting vehicles situated in the Bovington Camp of Dorset. The museum is famous because it contains different tanks from various parts of the globe. With a collection of over 333 tanks from 26 exhibitions around the world, it takes you down the memory lane of World War 1 and World War 2. Remember the ‘Tiger 31’ Tank, the infamous German Tank from World War 1 and Mark 1, the oldest and first combat Tank ever of Great Britain? They are all on exhibit here.
Sandworld Sculpture Park: The best of its type, the sculpture park has some of the best makes of sand art ever and it is worth visiting. The park holds a theme every year and based on that theme, sand is sculptured and one simply must experience the magnificence of art.
Thomas Hardy’s Cottage: Situated at the Higher Bockhampton castle in Dorset, that is the birthplace of the most famous English author Tom Hardy, the cottage has now been made into a historical site by the Dorset County Council and the National Trust.
St. George’s Church: Unusually unique architecture, serenity and most of all the energy surrounding it makes it one of the best churches to visit. Said to be one of the oldest churches around the world, it provides you with positive energy and peace beside the grandeur of the architectural heritage.
Beaches
Bournemouth Beach: Considered the largest beach in Dorset and in the UK, Bournemouth beach provides you with the ultimate summer vibe. From the amazing King’s Gardens attached to a lip-smacking ice cream parlour, you have it all: gaming centres to shopping centres, and the shores of the beach are lined with tiny beach houses that you can rent.
Adventures on Bournemouth beach:
Surfing, canoeing, sailing, roping and speed-boating are the major sports of attraction on the seafront. A sports festival also is conducted every year and the participants’ race with each other.
Weymouth beach: Considered to be the second largest beach in the UK, Weymouth beach is three miles in length and is not far away from the town centre and the Historic Harbour. Lively events like Volleyball championship are a must-watch. The famous Punch and Judy attraction and donkey rides are truly a fantabulous experience.
The famous Jurassic coastline
The Jurassic coast is a World Heritage Site stretching from East Devon to Swanage in Dorset. This being one of the most precious areas around the globe, it is home to a large variety of coastal flora and fauna. Insects, crustaceans, fish, amphibians and even a few mammals make this beautiful place their home. Abundant fossils are found in this area which has made scientists clear that this coastline has been the birthplace of various forms of living beings.
The coastline has ultimately a lot of sites to visit. The Lyme Regis is has been discovered to have been formed of 71 layers of rock. The Durdle Door is a living example to prove that nature is indeed the most beautiful of them all. The natural archway created out of rocks is breath-taking.
The Isle of Wight is a county, the largest and second most populous island in the United Kingdom. Located in the English Channel, the Island was once upon a time home to none other than Queen Victoria. One is usually supposed to travel to the island through a ferry and the experience can leave you breathless. Tied Islands are another gift of God which connects two different Islands with mere spits from the beach’s sand. However, these spits are made of limestone sand and are solid no matter how much water enters the area. It is also known as the Isle of Portland.
The Golden Cap which is said to be the highest point in the Jurassic Coast is truly mind-boggling and lies within Bridport and Charmouth.
Feasts
Dorset holds a variety of food items for its tourists. Although the place is most known for its seafood, its gelato ice creams and waffles, its famous vegan English breakfasts are to die for.
Do not miss out on the hot white chocolate and marshmallows waffles and crepes from Sprinkles Gelato ice cream stop. A wide variety of sweet breakfasts are available (Yes, with maple syrup!) which will make your day. The chocolate Sundae ice cream is simply brilliant too.
Situated in Bournemouth, Mad Cucumber is a fully vegan restaurant but mind you, you will start forgetting your meat after you eat here. From sandwiches and pizzas to pasta and coffees, this restaurant has a full crowd every day and you might want to book a table quite early.
Zizzi restaurant in Bournemouth serves an authentic Italian meal. It’s Primavera Pizza and Goat cheese ravioli are true winners. Also, try the 7Bone Burger Co. at Poole to fall in love with the beef burger with extra loaded cheese sauce and chips!
Apart from this, Dorset is a hub to international cuisine, from the Indian Dosa Corner to the Noodle Bar serving Chinese food, you’ll turn out a huge foodie by the end of the day.
Of course, we didn’t forget the English Tea and breakfast: Try out the most authentic breakfast at the Beach Hut Café which has gluten-free food and worth every penny. The typical English breakfast, confectionery, and English tea will make you want to eat until you burst!
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your summer vacation to one of the most beautiful places in the UK!
