Inside Out Dorset 10 | explore dorset | extraordinary events in extraordinary places

Intro

As well as experiencing extraordinary performances in extraordinary places, Inside Out events are also an opportunity to enjoy a remarkable county with some of the UK's most stunning landscapes, tempting local food and drink, and the widest range of activities from the relaxing to the thrilling.

Why not celebrate what Dorset has to offer by enjoying these:

Wandering the beautiful Jurassic Coast
Indulging at one of the area’s fine local eateries
Exploring the wide variety of arts experiences and events available in venues all over the county

image: Simon Pascoe

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Explore Dorset

Whether you’re on a romantic getaway or seeking an activity-packed family holiday, Dorset has something to offer.

There following websites can help you make the most of your time here. They are packed with insider tips and suggestions – from finding the perfect place to stay to creating your own perfect day out. Best of all, they let you in on Dorset’s secret gems – from the best locations to skim pebbles to dog-friendly pubs. There’s also a list of tourist information centres at the end of this page.

Go explore! You may be surprised what you find! In fact, your biggest problem will be deciding what you don’t have time for… until your next visit to Dorset that is!

www.visit-dorset.com
www.bournemouth.co.uk
www.pooletourism.com
www.hiddendorset.org

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Dorset loves arts

Wherever in Dorset you are, and whatever the time of year, there’s plenty of culture to experience – from theatre and music to crafts, dance and festivals. Whatever your ‘thing’, there’s bound to be something going on.

The organisations behind Inside Out programme high-quality events all year round. And in September, Inside Out is one of many exciting and inspiring events taking place all over over the county to celebrate the Cultural Olympiad, leading up to London 2012 and beyond. For details about other events in Dorset’s coastal, rural and urban locations, visit www.dorset.lovesarts.org.

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Family

Visit Monkey World near Wareham and get close to some amazing primates
Find your way to the middle (and back again!) of the giant maize maze
Fly a kite on Hod Hill
Imagine the ghostly echoes of Roman legions marching over Eggardon Hill
Discover some fossils on the under cliff walk at Lyme Regis

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Other activities

Catch mackerel off the beach at West Bay near Bridport
Turn a wooden bowl from wood grown locally
Discover the history of the first trade union at Tolpuddle Martyrs' Museum
Watch a film by gaslight at Rex cinema in Wareham
Learn how to paint local flora at Kingcombe Centre
Admire the beautiful contemporary furniture for sale at Sladers Yard
Catch a boat from Poole to Brownsea Island and enjoy a few hours of car-free peace and quiet
Take the chain ferry to Studland and swim in the lovely warm waters
Count the shooting stars in the sky above the beacon at Farmcombe
Marvel at the Japanese swords at the Russell Coates museum in Bournemouth
Go parascending off the coast at West Bay
Walk the rings around Maiden Castle near Dorchester
Don a wet suit and scuba gear and experience some eerie wreck diving

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Food & Drink

Cycle to the Square & Compass Inn at Worth Matravers, sample some local ale and admire the fossil museum
Enjoy some local fish cooked to perfection at the Anchor Inn in Burton Bradstock
Sample a delicious local organic lunch in the garden of the Down Farmhouse
Taste lots of local foods at the Washingpool Farm Shop near Bridport
Visit Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's River Cottage

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