UpweyHouseWelcome toUpweyHouse.Wedo hopeyou enjoy your stay. In this booklet youwillfindinformationonhowthingswork,thingstodowithinthehouseandaroundthegrounds, local touristattractionsandour favourite beaches andpubs/restaurants.

WeloveUpweyHouseandaredelightedtobeabletoopenituptoyou,ourguests,sothatyoucanshareinitsrichhistory.Asyouwillbeabletoreadinourseparatebookaboutthathistory, Upwey House was originally conceived by the Gould family as a country retreatwhere they could relax andentertain their friendsand family surroundedby the stunningDorsetcountryside.Weinviteyoutocontinuethattradition.Foryourconveniencewe’vedividedthisbookletintothreesections.IPRACTICALLIVINGHousefacilitiesProvisionsandSuppliesHealthandMedical

IIENTERTAINMENTIndoorsOutdoors

IIIOUT&ABOUTBeachesPubs&RestaurantsOtherAttractions

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UpweyHousemayhavebeenfirstbuiltin1570,renovatedandextendedin1850,butwebelievethatitisworthyofallthecomfortsofmodernliving.So starting in 2010 we undertook an extensive programme of refurbishment andmodernisation,preservingtheoriginalcharacterofthehousewhilstbringingthekitchen,bathrooms,decorations, plumbingandheating,electrical circuitry, everything, up to thestandardsyoudeserve.Wehavetriedtothinkofeverything,but ifanythingoccurstoyouduringyourstaythatrequiresourhelpyoucancallourHouseManagerSarah-JaneNeweyon07809454920.Weaskthatyoutrytocallheronlybetween10amand4pm,butinabsoluteemergenciesshemaybereachedoutsidethesehours.Sarah-Janeliveslocallysosheknowstheareatoo.Heating/hotwaterAs a large old country house, Upwey House was not originally designed to be heatedparticularlyefficientlyorecologically.However,wehaveinstalledastate-of-theartheatingsystem using a combination of solar panels (hidden away on the roof) and two highlyefficientgasboilersthatsharetheloadforthetwowingsofthehouse.Uponyouarrivalwewillhave set the systemso thatyoushouldhaveplentifulhotwaterduringyour stayandsufficientheatingduringthecoldermonths.Thoseradiatorsmaylookclassicbuttheyaremodernandcanbeturneddownindividuallyshouldtheheatingbecometoomuch,whilstthereisathermostatonthefirstfloorlandingthatcontrolsthetemperatureinthewholehouse.WewouldaskthatyoudonotadjustthemaincontrolpanelsinthebootroomonthegroundfloorbutifthewaterandheatinglevelsarenotasyourequirepleasecontactSarah-Janeandshewillbeabletotalkyouthroughthenecessaryadjustments.

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Finally no country house would be worthy of the name without natural wood fires. Thewood burners (in the Snug and in the Snooker Room) are incredibly efficient, there areinstructionsforhowtousethemnexttothem.We’vealsolaidanopenlogfireforyouintheDrawingRoom.LogsareplentifulandcanbefoundintheWoodStore(justthroughtheBootRoom)whenyouneedtoppingup.Allofthewoodcomesfromtreesfromthehouse’slandandisfullysustainable.IMPORTANTNOTEPleasedon’tsuccumbtothetemptationtolightfiresinanyoftheotheroriginalfireplaces.Thecowlingsareblockedandyouwillveryquicklysmokeyourselvesout!CookingfacilitiesMostlikelyyouhavecometoUpweytocelebratealargehousepartywithyourfriendsandfamily.We’vegivenyouallthetoolsyouneedtocookupafeast,indoorsoroutdoors.Sogetthekidspeelingthosevegetables,fillupthewinefridgewithchampagne,fireuptherangeovenorthebarbecue,andgetcooking!YoumaynotbefamiliarwiththeLacanchegasovenbuttrustus,itistheverybestyoucanget.

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Knownas the “Agaof France”, a LacancheRange is usually what professional chefschoose to install in their own homes. IntheirreviewtheDailyTelegraphcalledit“amalleable beast, a proper chef’s oven butwithdomesticcharms”.

