Dorset is home to some of prettiest villages in England, with an abundance of chocolate box cottages and quintessential English streets. Choosing the Best villages in Dorset is a tough call with so many Dorset villages worthy of the top spot.
There are plenty of unique locations to explore with bundles of charm and breath-taking views. In Dorset you will find historic golden-hued stone properties as well as quaint thatched cottages with beautifully manicured gardens.
There is something new to explore around every corner, step back in time and take a look at some of the prettiest villages Dorset has to offer (in no particular order).
Best villages in Dorset…
- Corfe Castle
- Shaftesbury
- West Lulworth
- Abbotsbury
- Worth Matravers
- Milton Abbas
- Chedington
- Briantspuddle
- Ashmore
- Okeford Fitzpaine
CORFE CASTLE
The beautiful village of Corfe Castle couldn’t not top the lists. Situated in the Purbeck Hills, Corfe Castle is home to some impressive castle ruins which are perched on a steep hill overlooking the village. The impressive structure is visible as soon as your enter the area, attracting plenty of tourist seeking to explore this unique and characterful English village. Corfe Castle village itself is home to an abundance of chocolate box cottages, with the occasional pastel coloured front door adding a welcome pop of colour to the stone built properties.
Corfe Castle is perfectly situated as a base to explore the Jurassic Coast. Within easy reach of Kimmeridge Bay, Tyneham Beach, Dancing Ledge and Old Harry Rocks.
SHAFTESBURY
The hilltop settlement of Shaftesbury is located in North Dorset close to the boarder of Wiltshire. The village is home to everything you would hope to see in a quintessential English village, including thatched cottages, quaint tea rooms and beautiful countryside views.
You may recognise the famous Gold Hill which is one of the most photographed streets in Great Britain. Gold Hill also featured in the Hovis bread advert which was filmed in Shaftesbury in 1973. If you are visiting Shaftesbury this steep little street is a must visit location, it’s the perfect photo opportunity, and almost feels like you are stepping back in time.
WEST LULWORTH
This pretty little Dorset village is most commonly known for neighbouring the popular Jurassic Coast beauty spot, Lulworth Cove. The traditional village is home to plenty of picturesque cottages with beautiful manicured gardens and thatched roofs. The Castle Inn is a popular English pub in the heart of the village and a great place to stop off if you are out exploring the area.
West Lulworth is the perfect location to explore the Jurassic Coast with a beautiful coastal pathway which leads to Durdle Door.
ABBOTSBURY
Nestled in the hills behind Chesil beach, the village of Abbotsbury is steeped in quintessential English charm and breath-taking scenery. The village offers unique tea rooms, traditional pubs, subtropical gardens and Abbotsbury Swannery which is home to a colony of swans. Abbotsbury is a hot spot for walkers with plenty of footpaths leading through the beautiful Dorset countryside and coastline. The historic properties fill the village with charm and is a great example of an unspoilt English village.
WORTH MATRAVERS
The picturesque limestone cottages in Worth Matravers make this tiny Dorset village a unique spot to pass through on your way down to the coast. The village is in easy reach of Dancing Ledge and Chapman’s Pool, two lesser-known coastal locations. Worth Matravers still has its post office, and village shop which provides a strong sense of community and friendly atmosphere.
MILTON ABBAS
The village of Milton Abbas is the perfect example of a rural Dorset village. Walking through the village is like stepping back in time, the rows of white properties with thatched roofs add plenty of charm and character to the area.
The Hambro Arms is the perfect spot to enjoy a cold drink with a stunning view of the street lined with beautiful thatched properties.
CHEDINGTON
The village of Chedington is home to rich golden stone properties and specular views. The village is situated in the chalk hills of Dorset. The surrounding area is popular for walking and cycling with an abundance of beautiful countryside to explore. The Chedington court estate is an impressive Grade II listed property in Chedginton with 58 acres of formal gardens and the largest great hall in Dorset.
BRIANTSPUDDLE
Briantspuddle has previously won an award for ‘best small village’. Situated in the Piddle Valley, Briantspuddle boasts plenty of charm and character and is a remarkably peaceful village.
ASHMORE
At 700 feet and the highest village in Dorset, Ashmore is most certainly worth a mention. The village has an abundance of stone cottages and thatched roofs dotted around Ashmore pond. This quiet little hamlet is worth passing through whilst you are exploring the area.
OKEFORD FITZPAINE
A lesser-known village in the Dorset countryside and an unspoilt spot to appreciate tranquil village life. The village of Okeford Fitzpaine is situated south of Sturminster Newton and has many historic thatched properties as well as a quaint village church.
Do you have a beautiful village to add to this ‘Best Dorset Villages’ list? Please leave a comment in the box below.
