Local Dorset Tips

Meet Anne-Marie

Manager

♥ Knoll Beach

Anne-Marie's tip

A beach in Dorset can range from golden sands, shingle, pebbles to fossils and rocks with the possibility of finding a dinosaur! My favourite place to be in Knoll beach, so named as it is directly opposite Knoll House, famous for being the place Enid Blyton used to stay and write her Famous Five books. Knoll beach is so lovely regardless of the weather. It is a National Trust site, so I use my card to park for free, then head towards the sandy stretch of beach to set up site with a flask of coffee and blanket (and windbreaks if it’s on the nippy side!) It is a lovely walk along to shell bay, with views of Old Harry Rocks to the right, Studland Bay with its sea horses and views across to Bournemouth, Sandbanks and Hengistbury Head. The isle of Wight is on the horizon, so I can away many a happy hour after my walk just sitting and watching the world go by (or a seagull bob past on the lookout for a sandwich) As it is a National Trust site, there is a lot of wildlife around. I’m no expert but there are National Trust staff by the car park to help, with many things to do on any given day – a walk, talk or even a 10K run once a month for those who don’t want to relax. The beach café offers hot and cold drinks and meals, home-made snacks and even alcohol if you fancy a tipple. The National Trust shop is full of great gifts and offer lots of variety for those looking for a present to take home or just keep for yourself. I love the orange candles and buy them to scent my own home. Discover our cottages near Studland Bay here

Meet Tracy

Homeowner Services Assistant

♥ Weymouth

Tracy's tip

I moved to Swanage 17 years ago from a busy city. It was the best move ever to be able to enjoy the best of Dorset. One of my favourite places to go is Weymouth, it is a short drive away and driving down into Weymouth seeing the beautiful large bay with long sandy beach is a great picture. Wandering around the lovely town, through ‘Flag Lanes’ with their quirky little local shops to be able to get that different little gift. Making your way along to the amazing harbour with its two hourly lifting bridge, watching the big boats come in is quite satisfying. There are wonderful emporiums to walk around to find that hidden treasure. Then why not make your way back across the bridge and enjoy a great meal at The George Inn on the harbourside accompanied by a very cold delicious glass of fizz, the food is lovely here and if you are lucky enough to either get a table outside if the weather permits or upstairs in the window if not, you will still enjoy the sights of the boats coming in and out. You could finish off with a glorious walk along the promenade and maybe even catch a show at the Pavilion or even hop on the Jurassic Skyline and look out from the top of the revolving tower. There are so many things to take in on a visit to Weymouth, you will surely need more time staying in one of our wonderful properties to make the most of all the attractions. Don’t forget Nothe Fort if it’s history you are interested in or the Sea Life Centre for all the little ones to enjoy (and adults too!). All that said it is a great place to visit with plenty to do and occupy your time, it is still a regular go to place for myself and my husband to visit. We have some lovely cottages in Weymouth and Portland, take a look here

Meet Cleome

Homeowner Account Manager

♥ Tyneham

Cleome's tip

I have always considered myself extremely lucky to grow up in Dorset, the sheer amount of beauty that is waiting at my doorstep is astounding. As a child my weekends were filled with wandering over hillsides and along the coast, not much has changed now I’m an adult! And as a dog owner I try to take advantage of as many walks as I can, with a personal favourite being Tynehams and Warbarrow Bay. Tyneham is the mysterious Dorset town that time forgot. In November 1943 the residents of this little village were given notice by the government to leave their properties. They were told that the village was needed for forces training but they would be able to return one day. This day never came though! Slowly but surely time and nature claimed the village for their own, leaving houses crumbling and overgrown. What has been left is truly a sight to see. The remaining structures have created a beautiful environment for plants and animals to enjoy. And from this village you can follow the river on a meandering walk down to Warbarrow Bay. This is one of the best local beaches for dog owners as your furry friends are allowed all year round! Why not check out some of our pet friendly properties in Dorset 1">here

Meet Laura

Property Recruiter

♥ West Dorset

A bit about Laura

I’m lucky to have been born and bred in West Dorset and to have spent my childhood growing up on the beach and exploring hidden holloways. I joined Wyke Dorset Cottages in 2019 having spent the last 20 years working locally as an estate agent. Dorset has a huge amount to offer holidaymakers from exploring the Jurassic Coast fossil hunting, attending all the local festival and shows – of which there are many! – to finding out more about the rich historical heritage of Dorset.

I’m excited to extend Wyke Dorset Cottages reputation into West Dorset and expand our presence into the beautiful area that I am proud to live in.