Useful Information
The south and south west is one of the top tourist regions in Britain. It is comprised of four beautiful and welcoming counties.
At its heart is Dorset, which is characterised by its coastline and countryside. Dorset’s coastline which has long been famous for its outstanding geology and fantastic fossils was designated a World Heritage site some years ago and has become known as the Jurassic Coast. The coastline is dotted with excellent resorts from Bournemouth in the East to Lyme Regis in the West and numerous safe beaches. Inland there are rolling hills and iconic market towns such as Dorchester. There are many delightful villages and plenty of visitor attractions not to be missed!
Four Magical Counties
The Jurassic Coast extends into East Devon running as far as Exmouth. The resorts continue with Seaton and Budleigh Salterton, plus delightful coves such as at Beer. Look out for the Devon Cream Teas. Exeter is the major city with its majestic cathedral and a bustling city centre with something for everyone.
Hampshire is famous for the delightful New Forest. It’s a fantastic place to explore and is dotted with fascinating attractions. Further east is the city of Southampton and to the north the historic city of Winchester. With an excellent coastline there is much to see and do.
Somerset is a more rural county with many small market towns and villages. The famous Somerset Levels are bordered by a ridge of hills. It also has its own coastline touching on to the Bristol Channel with such resorts as Minehead and Weston super Mare.
Tourist Information Centres
Wherever you are you are in the region not far from a Tourist Information Centre:
Axminster TIC
Old Court House, Church Street, Axminster Tel: (01297) 34386
Blandford TIC
Riverside House, West Street, Blandford DT11 7AW Tel: 01258 454770
Bournemouth TIC
Westover Road, Bournemouth BHI 2BU Tel: 0845 0511700
Bridport TIC
Bridport Town Hall, South Street, Bridport DT6 3LF Tel: 01308 424901
Cartgate TIC
Cartgate Picnic Area A303/A3088, Stoke-sub-Hamdon, TA14 6RA Tel: 01935 829333
Chard TIC
The Guildhall, Fore Street, Chard TA20 1PP Tel: 01460 260051
Christchurch Information Centre
49 High Street, Christchurch BH23 1AS Tel: 01202 499199
Dorchester TIC
11, Antelope Walk, Dorchester DT1 1BE Tel: 01305 26799
Lyndhurst VIC
Main Car Park, Lyndhurst, S043 7NY Tel: 023 8028 2269
Poole Welcome Centre
The Quay, Poole BH15 1HJ Tel: 0845 234 5560
Shaftesbury & Gillingham TIC
8 Bell Street, Shaftesbury SP7 8AE Tel: 01747 85351
Sherborne TIC
Digby Road, Sherborne DT9 3NL Tel: 01935 815341
Swanage TIC
The White House, Shore Road, Swanage BH19 1LB Tel: 01929 422885
Weymouth TIC
Council Offices, North Quay, Weymouth DT4 8ED Tel: 01305 785747
Wimborne TIC
29 High Street, Wimborne BH21 1HR Tel: 01202 886116
