Dorset

[Blingandrings]

Thinking of a possible move to Dorset. Bridport i have visited for the day and found it a bit underwhelming. I know Sherborne well as lived there for several years and found it staid. I'm looking for somewhere with a mix of ages, a bit more of a 'vibe' and things going on. Any recommendations or is it all very sleepy?

Lyme Regis?

Dorset is rural with not much going on! It’s s holiday area! Try Bournemouth? Dorchester?

Bournemouth.

I think if you don't like Bridport or Sherborne, then maybe you don't like Dorset? They kind of sum it up really.

Personally I love Weymouth. It's rough as old boots- but I like that.

Poole or Bournemouth. I also like Weymouth.

Wimborne or Dorchester

I was going to say that Wimborne looks nice, but having only driven through I'm not actually in a position to comment!

I grew up in Dorchester, lived in Bournemouth. I would go for somewhere on the mainline to Waterloo (Weymouth, Upwey, Dorchester South, Moreton (Crossways), Wool, Wareham, Holron Heath, Hamworthy, Poole, Parkstone, Branksome, Bournemouth, Pokesdown for Boscombe, Christchurch... In reality, I'd probably go for the towns which have the stations every train stops at.

Sounds like Bournemouth would suit you best. What sort of things do you want from where you live? What attracted you to Dorset? It is beautiful and scenic and all that, but if you don't like sleepy... East will probably be better than West Dorset if that's the case.

We have had a caravan in Dorset for 15 years and go regularly to all the places listed.

I don't think any of them meet your criteria.

If you do not like Bridport or Shaftesbury you need to pick a different county

Dorchester is wonderful!

Dorchester is wonderful!

Is it though? I only live 25 minutes away but we don't go there, except for a dirty Pizza express or cheap cinema.

They are making an effort with the Brewery Quarter, but it's embryonic and, dare I say it, a bit try-hard.

Shaftesbury is a lovely little town, I've lived a few miles away for nearly 20 years, previous to that I lived in a major city.

It has a thriving high street with chain and independent shops, it has some lovely restaurants and good pubs. You are only a thirty minute drive from Salisbury and an hour from Bath, good transport links with the mainline Exeter - Waterloo nearby at Gillingham and Tisbury and the A303 being mere minutes away.

Gillingham - not so much. Commuter town with a dead high street.

Sherborne, lovely but slightly soulless. Good garden centre and beautiful old castle.

Poole or Bournemouth! Love it