The best running trails in Dorset

If you’re looking for a breakfast that feels like a big, warm hug, The Town Mill Bakery is your spiritual home in Lyme Regis. This isn't your average "grab-and-go" spot; it’s a rustic, communal experience where you sit at long wooden trestle tables and pass the jam like one big happy family. The Vibe: It’s all about the open-plan theater of baking—watch the bakers work their magic while the scent of fresh sourdough fills the air. The Food: Reviewers rave about the "build-your-own" toast style and their legendary almond croissants. Self-Service Fun: Grab your own coffee and settle in for a slow, cozy morning by the mill stream.

If you're looking for a quintessentially relaxing Dorset scene, Moreton FordClick to open side panel for more information and its accompanying footbridge are about as idyllic as it gets. Located on the River Frome near the village of Moreton, this spot is a favorite for locals and visitors alike who want to enjoy the water without necessarily getting their feet wet. The footbridge itself is a long, narrow wooden structure that runs parallel to one of the longest fords in the south of England. It was built to allow pedestrians to cross safely when the river level is high or when vehicles are splashing through the shallow water. A Hub for "Splashy" Fun: The area around the bridge is a local hotspot for families. On a warm day, you'll see children paddling in the shallow, clear water, dogs leaping after sticks, and even horses being ridden through the ford. A Scenic Shortcut: The bridge serves as a key link for several famous walking routes, including the Lawrence of Arabia Trail and the Jubilee Trail. Crossing it leads you directly into the shaded, peaceful tracks of Moreton Plantation. The "Nature Watch" Spot: Because the bridge puts you right over the center of the river, it’s a perfect place to pause and look for minnows in the gravelly shallows or watch the elegant swans that frequently glide by. Photographer's Dream: With the thatched cottages of the village in the background and the light reflecting off the wide, shimmering expanse of the ford, it is widely considered one of the most "Instagrammable" spots in rural Dorset.

If you’re looking for one of the most poignant and peaceful spots in Dorset, St Nicholas’ Church in Moreton is a absolute must. It’s famous for two very different reasons: its incredible "ice-like" windows and its connection to T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia). Here is the lowdown on why this little village church is so unique: The Church of Light St Nicholas isn't your typical dark, moody medieval church. During WWII, a stray German bomb landed in the nearby graveyard, blowing out all the original Victorian stained glass. Instead of replacing it with traditional colored glass, the community eventually commissioned the artist Sir Laurence Whistler. Between 1955 and 1984, he replaced every single window with engraved clear glass. The Effect: When the sun shines through, the church doesn't turn red or blue; it stays brilliantly bright. The engravings—of butterflies, trees, stars, and even local landscapes—look like they are floating in mid-air or etched into frost on the panes. The "Forgiveness" Window: Look for the window with a small Judas tree; it’s a subtle, beautiful nod to the idea of redemption. While the church is a work of art, many people visit specifically to pay respects to T.E. Lawrence. The Connection: Lawrence lived nearby at his tiny cottage, Clouds Hill (which is also worth a visit). He was a local figure who loved speeding through the Dorset lanes on his Brough Superior motorcycle—which, sadly, is how he met his end in a crash just down the road in 1935. The Gravesite: He isn’t buried inside the church, but in the separate cemetery just a short, signposted walk across the road. The Vibe: His grave is surprisingly humble for a man of such global fame. It’s a simple stone slab with a carved effigy of a knight's shield and the words "The Hour is Coming." You’ll often find small tributes left there—sometimes coins, sometimes desert sand, or even sprigs of local heather.

Can be busy but really nice and gravelly track after the bridge. It is not deep but you can sort of take a dip.

The lighthouse in Portland, southern England, is an impressive landmark that is both historically and architecturally fascinating. Built in the 19th century, it has served as an important landmark for ships in the bay ever since. Its clifftop location offers stunning views of the sea and surrounding coastal scenery. The lighthouse is a popular photo opportunity and an interesting destination for visitors interested in learning more about the region's maritime history. Overall, it is a charming and significant symbol of Portland!

A wonderful area. Breathtaking views of the cliffs and the sea; it's worth coming here for hiking and, in the summer, definitely for swimming. I recommend staying at the nearby Durdle Door Holiday Park.

Using the power of moving water to drive a mill wheel is an ancient invention of the human spirit of discovery, the origins of which can be traced back to times long past. Thanks to such a construction, a watercourse - natural or artificial - could simply replace human or animal muscle power with the power of the natural elements, for example to grind grain into corn or to press oil from fruit. There are essentially two different ways of driving watermills: * Either the flowing water simply hits the blades of the water wheel from below to set it in motion; or * the water is guided - usually through a so-called "mill channel" - above the wheel and falls onto the blades; this type of construction is more efficient due to natural gravity.

Lovely mill house very close to stourpaine which has a brilliant pub called the white horse 🍻