Wethinkit’seasytogetthebasicsrightbutifyouareagroupoftruegourmandsplanningsomething really special, check out http://www.lacanche.com/professionals-tips.php forsomeideas.TherearethreeovenswithintheRange,twoelectricoptionsandthemainlargegasoven.Inordertolightthegasovenyouneedtopushandturntherelevantknobtoreleasethegaswhilst holding down the ignition button. Wait 5 seconds before releasing the knob. Youmight need to try once or twice! Youwill hear the gas fire up and the ovenwill becomewarmveryquickly.Youcancontroltheheatoftheovensbyturningtheknobtotherelevanttemperature.One importantnote is that Lacanchegasovens can cook in a controlledway to veryhightemperaturesifneeded(whichmakesitexcellentforcookingthingslikeroastsandpizzas),so thescale from1to10 isNOTcalibrated in thesamewasasconventionalgasovens. Inotherwords,turningtheknobto6doesnotgetyouthesametemperatureas“gasmark6”. Preheat the oven for 10 minutes before you cook, and work on the basis that thetemperature will be 150°C at setting 1, 300°C at setting 10, and increasing in regularintervalsbetween.Theelectricovenisoftenthebetterchoicewhennotdoinglargeroastsorwhenyouneedmoreprecisetemperatures.Thehobsontherangeareignitedinasimilarwaybydepressingthecorrespondingknobandpressingtheignitionbutton.Thereisahalogenhobonthebreakfastbarshouldyouprefernottousegasandanindoorgrill/BBQtotherightof therangewhichneedstobe lit in thesamewayasthegasovensandhobs.Thereisa4-burnerCadacoutdoorBBQontheterraceforyouruse.WewillensurethatyouhavesufficientgasonarrivalbutpleasecontactSarah-JayneifyourequiremoregasoryouarehavingproblemswiththeBBQ.PleaseensurethatthevalvetoallowgasintotheBBQisturnedoffafteruse.WedoaskthatyoucleantheBBQtothebestofyourabilityafteryourstayusingtheBBQbrusheswhichcanbefoundinthedrawersinthekitchen.Amicrowavecanbefoundinthecupboardtotherightofthekitchenfridge.

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Kitchen/DiningareaThekitchenhasbeenappointedtoahighstandardtoprovideeverythingyoushouldneedduringyourstay. It isabigroomand itmaytakeyouawhiletoorientateyourselveswithwhere everything is. There is a wide range of crockery, glassware, cutlery, cookingequipment and plastic bowls and cups for the children. If there is a specific piece ofequipmentyoufeelismissingpleasedon’thesitatetocontactSarah–Jayne.Forlargerparties(14+)theantiquediningtablecanbeextendedusinganadditionalcentraltablesection.AtrestletableisavailableintheBootRoomshouldthetableneedextendingevenfurtherandthereareadditionalfoldingchairsinthebasementand/orbutlerspantry.ShoppingandProvisionsThere is a large 24 hour Tesco Superstore supermarket in Dorchester, on WeymouthAvenue,DorchesterplusaCooperativeintheLittlemoorShoppingprecinctabouta5minutedrivefromthehouse.SupermarketsinWeymouthinclude:MorrisonsDorchesterRoadWeymouthDT35AXSainsburysMerceryRoadWeymouthDT35AX

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ASDANewsteadRoadWeymouthDT48JQTesco,Waitrose and Sainsbury’s all deliver online groceries to the house. The address fordeliveriesisUpweyHouse,75ChurchStreet,WeymouthDT35QE.Ocadodonotyetoperatetoouraddress.Therearealsoanumberofsmall independentfoodandartisanshops inDorchesterandaveryhandyMarksandSpencer’s SimplyFoodat theBPgarage,316-318DorchesterRoad,WeymouthDT35ASaboutafiveminutedriveawayfromthehouse. YoucanalsopickupbasicprovisionsandnewspapersatBroadweyVillageStores,608DorchesterRoad,DT35LHahealthywalkandeasydrivefromthehouse.Health&MedicalShouldyouneedadoctororadentistduringyourstaypleasenotethereisawalk-incentreatWeymouthforminor-injuriesandnon-threateningillnessesat:WeymouthCommunityHospitalMelcombeAvenueDorset,DT37TBOpen8am–8pm,7daysaweekTel:01305980000Thereisanaccidentandemergencydepartmentat:-DorsetCountyHospitalWilliamsAvenueDorchesterDT12JYOpen24hoursaday,Tel:01305251150FordentalproblemstryA.Kelsey-Smithon01305264827Fridges/FreezerThere is a large integrated fridge in the kitchen. The door can be a bit sticky, particularlywhenthefridgeisoverloaded.Justgiveitashoveanditwillclose.Thereisasmallerwinefridge in theButler’s Pantry,which is the little roomat theendof theentrancehall. Thisfridge is very handy for drinks and the Pantry provides good additional storage for thesuppliesyouhaveboughtforyourstay.AthirdlargefridgeandfreezercanbelocatedintheLarder,whichispasttheplayroomandbootroom,roundthecornerintotheolderpartofthehouseandfirstonyourleft.Wewillensurethatthereisabagoficeforyouinthefreezeruponarrival.

