ilovelabs2003

I am having trouble finding much info on the board when I do searches for the Dorset area. We are thinking of visiting this area next summer as part of our England trip. We wanted to go to Cornwall or Devon but we are doing a lot of driving during the trip and I thought that Dorset was a bit closer. Is it nice? I am looking for quaint fishing villages, a nice, clean beach, and reasonably priced accomodations (b&b preferably).

Also, this is our proposed itinerary:

London: 4 days
Dorset: 4 days
Bath: 1 day
Cotswalds, incl. Oxford: 4 days
Lake District: 4 days

Literary visit goals (we are both English teachers): Thomas Hardy, Jane Austen, Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter, William Shakespeare (catching a show in London, not visiting Stratford-on-Avon!).

Is this the best itinerary in terms of the geography and driving time? I know it will be a hike back to London after the Lake District. We are considering staying one night in London after the Lake District and then flying out the next day.

Thanks in advance!

Suisse

Since you are English teachers, you should do one of the organized walking tours while in London. You can see the list of walks at the web site http://www.walks.com/.

They only cost about 4 pounds and last 3 hours. The orators from this company employee London theatre actors and they are quite good.

TuckH

To answer your question, "Is it nice?" I would say an enthusiastic, "Yes!"

I presume that you know that southern Dorset is Hardy country centered around Dorchester. Nearby is the early historic monument of Maiden Castle (not a castle) and the interesting Chesil Beach. Another very nice beach is (with fossils at low tide) is Lulworth Cove. Go out on the Isle of Portland from Weymouth.

The coastal town of Lyme Regis is a must, as is the cliff-top coastal path (into a bit of Devon) around Beer and the pretty town of Branscombe. Please take that hike overlooking the Channel near there.

Inland, Sherborne and its abbey are well worth a visit. I agree with you about Stratford - I'm a Shakespeare nut and in our five three-week trips to the UK, I've not gone there. Seeing it might spoil it for me, I think.

ron

I would suggest Lyme Regis or Charmouth as places to stay in Devon. The walk up to Golden Cap and beyond from Charmouth is marvellous.

Re, your itinerary, if you are flying out of Heathrow, why not spend your last night in Oxford instead of London? That way, you could add a day to Bath and either spend more time there, or visit Wells and Glastonbury.

I note this is your second thread about this planned trip -- you are continuing to mispell Cotswold. Wold -- open rolling country.

ilovelabs2003

Thanks for the prompt replies. Sorry about the misspelling of "Cotswolds." As an English teacher I should be ashamed of myself

TuckH

ron's idea of Oxford is a good one - you'd like that and why go back into London? I love Wells, but I think it's a bit far. Also, Henley-on-Thames is very nice and closer to LHR.

crackles

Stratford-Upon-Avon is just beautiful. My wife and I were there three years ago on our first trip to England. The buildings made from English Oak timbers originally used in ships has to be seen to be believed. If you like Shakespeare, it is a must.

We are now planning our second trip for next October, also doing Cornwall and Wales and appreciate the advice.

Thanks.

jody

Dorset is one of our favorite places in the world.
There are several National Trust properties..see http://www.accessentertainment.co.uk...ust/Dorset.htm

Also another estate to visit is Athelhampton. We frequently stay and use it as a base to visit many places, Bath , Lacock , there are also some good antiques centers if you are interested . Tuch's suggestions are right on so I won't repeat those!

Andrewmac

While you are in the Dorset area, may I recommend a short return hop along the A35 between Bridport in Dorset and Honiton in Devon? It's only a 45-mile round trip and probably one of the most scenic roads in England.

Honiton is a quaint market town and is famous for lace and embroidery.

You won't be disappointed with Dorset - Sherborne, The Giant at Cerne Abbas, The Tutankhamun Exibition in Dorchester and Abbotsbury Swannery and Sub-tropical gardens are all worth a visit.

Have a look at www.bestbandb.co.uk. for bed and breakfast accomodation.

I'm sure your visit to Dorset in particular will be well up to expectations.

Enjoy what our beautiful country has to offer.

JudyC

Last month I spend 10 days in Dorset and Wiltshire area, so many interesting sites,there was hardly enough time just to scratch the surface.

Some articles about Thomas Hardy and Dorset and Cornwall:
http://travel.independent.co.uk/uk/s...tory=489525,In search of Hardy in Cornwall.
http://travel.independent.co.uk/them...p?story=282965, Grand Tours with Thomas Hardy.

Second Athelhamphton (5 miles from Dochester),Forde Abbey north of Lyme Regis is lovely too. Stourhead not far from Sherborne is definitely worth a detour.

Besides the centre for Hardy's enthusiasm,the old town centre of Dorchester has some fine old buildings and ancient Roman ruins. I enjoyed the stay at the 18th century Casterbridge Guesthouse(on Highstreet) very much.

Flicka

I would recommend Lyme Regis, which is a historic little town surrounded by beautiful coastline. It also has a Jane Austen connection, as part of "Persuasion" is set there.

wombat7

Literary visit goals and Dorset - easy Chesil Beach the place and the book. Both wonderful

janisj

We are answering a three year old thread . . . .

wombat7

Well spotted - I still recommend the book though!