The Immediate Vicinity

Ringstead offers some of the most wonderful walking in England with spectacular views across both the sea and the unspoilt countryside. You're welcome to bring your dog to Shore Cottage - they absolutely love it based on the reaction of our own dog and those of previous guests! A 25 minute walk along the coast path to Osmington can be rewarded with a drink or meal at The Smuggler's Inn, or you can continue on towards Weymouth. In the other direction, you can walk up White Nothe (and down the end of it to the beach if you're feeling adventurous), or head inland to The Sailor's Return at East Chaldon for some refreshment. A slightly longer clifftop walk will take you to Durdle Door and on to Lulworth Cove - two of the South Coast's natural wonders.

Lulworth Cove

Lulworth Cove

A Short Drive

For a day out in the car, the Jurassic coast is peppered with dozens of historic towns and villages along its entire length, which are fascinating destinations in their own right.  The Purbeck Hills and surrounding countryside are famous for their beauty and many varied walks.

The spectacular Lulworth Cove is a beautiful crescent shaped natural harbour bordered by a pebble beach, with a backdrop of dramatically-crumpled Jurassic rock strata. The cove is a popular area for snorkelling and diving. The excellent Heritage Centre is well worth a visit, with exhibits and hands-on activities explaining how this beautiful section of coastline has evolved over millions of years. A 30-minute walk leads to the the magnificent Durdle Door arch and beach which is recommended by the Marine Conservation Society for its excellent water quality.

Rugged Portland Bill

The Isle of Portland is an explorer's paradise with curiosities of history and folklore just waiting to be discovered.  Portland was the host venue for the sailing events for the London 2012 Olympic and its waters provide the perfect setting for angling, diving and sailing.  Portland's unique geology and its position are ideal for a wide variety of birds, animals and plant life.

Chesil Beach is an 18 miles long pebble beach stretching from Portland to West Bay. For much of its length it is separated from the mainland by an area of saline water called the Fleet Lagoon. The beach and the lagoon are important areas for wildlife with a number of national and international designations to help protect the area.

Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle


Abbotsbury Swannery is the only place in the world where you are able to walk through the heart of a colony of nesting Mute Swans. A visit to the Swannery is considered one of the best things to do in Dorset.
Bovington Tank Museum brings the history of tanks and tank crew to life… Supported by the world’s best collection of tanks & action packed live displays.
Britain's original and award winning attraction, The Dinosaur Museum in Dorchester, located only 7 miles from the Jurassic Coast is a great day out for all the family.
Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre assists governments around the world to stop the smuggling of primates from the wild. At the Centre refugees of this illegal trade as well as those that have suffered abuse or neglect are rehabilitated into natural living groups.

There are loads of other interesting places to visit when you stay at Shore Cottage.  Here's a small selection:

Maiden Castle - an Iron age hill fort
Corfe Castle - one of the most evocative ruined castles in England
Sherborne Abbey
Kingston Lacy
Tyneham Village
Thomas Hardy’s Cottage
Eggardon Hill Fort
Athelhampton House
Swanage
Studland & Old Harry Rocks

[Image credits: Bill Eccels, Belinda Fewings, Nick Fewings. Images used under licence at https://unsplash.com/license.]

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