Picturesque Places to Live in Dorset

Dorset, with its rolling hills, breathtaking coastline, and quaint villages, truly represents the charm of rural England. Whether you’re attracted to the peace of countryside living, the vibrancy of a bustling market town, or the allure of a coastal getaway, all four of the picturesque places highlighted in this article showcase the very best that this enchanting county has to offer.

Bridport, a delightful market town known for its rich history and vibrant arts scene, is home to a variety of Tudor, Georgian, and Victorian houses. The town features a unique selection of shops, including the famous Palmer's Brewery for beer aficionados, along with numerous cafés and cultural spots that draw in both art lovers and food enthusiasts. Along with street markets held twice a week and convenient access to West Bay Beach for coastal fun, Bridport also showcases breathtaking countryside views, including Golden Cap, Eggardon Hill, and the historic Lambert's and Coney's Castles.

Image by @hellyhandsewn

Lyme Regis, often dubbed 'the Pearl of Dorset,' is a quaint coastal town located on the Jurassic Coast, famous for its fossil-laden beaches! This is the place where Mary Anning made her groundbreaking discoveries, commemorated in the Lyme Regis Museum. Beyond fossils, the town is celebrated for its historic Cobb Harbour, Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium, and the 14th-century Town Mill. With a range of housing options, a vibrant community, excellent schools, and unique boutique shops, Lyme Regis combines historical allure with contemporary appeal.

Image by @karenwade62

Nestled among the valleys and rivers of northwest Dorset, Sherborne is a delightful medieval and Georgian-style market town with a rich history. It is home to two historic castles from the 12th and 16th centuries, the stunning Sherborne Abbey, an Almshouse, and Sherborne House—each a testament to the town's bountiful history. The honey-coloured stone cottages and Georgian townhouses are complemented by independent boutiques, cafés, and a thriving range of shops. Residents enjoy a vibrant community with a regular vintage market, a Saturday farmer's market, and excellent schools.

Swanage is a popular seaside resort in Dorset, renowned for its gorgeous bay, Victorian pier and paradisiacal countryside. Located at the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast, the town offers golden sandy beaches, including the Blue Flag-awarded Swanage Beach. It is also home to plenty of shops (many of them independent and locally-owned), as well as a weekly Friday market. You can also delve into the town's fascinating history at Swanage Museum, whilst nearby natural landmarks like Old Harry Rocks and Durlston Country Park provide even more opportunities to explore. With excellent transport links to Bournemouth, outstanding schools, and a wide range of properties, Swanage is a perfect choice for families and anyone looking for a laid-back seaside lifestyle.