Get ready for an adventure through the most beautiful villages in Dorset! These places look like they’ve just popped out of a storybook, with charming cottages, beautiful gardens, and fascinating history.
Whether you love nature, old buildings, or just discovering new places, these villages have something special for everyone. From the coastal beauty of Worth Matravers to the historic charm of Cerne Abbas, each village is a gem waiting to be explored.
Let’s dive in and discover the 11 prettiest villages in Dorset that you simply must at least once in your lifetime!
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Worth Matravers
Worth Matravers is a beautiful little village in Dorset made from local limestone. You’ll see pretty cottages and a village green with a duck pond as its focal point. It literally looks like something you’d see on a postcard. Just west of Swanage, this village is near the South West Coast Path, which offers stunning views of the cliffs on the UNESCO Jurassic Coast.
I recommend going to Winspit Quarry and Chapman Pool, as they are only a short walk away and are really worth checking out.
And once you’ve been out exploring the local area, if you fancy a drink after, then don’t forget to stop by the Square and Compass pub, a favourite since 1776. The pub even has its own museum!
Briantspuddle
Check out Briantspuddle, an award-winning village in Dorset’s Piddle Valley. When you walk through its charming streets, you’ll see old thatched-roof cottages that capture the essence of traditional English countryside living. Recently, it won the “Best Small Village” award at the Dorset Village Awards.
Visiting here feels like you’ve gone back in time, with a slower pace and beautiful nature all around. Enjoy the Arts and Crafts houses and the peaceful atmosphere of this lovely village.
Studland
Studland is a little village known for its unspoilt beaches and nature reserve. It’s also the perfect place to start your walk to the famous Old Harry Rocks.
There’s a traditional 16th-century pub called the Bankes Arms Inn, which has one of the best beer gardens in Dorset in terms of the view. You can even visit the nudist beach for a dip, which is a short walk away if that’s your thing :-).
Cerne Abbas
Cerne Abbas is a lovely village in Dorset’s rolling hills. Have a walk along its picturesque streets, historic buildings and thatched cottages.
At the village’s centre stands Cerne Abbey, rich with history and fascinating tales dating back over a thousand years. A short walk takes you to St Augustine’s Well, a mysterious place perfect for making a wish.
Don’t miss the Cerne Abbas Giant, a large figure on the hillside, also with a large, well, how do I say it, phallus! For a great view, hike to a spot overlooking this landmark. Cerne Abbas is a piece of English heritage in one delightful village.
Upwey
In the beautiful Weymouth countryside, you’ll find Upwey, a charming village with a cosy feel. It’s also home to the Upwey Wishing Well, a delightful tea room surrounded by serene water gardens. Here, you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and make a wish at the legendary wishing well.
And be sure to visit St Lawrence Church, a beautiful historic church dating back to the 13th century.
Recommended Post: Explore the charm of Upwey Wishing Well (Dorset’s best tea room)
Milton Abbas
Milton Abbas is in the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You can walk down the main village street lined with charming thatched cottages from the 18th century. It’s a place where you can unwind, enjoy the fresh air, and feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Don’t miss the Milton Abbas Street Fair if you have the chance. Held only every two years, it’s a vibrant event featuring arts, crafts, and local food. The village truly comes alive; the residents even get dressed in period costumes. It’s really fun!
Surrounded by nearby hills and woodlands, it’s the perfect place to find a quiet spot and soak up the Dorset countryside. Milton Abbas truly is a slice of rural heaven
Osmington
Osmington is a hidden gem in Dorset, just six miles from Weymouth. Picture stone cottages and bright gardens along narrow lanes.
There’s also the White Horse, a hill figure cut into the limestone of Osmington Hill just north of Weymouth in Dorset in 1808. This striking figure depicts King George III riding his horse and is visible from miles away.
Shaftesbury
Shaftesbury, which is not technically a village, is so pretty it needed to be included on this list. It has the well-known cobbled streets of Gold Hill, famous for the classic Hovis advert.
The views across the Blackmore Vale are stunning, especially at sunrise or sunset.
You can explore the remains of Shaftesbury Abbey, established by King Alfred the Great. Enjoy the local shops, unique crafts, and cosy cafés with traditional Dorset food. Make sure to have a walk around the town’s quaint alleyways, a big part of Shaftesbury’s character.
💡 Related post: If Shaftesbury appeals to you, experience life on Gold Hill with a stay in this delightful cottage.
Kimmeridge
Kimmeridge is a coastal hamlet in Dorset with stunning views and unique geological features. Kimmeridge Bay is great for fossil hunting or enjoying the pebbled beach. The clear waters are perfect for snorkelling. You can also take a walk up to Clavell Tower for panoramic views and to capture a photo of this distinctive cliffside tower.
For a relaxing meal and a pint, visit Clavell’s Restaurant, which features a peaceful beer garden. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a sunny day and reflect on the beauty of the Jurassic Coast.
Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle feels like stepping back in time, with not a single modern building in sight. The streets are lined with ancient cottages made of grey Purbeck limestone, creating a perfect snapshot of old England in the present. A visit to the National Trust’s Corfe Castle is a must, and don’t miss the miniature Corfe Castle village with its beautiful gardens, offering a glimpse of the castle’s historical appearance.
For a pub garden lunch, I recommend The Greyhound Inn, where the views of Corfe Castle in the background are spectacular—perfect for an Instagram pic!
Recommended Post: Check out the 1/20th scale model of Corfe Castle and the village as it was in 1646.
West Lulworth Village, on the Jurassic Coast, has classic thatched cottages and scenic views leading down to the renowned Lulworth Cove.
It gets busy in the summer with visitors exploring the Dorset coastline, but in the winter, the village is peaceful, perfect for enjoying its quiet beauty. Snap a picture on Main Road – it’s especially pretty and captures Dorset’s charm.
Abbotsbury
Abbotsbury is a charming village, offering visitors a perfect blend of history and natural beauty. This picturesque spot is renowned for its Swannery, where you can see over 600 mute swans in their natural habitat.
Traditional and free from today’s built-up towns, Abbotsbury is quaint and pretty. With its thatched cottages, narrow streets, beautiful ponds and landscapes, it’s a great place to visit.
For those who enjoy exploring, the Subtropical Gardens are a must-visit. And if you’re up for a short hike, make your way up to St. Catherine’s Chapel for some truly spectacular views over the village and Chesil Beach.
With its mix of attractions and quintessential Dorset charm, Abbotsbury is definitely worthy of a spot on our list of prettiest villages in the county.
If you like the look of this village, then check out these 11 incredible reasons you’ll fall in love with Abbotsbury, Dorset
