Best places to live in Dorset

Published Apr 17, 2024

7 mins read

If you are considering a move to the South West, discover the best places to live in Dorset, from coastal havens to delightful towns and villages, the county has much to offer.

Amid beautiful countryside, with its postcard-worthy beaches, vibrant towns, charming villages, and rolling hills, Dorset has long been regarded as one of England’s most picturesque and coveted counties. This west country gem continues to enchant newcomers and long-time residents alike with its enviable quality of life, rich history and culture, and an array of stunning landscapes.

In this article, we explore just some of the best places to live in Dorset.

Sherborne

The market town of Sherborne is characterised by honey-coloured buildings and the magnificent Abbey. Properties range from period stone cottages to graceful Georgian townhouses.

The town centre provides ample amenities with independent boutiques, cafes, and a twice-weekly market. Pageant Gardens and surrounding Castleton offer room to stretch your legs. The nearby Sherborne Lake and River Yeo provide pleasant walks in nature.

Several schools are located centrally, with well-regarded primary schools and the Gryphon School for secondary level. Plus, the prestigious independent schools Sherborne School for Boys and Sherborne Girls’ School. Trains provide easy access to London and Exeter.

Beaminster

Next on our best places to live in Dorset list is Beaminster. Sitting amid the breathtaking Dorset Downs, the small town of Beaminster blends captivating scenery with village charm. A variety of homes are available, from slate-tiled stone cottages to more modern family homes offering extra space.

Beaminster’s town square offers a range of conveniences including butchers, bakers, grocers, pubs, and restaurants (The Ollerod is a favourite with locals), while its independent boutiques attract shoppers.

The surrounding countryside offers plenty of opportunity for walking trails along the hills and valleys.

Educational needs are served by quality schools in the town such as Beaminster St Mary’s Academy at primary level and Beaminster School fulfilling secondary needs. The coast is easily accessible by car for seaside outings to West Bay, Lyme Regis, and beyond.

Lyme Regis

With its world-renowned Jurassic Coast shoreline and tranquil seaside setting, the coastal town of Lyme Regis is easy on the eye. Set along the picturesque Cobb harbour there is a range of housing to suit all.

There are local shops and acclaimed eateries on Broad Street, such as Lilac Restaurant & Wine Bar, while marine stores cater to sailing and watersports enthusiasts. Beyond that, the beach, cliffs, and surrounding countryside offer no shortage of scenic routes to explore.

Highly rated schools include The Woodroffe School, St Michael’s Primary School, and nearby Colyton Grammar which is just over the border in Devon. Direct trains from Axminster provide easy links to Exeter.

Bridport

Combining a rich history as a rope-making centre with a thriving artistic community, the market town of Bridport exudes creativity and culture. The heart of town contains a variety of Tudor, Georgian, and Victorian-era homes, while the outskirts hold more contemporary properties.

Bridport’s twice-weekly street markets and numerous cafés lend small-town charm, while its indie boutiques and vintage wares appeal to art lovers. Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of the nearby rolling hills and coastline, including popular West Bay Beach, and walks along the cliffs.

Bridport Primary School, Sir John Colfox Academy, and numerous other options in and surrounding Bridport provide quality education to children of all ages.

Canford Cliffs

The village of Canford Cliffs is a suburb of Poole located midway between Poole and Bournemouth along some of Dorset’s most stunning coastline. Canford Cliffs offers elegance and exclusivity with majestic mansions and luxury modern homes lining the clifftops, overlooking sandy beaches and the English Channel. It is little wonder that it is considered one of the best places to live in Dorset.

Properties range from large, detached homes with manicured gardens to sleek designer houses with state-of-the-art amenities. The village high street contains a selection of upmarket boutiques, independent shops, and quality dining options. Nearby Branksome Dene Chine and Sandbanks Beach provide pleasant parks and sandy shores to enjoy.

Excellent transportation links include direct trains from Poole and Bournemouth into London Waterloo in a little over two-and-a-half hours. Educationally, there are many options in the vicinity plus prestigious schools such as Canford School and Dumpton. For anyone desiring a refined coastal lifestyle, the splendour of Canford Cliffs checks all the boxes.

Branksome Park

Branksome Park is an affluent suburb of Poole which covers approximately 360 acres. Being a conservation area it is governed by strict guidelines to ensure that its character is maintained. Plot sizes are generally around three-quarters of an acre or larger resulting in impressive detached houses that can be glimpsed through wooded gardens with a sylvan character.

The award-winning Branksome Dene Chine provides lovely parkland to roam and leads to the beautiful beaches of Poole.

You can enjoy a meal at the Rockwater Branksome and take advantage of the views. Travel is more than convenient, thanks to fast train services in nearby Parkstone that allow direct travel into London and the South West.

