What does the word ‘Dorset’ conjure up to you? Cream teas
and rolling hills? Thomas Hardy (especially with the new film adaptation of Far from the Madding Crowd storming
cinemas at the moment) and Broadchurch? Fossils and geology?
Perhaps less well known is the
fact that Dorset is a bit of a hotspot for big cats, with 223 first-hand
accounts described in Roaring Dorset!
At any time of the year, our book A Dorset Country Calendar describes what to look for, with lovely pen and ink
drawings by the author to help you spot things.
Have you heard of the Dorset Knob
(which has a whole festival dedicated to it in May in Cattistock)? Or the CerneGiant, a sight to see in his
magnificent manly glory, adorning a
hillside above the ancient village of Cerne Abbas (not sure what the monks
would have made of that!). There are plenty of other odd goings-on in the Isle
of Purbeck according to David Leadbetter’s book Paranormal Purbeck.
Whilst visiting Thomas Hardy’s Cottage in Bockhampton near
Dorchester and Max Gate, the home he built for himself and his first wife Emma
(both run by the National Trust) you can
gain an insight into their lives with She Opened the Door: The Wife and Women who Haunted Thomas Hardy.
Other more
contemporary writers are featured in DorsetVoices, a great holiday read of short
stories and poetry, with photographs – an all Dorset production.
Lawrence of Arabia’s unusual home
at Cloud’s Hill near Bovington (also run by the NT) is worth a visit, with
beautiful window engravings by Laurence Whistler in nearby St Nicholas Church,
Moreton.
You might explore Europe’s
largest hill-fort, Maiden Castle, with views of the Prince of Wales’ model
town of Poundbury. Afterwards visit the Dorset County Museum in Dorchester to
see some of the finds from here, as woven into Defenders of Mai-dun: A Story of the Roman Assault on Maiden Castle,
which brings this period in history to life.
If you want to get behind the
scenes and see what most visitors miss, then our Lesser Known guidebooks to Swanage, Weymouth, Lyme Regis and
Christchurch may be just the job. Get away from the crowds and explore the
back-streets and local haunts.
The Magic of Purbeck also has some great walks and photos of the stunning Jurassic Coast, ancient chalk downs and National Heaths around Studland, to inspire more
exploring.
The Isle of Portland is
definitely worth a visit, with its sacred geology and geometry, Masonic
influences and history of ley lines, holy wells and Druids, revealed in The Spirit of Portland.
Step back in time and Discover Old Swanage. Swanage is so much
more than just a traditional seaside resort, with loads of music festivals and
even a dedicated Walking Festival in September.
If staying in Weymouth, be sure
to check out neighbouring Preston, Bowleaze and Overcombe (and the book of that name). Jordan Hill has remains
of a Roman temple and is a great viewpoint, overlooked by King George III (a
frequent visitor to Weymouth) on his grey stead cut into the hills above
Preston. John Constable loved the area so much he honeymooned here, painting
several local scenes.
Finally, if you still need a
reason to come to Dorset, then Secret Places of West Dorset will be sure to inspire you. Follow secluded lanes
and ancient tracks, prehistoric sites, nature reserves and timeless villages,
mingling with ghosts and other folklore. Through it, discover the ‘genius loci’
or spirit of the place that is Dorset, and gain a richer insight and deeper understanding
of why Dorset is such a special place.
If
looking for a place to stay, Dorset Cottage Holidays offer hand-picked
self-catering cottages that offer something special (http://www.dhcottages.co.uk/, tel 01929
481547).
All our
Roving Press books are available at www.rovingpress.co.uk,
tel 01300 321531, with free p&p.
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