Dorset really is a holiday destination suitable for all ages, tastes & budgets.

From the vibrant coastal hotspots of Bournemouth and Boscombe to name but a few, on to the historic County Town of Dorchester itself and out into the secluded villages and hamlets of the countryside. Like the rolling terrain, the variety of leisure facilities and outdoor activities in Dorset will ensure all visitor expectations are exceeded.

Said by some to be “The Best of Both Worlds” with low-lying heath lands in the East following the contours of rivers and streams through villages and market towns, across to the lush grazing and towering woodland in the West. Not forgetting the splendid Dorset Coast of roughly 143 kilometres (that’s just shy of 88 miles) stretching from Lyme Regis to Christchurch offering a smorgasbord of some of the finest beaches to be found in Britain.

Often described as one of the premier beaches in the UK, the 7 mile stretch of Bournemouth Beach is consistently winning awards for safety, cleanliness and quality. Bournemouth has been the original centre of entertainment and culture on the South Coast since Victorian times (it was in the late 1800’s that the area became popular with artists and writers), and they show no signs of letting up now. The vibrant town centre backs onto award winning gardens and offers a vast range of mainstream and boutique retail stores, peppered with quality restaurants, bars and funky cafés.

Ten minutes drive from the centre of Bournemouth, regeneration is in full swing with the restoration of Boscombe Gardens and Boscombe Pier, providing new beach huts, shops, restaurants, enhancing the original stunning views, along with the creation of the eagerly awaited Boscombe Surf Reef – the first artificial surf in Europe, built to increase the quality and quantity of surfing days available.

A short drive away is Poole, another area famed for the quality of its beaches and laying claim to being the second largest natural harbour in the world. The historic Old Town still contains buildings dating back from medieval times. Other places to visit whilst there include the Dolphin Shopping Centre (Dorset’s largest shopping centre), Brownsea Island, Compton Acres gardens and the Lighthouse arts centre.

Sandbanks in Poole has the most expensive real estate in Europe. The small peninsular of Sandbanks is widely considered to have one of the finest beaches in the UK, another popular attraction is the Sandbanks Ferry running since 1926 across to Studland, home of Old Harry Rocks.

Due to such acclaim for all things aquatic, it is no surprise that Weymouth and Portland are to be hosting the Sailing events of the 2012 Olympics and the Paralympic Games, especially when the surrounding waters have been hailed by some as the foremost in Northern Europe.

Moving away from the sea, there is so much more left to explore. Dorchester, the County Town of Dorset is 8 miles North of Weymouth and bursting with activities for the entire family. The Roman Town, Maiden Castle, the site of the Tolpuddle Martyrs trials and many more historical mysteries (both beautiful and brutal) brush shoulders with over 400 other businesses and attractions from retail therapy to live music and theatre.

Nearby attractions that are a must on your visit include Cerne Abbas - home of The Giant, the village of Stinsford – resting place of Thomas Hardy’s heart (his body stayed in London), Clouds Hill cottage near Wareham – former home to T.E Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia and Bovington Camp Tank Museum. Slightly further out onto the Purbecks, but equally un-missable is Corfe Castle, situated between Swanage and Wareham, also just outside Wareham is the C15th Lulworth Castle.

Now, whilst not technically within Dorset, you cannot stay so close to the New Forest without stopping for a visit. At 140,900 acres, the opportunity for cycling, horse-riding, walking and less exhausting activities such as picnic-ing and painting are endless.

Up on the northern edge of rural Dorset is Shaftesbury, one of the oldest towns in the Blackmoor Vale. Steeped in history, the rural charm of yester-year is epitomised by locations such as Gold Hill (most famous for its use in the Hovis adverts). Other notable attractions include Shaftesbury Abbey and Museum, Compton Abbas Airfield; which boasts panoramic views of the surrounding countryside - designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the nearby Wardour Castle.

Shaftesbury also has a market day on Thursdays with a Farmers market every first Saturday of the month. After a busy days browsing, take a stroll along Park Walk where you can sit, relax and admire the extensive views across Dorset's Blackmoor Vale.

Whilst in North Dorset, explore the affluent market town of Sherborne. Wander down Cheap Street and delve into the unique array of shops and produce, a market is held every Thursday and Saturday, adding to the eclectic exhibition of gifts and wares. It is also said to be developing into an area of importance within the realms of Art and Antique dealers. Located close to the Somerset border, this ancient town is home to the historical Sherborne Abbey and not one Sherborne Castle, but two. (That’s a great one for the kids; tell them if they don’t behave for the first Castle, you’ll propel them round the second one as well).

The award-winning heritage coast, thriving towns, picturesque villages and extensive countryside make Dorset a destination capable of captivating any visitor. From couples to families and groups, activities and destinations abound.

Doubtless, both the rural retreats and charismatic coastlines of Dorset are well worth exploring whether you are into camping or delight in tormenting the Jeremy Clarkson’s of this world from a caravan.

Perhaps you prefer the creature comforts of a homely Dorset B&B or crave the solitude and independence of your own Dorset self-catering cottage.

Alternatively, why not push your hire boat out with a luxurious hotel or even a stately Country Home.