Dorset is a county which includes some of Britain's finest sandy beaches and the rich tapestry of heathland, woodland and fields, rivers, and streams and sleepy villages, vividly described by Thomas Hardy.
It has always been an agricultural county with large landowners and many small villages and hamlets. As one of the most beautiful counties in the country with areas rich in heritage it has many magnificent homes, gardens, museums and excellent cultural events. There's also the famous Jurassic coastline and many of the best buildings in London, including St Pauls, are built of Portland stone from Dorset's Isle of Portland. The natural beauty of the west Dorset coastline attracts visitors from all over the world.
The county town of Dorchester has a wealth of history with excellent shops and cultural opportunities and well supported by the Duchy of Cornwall. Sporting facilities include racing just over the border at Wincanton and Salisbury in nearby southeast Wiltshire. Golf is at Dorchester, Sherborne and Yeovil.