Dorset is a delightful county, situated on England's south coast, between Devon in the west and Hampshire in the east. The county's coastline is also known as the Jurassic Coast, due to the dramatic limestone cliffs which chart 185 million years of the Earth's history.
It also conceals the fossils of billions of creatures.
One such place is the charming, historic town of Lyme Regis with its attractive, 13th-century harbour. Its harbour wall is known as 'The Cobb' – it was one of the locations used in the film of John Fowles' book The French Lieutenant's Woman.
Apart from Lyme Regis, another place in which to hunt for fossils is Lulworth Cove, backed by its cliffs of soft, black Kimmeridge clay, once used as a fuel to stoke the fires of the local cottages.
Elsewhere, the town of Weymouth faces out onto a glittering bay and is a lovely place to visit, with its Georgian seafront and attractive esplanade. Its bustling, modern town centre is complemented by quaint, interesting little side streets.
To the east, along the coast, is the holiday resort of Swanage, teeming with shops and cafés. And nearby, the historic village and ruins of Corfe Castle is a beauty spot not to be missed.
The bustling seaside towns of Bournemouth and Poole attract hordes of tourists, who come for the nightlife and the golden, sandy beaches.
For a more relaxed visit, travel to the Saxon town of Christchurch, on the estuaries of the Rivers Avon and Stour, with its picturesque harbour and 11th-century priory church.

The Tea Shop
This café in Trinity Street, on the harbourside in Weymouth, is well known for its scrumptious selection of cakes and afternoon teas. Make sure you don't leave without having tried the Dorset apple cake. There's also a selection of local produce for sale. Tel 01305 788502

The Bankes Arms Hotel, Studland
Once the haunt of smugglers, this creeper-clad inn in Studland is renowned for its comprehensive seafood menu, including fresh mussels, crab gratin and lobster dishes. Every year the pub hosts a beer festival with around 60 ales on tap, accompanied by live music and Morris dancing in the garden. Tel 01929 450225

Corfe Castle
No visit to Corfe is complete without paying homage to its 9th-century castle, positioned high up on a steep, chalk mound. A long, winding path takes most of the gradient out of the walk up to the castle. Access to the National Trust-owned ruin is £5.60, but parking is free. Tel 01929 481294
Web www.nationaltrust.org.uk

What's NEW
Monkey World
This Ape Rescue Centre, in Wareham, is home to over 150 primates from around the world. The park was set up in 1987 by Jim and Alison Cronin and is famed throughout the world due to the TV series which followed their efforts to prevent the illegal smuggling of apes out of Asia and Africa. A family ticket costs £31.
Web www.monkeyworld.co.uk

Dorset Heavy Horse Centre
Here's a chance to see farm life at first hand as you watch the Shire and other heavy horses at work, at this centre near Verwood. Youngsters can help to groom the Shetland ponies and donkeys, and take a wagon or a tractor ride while you relax in the café.
Web www.dorset-heavy-horse-centre.co.uk

Secret Snail
Travel tips and local info

Parking Update
Motorhome-friendly carparks

What's On
Local shows and events

Discount pitches
Money off coupon for selected parks