Archive for May, 2009

Camping in Dorset

Friday, May 29th, 2009

Camping in Dorset

Camping in Dorset

With Summer just around the corner, a lot of people are started to think about camping holidays and taking a few well-earned days rest from work.

It won’t be long before the kids break up and if we can just get the weather right then we could be in for a great Summer.

And what better way to enjoy your break than camping in Dorset. It doesn’t matter if you are the type of family that just loves lazing around on the beach or are really adventurous and love to go exploring the great outdoors - Dorset has something for everyone.

Using a local Dorset campsite is ideal as a base to go off and explore some of Britain’s best loved beaches and some of the World’s most spectacular and prized coastline.

Dorset Fossil Forest

Dorset Fossil Forest

The Jurassic Coast covers 95 miles of truly stunning coastline from East Devon to Dorset, with rocks recording 185 million years of the Earth’s history. Dinosaur footprints are found among the spectacular limestone coves and headlands of Purbeck and the Isle of Portland.

Check out all the latest events such as Guided Walks around Lulworth and Fossil Hunting down at Charmouth at http://www.jurassiccoast.com/component/events/312/index.html

The beaches of Weymouth, Lymes Regis, Poole & Bournemouth offer some of the best family friendly areas for kids to play and enjoy the sand and surf.

Veteran vehicle and motorcycle rallies, military parades, handball, volleyball and sailing championships are all held during the summer months. The visit by the Red Arrows display team is always one not to be missed. Watching them fly over from the cliff top at Bournemouth is simply stunning.

There are always plenty of fireworks displays too. Poole has a fantastic display organised for every Thursday evening in August - and the Weymouth Carnival culminates in an international fireworks display on the beach and a draw where the first prize is a car.

There really is lots to do in and around Dorset, so book your pitch early.

If you are camping in Dorset - don’t forget to ask at the shop or reception for discount vouchers for some of the attractions such as Weymouth Sea Life Centre and the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovilton.

Don’t forget that we have lots of camping equipment and outdoor gear at the Outdoor Store including sleeping bags, cooking equipment, tents and outdoor clothing and footwear.

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Outdoor fun in Dorset this May Bank Holiday

Friday, May 22nd, 2009

Is looks like the weather is going to be kind to us this weekend so if you are looking for Outdoor things to do in Dorset this Spring Bank Holiday why not check out some of the ideas below.

Spring Bank Holiday in Dorset

Sherborne Castle Fair

Sherborne Castle Fair

All the family will enjoy the Sherborne Castle Country Fair. The day is packed with fun activities and displays, from dog shows to dragon boat racing. Visit the many stands, sample some local gourmet products and enjoy the lakeside location of Sherborne Castle on this fun-filled day out. The 2009 Fair is on Monday 25th May, 10.00 am - 6.00 pm.

For a real delicious treat this Half Term head to one of the many Farmers’ Markets that are running in West Dorset. You’ll find plenty of local produce to tantalise those taste buds, including fresh fruit and vegetables, speciality cheeses and Dorset cider.

Walking in Dorset

Get out and about this bank holiday with free walking guides. Bank holidays are great for getting out and about and there are some fantastic walks to be had in Dorset. Download free walking guides to beaches, forests and villages looked after by the National Trust

The website also lists National Trust properties and gardens that offer discounted entry or a tearoom voucher to car-free visitors, to promote greener travel.

Stuck for other places to walk try Treasure Trails Weymouth Guided Walk - the trail starts at the site of the old Devenish Brewery, now Brewers Quay, then over the Town Bridge to what used to be Melcombe Regis, through the Town and on to the Promenade. Download your guide complete with historic information and notes fro your trip.

Cycling in Dorset

Dorset has many places to explore, and what better way to do it than on a bike. Quiet country lanes and a sedate pace with a Pub at the end sounds indyllic. Or is you are after a bit more fast-paced action there bridleways along the Coastal Path make for breathtaking mountain biking.

Weymouth Bike Hire

Weymouth Bike Hire

If you are looking for a selection of routes, check out the National Cycle Network which is made up of more than 12,000 miles of routes across the country. Find a free map on the Sustrans website, together with ideas for easy or long-distance rides.

Down in Dorset for the weekend and not got a bike - checkout Weymouth Bike Hire - they offer a full range of mountain bikes and tag-alongs that are great for a family day out. Wind your way along Weymouth’s Seafront through the Lodmoor Bike Trail - a reasonably flat bike trail that is perfect for all the family.

Camping in Dorset

If you are after a last minute Camping Trip then Dorset has some excellent campsites that are perfect for exploring the Jurassic Coast and the beaches. Many of the sites allow you to “turn up and pitch”, so why not pack up the tent, kids and the BBQ and enjoy the outdoors in Dorset

For a full list of Dorset Campsites try - http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/results.asp?county=Dorset or http://www.wdparks.co.uk/

 Don’t forget that if you need any bits of camping equipment, walking boots, maps and guides drop into The Outdoor Store, right opposite the railway station in Weymouth.

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Dorset Knob Throwing Contest

Friday, May 15th, 2009

Dorset Knob Throwing

Dorset Knob Throwing

The 2nd Annual Dorset Knob Throwing Contest took place on the 3rd May in the beautiful village of Cattistock.

More than 5,000 people came to watch the site and take part in this family-fun event.

The contest itself involves participants throwing a Dorset Knob biscuit as far as possible. The biscuits are made by local firm Moores Biscuits of Bridport who are proud sponsors of the event.

The villagers of Cattistock proved too good for local rival teams with the winning throw going to Philip German-Ribon with a new record of 26.1 metres.

The contest was the highlight of a great weekend of Food Festival and other biscuit related fun and games.

All the money that was raised will go towards capital expenses to keep the village sports clubs and playing fields going.

Full details can be found on the festivals website at www.dorsetknobthrowing.com

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