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DishwasherThefully integrateddishwasher is located inthekitchenoppositethesink.Therearedish-washertablets inacontainernext tothesink.Thedishwasher issimpletouse.When it isreadytorun,ensuretheapplianceisturnedon(farbuttononleft)andpressfourthbuttonalongontheright.Closethedoorfirmlyandbingo,itshouldwork!WashingmachineAlongstayinacountryhouseoftenmeanslotsofwashingsofeelfreetouseourfacilities.We’velaidonanindustrial-sized,top-loadingwasherandadryerforyou,intheUtilityRoomagainintheolderpartofthehouse,ontheleftjustbeforetheSnookerRoom.Theyareveryeasytouse,forthewashingjustputthedirtywashinginsideandpourwashingliquidand/orfabricconditionerdirectly into thedrum.Select thesizeof thewashand the temperatureusingtheknobsonthetopof themachine.Onceyouarereadytostart, turnthefarrightknobtothesettingyoudesireandpullout.Thetumbledryerislocatednexttothewashingmachineandisacondenserstyleappliance.Ifthetankwhichislocatedinthebaseofthemachinebecomesfullthemachinewillbleepandyouwillneedtoemptythetankintothesinkbeforereplacing.Alternatively,ifyouwanttosavetheplanetandexperiencetheVictorianlife,thereareold-fashionedhoisteddryingracksintheUtilityRoomandalsointheBootRoom.InternetandWifi

We know how it works. You arriveexcitedly at your country houseretreat.Thesun isshining.Theadultsskip around the house looking at allthe great rooms. You turn to the

bored-looking teenager staring at their phone andaskingwhattheWificodeis.“Thereisnowifihere?For a whole weekend in Dorset? Are you kiddingme?”Don’tworry.ThislastpartisnotgoingtohappentoyouatUpweyHouse.We’lladmitthatDorsetisnotblessedwithasuper-fastfibreopticnetwork.Whenit is,wewill get it.Until then,wehavegoodsignalboosterstomakesureyouhaveastrongsignalandgood bandwidth throughout the house. The WIFIcode (Sky provider) can be located on the boxbehindthechair inthemainhallway.SelectUpweyHouseandkeyinthecode.

Keys/AlarmYoucanaccessthehouseinthreeways–throughthelargemainfrontdoor(usingthelargeironkey),throughthecourtyardoakdoororthroughthegardendoorontotheterrace.UponarrivalSarah-Jaynewillgiveyoukeys.

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UpweyHouseisalarmedbutweturnthisoffwhenwehaveguestsconstantlyaccessingthehouse.However,pleaseensurethatthatallwindowsanddoorsarelockedwhenyouleavethehouse.RubbishandrecyclingRecycling is important but we understand how itcan be a pain, particularly in a house where youaren’tfamiliarwiththesystem.Sowe’vetakenthepainoutofitbytakingcareofitforyou.We collectmixed rubbishweekly for disposal andrecycling. We ask that you put used bottles andplasticsifyoucaninthegreencratesbythesideofthe garage. Anything else can be put into tightlysecuredblackplasticbinliners.Asyoucomeandgofromthehousewewouldverymuch appreciate it if you could deposit yourrubbishinthelargegreencontainerontheleft,atthe bottom of the drive, as you exit the mainentrance.

IIENTERTAINMENT

YoumayhavecometoUpweyHousetoenjoyeverythingDorsethastooffer.Youmayhavecome to soakup time in a soothingenvironmentwith your friendsand family, relaxing infrontof the fireoron the terrace. Youmaybe interested inexploring thegroundsof thehouseitselfandmentallystretchingout inthespacewehaveavailable.Wehaveplentyofsuggestions,bothindoorsandoutdoors,howyoumightspendyourtimeinbetweenthosedelicious meals around the table. Whatever it is you prefer to do, there are plenty offacilities thatareavailable toentertainyouand, inparticular,yourchildrenwhilstyouarehere.TV,MusicandBooksTheSnugisroomwecreatedasacosyalternativetothebeautifulDrawingRoom.ThereisanHDflatscreenTVherewithaccesstoallterrestrialandFreeviewchannels.YouwillalsofindaDVDplayerformovie-watchingnights.FeelfreetouseanyoftheDVDs–there’squiteaselection.Upwey House is a Celebration House and you will find a Denon Bluetooth Speaker toconnecttoyourdevice(iphone,ipad,ipodetc)intheDrawingRoom.Inaddition,thereisaniphonedockingsystemspeakerintheSnookerRoom.Reading

IntheSnugyouwillfindawidevarietyoffiction,non-fiction,referencebooks,travelbooksandchildrenbookstocurlupwithonasofa.Feelfreetomakeuseofthembutwedoaskthatyoureturnthembeforeyouleave.

