12 things to do in Dorset in 2012: Part 1 January to June

We thought it would be fun to look ahead a little and choose an activity or event for each month of the year for 2012. We can’t possibly do Dorset justice in these short posts, so this is just something to give you an idea of the diverse range of activities that Dorset has to offer throughout the year :-)

So, without further ado, here’s Part 1 of our 12 things to do in Dorset in 2012 – January to June. July to December will follow next week.

January – get your hiking boots on

Walking or rambling in Dorset is just perfect for blowing away those winter cobwebs and keeping fit, and seeing the beautiful Dorset countryside in all its glory.

Beaches, coast paths, fossil cliffs, panoramic views, nature reserves, unspoilt countryside, historic towns, beautiful villages – Dorset has it all and Chesil Beach Lodge is perfectly located as a base for exploring Dorset on foot.

February – catch the ferry from Sandbanks and explore Brownsea Island Nature Reserve

After a break for the winter, the beautiful Brownsea Island Nature Reserve will be open again for weekends in February 2012.

The Reserve has lakes, woodland, lagoons, cliffs and beaches, and it’s a very important habitat for overwintering and summer breeding birds. It’s also one of the few places in southern England where it’s possible to see a thriving red squirrel population.

March – come and see the spectacular spring flower displays at Forde Abbey and Sherborne Castle

4th to 11th March 2012 is Crocus Week at Forde Abbey, an elegant former Cistercian monastery with 30 acres of award winning gardens. Forde Abbey Plant Fair is on Sunday 4th March 2012.

Sherborne Castle has a fabulous display of spring flowers at its Spring Bulbs & Daffodils Weekend on the 17th and 18th March 2012. Stroll around the 42 acres of peaceful and tranquil gardens and enjoy the beautiful spring flowers.

April – don your wellies and do a little fossil hunting

Try and find your very own Jurassic Coast fossil on a Guided Fossil Hunting Walk.

Lyme Regis Fossil Walks - let Brandon Lennon, local Lyme Regis professional fossil collector with 20 years’ experience, and his father Ian, a geologist, take you on a guided tour along part of Lyme Bay’s famous Jurassic Coast.

Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre - runs guided fossil hunting walks as well as countryside and marine discovery activities along the coastline.

May – join in with some unique May Day traditions

Here in Dorset we have an unusual May Day celebration – the ancient ritual of dancing at the site of the Cerne Abbas Giant as dawn breaks. The Cerne Abbas Giant is a 180 foot man carved into chalk rock and is believed to be an ancient fertility symbol with the power to help childless couples to conceive.

We also have the world-famous Dorset Knob Throwing competition. The Dorset Knob is a traditional type of Dorset bread. As well as Knob Throwing, there’s also Knob Eating, Knob Painting, a Knob & Spoon Race, Guess the weight of the Big Knob, and Knob Darts. All in all, a day out with a difference!

June – see hundreds of cygnets hatching at the Abbotsbury Swannery

Abbotsbury Swannery is a natural wildlife habitat located on the Dorset coast near the historical village of Abbotsbury. From the middle of May to late June, visitors are allowed to walk through the swannery and are treated to wonderful close-up views of nesting Mute Swans and hundreds of hatching cygnets. Visitors can also help hand feed hundreds of swans at the mass feeding sessions each day.

Here at Chesil Beach Lodge we offer a choice of delightful and sustainable bed and breakfast and self-catering accommodation in a stunning location on the Jurassic Coast, and within easy travelling distance of many fantastic local attractions.

Please contact us for more details, or to book accommodation.