Dorset

A beautiful County that I spent quite a lot of time exploring in the ’90’s. Characterful villages, ancient Hill Forts and a coastline full of contrasts. From the ‘Under Cliff’ around Lyme Regis to the grandeur of Golden Cap and the unique terrain of Chesil Beach and The Fleet. Kimmeridge Bay is another favourite location. With a history of mining and it’s rocky shore, it feels very different to most coastal locations in the South of England. It is privately owned and you have to pay to visit it but it’s worth it.

And almost everywhere you go, there is the inescapable presence of Thomas Hardy. His books convey the character of Dorset so strongly that in many ways it is his County. As I drove and walked my way around Dorset, I could feel his characters inhabiting the landscape and villages.