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TableTennisThere is a full-sized outdoor table tennis table around on theWest Terrace, towards thebackofthehouse.Nets,ballsandbatscanbefoundintheplayroom.AirHockeyThere is an air hockey table in the playroom. This needs to be turned on at the wall toensurethe“air”isreleased.Pleaseensurechildrenarerelatively“gentle”whenplayingthis!Toys

Theplayroomisstockedwithtoysincludingdollshouses,lego,puzzles,paintinganddrawingequipment, games, a puppet theatre and fancy dress. For more active types we haveprovided cricket equipment, rounders bat and ball, football, goals and a badminton set.Pleasemakeuseofthem,theyarethereforyouandtobeenjoyed,butwedoaskthatkidstakecarewithfancydressoutfitsaroundanycandlesoropenfires.Thereisalsoaplasticwaterslidethatattachestothehose/tapoutsidethekitchen–thishasprovided hours of fun in the sun on the terrace lawn for our smaller guests. Andoccasionally,afterafewglassesofPimm’s,someofthelargeronestoo.BoardgamesYouwillfindsomemoreadult-focusedgamesinthearmoireintheDrawingRoomincludingScrabble,PerudoandTrivialPursuit.

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SnookerFeelfreetolightupthewood-burnerandenjoy a snooker match on the 9 x 4.5fttable.GrabadrinkfromtheGlobeBaratthe same time. We do ask that childrenare supervised when playing snooker asthey can be a little haphazard with thecues! Ifthebaize isdamagedduringyourstaywewillaskforyoutocoverthecostsofrepair/replacement.

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Outdoors

UpweyHouseprovideslotstodoinsidebutultimatelythisisaruralsetting.Weareblessedwith23acresofgroundsaroundthehouse,providingchildrenandadultswithvastamountstoseeandenjoy.Iftheweathergodssmileonyou,weencourageyoutotakeadvantageofthespacearoundyou.Visitthewalledgarden,ifyou’reluckywiththeseasonstheOrchardinsidemayprovideyouwithapples,pears,plumsandquince.The source of the River Wey begins inUpwey.Wethinkthatthisisaparticularlymagical part of the grounds, where thesunlight breaks through the foliage andthe very cold, fresh water runs along ayoung stream. Walk down through thewoods from the topof thedrivewayandpaddle in the stream here, cross thebridge and make dens. The stream isshallow and shouldn’t overlap even thesmallest of Welly Boots but please dokeep an eye on younger childrenparticularlyafterheavyrainfall

Pleaserememberthatmanyofthetreesinthegroundsareveryold.Pleaseunderstandthatyou explore them at your own risk. Whilst we employ a regular Tree Surgeon andGroundsmantokeepaneyeonthingswecannotacceptresponsibility foranytreesmadeweakbyrecentweatherconditionsorforanyemboldenedtreeclimbers!.Thelargerectagonalpieceoflandonyourleftasyoucomeupthedrivewaywasoriginallydesignedasagrasstenniscourt.Manyguestsusethisareaasa5-a-sidefootballpitchoracricketwicket.

IIENTERTAINMENT

Boules/Croquet

Thesecanbothbefoundintheplayroom.Enjoyacivilisedgameofcroquetontheterracelawn!Orthefrontdriveprovidesanidealboulespiste.

TerraceTheSouthfacingterraceofferswonderfulviews to Weymouth Harbour andPortland. There is a large table on theterrace plus a less formal relaxing area.Thetablesareglass-toppedsoweaskthatchildrendonot climbon them. If it rainswe would be grateful if you could bringtheterracecushionsinside.

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BeachesUpwey is located in themiddleofa stretchof coast called the JurassicCoast.Thispartof theSouth coast runs from Exmouth in East Devon to Swanage on the Isle of Purbeck. Along theDorsetstretchofthiscoast,thebeachesaremainlypebbleorshingle.ThefurtherWestyougo,the sandier theybecome. If youwanta really sandybeach, youaregoing tohave todrive toLymeRegis(whichtakestwentyminutestohalfanhour)ortoCharmouthwhichissandyinpartwhenthetidegoesout.Otherthanthat,thebeachesareshingleapart fromat lowtidewhensandystretchesmayappear.However,youdon’thavetotravelfartohaveareallygreatbeachexperience.WhenthesunisshiningontheJurassicCoast,therearen’tmanybetterplaces.Wehaveexploredmanyofthebeachesinthisareabutcertainlynotall.FormoreinformationyoucouldcontacttheWestDorsettouristinformationoffice.OurlocalfavouritesatthetimeofprintingareRingsteadBay(which is justbeautifulonawarmsunnydaywithbeautifullyclean,clear water for swimming) and Hive Beach, if only for the Hive Beach Café (see Restaurantsbelow).Havingsaidthat,LulworthCovewillalwaysholdaspecialplaceinourhearts,withthespectacularDurdleDoornearby.ThebeachesinStudlandarealsobeautiful.Thebeachesarelistedingeographicalorder,beginningwiththefurthestwest(LymeRegis)andendingwiththefurthesttotheeast(Studland)LymeRegis

Lyme is anold-fashioned seaside townwithnarrowwinding streets and lots of little shops and cafes.ParticularlyrecommendedistheTownMillBakeryinMill Lane (one of the back streets behind the seafront).Themainbeachissandyandflat.Parkingcanbetricky inhighseasonandonweekends.YoumayprefertheParkandRideoption.

