Dorset National Landscape

Rolling hills, dramatic coastlines, and landscapes shaped by time

Chalk ridges, limestone hills, hidden valleys, and a spectacular stretch of coastline create a landscape that combines some of England's finest countryside with world-famous coastal scenery. Covering much of rural Dorset and large sections of the Jurassic Coast, the Dorset National Landscape is shaped by geology, farming, and centuries of settlement across a varied and distinctive landscape.

Long-distance trails such as the South West Coast Path, Wessex Ridgeway, Jubilee Trail, and Macmillan Way pass through the landscape, linking places including Lyme Regis, Bridport, Dorchester, Weymouth, Swanage, Blandford Forum, and Shaftesbury. Coastal paths, chalk downland routes, river valley trails, and countryside tracks reveal changing views across cliffs, beaches, farmland, and historic market towns, creating journeys that move naturally between coast and countryside.

Whether following the Jurassic Coast, crossing the Dorset Downs, or exploring the valleys and villages of the interior, Dorset rewards time spent on foot. Distinctive geology, varied landscapes, and a rich network of routes make it one of England's most rewarding destinations for self-guided travel.