Dorset is one of the most beautiful parts of the UK. Its spectacular coastlines and countryside views make it one of the most popular destinations for holidaymakers. But did you know that it is also a hub of culture, too? When you embark on a Dorset Hideaways break, there are endless possibilities for things to do during your visit and if its culture youre after, then youve made a good choice in Dorset. Take a look at our guide to Dorset culture and book your stay in one of our beautifulDorset cottagestoday.
Art
Dorset is packed with some amazing art galleries that offer visitors the chance to discover some unique and exciting artists. Some of the most popular areas to experience art in Dorset include: Sculpture by the Lakes, Dorchester Think of Sculpture by the Lakes as a sort of outdoor gallery you can walk around. Spanning 26 acres, the grounds offer some gorgeous countryside views, nature and a range of sculptures created by artist Simon Gudgeon. A break from traditional art galleries, Sculpture by the Lakes makes a wonderful day out for art lovers and novices alike. Walford Mill Crafts, Wimborne If youre a fan of crafts, youll love this chic and contemporary gallery in Wimborne. Showcasing the work of both local and national makers, the gallery is home to various exhibitions throughout the year as well as offering different workshops for both adults and children. The gallery shop is well worth a browse, offering high-quality, beautiful crafts for you to take home to remind you of your Dorset visit. Bridport Arts Centre, Bridport Bridport Arts Centre offers a number of gallery spaces which are home to various art exhibitions throughout the year. The Allsop Gallery is the main exhibition space which can feature exhibitions covering a range of subjects from paintings and sculpture to photography and mixed media. The Bridport Arts Centre offers free entry to visitors, making it an excellent day out as part of your stay, while the caf is also highly recommended as a place to enjoy tea and cake or a spot of lunch.
Museums
Dorset culture wouldnt be complete without an impressive list of museums. Covering a range of subjects, there are museums to suit all interests. Many are housed within stunning buildings that are worth the trip to admire the architecture alone. Some of the must-see Dorset museums are based in beautiful Dorchester, featuring some great attractions which include: Dorset County Museum, Dorchester Dorset County Museum is an independent museum offering various permanent exhibitions as well as some visiting exhibits. Dorset is known for its archaeological discoveries along the Jurassic Coast and this is often reflected in the exhibitions taking place at the museum. There are some great exhibits for children and adults that make it an entertaining day out for the whole family. From February to May 2018, Dorset County Museum will be home to Dippy the Dinosaur as one of the chosen venues to host the iconic National History Museum's most famous resident. The Teddy Bear Museum, Dorchester You wont be able to resist the charm of this fantastic museum which celebrates the history of every childs favourite toy, the teddy bear. Celebrating over 100 years of teddy bears, there are many famous bears on display throughout this incredible museum. Discover some of the oldest teddy bears as well as popular faces from film and TV and enjoy learning more about the fascinating story of the teddy bear. This is one museum that will be sure to delight people of all ages and is well worth a visit during your holiday. The Dinosaur Museum, Dorchester Its no surprise that Dorset is home to the famous Dinosaur Museum, an attraction that has been popular with visitors since it opened in 1984. Featuring some fun exhibitions dedicated to discovering more about the lives of our prehistoric friends, there are some wonderful interactive exhibits and full size replica dinosaurs, including the T-Rex and Stegosaurus. Kids will be enchanted by the wonders on offer, and you can be sure of a memorable day out for all.
Theatre
Theatre fans will be delighted with whats on offer in Dorset, with a number of fantastic local productions and touring shows taking place throughout the year. There are popular venues across the county which cater for all tastes, located in wonderful locations such as: Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne Minster The Tivoli Theatre has been open since 1936 and has continued to show a range of films and theatre performances to this day. Its a classic theatre with some beautiful traditional architecture and offers a colourful collection of performances each year. From theatre to music and visits from popular comedians, its worth checking out the whats on pages to find out whats coming up during your cottage stay. The Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis The Marine Theatre has been around since the 1800s, located against the beautiful backdrop of the Jurassic Coast. The theatre showcases both indoor and outdoor performances and is a unique and exciting venue that is worth the visit. Also at the theatre youll find the renowned Marine Bar, which offers some spectacular views if youre unable to catch a performance during your stay. Brownsea Open Air Theatre, Poole The Brownsea Open Air Theatre is known for being one of the largest theatre projects in the south of England, featuring an annual performance of one of Shakespeares classic plays. It is a venture run in conjunction with the National Trust and is put together through the work of volunteers who raise money for the trust each year. Performances take place during the summer months, and its worth booking your place to enjoy this fantastic theatre in its wonderful open-air surroundings.
Enjoy Dorset culture with Dorset Hideaways
A culture-filled Dorset weekend calls for a stay in a relaxing and luxurious property. Fortunately at Dorset Hideaways, we have a selection of amazing properties for you to enjoy after a day out enjoying Dorset culture.Albury Houseis a charming and picturesque property located in Charmouth. Sleeping up to 10, it is the ideal location for a week-long or weekend break, giving you access to some of the best parts of Dorset. Travellers looking for a smaller, cosy cottage will loveSnowdrop Cottagewhich is situated in the charming village of Purse Caundle. Sleeping 4, it has its own working fireplace and stunning views to offer a restful visit. This traditional English cottage is perfectly placed to enjoy long countryside walks the ideal accompaniment to a weekend of Dorset culture. Meanwhile, larger groups and families will fall in love withNorth End Farmhousein Chideock near Bridport, a large self-catering property offering everything you could want to enjoy a memorable family holiday. Featuring everything you need for a top weekend away, its an excellent location for a large group. Whatever your interests are, youll find something to suit your tastes in Dorset. Book a self-catering cottage holiday today and enjoy exploring the wonderful delights of Dorset culture.