CharmouthCharmouthhasashelteredbeachthatisamixtureofshinglewithanexpanseofsandwhenthetideisout.Therearetwocafes,afossilshop,theHeritageCoastCentreandaclothesshop.Forkids,theseacanbedangerousandcaremustbetaken,butthereissandforthemtoplayon.Forparkingtherearethreechargecarparks.Charmouthisbigonfossil-hunting.TheCharmouthHeritageCoastCentre,justnearthebeach,hasafossilandmarineexplorationinformationcentreaswellasrunningguidedfossil-huntingexpeditions,rockpoolingwalksandotheractivities.Thefossil-huntingtripsareapparentlyreallygood,accordingtopreviousguests.Informationcanbefoundatwww.charmouth.org(oryoucancallthecentreon01297560772)

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SeatownSeatownisaquiet,steepshinglebeachsetinabaywithjustonepub(TheAnchor)andnoshops.Fromthebeach,youcanclimbGoldenCapwhichat191metresabovesealevelisthehighestpointalongtheJurassicCoast.Forkids,thebeachissecludedbutitshelvessteeplysocaremustbetaken.Therearenolifeguards;justtwobuoys.Parking:thereispayparkingfor100cars.WestBayWestBayisabusylittleharbourwithawideshinglebeachsplitbytheharbourentrance.TheBBCseries‘HarbourLights’wasfilmedhereandmorerecentlyofcourse“Broadchurch”.YoucanclimbEastorWestCliffforstunningviewsorstrollaroundtheharbourandseethefishingboatsandyachts.Localfacilities&shops:plentyofeatingplaces,aroundtheharbourandbeachandtherearesomeusefullittleshopsincludingbeachshopsandagoodfishmonger’s.ThereisafishrestaurantintheharbourcalledTheRiverside(Tel01308422011)whichisreputedtobeverygood.Wecouldn’tgetatableforlunchwithoutareservationsoyouwillneedtobookwellinadvance.AccordingtoHughFearnley-Whittingstall(wholiveslocally),it’s“oneofthefinestfishrestaurantsintheSouthWest”.Checkoutsamplemenusatwww.thefishrestaurant-westbay.co.uk.Plentyofparking:twoseafront,threeharboursideandtwolong-staypay-and-display.HiveBeach(BurtonBradstock)

HiveBeachisalong,sandy/shinglebeachoverlookedbycliffsandfarmland.ItisjustofftheB3157(CommonLane),justeastofBurtonBradstock.TakeBeachRoad(followingsignstoHiveBeachCafé)andthecarparkisdirectlyahead(freeforNational

Trustmembers).ThehighlyrecommendedHiveBeachCaféisrightonthebeach.Greatfreshfishandseafoodsittingattablesoutsideorinside.Unrivalledlobsterandcrabcaughtthatmorning.Justbythecaféisalittleshopsellinggoodice-creamifyouhavespaceforpudding.Youcan’tbookatablebutthequeue(ifthereisone)isworththewait.Swimming:thewateriscleanforswimming,butbewareofstrongtidesandcurrentsandofbeingcutoffbytides.Dogsareallowedbutonalead.TherearestunningwalksnearbyalsofromAbbotsburyuptotheminiatureAbbey.

ChesilBeachApparentlyoneofBritain’snaturalwonders–auniqueshingleridgestretching17milesfromWestBaytoPortlandHarbour.Accessatvariouspointsalongitsroute.RecentlyfamedbyIan

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McEwan’seponymousnovel.Hegotintroubleforadmittingtohavingtakenawayahandfulofstonesfromthebeach(forwhichhecouldhavefaceda₤2,500fine–bewarned).Localfacilities&shops:Chesildoesn’treallyhaveamaincentre.TherearefacilitiesatWestWeares,Portland;Ferrybridge;Moonfleet;AbbotsburyandBurtonBradstock.Swimming:bewaresteeplyshelvingshingle,strongcurrentsandtreacherousseas.Parking:ataccesspoints.Theinlandstripofwater,theFleet,wasusedasatestingplaceforBarnesWallis’sbouncingbombfortheDambusters’RaidduringWorldWarII.Pebblesaregradedfromeasttowest,biggestatthePortlandend.Shipwrecksurvivorsaresaidtohavebeenabletotellwheretheywerefromthesizeofthepebbles.Weymouth

