EXPLORE AND EXPERIENCE WEST DORSET
We know you're going to love it!
WHERE TO EXPLORE
West Dorset has so much for you to explore
WHAT TO DO
Great things to do and places to visit during your stay
FAMILY ACTIVITIES
Great attractions to visit for all the family
WHERE TO EAT
West Dorset is known for its good local food and pet friendly pubs.
JURASSIC COAST
The Jurassic coastline stretches for miles along the south coast of England from Exmouth in Devon right through Dorset to Studland Bay. The Jurassic Coast Trust work tirelessly to keep this remarkable coastline special and unique,
SOUTH WEST COAST PATH
The South West Coast Path stretches for 630 miles stretching from Minehead in Somerset in the North, right round the Cornwall and Devon coast, through Dorset to the shores of Poole Harbour. With hundreds of segmented walks along the way find out about the nearest walk to Cardsmill Farm.
NATIONAL TRUST AREAS
West Dorset is a great place to spend some quality family time. There are numerous National Trust places to explore including: Golden Cap - the highest point on the south coast. Lewesdon Hill - the highest point in Dorset. Lambert's and Coney's Castle - one of Dorset's ancient hill forts. Pilsden Pen - a Dorset iron age hill fort. Eggardon Hill - another iron age hill fort with and downland.
DORSET BEACHES
You'll find sandy beaches at Lyme Regis and Weymouth and shingle/pebble beaches at Charmouth, Seatown, Seaton and West Bay with, of course, the famous Chesil Beach (pebbles) stretching from West Bexington to Weymouth. Many of our beaches are dong-friendly throughout the year.
FOSSIL HUNTING
West Dorset is reknowned for its fossils. Collect ammonites and belemnites can be found on Charmouth and Seatown beaches but it is best to go on a guided tour or pop until the Charmouth Heritage Centre where yo can learn all about it.
HOMES AND GARDENS
Abbotsbury Gardens, which is situated just off the coastal road to Weymouth, is an absolute must. You'll be blown away walking amongst the amazing tropical plants. Near to Beaminster is Mapperton House and Gardens, an award winning 19th Century Jacobean House. With an Italian garden and a wild garden, you'll find the contrasts breathtaking. More Dorset Homes and Gardens can be found on Great British Gardens website.
AXE VALLEY WILDLIFE PARK
A small and friendly zoo primarily aimed at families with children under 12 years of age. It is situated in the beautiful countryside of the Axe Valley in East Devon. The wildlife park is an excellent day out for all the family which is educational as well as a lot of fun.
ABBOTSBURY SWANNERY
One of the best things you can do when visiting Dorset is to visit Abbotsbury Swannery. It is the only place in the world where you are able to walk through the heart of a colony of nesting Mute Swans. Located on the coastline, this unique natural wildlife habitat is also popular with film makers and was also used as a location for a Harry Potter film.
MORE FAMILY ACTIVITIES
There are so many incredible things to do in Dorset, it is sure to make your visit memorable for a long time afterwards. You could visit the huge inflatable woodland waterpark overlooking Corfe Castle, go kayaking along the Jurassic coastline, visit the Sealife Centre in Weymouth or 'Go Ape' at the Moors Valley with their treetop adventures.
SHAVE CROSS INN
Shave Cross Inn is a gem of a pub in the heart of the Marshwood Vale. Recently taken over by new owners who know a thing or two about flavoursome Tapas dishes - you don't often find that in Dorset pubs. An independent pub also means great prices too. You won't be disappointed with the charm of this lovely oasis and great for whiling away an afternoon in the lovely garden.
FIVE BELLS INN
If a traditional Dorset Inn is more your thing then you will love the Five Bells Inn. This is the nearest pub to Cardsmill Farm and the locals will welcome you warmly. With some great local bands regularly playing too, your toes will soon be tapping to the Dorset way of life.
THE ANCHOR AT SEATOWN
The Anchor at Seatown has an enviable position ... right on the beach front at Seatown, which is just a short drive from Cardsmill Farm. With a top-notch menu as well as pub grub favourites, the Anchor, which has won numerous local and national awards, is a true favourite with both locals and holiday makers.