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Out & About

Out & About

Jurassic Coast Dorset

On your doorstep

Scenic walks directly from the cottage in the beautiful Dorset Countryside. Coastguards Retreat is within Chesil Bank and Fleet Nature Reserve where you can appreciate the abundant nature and wildlife. We have a included a selection of our favourite walks below.
Walks from Coastguards Retreat

15 Minute Drive

Hardy's Monument

Enjoy the spectacular views over the valley towards Coastguards Retreat from the monument. Picnic benches are available at the site and there are footpaths for short walks in the vicinity. Adjacent to the monument is The Black Down stone circle which is arranged for the midwinter and midsummer solstice. Go on a clear day to enjoy the views. DT2 9HY
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Old Harbour Weymouth

Visit the historic old harbour in Weymouth. Get fish and Chips from Bennetts at the Harbour and drive up to the carpark at Nothe Fort to eat them with amazing views of Portland Harbour. Fishing trips can be arranged from the Harbour. DT4 8BG
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Portland Bill and Verne High Angle Battery

Take a drive to the top of Portland and, stop off at the 2012 Olympics Monument to enjoy terrific views along Chesil Bank. You can see Coastguards Retreat from there and (even better if you take the binoculars). DT5 2EN. Afterwards drive to Portland Bill lighthouse and take in the rugged coastline.
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Abbotsbury Swannery

Help Feed the swans at the historic Swannery. Open daily with feeding 12-4. DT3 4JG. Take a walk to St Catherine’s Chapel on the hill afterwards.
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Dansel Gallery

Wood carving and crafts by local artists.
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Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

With over 30 acres, the Subtropical Gardens are home to over 6000 species from across the world. Described as a ‘Plantman’s Garden’, this world renowned paradise is unique and nestled on the edge of the Dorset Jurassic Coast.
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30 Minute Drive

Cerne Giant

Local folklore associates the Cerne Giant with fertility. Irrespective of whether you plan to conceive, the Giant is well worth a visit for its idyllic location and the picturesque village alongside. DT2 7AL
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Bridport - Historic Market Town

Markets on Wednesday and Saturday. Turn left out of village and turn left in Rodden towards Swannery and Abbotsbury. Lovely scenery. Suggest calling in West Bay outside Bridport for a walk around the old harbour and perhaps a visit to one of the many trendy cafes along the waterfront.

Symondsbury Estate

Take a walk through idyllic old sunken way at Shute’s Lane and find lots of trails in the estate. DT6 6HF

Durdle Door & Lulworth Cove

Visit the famous beach at Lulworth and take in the majestic Durdle Door. Suggest arriving early to avoid the crowds.
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Eype Beach

Gentle sloping beach. Good for swimming. DT6 6AL

Golden Cap

Walk up Golden cap. Arguably the highest point on the south coast. If you look down the coastline to the West from Coastguards Retreat, you can see Golden Cap (it often creates clouds above it due to the onshore sea breeze being forced up). DT6 6JX

Mapperton House

Glorious Jacobean manor overlooking large Italianate garden, with orangery, fountains, statues, herbaceous borders, bold topiary and grottoes. Licensed café onsite for refreshments. Closed Fri, Sat and some Thursdays. Free parking onsite. DT8 3NR

Furleigh Estate

Local wine producer offering tours and tastings. Great wines worth stocking up on to remind you of your break on the Jurassic Coast. DT6 5JF’.
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Further afield

Bovington Tank Museum.

300 military machines from around the world. 40 minute drive from Coastguards Retreat. BH20 6JG

Fleet Air Arm Museum – Yeovilton

BA22 8HT

Gold Hill, Shaftsbury.

Made famous by the Hovis adverts! 1 hour drive. SP7 8HB

Lyme-Regis

45 minute drive

Food & Wine

Weymouth Fresh Fish

Nigel is a local fisherman who specialises in line-caught bass and other species. He also has pots for lobster and crab. Message him while he is out fishing and you can find out what is being caught. Meet him when the boat returns to the Harbour for the freshest possible fish.
https://www.weymouthfreshfish.co.uk

Weyfish

Fishmongers in Weymouth Old Harbour. Free local delivery.
https://www.weymouthfreshfish.co.uk

Brace of Butchers

High end butcher in Poundbury. Meat boxes or bespoke orders with free local delivery.
https://www.braceofbutchers.co.uk/

Weymouth Cider

Treat yourself to some local cider and maybe indulge in 20l bib. Order by Wednesday for Free local delivery on a Friday:
https://www.cidersupermarket.co.uk

Sgt Bun Bakery

Fresh bread and cakes daily. Closest bakery to Coastguards Retreat. Open 0800-1300. 1 Lanehouse Rocks Rd, Weymouth DT4 9DQ

Framptons of Bridport 

A traditional independent family butchers. DT63LF

The Old Mill Vending Shop – Portesham

Supplies fresh milk, milkshakes etc.

 

Restaurants

Rockfish Weymouth

London quality fish restaurant on the prommenade

Hive Beach Café

Seafood right on the beach.

Bennett’s Fish & Chips Weymouth

You normally don’t need to queue when eating in (don’t end up in the queue for takeaway but go straight in and enquire)

The Abbey House Abbotsbury

Walk there from the cottage and enjoy a lovely lunch in the garden

Catch at The Old Fish Market, Weymouth

Located in the old fish market in Weymouth Harbour. Michelin standard food.

Cactus Tearooms Weymouth

Rossi’s Ices Weymouth

Finca cafes

Locations in Dorchester, Poundbury and Weymouth