where to picnic - Dorset picturesque countryside

goodlife81

Does anyone have any suggestions for visiting nice places in Dorset - quiet, scenic, natural kind of place for a good picnic. Views of the sea would be a bonus as would nearby loos, parking and shelter - in case the weather is inclement - lol!! Thanks.

dorsetlady67

We have load's of stunning places to visit here in Dorset but it depends which areas /end your are visiting ie You have lyme regis to the far West round to Weymouth in the South up to Shaftsbury in the north & down to Furzhill in the East.

If its any help Abbortsbury in West Dorset has a stunning little village with AMAZING views over looking countryside that lead down to the beach..
You also have Abbotsbury subtropical gardens & the swannery both are definatley worth a visit but to do both in a day start at opening time & buy a combined entrance ticket its cheaper.
http://www.abbotsbury.co.uk/
http://www.abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk/swannery/index.htm
http://www.abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk/gardens/index.htm

Theres alot more info on various places at
http://www.visit-dorset.com/ or see their facebook pg with more photos & info
http://www.facebook.com/VisitDorset

Hope that helps but wherever you go in Dorset you will have a fab time,yes I know im bias as I now live there .:)

redpete

Lulworth Cove, Kimmeridge Bay, Tyneham are some of my favourite places on the Jurassic Coast. Lulworth has a busy village with car park, loos, cafes / shops but a short walk up a steep hill will get you away from the crowds. Tyneham is an abandoned village with a walk down to the beach and Kimmeridge is a lovely rocky bay but not many facilities. Need to check on access to Tyneham as it is in the middle of an Army Range.
Bulbarrow Hill, nowhere near the sea & no facilities but lovely views over the countryside in the centre of Dorset.
Arne Peninsula near Wareham, an RSPB Reserve on Poole Harbour and you can escape the weather to Wareham if you need to.

imataloss

redpete wrote: »

Lulworth Cove, Kimmeridge Bay, Tyneham are some of my favourite places on the Jurassic Coast. Lulworth has a busy village with car park, loos, cafes / shops but a short walk up a steep hill will get you away from the crowds. Tyneham is an abandoned village with a walk down to the beach and Kimmeridge is a lovely rocky bay but not many facilities. Need to check on access to Tyneham as it is in the middle of an Army Range.
Bulbarrow Hill, nowhere near the sea & no facilities but lovely views over the countryside in the centre of Dorset.
Arne Peninsula near Wareham, an RSPB Reserve on Poole Harbour and you can escape the weather to Wareham if you need to.

I like Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door, Kimmeridge Bay and Tyneham plus the look out spots when the range roads are open. You can see for miles and such fantastic views.
Just pack yourself a picnic and start driving you are never far away from some wonderful scenery.
Have a nice time

goodlife81

Thanks to everyone who replied. Thanks for the details RedPete, I like the idea of the hill walking for the views and picnic-setting. I just don't have time to go and have a look first - going to wait for a sunny day and then will be off!!!:T

AbsCaveDave

Are you looking to stay over night? I don't know Dorset that well myself but I was planning a weekend down there over summer, I'm doing 241 nights with the 241hotelclub at the Kings Head Hotel, it's an Old English Inn. If you want to stay check out https://www.241hotelclub.com .
I will definitely be checking out these places people have suggested too so thank you!

goodlife81

Just seen another reply so thanks for that. I'm still waiting for ok weather and for the olympic torch to pass on by!!

Plushchris

If you like the idea of a walk, Golden cap is worth the walk, just outside of Bridport towards Lyme regis, turn left in Chideock and drive down the lane to Seatown, there is a car park, toilets and a pub in Seatown, then you can walk up to Golden cap, AMAZING views on a good day.

Nice pint in the pub to reward yourself after the walk too.