Durnovaria, as Roman Dorchester was known, had an amphitheatre and aqueduct and some remnants of the town walls can still be seen, as can the impressive foundations of a town house in Colliton Park, behind County Hall.  Periodically modern Dorchester surrenders more Roman treasures such as the remarkable cache of 22,000 coins unearthed in South Street in 1936 – many of these finds are on display in the excellent County Museum that is undergoing extensive refurbishment this year.

As befits the county town there’s a wide range of commendable places to eat and drink, most notably the highly acclaimed Bramble café and restaurant in Poundbury – owned and run by Masterchef winner Mat Follas and his wife Amanda – and the family-run Posh Partridge café in the town centre. 

Lulworth Cove is a fabulous attraction that has been uniquely formed over time. The cove creates a horseshoe type shape, meaning it is sheltered from the elements of the weather. The shingle beach is pet-friendly, and some parts of the water are safe to swim in. You will also be able to choose from a few pubs and restaurants close by, for a bite to eat. Lulworth Cove, West Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5RQ

As you’d expect the area is rich with tantalising food from land and sea – the local beef and lamb is exceptional and there’s no shortage of fresh seafood. Head chef John Box has established Limestone as one of Dorset’s finest restaurants with meat, fish and vegetables supplied by small local producers – indeed, when available, the lobsters come from Lulworth Cove itself!

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 96-mile Jurassic Coast is the equal of the Taj Mahal, Serengeti National Park, Machu Pichu and the Great Barrier Reef. It spans 185 million years of the Earth’s history and encompasses geological wonders, stunning scenery, lost villages, beautiful bathing waters and rich marine and wildlife.

Lyme Regis is blessed with some excellent dining from the little treasure that is Poco Pizza to the superb Asian menus at Red Panda and Largigi. Celebrity chef Mark Hix can be found at his deservedly popular Oyster & Fish House while the Millside Restaurant accentuates its stunning location with deliciously homely cooking.

With a spectacular beach, safe bathing and magnificent scenery, finding something to do on a trip to Lyme Regis is rarely a problem. The Cobb is one of Britain’s best-known harbours and what we see today is almost exactly what was outlined in the earliest known drawing of the wall, dating from 1539. No visit is complete without also taking in the RNLI lifeboat station and shop.

Swanage Swanage Beach is continually recognised as one of the cleanest beaches in the UK. This year the beach has once again been awarded the Blue Flag and Seaside Award for beach cleanliness and water quality. Down on the beach, you are sure to enjoy the golden sands that attract visitors in their droves every year. We recommend during the summer you look to head down to the beach early to guarantee yourself a great spot for the day. The beach can also offer a selection of watersports including pedaloes, kayaks, scuba diving, sailing, water-skiing, and wind surfing.

Corfe Castle Corfe Castle is a fantastic day out for both adults and children. Learn about 1000 years’ worth of history and wander around the ruins that overlook the village and across Purbeck. Now owned by the National Trust, the castle is an iconic attraction, costing just over £8 per person. While you are there, you can also visit Corfe Castle Model Village to take a look at what the castle looked like before it was destroyed. The Square, Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5EZ Tel: 01929 481294

There’s no surprise that excellent seafood almost comes as standard in Swanage and Studland. About as close as you can get to the sea in Swanage without getting wet, Gee Whites and the Top Deck Oyster and Seafood Bar both serve terrific seafood and some of the finest fish and chips in Dorset can be found at the Fish Plaice and Harlees takeaways.