A week in picture perfect Dorset – Instagrammable towns, villages, views and places to stay

The Cotswolds is getting a lot of attention as one of the most instagrammable places to visit in the UK but the big crowds are understandably putting people off. We know a place that is just as idyllic and easy to get to from London and Bristol, Dorset.

Beat the crowds and get enviable shots in instagrammable Dorset with a stay in Dorchester and follow our guide of where to visit for a picture perfect trip with good vibes, good food and unforgettable views.

Why stay in Dorchester? Its central, its beautiful, it has direct train links with Bristol and London, it has gorgeous hotels, and it has some amazing restaurants and bars.

Image: Gold Hill, Shaftesbury by Bittermuir from Pixabay

Top left to bottom Right: Duchess of Cornwall Inn, Hardy's House Max Gate, High West Street, Abbotsbury (image copyright CBTA CiC, Chesil Bank Traders Association CiC), Haryd's Cottage, Gold Hill (Image by Bittermuir from Pixabay), Antelope Walk, High West Street, Hardy's Cottage.

Cute cottages and iconic street scenes

Around Dorset

Milton Abbas Situated between Blandford Forum and Dorchester and set in a pretty wooded valley, this linear village with its whitewashed cob and thatch cottages is a photographers’ delight.
Hardy’s Cottage (pictured) Evocative cob and thatch cottage – birthplace of Thomas Hardy. The garden reflects most people’s idea of a typical cottage garden, with roses around the door, and the sound of birdsong.
Abbotsbury village A quaint village with pretty thatched cottages.
Gold Hill, Shaftesbury A steep, picturesque street made famous after featuring in the popular 1970s TV advert for Hovis bread. The view looking down from the top of the street has been described as “one of the most romantic sights in England” and often appears on the covers of books, calendars and chocolate boxes

In Dorchester

Queen Mother Square, Poundbury – This square is the central hub and heart of Poundbury. Built to commemorate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, it features a statue of her by sculptor Philip Jackson. The buildings have been designed by Quinlan and Francis Terry and Ben Pentreath.
High West Street in Dorchester’s town centre. Lined with listed buildings that include museums, restaurants, shops and churches.
Antelope Walk – A beautiful cobbled alley with gorgeous independent shops, festoon lighting and sometimes bunting too.

Image: Top left to bottom Right: Duchess of Cornwall Inn, Hardy’s House Max Gate, High West Street, Abbotsbury (image copyright CBTA CiC), Harydy’s Cottage, Gold Hill, Antelope Walk, High West Street, Hardy’s Cottage.

Food envy

Around Dorset

In Dorchester

Image: Top left to bottom right: Finca, The King’s Arms, Taste, Potter’s Cafe, Mina’s Deli, Brassica, Corn Exchange, Town Mill Bakery, Duchess of Cornwall Inn

Outdoorsy vibes - Unspoilt views

This part of the Country was known as Wessex by the internationally renowned poet and author Thomas Hardy. He was so inspired by the local landscape landscape and you will be too.

Around Dorset

The Dutch Barn at Sixpenny Handley – You have probably seen photos of this place without really even realising it is in Dorset. It’s iconic and looks different throughout the year.
St Catherine’s Chapel, Abbotsbury – A hilltop gem with sweeping views of Chesil Beach—perfect for golden hour shots and moody skies.
Hardy’s Monument – A dramatic stone tower honouring Admiral Hardy, perched high above the coast with panoramic views that make every photo feel epic.
Colmer’s Hill, Symondsbury – This iconic, tree-topped hill is a Dorset landmark—its symmetrical shape and lush surroundings make it a dream for landscape lovers.
Thorncombe Woods – Wander through ancient woodland where Thomas Hardy once walked—dappled light, winding paths, and wildlife make it a peaceful photo haven.

