14 Devine Facts about Dorset

First published 23rd March 2020 Robin James

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Dorset is one of the UK’s most visually appealing counties! It’s a popular holiday destination for walkers and seaside enthusiasts alike.

There are thousands of things to explore and uncover here – and we’d wager that there may even be a few facts you’re unaware of! Here’s some fun facts about Dorset you might not know of.

1. There’s history in abundance.

One of the main reasons to visit Dorset lies in the Jurassic Coast. It’s a UNESCO world heritage site, and extends across 95 miles, county-wide!

2. There’s millions of years of coast to explore.

The Jurassic Coast is hugely popular thanks to its incredible, rugged history. Visitors can walk along cliffs and terrain dating back 185 million years!

3. It’s a big filming location.

The area is also famous for appearing in various TV shows and movies. One of the most famous TV shows filmed here in recent years is Broadchurch, an ITV crime drama.

Brownsea Castle, Poole Harbor, Dorset

4. You’ve also seen it in many a music video.

You may well have seen Dorset used as a backdrop in many music videos. Christmas hit ‘Saviour’s Day’, performed by Cliff Richard, had a breezy promo filmed near the cliffs. The iconic video for ‘Yellow’ by Coldplay was filmed in the area, too.

5. It’s free from major roads.

Dorset is one of very few counties in the UK which don’t have a motorway running through them. Therefore, it’s A-roads and local strips all the way!

6. The scouts started here.

Brownsea Island, near the town of Poole and its harbor, is the birthplace of Robert Baden-Powell’s scouting movement.

7. Dorset was a big inspiration for some beloved works of fiction.

Dorset has also provided plenty of inspiration for famous works of fiction. In particular, children’s author Enid Blyton was enamored with the area, inserting it into many of her legendary works.

8. Two big UK brands started here.

Dorset is also the birthplace of two big retail names. New Look, the popular fashion retailer, started life here in 1969, while Lush, the vegan soap and bathing shop, started up in 1995 over in Poole.

9. Millions flock to Bournemouth each year.

Bournemouth is perhaps Dorset’s most famous seaside resort. It’s one of the most popular seaside haunts in the UK as a whole, and over 2,000 ice creams are thought to get sold here each day!

View from the cliff top over Bournemouth beach

Bournemouth, Dorset

10. It’s a very sparse county.

There’s plenty of space. Dorset is only thought to host 197 people, on average, per kilometer.

11. The long and winding road…

Dorset is said to be the proud owner of the UK’s bendiest road. The winding, wobbling B3081 stretches for up to a mile, meaning it pays to be careful traveling down this route!

12. There’s a post box here older than anyone on the planet.

Howell, a tiny village in Dorset, has a world record. It’s home to the UK’s oldest post box! It dates back over 160 years – meaning it’s older than anyone living in the UK right now!

Weymouth Harbor, Dorset

13. UFO spotting is big out here!

Dorset is also supposedly home to the first UFO sighting in the UK. Believe it or not, we first started looking for little green men all the way back in 1733, where a sighting was claimed in and around the town of Fleet.

14. Dorset’s life expectancy is pretty impressive.

Dorset is a popular retirement resort. What’s interesting, however, is that people living in the county are thought to have an extended life expectancy of more than two years over the national average!

Portland Bill lighthouse

FAQs about Dorset

Is it expensive to live in Dorset?

Thanks to its fabulous coastline, Dorset is very appealing to settle down in - and while pay per annum may be high out here, house pricing and living costs are, too.