This is a collaborative post Mice start moving into houses from late September, once the nights turn cold and food in hedgerows and fields becomes harder to find. In rural Dorset the usual visitor is the wood mouse. It lives outdoors for most of the year and only heads indoors when the temperature drops. House mice are more common in towns. Either kind can fit through a gap of around 6mm, roughly the width of a pencil, so even a well-kept home can let one in. A single mouse i

This is a collaborative post Rural deliveries present unique challenges that urban delivery teams often do not encounter. Customers may be spread across villages, farms, country roads, and remote properties. Each stop adds more mileage and travel time, making it essential to plan effectively. For local producers, delivery efficiency impacts more than just fuel costs. Poorly planned routes can lead to fewer orders completed in a day, increased driver hours, delays for perish

This is a collabrotive post. Rural businesses often operate with financial pressures that look different from those of urban companies. Farms, food producers, rural retailers, hospitality businesses, contractors, and tourism operators may deal with seasonal revenue, expensive equipment, variable energy costs, and customers spread across a wide geographic area. Strong financial management gives owners a clearer view of what the business can afford, when cash will be tight, and

This is a collabrotive post Spend enough time around anyone who hikes, kayaks, or walks their dog through a wet field every morning, and you'll notice something. They talk about feeling better differently than people who don't. Not vaguely better. Specifically better: fewer headaches, steadier sleep, less of the low-grade irritability that builds up over a desk-bound week. This isn't just an anecdote. There's solid research on why time outdoors changes body and brain function

There’s something undeniably magical about the countryside, isn’t there? The gentle rustle of leaves, the scent of freshly turned earth, and the quiet rhythm of life that seems to slow down just enough for you to catch your breath. Living in Dorset, I’ve come to appreciate these simple pleasures more deeply than I ever imagined. The rolling hills, quaint villages, and timeless customs all weave together to create a tapestry of life that feels both comforting and inspiring. To

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you’ve ever found yourself wandering through Dorset, chances are you’ll have stumbled across Dorchester – our county town and a place...

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

This is a collaborative post. You've probably thought about it. Packing up, leaving the city behind, finding space, air, and maybe a...

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...

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...

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....

Nestled in the heart of England’s southwest, Dorset is a county that effortlessly captures the imagination. With its rolling hills,...

Foraging is an age-old practice that involves searching for and gathering wild food from natural environments. It connects people to the...

*This is a collaborative post. Celebrate the spirit of Dorset this Christmas by supporting local makers and artisans! Our 2024 Dorset...

As autumn rolls in, it's time to embrace the seasonal festivities that come with it, and nothing says autumn quite like a trip to a...

Looking for a fantastic day out with the kids in Dorset that won't break the bank? Durlston Country Park in Swanage is the perfect spot....

A Day Out on Brownsea Island: Exploring Dorset's Hidden Gem Tucked away in the picturesque Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island is a...

We recently visited the Symondsbury Estate and I thought it was possibly one of the most beautiful parts of Dorset I have been to yet. ...

There’s something magical about fields of sunflowers, with their cheerful faces turned towards the sun, and this summer, our family was...

Portland in Dorset is a very unique place, a small island only 4 miles long by 1.7 miles wide and is joined to the mainland (Weymouth)...

Dorset is renowned for its stunning Jurassic coastline and fabulous beaches of which 89% are rated as excellent! We at Dorset Country...

Welcome to our Dorset Christmas Gift Guide celebrating the spirit of the county! Embrace the charm and character of this picturesque...

Halloween is a time when the air becomes a bit crisper, the leaves more vibrant, and a sense of enchantment lingers in the atmosphere. In...

*Ad - All opinions are our own. CHEF PREPARED FRESH FOOD FOR DOGS FROM MONTYS LARDER To get 25% off your first order, use the following...

*Ad-Gifted. All opinions are our own. When we were invited to review the fabulous new Cosmo restaurant in Bournemouth we were rather...

Now that January is out of the way, we really start to look forward to the year ahead. Dorset is a truly beautiful county and we do like...

Well there is no way to deny that we love and adore the county we are lucky enough to live in. It has so many wonderful features and as...

*Ad-Gifted. All opinions are our own. When you head out on adventures, as we both like to do, be it alone, with your partner or the whole...

*Ad-Gifted. All opinions are our own. Christmas really kicked off for me when I attended the Christmas light display 2021 at Kingston...

*Ad-Gifted. All opinions are our own. No doubt about it we are Dorset girls born and bred. One of us has lived in one main section of...

Isn’t it strange how recent events have changed all of us just a little and our perspectives on life in general have changed? For me one...

A couple of months ago, we attended the Dorchester Vegan market and wrote all about the wonderful local businesses we were so excited to...

I’m always keen to discover new places in Dorset that are pleasant to walk the dogs. In Blandford, the river Stour is an absolute gem. We...

We visited the vegan market in the county town of Dorchester. It was held at Maumbury Rings in the south of Dorchester and it is a...

There are so many beautiful places to walk your dogs in Dorset and one of my favourites is Thorncombe woods near Dorchester. In the...

When we are preparing for our growing year, nothing gives us more joy than our visits to Mill House Nurseries. One of Dorset’s best...