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Free Things to Do in Dorset with Children This Summer
There's something rather magical about the summer holidays in Dorset. The days seem to stretch a little longer, picnic blankets come out of the cupboard, and suddenly every patch of countryside becomes an adventure waiting to happen. Of course, keeping children entertained for six weeks can become expensive very quickly. But one of the things I love most about living in Dorset is that some of the very best days out don't cost a penny. Whether you have energetic little explore
Sue
Aug 1


Discover the Hidden Gem of Ringstead Beach a Tranquil Escape from Busy Weymouth Sands
If you’ve ever found yourself overwhelmed by the crowds at Weymouth Sands, you’re not alone. Many beach lovers seek a quieter spot to unwind, soak up the sun, and enjoy nature’s beauty without the noise and bustle. Ringstead Beach offers exactly that—a peaceful retreat with stunning views and a charm all its own. This blog post takes you on a summer’s day visit to Ringstead Beach, highlighting why it’s a favorite among locals and a must-visit for anyone craving a relaxing bea
Sue
Jul 25


Experience the Charm of Exploring Dorset's Countryside
There’s something truly magical about waking up to the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant call of birds. It’s a kind of peace that city life rarely offers. Over the years, I’ve found myself drawn more and more to the slower rhythms of rural living, and nowhere captures this better than the beautiful county of Dorset. Nestled in the southwest of England, Dorset’s countryside is a treasure trove of rolling hills, quaint villages, and endless opportunities to reconnect with
Sue
May 30


Best Bank Holiday Events In Dorset
The Whitsun May Bank Holiday always feels like the true opening of the Dorset summer. Hedgerows are thick with cow parsley, the sea begins to sparkle with promise, and the lanes fill with the cheerful hum of visitors rediscovering the simple joy of being outdoors. If you’re lucky enough to spend the long weekend here, Dorset offers that perfect blend of coast, countryside, and village life that begs you to slow down and savour every moment. Here are some wonderfully Dorset wa
Sue
May 20


A Sunny Spring Walk to Old Harry Rocks – Dorset at Its Best
Some days feel like a gift from the season, and our recent family walk out to Old Harry Rocks was exactly that. One of those warm, bright spring days where the sky stretches endlessly blue, the air smells faintly of grass and salt, and the Dorset coastline looks almost impossibly beautiful. It felt like the whole county had taken a deep, happy breath. Setting Off from Studland We began our walk from Middle Beach National Trust car park, where the landscape stunning and walkin
Sue
Apr 25


Easter in Dorset: Spring Adventures, Coastal Charm & Egg-cellent Events
There is something rather special about Dorset in early spring. The hedgerows are just beginning to wake, lambs appear in the fields almost overnight, and the sea air carries that first hint of warmth after a long winter. Easter always feels like the true beginning of the year here — the moment when village noticeboards fill with posters, cafés put tables back outside, and families begin planning gentle days out again. If you’ve ever fancied a proper countryside Easter — the
Sue
Mar 27


Slow Worms In The Allotment Compost Heap!
I had one of those small but special moments at the allotment recently — the kind that reminds you just how full of life these spaces really are. While turning over a compost heap, I came across a young slow worm. At first glance, it’s easy to mistake them for a small snake, but on closer inspection, you realise they’re something quite different — and actually a very welcome sight. I quickly and very carefully put it back in its hide away and covered it back over. I felt quie
Sue
Mar 25


Hello spring is that really you?
There is something quietly miraculous about the moment you realise that spring has truly arrived. Here in Dorset, that shift feels especially sweet. One day the air still carries winter’s bite, and the next it is softened by birdsong, pale blue skies, and that unmistakable scent of warming earth. Over the past week, I’ve found myself lingering outside just a little longer each morning, cup of coffee in hand, sitting on the back step noticing the tiny signs of change. The gard
Sue
Mar 11


How Golf Is Becoming a Powerful Tool for Men’s Wellness
How Golf Is Becoming a Powerful Tool for Men’s Wellness
Sue
Mar 7