Weymouthisanold-fashionedseasidetown.NiceGeorgianarchitecturealongtheseafrontbutlikealotofseasidetowns,it’sabitgrottyinpartswithburgerbarsandamusementarcadesthoughourkidslovethis.Usefulforshoppingthough(withalltheusualhighstreetstores)andamulti-screencinema.Theshinglebeachissurprisinglycleanandhasthepossibleadvantageofmoreseasideentertainments(beachsculptor,PunchandJudy,ahelter-skelter,swing-boats,stallsanddonkeyrides).Parkingnormallynottoomuchofaproblem.YoucouldgetthebusortraininfromUpwey.BowleazeCoveAstretchoffamily-orientedbeachtwomileswestofWeymouthofftheA353.Pebblybutsandexposedwhenthetidegoesout.Popularforwatersportswithitsownjet-skidesignatedarea.Thereisacafé,shopssellingsouvenirs,bucketsandspades,etc,andafamilypubonBowleazeCoveway,theroadrunningdowntothebay.Thereisalsoanamusementarcade,funfairandgo-cartingattheBeachsideLeisureCentre.

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Parking:youcanparkontheroadandthereisalsopaycarparking.RingsteadBay

Around700yardsofshinglebeachwithuncoveredsandoncethetidegoesout.Therearealsorockpoolsatthewesternendandanoffshorereefthatisuncoveredbythetide.Thebeachisoverlookedbyfarmlandandcliffs.Whereisit?AroundfivemileseastofWeymouth.ItisreachedbyanarrowlaneofftheA353nearthevillageofPoxwell(followingsignstoRingsteadBay).It’sabeautifuldriveasyoucomeoverthehillanddescenddowntowardsthebay.Localfacilities&shops:thereisashop(sellingice-creamsandbeachparaphernalia)andacaféinthecarpark50mfromthebeach.Swimmingissafewithanice,gentleslopedownintothesea.Parking:thereisaprivately-ownedcarpark(₤4)justupfromthebeachplusfreeparkingatSouthdown,theNationalTrust’slandatthetopofthecliff,along,steepwalkfromthebeach.Otherpointsofinterest:Ringsteadalsohasanudistbeach20minutes’walkeastofthemainbeachifthatticklesyourfancy!

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LulworthCoveandDurdleDoor

LulworthCoveisanalmostperfectlycircularbaywithpebbleshoresflankedbyhighcliffs,fivemilessouthofWoolofftheB3070/3071.TogettoityoudrivetoWestLulworthandthenfollowsignsdowntotheCove.Thereisapayanddisplaycarparkwhenyougettherewithampleparking.Fromthecarparkyoucaneitherwalkupthecliffpath(toDurdleDoor)ifyouwantsomeexerciseandstunningviewsoryoucanwalkdowntotheCove,passingacoupleofplacestoeatdownbythecove(fairlydecentpub-typegrubandseafood)andafewsouvenirshopsandcafés.AlternativelyyoucouldhavelunchatthepubinWestLulworth(theCastleInndoesdecentpubfoodandhasanicegardenattheback).SwimmingintheCoveissafeandtherearerockpoolstoexplorewhenthetidegoesout.Thewaterisbeautifullycleanandclear.Therearenormallyafewboatsbobbingaroundinthecove.ThetrulyspectacularDurdleDoorisjustnextdoor.It’sastunningnaturalmonumentandalwaysworththewalktoseeit.Theelderlymaystrugglehoweverwiththecliffstepsdowntothebeach.BraveDadscanimpressthekidsbyswimmingouttotheDooritself,climbingtherocksandjumpingoff.

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KimmeridgeBayWorld-renownedgeologicalsite.ThetermKimmeridgianisusedaroundtheworldtodescriberocksthesameagesasthoseatKimmeridge(around150millionyearsold).ThebayisadesignatedMarineNatureReserve.Togettoit,takeandB3075throughWarehamandfollowroadsignstoKimmeridge.Bestfeatures:althoughtherearenosandybeaches,theshelteredbayisgoodforswimming,divingandwindsurfing.Largeledgesactasnaturaljettiesforwanderingalongtoexploremarinewildlife.Itisoneofthebestplacesinthecountrytogorockpooling.DorsetWildlifeTrustrunsamarinecentrewhichisopeneverydayinsummer–01929481044.Localfacilitiesandshops:villageshopapproximately20minuteswalkaway.Anicecreamvanvisitsthroughoutthesummer.Forkids,themarinecentrehasdisplaysshowingthekindofwildlifetobefoundinthebayandorganiseschildren’sevents.Parking:spaceforapproximately1,000cars.Thelandispartofaprivatelyownedestateanditcosts£3toaccessthebayviaatollroad.SwanageAgoodthirtyminutedrive(atleast)fromUpweyistheseasidetownofSwanagewithalargesandybeachandtraditionalseasideattractions.ThebeachatSwanagehasagentlyshelvingsandyshoreandclearwaterandithaswonaEuropeanBlueFlagawardonmanyoccasions.StudlandBayJustaroundtheheadlandfromSwanageisStudlandBaywhichstretchesfor3milesandcomprisesShellBay,KnollBeach,MiddleBeachandSouthBeach.