Esteemed schools such as Talbot Heath and Bournemouth Collegiate School cater to families, while the highly regarded Dumpton School provides globally ranked education for ages 2 to 13. With plenty of opportunities to relish coastal and country pursuits, Branksome Park provides an elite suburban lifestyle for discerning residents.

Wareham

Perfectly positioned between Dorset’s idyllic coastline and pastoral countryside, the Saxon-walled market town of Wareham brims with history. From Victorian terraces on tree-lined streets to modern family homes bordering heathland, properties suit all interests.

A variety of high street and independent shops are in the town along with lively cafés and an array of quality restaurants and welcoming pubs. Well-rated schools include Wareham St Mary Primary School and The Purbeck School for older students.

With a mainline station and access to vital roads like the A351 and A352, Wareham provides a gateway to seaside towns like Swanage and Corfe Castle as well as destinations deeper into the Dorset heritage coast and New Forest National Park.

Wimborne

Offering the perfect blend of tradition and modern-day convenience, the market town of Wimborne is among the best places to live in Dorset. The town showcases rows of cottage shops and pubs along its mediaeval streets while also catering to 21st-century lifestyles.

A variety of homes, from stone terraced houses dating to the 1600s to new builds on the town’s outskirts, suit all space and budget needs for singles or families. The town centre provides all essential shops and services, while youth sports clubs and mature gardens offer recreational and socialising opportunities.

Numerous schools for nursery through secondary education are highly regarded. Quick access to dual carriageways like the A31 keeps Wimborne well connected. From the 12th century Minster dominating its central square to emerging suburbs like Merley, Wimborne fuses old-world and contemporary living.

Shaftesbury

Perched on a ridge overlooking Blackmore Vale, the peaceful hilltop town of Shaftesbury remains rich in beauty and history. Cobbled lanes and cottages with mullion windows characterise old town neighbourhoods.

The historical high street contains pubs, delis, coffeehouses, and boutiques for convenience. Well-regarded schools include Abbey C of E VA Primary School and Shaftesbury School for secondary education. With the A350 North within easy reach and Gillingham Station only minutes away, it’s simple to travel in and out of this scenic market town.

Christchurch

Sitting pretty at the confluence of the Stour and Avon rivers, historic Christchurch blends its priory town legacy with spectacular harbour and coastal views. Elegant Georgian townhouses dot the streets around the Norman-era cathedral, while contemporary riverside apartments enjoy scenic views of Hengistbury Head and the English Channel.

The high street offers bustling shops and eateries at your doorstep, while Hengistbury Head, Mudeford Sandspit, and Stanpit Marsh are perfect for peaceful walks. Excellent schools such as Twynham Primary and Highcliffe School provide quality education.

With direct rail services into London and Bournemouth only 15 minutes away, Christchurch extends scenic small-town living with big-city links.

Dorchester

As the historic county town of Dorset, Dorchester provides the perfect combination of cultural riches and essential modern needs. Historical properties, reflecting Georgian and Victorian architectures are complemented by contemporary housing developments, offering modern amenities and sustainable living options.

Poundbury, on the western outskirts of the city, is an experimental urban extension led by the Duchy of Cornwall, with the keen endorsement of King Charles III. An abundance of shops and eateries fill South Street and Brewery Square.

Nearby in the hamlet of Lower Bockhampton, Yalbury Cottage Restaurant is a favourite for many and is a stone’s throw from Thomas Hardy’s birthplace. Dorchester’s nature also pleases, with parks and the river walks. A plethora of excellent schools including Thomas Hardye School serve the community.

Well-connected to major transportation routes, Dorchester provides easy access to the Jurassic Coast while retaining its market town roots. History buffs revel in centuries past around spots like Maiden Castle and the Roman Townhouse, while festivals and events at Brewery Square mean entertainment is never far away.

Whether you crave old-world character or sleek new living, Dorchester is a perennial Dorset destination and is deservedly considered one of the best places to live in Dorset.

Beautiful villages in Dorset

Some of the best places to live in Dorset can be found among the county’s many villages. Hinton St Mary in North Dorset and Cranborne in East Dorset are charming locations steeped in history. The picturesque villages of Netherbury and Abbotsbury in South West Dorset benefit from their proximity to the market town of Bridport.

Also among the lush hills of West Dorset are the delightful villages of Powerstock and Yetminster. Yetminster has its own railway station providing services to Weymouth and Bristol. In Central Dorset lays Evershot, famous for its connection with the novelist Thomas Hardy, and the Piddle Valley known for the River Piddle that meanders through its villages; Alton Pancras, Piddletrenthide, and Piddlehinton.

Corfe Castle situated on the Isle of Purbeck is not just a village but a gateway to the past, with the dramatic ruins of its namesake castle dominating the skyline. And close to the Dorset-Wiltshire border Farnham is a quaint village that is part of the Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

These villages each have their own unique characteristics and attractions, making them delightful places to reside.