Click on a city, town or village on the map to view holiday accommodation in that place and the surrounding area. Or to view all listed places in this area, click here.
	County Town: Dorchester County Population: 680,000 (estimate)
	Dorset is bordered in the south by the English Channel and its attractive limestone cliffs. Poole Harbour, near the eastern border with Hampshire, is one of the world's largest natural harbours. The extensive low-lying heathlands of the east contrast with the North and South Dorset Downs, which in places reach heights of 275 m (900 ft).
	After more than two centuries of fighting with the Danes, during the 7th century Dorset became part of the Saxon Kingdom of Wessex. The County suffered greatly during the Norman Conquest, with the devastation of Wareham and pillage of Dorchester, Bridport, and Shaftesbury.
	Although the Norman Kings owned many manors and hunting grounds in the county, for almost 500 years the Church controlled the wealth and power in Dorset, with Shaftesbury, Cerne, and Milton abbeys being particularly rich.
	Now primarily an agricultural county, Dorset industries prospered during the Middle Ages with the production of woollen cloth.
	By clicking on an icon below, you can return to the home page, request help or move to the top of this page respectively.