Dorset is one of England’s most scenic counties, known for its rolling countryside, charming market towns and dramatic Jurassic Coast. Located in the South West of England, it makes an ideal destination for a short break.

I have a real soft spot for the South West of England. In my early twenties I spent quite a few years working in the western counties. As a result, I relish nothing more than a weekend in the countryside. If it involves a good walk, some good food and of course, CAKE. This guide will help you spend a weekend in Dorest combining all those factors.

Why Visit Dorset for a Weekend?

Dorset offers an impressive amount of variety in a small area. You can explore historic towns, walk along some of the most beautiful coastal paths in the UK, and enjoy excellent local food, all within a short drive. It is easily reached from London by train or car, making it a popular choice for a weekend getaway.

This original post was based on a weekend away with a dear friend, based in Sherborne and exploring other wonderful towns including Beer and Buscombe. I had not until this visit fully appreciated how much of a healthy foodie haven Dorset was and quite how beautiful the countryside was either. If you have three days, I’d really recommend visiting Shaftesbury, which I went to in 2024 and absolutely loved.

Day One: Market Towns, Food and the Dorset Countryside

The high street in Sherborne is a wonderful collection of independent shops and food outlets. The range of food on offer in Sherborne was exemplary, much of it available from independent butchers, cheesemongers, bakers, greengrocers etc. Most of the offerings were also locally sourced, seasonal foods. Sadly since I first wrote this post, some of the places in this post have closed down.

From having lunch in The Bakery Cafe at the top o’town to barbecueing fresh sea bass from the farmers market to what was simply the best Cheddar I have ever tasted in my life, Sherborne had it all.

After eating everything possible, we went to explore Sherborne Abbey and went to see the architecture at Sherborne Boys School. Picturesque doesn’t even begin to cover it.

A little bit of History – Sherborne Boys School

Sherborne Boys School is a boarding school that was founded in 1550 by Edward VI. It is one of the only full-boarding schools left in the UK and is considered by private wealth publications to be one of the best in the UK. As an old school, it is steeped in tradition – the boys play croquet. Its famous alumni include Alan Turing, Coldplay’s Chris Martin and Phil Harvey, Hugh Bonneville, John Le Carre, Jeremy Irons and my father and uncle.

Heading out to the Dorset countryside

After we had explored everything Sherborne had to offer, we went for a drive and walk in the countryside. For ramblers there is a fantastic range of country walks including one past this slightly precarious landmark which is reputed to be a picture of Oliver Cromwell…

Well it amused me anyway.

If you are more of a watersports buff then Sherborne is located just behind the Jurassic Coast which hosted the Olympic Sailing for London 2012 and there is ample opportunity for Sailing, Kayaking etc.

Day Two: Coastal Walks and Sea Views

The walk from Beer to Buscombe feels like it ticks all the boxes you might want for a long country walk. It has wonderful fresh air, rolling fields but also a stunning coastline which will test your hamstrings. It truly was some of the most gorgeous coastline I have ever seen. From someone who grew up on the Hampshire/ Sussex coast that is saying something.

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Beer to Buscombe not a long walk, but it is one you feel. It is about 2.5 miles of hills, fields, beaches, steps, cliffs and magnificent scenery. I was surprised at how much this walk tested me physically- trust me, after some of the hills I will not need my evening squats.

We parked in Beer town centre and walked down to the coastal path via the ‘Wet Fish Shop’; a tiny shack carrying some wonderfully flavoursome prawns which made a very welcome accompaniment to the walk.

When you arrive at Buscombe beach you come to a pub which you will be tempted to go in. Don’t. Walk an extra half a mile to the town where you will find ‘The Masons Arms Inn‘ in Branscome a rather delicious (and fairly healthy) pub lunch which looks somewhat like this.*

‘Magnificent’ was the only word I had for these scallops. You won’t be disappointed!

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