The Delightful UK County of Dorset is Waiting for Your Visit

If you're planning a holiday to Dorset, cottages are more than likely to be you and your family's choice of accommodation for this great UK get away. From any of the excellent Dorset cottages, you will be able to enjoy the delights of many of the county's lovely beaches and wonderful activities. Here we highlight some of the best attractions to satisfy even the most demanding palate.

Weymouth

A good old-fashioned resort, credited for being put on the tourist map by George III, Weymouth is packed with enough beach to keep the entire family busy. The beach also smacks of the old days with Punch and Judy shows, donkey rides, deckchairs and lashings of ice cream, particularly great for those rare, sunny summer days.

If the young ones' energies aren't satiated, maybe a trip to Sandworld will have their imagination fuelled – they may even take back some ideas for a futuristic sand castle on Weymouth's beach. Sandworld, located in Lodmoor Country Park, showcases the world's best sand sculptors. And if youngsters want to try their hand at the art, they can make their best attempt in a large sand pit.

If ground level doesn't offer visual excitement, going up in the world could well provide a new and insightful view of Weymouth. Ascend the Weymouth Sealife Tower and enjoy one of the region's most popular attractions. Standing more than 50 metres above the ground, and higher than the Taj Mahal, the breathtaking views will enable a wonderful view of Weymouth, its bay and the stunning coastline.

Jurassic Coast

Located close to Lyme Regis, a chance to see fossils will provide another memorable day out and a reason get down and dirty to at least try to find one! The Jurassic Coast is dotted with fossils from throughout the ages, and the Charmouth Visitor Centre, on the beach, offers a two-hour hunt for fossils. This can provide a wonderful distraction for children and the hunt is educational and informative of the past.

Bournemouth

Leaving the surrounds of Dorset cottages and taking a drive to Bournemouth will give families a chance to explore. Enjoy the bracing sea air and a fantastic beach experience, along with the town's very family-friendly attitude.

There is plenty to do in Bournemouth: take a trip to the Oceanarium to look at the many sea species; visit the traditional pier with old fashioned entertainment; or take in a production at the nearby Imax centre. You can also catch the latest live exhibitions, concerts or leisure activities at the Bournemouth International Centre, or take a fascinating step back in time to an early era with the art exhibitions hosted by the glorious Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum.

Katie Chown is a Property Consultant for Classic Cottages. If you're looking for a spectacular Dorset cottages as well as those in Cornwall, Somerset and Devon we can help. Whether you're looking for a stunning rural retreat or a luxury retreat on the coast, we have the perfect holiday home for you to fall in love with.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.