A perfect adventure, this wildlife sanctuary positioned at the heart of Poole Harbour with dramatic views of the Purbeck Hills is easy to get to but feels like another world from the moment you step ashore. Home to origins of the Scout movement and inspiration to several of Enid Blyton's childrens books, this magical island provides the perfect backdrop to swashbuckling summer exploration.

Rich in heritage Poole Quay is the perfect spot for a quintessential day at the English seaside. Explore the historic old town and glistening marina while feasting on fish and chips. Take a boat trip to Brownsea Island or dine at some of the UK’s finest (and freshest) seafood restaurants. Follow the Cockle Trail to learn about the town's colourful, rich history. Truly Scrumptious sweet shop is an absolute must!

A short walk from the Quay or Upton Country Park depending on your direction, Holes Bay is a stunning, secluded spot quietly nestled away in an embayment of Poole Harbour. The wetland and salt marches serve as a haven for local wildlife, including several species of coastal birds, sealife and flora. Be sure to take some binoculars to make the most of the views!

A majestic Grade II listed Georgian Mansion House set within sprawling parkland and shoreline, Upton Country Park is the perfect summer spot for families. Wonder through picturesque woodland and along the wetlands at the edge of Poole Harbour, allow children to blow off steam at the play park or simply find a quiet spot to admire the amazing horticulture and beautiful botanical walled garden.

Enveloped by Studland Bay, Knoll Beach is home to a thriving watersports scene set amongst a sumptuous patchwork of sandy dunes, heathland and wetlands. Explore ancient woodland once frequented by smugglers, scamper among the dunes, sit quietly at the edge of the freshwater lake Little Sea and look out for wildlife, or spend a lazy day at the beach. Please note that a marked section of the beach is allocated for use by nudist groups (enjoy or avoid as preferred)!

Ramble along the eastern end of the Jurastic Coast to stand atop Handfast Point and admire Old Harry below with its chalky white formation glistening brightly in the sunshine. Open grass areas serve up the perfect backdrop to a picnic and a spot of rounders - just don't hit the ball too far! For something more plush, meander down to the Pig on the Beach for dinner and summer cocktails with a view. For keen walkers the Purbeck Ridgeway is recommended.

These three breathtaking bays dotted along the South West Coast Path and within walking distance of eachother are each places of outstanding natural beauty in their own right. Explore the shoreline, coastal ledges and rockpools, or walk up to Clavell Tower on the cliff-top to be rewarded with spectactular views along the coast. If you don't mind a scramble, Mupe Bay is one of the quieter spots in the summer for those wanting to enjoy some peace and tranquility.

Dorset's forgotten village, locked in a time warp, nobody has lived here since the village's evacuation in 1943 ahead of Churchill's D-Day preparations. Tyneham now exists as a snapshot in time, sitting dormant as a ghostly, but quaint corner of the coastal countryside waiting patiently for its residents that will never return home. The village is open to those curious members of the public wishing to uncover the mysteries of the place that time forgot.

The shining scallop-shaped jewel in the crown of the Lulworth Estate (also home to our wedding day venue) Lulworth Cove promises turquoise blue waters, pebble beaches and enchanting rock pools teeming with sea creatures. If you extend your stay in Dorset by even a day we insist you take a moment to saunter down to the cove and take in its beauty. During the peak season we suggest exploring in the morning or evening (if you can) in order to avoid the crowds.

The iconic image of the Jurassic Coast, this natural arch reaches into the sea from a shimmering shingle beach. Formed by erosion of the wind and sea over millennia, on warm days this dramatic section of coastline serves up the perfect setting for summer swimming, picnicing and hiking. Please note that the beach is accessable only via a half mile walk (approx 30 minutes) along a steep path downhill, plus a further 143 steps down onto the beach.

This thousand year old castle looms over the Saxon Town of Wareham like a sleeping rock giant guarding centuries of secrets that form one of the counties richest tapestries of heritage and legend - its history carved like battle scars into its stonework. Explore Wareham and the castle ruins to uncover stories of Viking seiges, Saxon Kings, Lawrence of Arabia, and the treacherous plot that resulted Corfe's destruction during the Civil War. Somewhat juxtaposed to its dramatic history, cream teas, scones and Dorset fudge are aplenty in both the village of Corfe and Wareham for those in need of some rest and recuperation.

With its glistening Victorian pier, penny-arcade and promenade neatly framed by rows of technicoloured beach huts and ice cream stands, Swanage may seem like any other British seaside town upon first glance, however with its 350 acre nature reserve bursting with wildlife (including dolphins, seals and porpoise) Swanage promises chance of untamed summer adventure coupled with a quintessentially British holiday. Take a journey into the past and enjoy endless views of rolling hills by climbing aboard one of Swanage Railway's heritage steam engines at Corfe Castle.