Dorset
Transportation and Accommodations
Getting There
Traveling to Dorset from London is easiest with a car, but do not let this stop you if you're not a driver in the UK as there are trains from London to areas in Dorset. Check out trains from London Waterloo (some of which stop in Clapham Junction) to Poole, Bournemouth, Swanage or Wool. Wool is the closest station to Durdle Door, but does not mean you need to stay here if hoping to visit Durdle Door.
Additionally, depending on where you are staying, some of the smaller train stations may be closer to your accommodations. Keep in mind the train stations could be quite small, without the option of taxis at the station so be sure to look this up and plan for how to reach your accommodations in advance.
We took a train from London Waterloo to Hamworthy and then cycled to our accommodations which was about a 15 minute cycle. The station of Hamworthy was very small, without taxis available. If you plan to arrive here and would need a taxi, be sure to call and book one in advance.
Getting Around
Similar to getting there, getting around Dorset is also easiest with a car. Yet again, it is not impossible without one. There are local buses in the area and taxis which you can use as options to help you travel around on your visit. For those with bikes, bringing bicycles with you can be a great way to not only get around Dorset but also to explore Dorset.
Beryl - if you do not have your own bike, but are happy to get around on bicycles, check out Beryl. Beryl is a bike sharing option in the area of Poole an Bournemouth. You can pick-up and drop-off bikes across the zone, and even bring them outside the zone if you have a longer rental. There are timed rentals, as well as 24 hour rental options for the pedal bikes. Additionally, Beryl has e-bikes and scooters available to use.
Accommodations
Usually I do not recommend a specific place, but this trip was made by the accommodation option we selected. This location Coach Road Wagons is a perfect glamping location for those looking for an outdoorsy weekend in Dorset, while also still having luxuries of running water and electricity.
This little spot is located a few miles from the Hamworthy train station. NOTE - if arriving in the dark, this location will be difficult to find. This is especially imperative to note if visiting without a car. For those with a car, you will be able to drive on small roads to reach the airbnb. Walking or cycling on these roads in the dark can be very dangerous; the roads near the airbnb are not well lit and cars will drive fast around the winding roads, as they do not expect people to be walking or cycling here.
The accommodations are a great spot for 4 - 6 people, and they've really put a lot of thought into the set-up. There are two carriages as the two bedrooms, one includes a double bed while the other has a double bed and a set of bunk beds. There's a nice bathroom with full plumbing, a double shower, and a large sink between the two carriages. Then there's also a closed and covered living space area with two couches which can be made into beds along with a wood fire.
With an indoor and outdoor set-up, there's a common space which is partially covered containing a kitchen and table, couch, woodfire hot tub, pizza oven, stove, and microwave. Outside there's a nice campfire area, including a bbq set-up over the fire. There is no wifi, but there is electricity and running water.
If this is not for you, consider picking a spot in one of these locations:
- Poole: near the beach
- Bournemouth:
- Wool or Lulworth Cove: near Durdle Door
Things to do and see
Durdle Door
Found near Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door is a famous rock arch formation just along the coast. There's a viewpoint from above that provides a great vantage point of Durdle Door, along with views up and down the coast. For those looking to head down to the beach, you can walk down to the beach and admire it from sea level or plan to spend some time out on the beach. Be cautious, the area will be busier in summer months on nice sunny days as many others may have similar ideas.
Poole
Known for having a nice beach, and the town itself offers things to do
Cycle
Grab your bike and cycle along the quieter roads in Dorset. If staying at the glamping accommodations provided above, consider planning a cycle to Durdle Door to admire the famous viewpoint.
Coastal walk
Head down to the coast and pick a portion of the coast line to walk. Be wary, the coastal walk can get quite hilly. However, it provides stunning views over the coastline and an enjoyable walk.
Dancing Ledge
Part of the Jurassic coast, this is an area of flat rocks at the base of a small cliff
Food and Drinks
The Cowshed Dorset
This cute little café has a wide menu of options for food and drinks. It's a great option for brunch with indoor and outdoor seating.
Square and Compass
This pub is around Swanage in the countryside and has some great outdoor seating options. Although they only serve mainly bar food (i.e. sausage rolls, cornish pasties, etc.), this a great spot for an afternoon drink outside.
At home
If staying at the accommodations recommended above, you'll want to take advantage of the luxuries at the site. Head over to the Aldi in town, just a 10 - 15 minute cycle from the accommodations, and pick up food to cook in.
Other Notes
Duration
A weekend in Dorset is the perfect amount of time. There's always more you can add-on, but this amount of time provides you an opportunity to pick a few things to prioritize and enjoy a weekend outside the city, especially for those living in London. From coast walks, to beach days, to pub lunches to cycles, there's a variety of options on how to spend a weekend in Dorset.
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Transportation and Accommodations
Things to do and see
Food and Drinks