5 Ways to explore the breathtaking Dorset landscape this May
Dorset Cottage Holidays offers tips on must-visit locations in Dorset
The Dorset National Landscape, stretching from the fossil-laden shores of the Jurassic Coast to ancient chalk downlands and sweeping heathlands, offers an extraordinary range of escapes for those looking to make the most of May's warmer weather.
Dorset Cottage Holidays, the county's largest independent holiday letting agency, has put together five classic ways to build a holiday itinerary around the county's remarkable landscape.
• Walk the Jurassic Coast The South West Coast Path from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door is one of the most dramatic short walks in England. For families, the cliffs near Charmouth and Lyme Regis are brilliant for fossil hunting (always check tide times and landslip warnings before setting out).
• Pick a ridge to walk Eggardon, Pilsdon Pen and Hambledon Hill all deliver sweeping panoramas, ancient earthworks and perfect picnic conditions. Big skies, genuine remoteness and no great distance to travel.
• Follow the Cerne Valley Admire the famous chalk giant from the National Trust viewpoint, then follow a gentle river-valley walk into Cerne Abbas for a cream tea. A relaxed and genuinely memorable way to spend a bank holiday afternoon.
• Go on a heathland safari Join a ranger-led walk across Dorset's heathlands and look out for dragonflies, nightjars and basking reptiles. A bank holiday evening walk in late May is ideal for spotting wildlife at its most active.
• Stargaze over the chalk downs If you are staying near Cranborne Chase, a clear May night offers some of the darkest skies in southern England. The Milky Way above the downland is an experience that is hard to match.
• Tread lightly Keep to existing footpaths, take litter home, keep dogs on leads near livestock and during ground-nesting season, and follow local guidance on cliff safety and heath-fire risks. The wildlife and habitats that make Dorset so extraordinary survive precisely because visitors respect the landscape.
Dorset Cottage Holidays offers a handpicked collection of properties across the county, providing the perfect base for exploring the Dorset National Landscape. For availability, further travel inspiration and bookings visit https://dhcottages.co.uk/