A dramatic ruined castle with a rich history, offering stunning views over the Purbeck Hills and surrounding countryside. Explore its medieval past.

A beautiful, naturally formed shell-shaped cove on the Jurassic Coast. Famous for its clear waters and dramatic rock formations.

A magnificent natural limestone arch on the Jurassic Coast, near Lulworth Cove. A stunning landmark accessible via a scenic walk.

A local museum detailing the history of Christchurch, from prehistoric times to the present day, with exhibits on local archaeology and maritime heritage.

A vast expanse of ancient woodland, heathland, and coastline, famous for its free-roaming ponies, deer, and diverse wildlife.

Salisbury is one of England's finest cathedral cities, and well worth an hour or two of anyone's time. The medieval city centre is compact and highly walkable — its streets lined with independent shops, excellent cafes, and historic buildings that have changed little in centuries. The twice-weekly market on the city's ancient charter market square is one of the oldest in England and still draws locals and visitors alike.

The jewel, of course, is Salisbury Cathedral — its soaring 123-metre spire remains the tallest in Britain and dominates the skyline for miles around. Inside, the cathedral houses one of only four surviving original copies of the Magna Carta, and the beautiful medieval cloisters and Chapter House are free to explore. The cathedral close itself is one of the most serene and photogenic spaces in the country.

Salisbury also sits close to Old Sarum, the original Iron Age and Norman settlement that preceded the city, offering commanding views over the surrounding countryside.

Diego Delso  - CC BY-SA 4.0

One of the world's most iconic prehistoric monuments, Stonehenge never fails to impress — and seeing it in person, right beside the A303, is a genuinely memorable experience for all ages. The standing stones date back to around 3000 BC and remain one of archaeology's great mysteries, making them as fascinating for curious children as for adults.

The modern Stonehenge Visitor Centre is excellent — well designed, informative, and free to enter (English Heritage members and under-5s enter the monument itself free). Inside the centre, the café serves hot food, cakes, and drinks, with outdoor picnic areas where you can eat with views of the surrounding landscape. It's a comfortable and relaxed stop whether you're visiting the stones or simply breaking the journey.

Great for families: The visitor centre includes engaging exhibitions with replica Neolithic objects children can handle, and a land train runs to the stones themselves — making it accessible and enjoyable for all ages without a long walk.

One of the largest and most complex Iron Age hill forts in Europe, offering panoramic views of the surrounding Dorset countryside.

Dorset's museum housed in a former prison, showcasing the county's history from prehistoric times to the present day.

A renowned location on the Jurassic Coast for finding dinosaur and marine reptile fossils, with a dedicated heritage centre.