5 ridiculously charming Dorset towns and villages

Dorset is absurdly picturesque. To prove it, we have chosen 5 ridiculously charming Dorset towns and villages that will not fail to delight anyone who decides to explore them.

Shaftesbury

You might recognise the extremely picturesque cobbled street and cottages of Gold Hill in the market town of Shaftesbury from a number of British films and TV programmes, but most notably you will know it from the Hovis advert. The one with the boy on the bike that is Britain’s favourite advert of all time. Yes, you’ll definitely feel like you’ve stepped back in time here, thanks to the enchanting architecture to be found in this town. If you’re seeking some cultural attractions visit the Shaftesbury Arts Centre which hosts a variety of photography exhibitions, plays, films and workshops throughout the year. The Shaftesbury Abbey Museum and Garden as well as the Gold Hill Museum provide interesting insight into the town, while the surrounding Blackmore Vale provides fantastic enticement for nature lovers who are keen to roam the beautiful landscape.

Milton Abbas

Milton Abbas has the most perfect street of thatched cottages in Britain. Fact. The entire village was moved in the 18th century on the orders of Lord Milton, Earl of Dorchester, as he felt the old village detracted from the rural view offered from his mansion. Basically, he didn’t want it in his eyeline as he gazed out of the windows of his palace because it was lowering the tone. So a new village was designed and built, the villagers were relocated and the old village was demolished. This resulted in the aforementioned very pretty street with evenly spaced thatched cottages in what was England’s first planned settlement. The village is home to the remains of the stunning Milton Abbey church as well as a beautiful 18th century mansion adjacent to the church. The village hosts an annual street fair in July which recreates the exact feel of an 18th century fair.

Cerne Abbas

Situated next to the River Cerne, the very very charming village of Cerne Abbas is known for being right next to the Cerne Giant, the largest chalk hill figure in the UK. But there are plenty of other things to keep visitors entertained here. Pick up a leaflet from the village pubs or shops that will identify a walking route through the village that takes in a number of wonderfully interesting historical sites. You can also wander farther afield by heading into the stunning surrounding countryside which contains a variety of public footpaths suited to walkers of all experience levels. Once you’re finished exploring by foot, you can enjoy some refreshments in one of the picturesque pubs and teashops in the village. You can also coordinate your visit to coincide with one of the fun events that take place throughout the year in the village, such as the Cerne Abbas Music Festival.

Abbotsbury

A host of sights and attractions wait to greet visitors in the intoxicatingly enchanting village of Abbotsbury in West Dorset. The gorgeous Abbotsbury subtropical gardens won the 2012 HHA/Christie's Garden of the Year Award and in addition to strolling through the superbly pretty gardens a number of events are held in the gardens throughout the year which will entertain visitors of all ages. If you’re up for some animal delights, the Abbotsbury Swannery offers a fantastic feathered day out involving hand-feeding the swans, wandering in the biggest willow maze in Dorset as well as a play area for kids. Another animal attraction that shouldn’t be missed is the Abbotsbury Children's Farm where children can feed goats, ride ponies and tractors and watch the exciting daily baby goat races. There are also a number of art and craft galleries and studios to visit if you’re keen to take home a beautifully crafted Abbotsbury souvenir. It’s all so perfect...

Sherborne

For amazing architecture you can’t go wrong with Sherborne which boasts a number of striking medieval buildings. Highlights include the magnificent Sherborne Abbey, two castles, and a beautiful alms-house which is used for sheltered and retirement housing (proving once again that Dorset is the best place in the UK to retire). The ruins of Sherborne Old Castle date from the 12th century and offer a lovely location to enjoy a picnic. The newer Sherborne Castle was constructed in 1594 and is a fun day out for adults and children alike, with incredible grounds and gardens to explore in addition to the castle itself. Sherborne has no shortage of shops, there are also art galleries to explore and the town is around a 20-minute drive from the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm Museum which will wow visitors of all ages.

Plenty to captivate all tastes and ages

Ah, Dorset. It’s all so perfect. And if you doubt us for a second, then setting foot in any one of these beyond enchanting Dorset towns and villages will instantly prove you wrong.

Hit the road and see all these and more when staying at caravan parks in Dorset.