Dorset is renowned for the diversity of its geology and wildlife, and just over half of the county is protected and designated within two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Indeed, 53% of the Dorset area is designated as AONBs compared with only 15% nationally. The most significant geological feature is its section of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site that stretches 95 miles from Studland to Exmouth in East Devon. This truly stunning coastline displays 185 million years of the Earth’s history and includes classic landforms such as:
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Old Harry Rocks
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Lulworth Cove
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Durdle Door
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Chesil Beach
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Golden Cap
There are miles of golden sandy beaches stretching along Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch, which include many of the United Kingdom’s top bathing beaches.
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Poole Harbour is one of the world's largest natural harbours and its extensive sheltered waters provide a magnificent haven for recreational sailing and water sports and is home to the historic Brownsea Island.
Dorset is also home to countless historic sites and buildings, ranging from pre-Iron Age settlements, such as Maiden Castle, Badbury Rings or Hengistbury Head, to the medieval Corfe Castle. A different yet well known structure lies just to the north of Dorchester, at Cerne Abbas. The huge chalk 60m high Giant figure carved into the hillside has fascinated people for centuries and entertains a wealth of legend and stories.
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With the vast number of natural assets and historic buildings, it is fortunate that the area benefits from a higher average of sunlight hours, which gives its residents greater time to enjoy them all. Latest data shows that Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole receive 290 more hours of annual sunshine than the London average and 410 more hours than the UK average.
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