TheyareallpopularsandybeachesownedbytheNationalTrust(whichalsorunstheNatureReserveatStudland).AmarkedsectionofKnollBeachisreservedfornudists.Fora

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funtripthere,andifyouarepreparedtowaitforit,getthecarferryacrossfromSandbanks.Don’tforgettowavetotheBeckhams!SandbanksisthelocationofthemostexpensiverealestateintheUK,andournation’ssecondmostimportantfamily(usedto)ownahomethere.Facilities:thereisashopandcaféatKnollBeachwherethefoodisprettygood.MiddleBeach,ShellBayandSouthBeachallhaveacafé.Thebeachesareallnice,finesand–greatforsandcastles.SanddunescanbeexploredviaasignpostedNationalTrusttrailandthereisawoodlandnaturetrail.

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PUBS,CAFESANDRESTAURANTSThereareawealthofgoodeateriesinWestDorsetespeciallyinDorchester,WeymouthandfurtherafieldinBridportandWestBay.Somerequirereservationsinbusyperiodssowedosuggesttelephoninginadvance.ThesearejustsomeofourfavouritesYalburyCottage,Dorchester(01305262382)-FineEnglishdiningwithbeautifulgardenTrinityBistro,Dorchester(01305757428)-BistrostylefoodwithanemphasisonexcellentlocalfishandseafoodBrewersArmsPub,Dorchester–ExcellentpubfoodinhomelysurroundingsTheLobsterPot,Portland(01305820242)–SeafoodandwonderfulcreamteaswithstunningviewsCrabHouseCafé,ChesilBeach(01305788867)–Exactlyhowitsoundswithbeautifulviewsoverlagoon.Theseafoodistrulyspectacular,arealfsea-oodie’sheavenHiveBeachCafé,BurtonBradstock–NationalTrustBeachandcaféwithamazingfreshseafoodinnon-fussyenvironment.Ourpersonalfavourite.OldHarbourFishandChips,Weymouth(01305833216)–Progressivestyleseafoodcaféonthebeach.KidscangocrabbingOldShipInn,Upwey(01305812522)–WarmambienceanddecentfoodandashortwalkfromUpweyHouseTheSmugglersInn,OsmingtonMills–Standardpubfarewithloadsofoutsidespaceandplayareaforkids.Truepirateambience.Greatwalksalongcoastbeforeorafter

TAKEAWAYSANDHOMEDELIVERIES

BennettsontheWaterfront(FishandChips)01305781237DominosPizza01305777757NiceandSpicy(Indian)01305839991GoldenBridge(Chinese)01305775577

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OTHERATTRACTIONSGolfThenearbygolfcourseofCameDown(www.camedowngolfclub.co.uk)isasurprisinglyexcellentlinks-stylecoursewhichhasbeenfeaturedinthe100GreatestGolfCoursesoftheUnitedKingdom.Likeanyreallinkscourse,itiswind-sweptandchallenging.Butvisitorsarealwayswelcomeoftenwithouthavingtoreserveteetimes.Historicalpointofinterestisthattheworld-famousRyderCupwasfirstconceivedatCameDown.CyclingExplorewhatDorsethastoofferonabike.YoucanhirepedalbikesfromJurassicTrailsCycleHireon01305836428.Ifyoufancysomethingalittlelesschallengingbutwithequallyinvigoratingviews,wehighlyrecommendtheelectricbiketoursoperatedallovertheareabywww.jurassic-electric.co.uk,telephonenumber07796135256HorseridingThereisanequestriancentreforridersofalllevelsatOsmingtonMills.CallRosewallEquestrianon01305833578WatersportsandsailingThereiswealthofopportunitytogetoutontheseainDorset,largelyinWeymouthandWestBay.Tryaribcharterwithviewsofthefamous‘Broadchurch”cliffsatWestBaywithLymeBayRibCharteron07971258515.IfyouwanttoturnyourhandtofishingorjustcruisingalongtheJurassiccoasttrywww.deepsea.co.uk.Manysailing,jetskiandwindsurfingcompaniesarebasedattheharbourWeymouth.WetweatheractivitiesDeepSeaAdventureCustomHouseQuay,OldHarbour.Weymouth,Tel08712225760.Indoorplay-centreandtouristattractionforchildrenofallages.Underwaterexplorationexhibits(includingTheTitanicExperience)andmarineexploits,pastandpresent.IncludesSharky’sPlay&PartyWarehouse(an‘all-weatheradventureplayground’)whichhasaplayareaforunder5’s(withballpools,slidesetc)andaseparateplayareaforolderkidsplusaLaserShootOutoptionforover8’s.Moreinformationatwww.deepsea-adventure.co.uk.BrewersQuayHopeSquare,Weymouth,Tel01305777622Oldbreweryredevelopedasa“shoppingvillagepackedwithspecialistshopsandattractions’includingchildren’sactivitiesinthe‘Children’sZone’whichfeaturesCraftyArty’sCastlewherekidscanstayforanhourorso(unaccompaniedifyouwant)for₤3.50andmakejustaboutanythingtheywant(aslongasyoupayfortheirmaterials).Moreinformationatwww.brewers-quay.co.uk.

