Unusually for such a small seaside town, Swanage has more than just the beach and gift shops you would expect to find. In the town centre there are some major retailers but most are independently run shops, ranging from outdoor adventure clothing and equipment, to toy shops, clothing outlets, art and sculpture studios as well as a couple of small brand name supermarkets.

An ancient fishing port and for centuries the departure point for the characterful Purbeck stone hewn from the many quarries that pepper the surrounding hills, Swanage owes many of its distinctive buildings and much of its civic confidence to the great 19th century builders like John Mowlem and George Burt who made their fortunes remodelling London and sent relics from the capital – including the clock tower and the façade of the town hall – back to their hometown.

The whole world watched as the British Sailing team won more medals than any other at the 2012 Olympics.

Weymouth Beach is a very popular destination and is just a short stroll from the town centre, packed with cafés, restaurants and shops. The three mile expanse of sandy beach will be bustling with visitors during the summer months, and you will never be short of entertainment here. From beach volleyball to live music and sandcastle competitions. Weymouth is also a sailing hotspot and was home to the sailing events during the London 2012 Olympic Games. Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 7AN

It’s practically our national dish and a visit to Weymouth isn’t complete without sampling the local fish and chips. The quayside is buzzing with takeaways and independent restaurants all of which compete to serve the best fish dinners in town – try the Marlboro, Fish ’n’ Fritz, the Old Harbour or Bennett’s.

As well as the many obvious attractions of Weymouth beach and its safe bathing waters, the area has a wealth of important historic sites, stunning leisure attractions and interesting shops to fill your day. Overlooking the bay the Nothe Fort has a host of displays and special themed events to entertain the whole family – something the lively and varied programme at the community-run Weymouth Pavilion achieves year after year.

About Wimborne Minster Dedicated to St Cuthburga, sister of the Saxon King Ine, who established an abbey on the site in 705, Wimborne Minster houses the grave of Alfred the Great’s elder brother King Ethelred and was an important religious site long before the conquering Normans remodelled it in the 12th century. As the town grew up around the Minster and the adjacent market it now boasts a nationally significant collection of 15th, 16th and 17th century buildings, including the Priest’s House Museum and town hall.  About North Dorset

As with the rest of Dorset, there’s no shortage of excellent food and drink in the area that will suit all tastes and budgets. Wimborne is home to the Tickled Pig, noted for its inventive use of fresh local produce including its own pork. Elsewhere there’s the stylish Olive Branch pub restaurant, classic home cooking at Cloisters, the popular Number 9 café and excellent pub food at the Stocks Inn, White Hart and Kings Head.

Wimborne Minster – routinely shortened to Wimborne – is a pretty town that grew up around the Saxon abbey that was remodeled by the Normans in the 12th century. A place of pilgrimage for more than 1300 years, the Minster is home to many treasures including the tomb of Alfred the Great’s elder brother King Ethelred, a 700-year-old clock that chimes on the quarter hour and, next door in Church House, a rare chained library that was one of Britain’s first public libraries.