The Rolling Downs of Dorset

Rolling chalk hills stretch along the western reaches of Dorset, from Sherborne to Lyme Regis and the sea. They creep across fertile river valleys watered by the Cerne, Frome and Char. Pilsdon Pen, the highest hill in Dorset at over 900ft, offers fine views over the Marshwood Vale. These chalk hills end in huge cliffs that run from Lyme Regis to Burton Bradstock in the east. The cliffs eventually give way to shingle beaches like those at Chesil. Below is a selection of some of West Dorset's most notable visitor attractions and towns.

Abbotsbury

A delightful village of orange-tinged houses and thatched cottages. It features an impressive tithe barn, one of the largest of its kind in the UK, which spans 276 ft in length and 31 ft in height. It was constructed in the 15th century by Benedictine monks who also founded Abbotsbury's famous swannery as a source of food.

Abbotsbury also boast a number of sub-tropical gardens which are home to an array of exotic plant species. Spring is the best time to visit for the blooming camelias and heavily perfumed magnolias. The nearby White Hill, which can be reached by path affords superb views, which feature the 500 year old stone-roofed Chapel of St Catherine. The Hardy monument, which commemorates Admiral Nelson's flag captain, is also nearby and can be reached from an unsignposted road that runs from the Ilchester Arms.

Beaminster

A small town situated amongst farmland with a pinnacled market cross and a selection of 18th century houses built of golden Ham Hill stone. The River Brit The town is surrounded by wooded green hills, through which runs a collection of walking trails. This is ideal walking and picnic country.

Cerne Abbas

The town features a parish church with an imposing buttressed tower from the 15th century, a Norman chancel and a superbly preserved pre-reformation Madonna. The most famous attraction however, is the Cerne Abbas Giant, which is cut into turf on a hill north east of the village. It spans 180ft in height and is around 500 years old.

Chesil Beach

The beach consists of a blue-clay reef, covered in shingle, which runs for 10 miles from Abbotsbury to Portland. Turbulent seas and strong currents occasionally mould the shingle into walls that can reach up to 30ft in height. Although dangerous for bathing, the beach's shingle is ideal for beachcombers.

Lyme Regis

This medieval port became popular as seaside resort during the 18th century. Smugglers once frequented the town but were gradually replaced by rich holidaymakers who restored respectability to the town. Fine views are to be had along the bay, in particular from Golden Cap, which is the highest cliff in Dorset at over 600ft.

Portland

A town that boasts two castles, one in ruins, the other well-preserved. The Bow and Arrow Castle and Portland Castle respectively, were built by Henry VIII in the 16th century to fortify Portland's vulnerable position. Fine cliff walks can be had from Church Ope Cove.

Sherborne

A town that features and imposing abbey of golden stone that boasts one of the finest vaulted roofs in England. A number of traditional old inn and 17th century houses can be found scattered throughout the curving little streets. Sherborne Old Castle, onetime home of Sir Walter Raleigh, also remains but in ruins.

West Bay

An unspoilt port town popular for its fishing and sailing, as well as its dramatic sandstone cliffs. It remains largely unspoilt and offers two safe beaches, one of pebble the other of shingle. On the seafront, visitors will find a selection of old cottages and a slate-hung early 19th-century customs house.

These are just a few of a diverse collection of charming towns and idyllic attractions found on Dorset's rolling downs.