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TeddyBearMuseum,SalisburyStreet,DorchesterTel01305266040www.teddbearhouse.co.ukThemuseumincludesTeddybearhouseanddisplaysantiqueandotherteddybearssuchasPaddington,RupertbearandWinniethePoohThomasHardyeLeisureCentreCoburgStreet,Dorchester,Tel01305266772Recentlyrefurbishedandimproved.25mswimmingpoolandkids’poolbuttheseareusedbythelocalschoolsandaccessmayberestrictedduringthedayintermtime.DorsetCountyMuseuminDorchester.Tel01305262735.World-famouscollectionsin14fascinatingdisplayroomswiththeaward-winningDorsetwriters’gallery.IncludesJurassiccoastgallerywhicheducatesaboutDorset’srealdinosaurs.TolpuddleMartyrsMuseum,Tolpuddlevillage.Tel01929848237.TellsthestoryofthesixagriculturalworkerstransportedtoAustraliain1834afterformingatradeunion.PalmersBrewery,BridportTel01308427500TakeatourofoneofthefewtraditionalbreweriesleftinBritainandsampletheales(Mon-Fri,fromApril),bookingnecessary..NotheFortWeymouthHarbour,Tel01305766626Arestoredhistoriccoastalfortwith70rooms,life-sizedummyfigures,replicaguns,equipment,models,photographs,specialeventsandundergroundpassgeways.TynehamVillage,IsleofPurbeckEvacuatedtomakewayformilitarypreparationsforWorldWarTwo,this“ghostvillage”isopenweekends10am-4pmandeverydayinhighsummerAbbotsburySubtropicalGardens,ChildrensFarmandSwanneryBullersWay,AbbotsburyDT34LATel01305871387AlanTitchmarshcallsthesubtropicalgardens‘oneofthefinestgardensIhaveevervisited”.IncludesSmugglersBarnsoftplayareaforkids,animalpettingfarmandswannery.

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TheUpweyWishingWellandTearooms,Upwey,DorsetInwalkingdistanceofthehouse(downthedriveandturnleftontoChurchStreet),theWishingWellisanaturalspringandsourceoftheRiverWey.Thoughttohavehealingproperties,traditionstatesthatvisitorsasfarbackastheearly20thCenturywoulddrinkthewaterandmakeawishbythrowingitbehindthemintothewell.Worthavisitforsomequietrelaxation,decentlunchesandteasattheonsiterestaurantandalsoworthcheckingoutTheGalleryatUpweyforsomelovelylocalartpieces.Hardy’sCottage(HigherBockhamptonnearDorchester)SmallcobandthatchcottagewherenovelistandpoetThomasHardywasbornin1840.Opendaily11am-5pm(exceptTues/Wed).01305262366.BovingtonTankMuseumVisitamassivecollectionofalmost300vehicles,coveringthecompleteevolutionofthetank.Tanksinactiondisplaysandarmouredvehiclerides.Opendaily,10am-5pm.01929405096.AthelhamptonHouseOutstandinghistorichouse,setinarchitecturalgardenswithhistoryfromHenryVIItoVictoria.Opendaily(notFriorSat)10am-5pmand10.30am-5pmMondays(Mar-Oct).01305848363.LulworthCastleAnearly17thcenturyformerhuntinglodgeinEastLulworthwhichwasguttedbyfirein1929,buthasbeenpartiallyrestoredandisopentothepublicSundaytoFriday(notSaturday)08454501054.Checktheirwebsiteatwww.lulworth.com,theyhaveplentyofeventsandspectaclestakingplacethroughouttheyear.