Running a rural Dorset business when the internet drops
This is a collabtative post. For many business owners across rural and semi-rural areas in Dorset, choosing to operate outside major cities is a deliberate decision. Space, flexibility, lower overheads, and quality of life all make countryside locations appealing places to build and grow a business. For years, however, there has been an unspoken compromise attached to that choice; which is connectivity. Today, that compromise is becoming increasingly difficult to justify. As
Sue
Feb 17


Scenic Dorset Drives: Why 18 Inch Alloy Wheels Make Coastal Routes Smoother
This is a collaborative post. Dorset is a county of meandering coastal roads, undulating hills, and lovely villages. The driving experience through Dorset is an adventure no matter which way you go, the ruggedness of the Jurassic Coast or the gentle curls of the inland roads. But anyone who has ventured these picturesque routes will tell you—the quality of the drive is determined not only by the route chosen but by the car’s arrangement as well. You might have missed your ch
Sue
Jan 13


January in Dorset
January has never felt bleak to me in Dorset. If anything, it’s the month when the county feels most like itself — quieter, more open, and somehow more generous. After the noise of Christmas fades, Dorset seems to take a deep breath, and I find myself doing the same. I love the way the light changes in January. Mornings are pale and tentative, the kind that creep in slowly rather than arriving all at once. On early walks, frost crunches underfoot and the fields look freshly d
Sue
Jan 6


Dorset Christmas Gift Guide 2025
Welcome to the Dorset Christmas Gift Guide 2025! As the festive season sparkles across our beautiful county, there’s no better time to celebrate the magic of local giving. From handcrafted treasures by Dorset artisans to indulgent treats inspired by our coast and countryside, this guide is your go-to source for thoughtful, sustainable, and uniquely Dorset gifts. Whether you’re shopping for loved ones or treating yourself, discover the charm, creativity, and community spirit t
Sue
Oct 28, 2025


Back to Dorset: Autumn’s Gentle Welcome
In just over a week I was surprised to notice how quickly the leaves are turning as autumn creeps in. After a week basking in warm sunshine—bare feet, salty hair, and that deliciously lazy rhythm that only holidays bring—coming home to Dorset felt like stepping into a completely different kind of beauty. The moment I opened the front door, that familiar mix of cool air and countryside calm wrapped around me like an old jumper. It’s early autumn now, and Dorset has started its
Sue
Oct 14, 2025


Dorchester – Dorset’s County Town
If you’ve ever found yourself wandering through Dorset, chances are you’ll have stumbled across Dorchester – our county town and a place...
Sue
Sep 13, 2025


Autumn Days in Dorset
September is here and the weather has changes quiet dramatically and I can feel autumn in the breeze.This morning I stepped outside and the first thing I noticed was the smell of wood smoke. Somewhere in the village, someone had clearly given in and lit their fire, and the scent carried down the roads in that way it only does in autumn. The air had that fresh, damp edge to it too — the kind that makes you pull your coat a little tighter and breathe a bit deeper, just for the
Sue
Sep 3, 2025


The Great Escape: Your Guide to Moving Out of the City
This is a collaborative post. You've probably thought about it. Packing up, leaving the city behind, finding space, air, and maybe a...
Sue
Aug 22, 2025


The Bird Box Buzz: Tree Bumblebees Move In
Tree Bumblebees In My Bird Box It’s that time of year again when the garden bursts into life—flowers bloom, birds sing, and bees busily...
Sue
Jun 15, 2025


Dorset's Cern Abbas Giant
View from the car park of the Cerne Abbas Giant set on a hill in Dorset. Nestled in the rolling hills of Dorset, England, the Cerne...
Sue
May 22, 2025


Why I love Foraging For Wild Garlic In Dorset
There’s something quietly magical about stepping off the beaten path and into a carpet of green, the air rich with the scent of garlic....
Sue
Apr 27, 2025

Meet Sue
Mother, grandmother and lover of the county where I live. Blogging about Dorset here at Dorset Country Life. Find out more...






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