In Dorchester

Poundbury Hillfort – An Iron Age hillfort with sweeping countryside views—ideal for capturing Dorset’s rolling hills and historic charm.
Maumbury Rings – A Roman amphitheatre turned green space—its circular shape and layered history make it a unique backdrop for creative shots.
Maiden Castle – One of Europe’s largest hillforts, with dramatic earthworks and endless skies—perfect for wide-angle shots and storytelling captions.
The Walks – A leafy escape in the heart of Dorchester—tree-lined paths, seasonal colours, and quiet benches make it a lovely spot for lifestyle snaps.

Beaches, cliffs and fossils

West Bay Cliffs – Towering golden cliffs that glow at sunset—dramatic, cinematic, and totally iconic for seaside snaps.
The Cobb at Lyme Regis – A historic stone harbour wall curving into the sea—perfect for moody coastal shots and windswept walks.
Chesil Beach – A vast, shingle barrier stretching for miles—its sheer scale and wild beauty make it a striking photo subject.
Durdle Door – Dorset’s most famous natural arch—capture it with turquoise waters and rugged cliffs for postcard-perfect views.
Ringstead Bay – A peaceful, pebbly beach with clear waters and sweeping views—ideal for tranquil seaside scenes and fossil hunting.
Kimmeridge Bay – Known for its rock pools and dramatic geology—low tide reveals textures and patterns that are a dream for detail shots. The Clavell Tower on the cliffs is giving fairy tale Rapunzel vibes.
Chapmans Pool – A hidden cove surrounded by cliffs—remote, rugged, and perfect for adventurous photographers chasing wild beauty.

Historic wonders

In Dorset

Cerne Abbas Giant – A mysterious chalk figure carved into the hillside—steeped in folklore and strikingly bold, it’s a surreal sight from above or afar.
Lulworth Cove – Formed by centuries of coastal erosion, this perfectly rounded bay is a geological wonder—its turquoise waters and curved cliffs are made for dreamy seaside shots.
Nothe Fort – A Victorian coastal defence with underground passages and sea views—its rugged stone walls and cannon-lined ramparts offer dramatic, history-rich photo ops.
Corfe Castle – A thousand-year-old ruin with tales of conquest and betrayal—its crumbling towers and misty hilltop setting make it one of Dorset’s most photogenic landmarks.

In Dorchester

Dorset Museum & Art Gallery – Home to Roman mosaics, Jurassic fossils, and Hardy’s manuscripts—its elegant architecture and curated exhibits make it a cultural and visual treasure.
Maumbury Rings – A Roman amphitheatre turned medieval execution site—its grassy, circular form and layered history create a hauntingly beautiful setting for photos.
Maiden Castle – One of Europe’s largest Iron Age hillforts, with sweeping ramparts and ancient pathways—its vast scale and dramatic curves make it a breathtaking blend of history and landscape photography.

Gorgeous Gardens

Kingston Maurward Animal Park and Gardens – A blend of formal gardens and playful farm life—perfect for capturing colourful blooms, peaceful lawns, and charming animal encounters.
Sculpture By the Lakes – A tranquil garden gallery where art meets nature—lush greenery, reflective water, and striking sculptures make every angle Insta-worthy.
Borough Gardens Dorchester – A Victorian park in full bloom—vibrant flower beds, elegant pathways, and seasonal colour make it a go-to for garden lovers and lifestyle shots.
Meadows on The Great Field Poundbury – A wildflower meadow bursting with natural beauty—ideal for soft-focus portraits, golden hour strolls, and dreamy nature content.
Athelhampton House and Gardens – Historic topiary and mirror-like ponds surround this Tudor manor—every corner is a blend of heritage and horticultural elegance.
Maiden Castle Farm Sunflower Trail – A seasonal sunflower spectacle—rows of golden blooms set against Dorset’s countryside make it a joyful, sun-drenched photo spot.
Hardy’s Cottage Garden – A romantic English garden surrounding the poet’s birthplace—roses, winding paths, and literary charm make it a timeless, storybook setting.

Sought-after stays

There are so many historic and stunningly beautiful hotels in and around Dorchester that perfectly compliment your instagrammable stay. Think roll top baths, high ceilings, decadent beds and enviable room service.

Image: The King’s Arms