Dorset: Making happy memories

OUT &

ABOUT

THIS MONTH WE VISIT... DORSET

Making happy memories

This holiday hotspot will be quieter after the summer crowds have gone, making October the perfect time to visit. Boasting a World Heritage Site shoreline, fossil-laden beaches, fairy-tale castles and a treasure trove of heritage attractions, add Dorset to your list of places to visit this autumn.

Isle of Portland

This tied island marks the southernmost point on the infamous Jurassic Coast and is joined to the mainland by Chesil Beach. Its isolated location, quaint villages and rocky, coastal scenery give the island its own unique feel. Just four miles long by a mileand-a-half wide at its broadest point, though the isle is small it’s packed with interesting things to see and do. Steeped in maritime history and heritage, there are museums, castles and not one but three lighthouses to explore, not to mention its harbour is one of the largest man-made harbours in the world. Portland is also a haven for millions of migrating birds – head

Isle of Portland

to the Portland Bill Observatory to see what you can spot.

Monkey World

Home to the stars of TVs Monkey Life and Monkey Business, this fascinating ape rescue centre provides sanctuary for endangered and rescued primates. The park houses the largest group of chimpanzees outside of Africa, as well as three groups of orangutans (including Europe’s official orang-utan creche), and many other species of monkey. Daily keepers’ talks provide informative insight into life at the park and its inhabitants, plus there are also pre-bookable guided tours available if you want to find out even more.

Monkey World

Abbotsbury Swannery

Bournemouth Aviation Museum

If you prefer your museums to have interactive displays then this is one for you, as all visitors are encouraged to climb into the cockpits of the aircraft on display and pretend they’re a pilot for the day. The exhibits include the Vulcan Bomber, a Piston Provost, Canberra, Lightning, Viscount, Meteor,

After learning all about these beautiful creatures, you may even want to help support Monkey World in continuing their rescue and rehabilitation work by adopting one of the resident primates.

Lulworth Castle

This fairy-tale castle was originally built as a hunting lodge in the early 17th century to entertain aristocracy and royalty, but has since been the family seat of the Weld family for 400 years. Although ravaged by a fire in 1929, the castle was carefully restored and is now open for the public to explore its wealth of history. Walk in the footsteps of king and queens, follow the Weld family’s fate and fortunes and enjoy the memorabilia collections. The castle’s tower offers panoramic views over the surrounding countryside and coast, so it’s well worth the climb. Outside you’ll find spacious grounds to wander, as well as the historically significant Roman Catholic Chapel of St. Mary's and the 15th century Church of St Andrew.

Lulworth Castle Jaguar and a Hunter, among many others. Another popular exhibit is a Boeing 737-200, which first flew back in May 1975. After her last owners went into administration in 2008, the aircraft was stored at Bournemouth airport in the hope of achieving a new buyer. When this didn’t happen, the main fuselage section was saved and moved to the museum in 2013. In addition to the aircraft, the museum also has a sit-in flight simulator which allows visitors to have a go at flying around the area and attempt a landing at Bournemouth airport.

Abbotsbury Swannery

Enjoy a day trip with a difference at the world’s only managed colony of nesting mute swans. This unique natural wildlife habitat is spread over 25 acres and is home to over 600 swans. Established by Benedictine Monks who once farmed the swans to produce food >>

Compton Acres

>> for their lavish Dorset banquets, today the swans live peacefully, producing lots of fluffy grey cygnets every nesting period (End Mayend June). Visitors can help hand feed the swans every day at noon and 4pm, an experience not to be missed! There are a host of other activities on site, including a swanshaped willow maze, a play area for children, the Swanherd's Hut and History Room and the Monks' herb garden.

Shaftesbury Abbey Museum & Gardens

Founded in 888 by King Alfred the Great as England’s foremost Benedictine nunnery, Shaftesbury Abbey is situated in one of Dorset’s most charming market towns, famous for its picturesque Gold Hill (of Hovis TV advert fame). The abbey flourished until 1539 when it was destroyed on the orders of Henry VIII. The excavated

Compton Acres

Widely regarded as one of the finest privately owned gardens in the South of England, Compton Acres’ five themed ornamental gardens are laid out in a stepfree, circular route so they’re easy to navigate. Explore the Grand Italian Garden, the Rock and Water Garden, the Heather Garden, the Wooded Valley and an authentic Japanese Garden. Thanks to the mild climate of Dorset’s south facing coast and the skill of its gardeners, Compton Acres contains a magnificent collection of more than 3000 species of trees, shrubs, bulbs and herbaceous plants enriched by seasonal plantings of thousands of bedding plants. If you’ve been inspired while here, visit the on-site plant centre before you leave.

Shaftesbury foundations of the abbey now lie in a peaceful walled garden filled with roses, a medieval orchard and aromatic herbs. The museum brings to life the story of the abbey and its inhabitants with dramatic displays and an interactive virtual tour. There is a free audio tour and

Hardy's Cottage, Bockhampton

children’s activity packs, making it accessible for any age group.

National Trust's Max Gate

This austere but atmospheric Victorian town house was the home of Dorset's most famous author and poet, Thomas Hardy. Hardy, who designed the house in 1885, wanted to show that he was part of the wealthy middle classes of the area and reflect his position as a successful writer. Wander the rooms where Hardy wrote some of his most famous poetry and novels, including Tess of the d’Urbervilles and Jude the Obscure. The garden is much as it was originally planned, with high walls and large trees encircling the property to preserve Hardy's privacy. The sundial, designed by Hardy, was erected in his memory. And after your visit why not pay a visit to Hardy’s childhood home, just a few miles away in Bockhampton.