South Coast Connections

As the map pointers can all too easily become misplaced whilst editing our Great Places Map, as we sometimes need to use multiple pointers to display businesses which offer more than one service from the same location, and as some businesses keep their locations private to guard their commercial secrets, we cannot guarantee that ALL of the locations on our map are precise, so it is up to you to double-check all locations, directions, opening hours and availability, but if you do spot any errors on our map or within our website, please do let us know.

 

Dorset is a very safe and pleasant place to live or to visit and as of January to mid-March 2016, it has the lowest crime rate in the UK.

Dorset has its own famous subtropical microclimate and there are pockets of glorious weather all along the coast, particularly around Bournemouth, the Fleet and Abbotsbury, which is ideal for wildlife and for our many visitors, who want to enjoy a pleasant stay! 

B.heard, a values-comparison platform, judged England’s counties on “essential services” including the quality of schools, crime data and number of people in poverty, and it found that Dorset is the best place to live in England!

 

Much of Dorset is either a designated AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), or a UNESCO World Heritage site. It's very beautiful but it's also pro'er wild out there so please do stick to dedicated public footpaths and DO check if there have been any new route changes to the South West Coast Path, as the coastline is unstable, especially since the  widespread flooding which took place in the Westcountry in recent years, leaving the land saturated with water.

 

"Our coastline can be “very unpredictable as it is geologically active.” Lyme Regis Coastguards, March 2016.

 

"The South West Coast Path owes its unique character to natural processes. Our coastline would not look so beautiful and dramatic if it wasn't for cliff and beach erosion. The downside is that sometimes cliff falls or landslips close sections of the Coast Path resulting in temporary inland diversions, which can occasionally be quite lengthy, being needed. In these instances, always follow signing and information on the ground. We are also constantly looking for opportunities to improve the route in the few places where it is not as good as it could be. Recent changes that may not be in your guidebook or shown on your map are listed below. Whilst this page is kept up to date, if you want to be alerted to any updates, please follow our Route Changes page on Facebook."

from: www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk

 

And so, as locals and for your own safety, we recommend that you:

• If you itend to explore the coast and countryside, buy a relevant map or download a map to use offline, then, you will still be able to use geolocation on your smartphone to obtain directions via Google Maps.

• Keep right away from all cliffs, do not go near the edge nor the foot of cliffs due to regular mudslides, landslips and falling rocks.

• Register with the 999 Emergency SMS Service before you set off as mobile signal is patchy away from the main towns and small data packets such as text messages are more likely to get through. 

• Do not enter private land as you could damage precious crops or disturb animals. Remember that cows kill a lot more people than sharks!

• Adhere to all warning signs, especially around live firing ranges, here is the Lulworth Range walks and Tyneham village opening times.

• Find out about the beach you are going to before you visit: Read the signs and know which flags mean it is safe to swim in the sea, steer clear of the currents, watch out for large waves and know the local tide times so that you do not get cut off by the rising sea.

• The tides and currents around Portland (except the inner harbour) and across Chesil Beach ARE very strong, be aware that waves can suddenly and easily drag you in, so allowing children to even paddle unsupervised there is not recommended.

• Nearby Weymouth Beach is very shallow, as are MANY of our beautiful beaches all along the coast, many of which have trained lifeguards in attendance, so please go to one of these if you intend to get into the sea but you are not a strong open-water swimmer. 

• Don't swim alone, beware of strong tides & currents and swim parallel the beach rather than out to sea.

• The RNLI say: "British and Irish waters are dangerously unpredictable ,over 200 people accidentally die each year around our coast and we want to change this. We still want you to enjoy the water, but we also want you to Respect the Water, acknowledge its dangers and never underestimate its power. The water might look inviting, but there are hidden dangers that can be fatal if not respected." They focus on three main risks that catch people out:

• Cold water shock can steal the air from your lungs and leave you helpless. You may freeze up but don't panic and your body will relax again within a minute, giving you the opportunity to get back to safety.

• The water can be unpredictable, with waves, tides and hidden currents that can drag you out to sea in seconds.

• Around half the people who drown never expected to get wet - many get caught out by unexpected slips, trips and falls into the water, and sadly, many people die in ain trying to help others. Take note of the location of the orange lifeguard throwrings which are dotted around the coast or invest in a modern lifejacket, which are incredibly compact and wearable.

• If you intend to see and feel nature unleash herself and storm-watch or storm-chase, do so from a safe distance, especially of you take children with you. Do not get too close too the water's edge during a storm unless you want to get dragged away by a surge.

• See our 'About Dorset' or our 'Dorset Beaches & Waterside' pages for more information, such as links to the South West Coast Path National Trail.​ 

• Read the Canoeing in Poole Harbour Guide if you are unfamiliar with the area.

 

"Help keep the kids safe on the beach this Summer – sign them up for a free Swim Safe session with the RNLI and the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA). ​Swim Safe is a fun and interactive session with RNLI lifeguards and ASA swimming instructors, and the programme is aimed at 7–14-year-olds who can swim a minimum of 25 metres. Each session consists of a 10-minute talk with the lifeguards, followed by 30 minutes of in-water tuition from the swimming instructors. A recent ASA study found that one in five parents won’t allow their children to swim in the sea, as they feel it’s too dangerous. At the RNLI, we respect the power of the sea, but we believe it’s perfectly possible to enjoy the water safely. Most children learn to swim in an indoor pool, which is a safe and familiar environment. This programme will give them the opportunity to test and improve their swimming ability in a different environment."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please keep safe out there and remember that this website is solely intended to be a useful modern guide and marketplace where people can easily find interesting things to see and do in this lovely area, at their own risk and we cannot be held liable for any losses incurred from anyone using this website, our Great Places Map, our vouchers or promotions nor through any of our social media posts or any other related pages, nor for any losses incurred through using any advertiser or any other third parties' goods, services, premises or websites. Your statutory rights remain unaffected.

 

As with most offers and promotions, all offers are subject to change without prior notice as they can be limited by variables such as stock, inclement weather or availability, so do please book in advance or contact the advertiser or featured party directly for updates before setting out any long journeys.

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Visit Dorset brochures & guides (in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian & Spanish)

Dorset cycling routes and maps

Dorset walking routes, trails & free guided walks 

South Dorset Ridgeway soundscape app

Dorset horseriding trails​

South West Coast Path National Trail