Things to do in Dorset, events & lifestyle

Chirstmas Tree Trail. Photo credit: Bournemouth Tourism

A dramatic winter sunset over Dorset. Photo credit: Andrew Martin / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Places to go for a festive swim in Dorset. Photo credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

7 wonderful walks in Dorset that are even better in the winter

Thursday, November 29, 2018

Here are some Dorset walks, easy and challenging, to get you out and about over the festive period

Read full story »

Places to go for a Christmas Day dip in Dorset

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

If you’re willing to brave the cold this Christmas Day, check out Dorset’s festive swim calendar for the best organised dips taking place in 2018

Read full story »

When is Dorset actually Hampshire?

Thursday, November 15, 2018 Steve Harris

Beach huts on Mudeford Spit near the Dorset/Hampshire border. Photo credit: Ian Woolcock, Getty Images/iStockphoto

Confusion reigns on the county’s eastern border

Read full story »

Christmas markets and events in Dorset

Thursday, November 15, 2018 Hayley Cooper

Traditional Christmas market / Getty Images/iStockphoto

From festive light switch-ons and Santa’s Grottos, to German Christmas markets and late-night shopping, we’ve covered what’s on in Dorset this season

Read full story »

A ramble around Melbury Beacon and Compton Abbas

Monday, November 12, 2018 Words & Photos: Edward Griffiths

From your first step, you will see superb views from hilltops and farmland footpaths on this walk

Read full story »

Warming winter recipes to try your hand at this Twixmas

Mon, 10:35 Words: Gill Meller / Photos: Andrew Montgomery

A hearty stew for winter: pork, bacon and mushrooms with cream, cider and parsley

Step back into the kitchen between Christmas and New Year and cook for pleasure with these warming winter recipes from Gill Meller’s latest book Time

Read full story »

Cosy pubs in Dorset to snuggle up in this winter

Friday, November 9, 2018 Hayley Cooper

Roaring open fires, hidden nooks and crannies and huge comfy armchairs are all signature traits of a cosy pub – and Dorset has cosy pubs aplenty. Here are just some of the best inns to snuggle up in this winter

Read full story »

Review: The Crown Hotel at Blandford Forum

Monday, November 5, 2018 Words: Helen Stiles

The Crown Inn a gem of a place in the heart of Blandford

The Crown Hotel at Blandford Forum offers wonderful riverside walks, stylish bedrooms, deeply satisfying suppers and even a dandy highwayman

Read full story »

Fish and chip shops in Dorset you need to try

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

When Friday night arrives you can’t beat a traditional fish supper from the local chippy. With some help from our readers and in no particular order, we pick eight great ‘plaices’ for fish and chips in Dorset

Read full story »

13 of the best cream teas in Dorset

Friday, October 12, 2018 Sue Quinn

Afternoon Tea for four. Picture by H J Brown Photography, Getty Images/iStockphoto

From farmhouse to country house, tea room to hotel Sue Quinn leaves no crumb untested as she seeks out some of the finest cream teas in the county

Read full story »

Food & Drink Awards

Click here to find out about the 2018 Dorset Magazine Food and Drink Awards

People

Martin Clunes shares his favourite local places in Dorset

Sunday, November 11, 2018 Photos: Lucy Sewill

Martin Clunes and his family have called West Dorset home for over two decades. Here he shares some of their favourite local places

Read full story »

Buckham Fair 2018 breaks records and raises £111,000 for charity

Thursday, October 25, 2018

Martin Clunes at Buckham Fair 2018. Photo credit: Simon Emmett

Buckham Fair announced that the results of 2018’s fundraising efforts have broken the record for the highest funds raised since the fair began, totalling £111,000

Read full story »

Meet Sherborne’s movers and shakers

Tuesday, October 16, 2018 Words: Jane Adkins

Andre Durand painting in his Sherborne studio

From festival director to an internationally acclaimed artist, meet some of the remarkable people working behind the scenes to enhance what historic Sherborne has to offer

Read full story »

GALLERY: This year’s highlights from Buckham Fair

Tuesday, September 25, 2018 Words: Helen Stiles Photos: Simon Emmett

Hosted by Martin and Philippa Clunes, this year’s event drew people, ponies and dogs from far and wide to raise funds for Dorset County Hospital Charity Cancer Appeal

Read full story »

Quiz QUIZ: How well do you know Doc Martin?

Monday, July 9, 2018

Calling all self-professed Clunatics! Test your knowledge on Doc Martin with our quiz.

Read full story »

Homes & Gardens

The history of Branksome Gardens

Monday, November 12, 2018

Architects drawings for St John's Vicarage and Church

When Charles Merrett set about renovating his listed Arts & Crafts house he decided to find out about the man who had built it

Read full story »

Ad Feature 4 ways to keep your home cosy this Autumn

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Keep your home warm and cost this Autumn

As we head into Autumn, the change in season is all around us. From the leaves on the trees turning burnt orange and fiery red, to dark mornings and nights bookending our days. As we put the clocks back an hour to battle the darkness, here’s some top tips on how you can keep your home warm and costs down this Autumn.

Read full story »

5 tips to prepare your home for the winter months

Friday, August 31, 2018

Take steps to create a cosy home this winter

Rural energy provider, Calor, gives some top tips for homeowners wanting to make their houses cosy and warm in time for the colder months.

Read full story »

Ad Feature Armed forces finding a home with help from heylo housing

Sunday, July 1, 2018

Residential property company heylo recently signed the Armed Forces Covenant, pledging its commitment to fair treatment and support to the Armed Forces community, including regulars, reserves, veterans and their families. The signing took place in a ceremony held at Wellington Barracks

Read full story »