Dorset

10:00am Thursday 27th September 2007

Nature lovers will revel in all that Dorset offers - from its glorious coastline to historic monuments and fabulous countryside.

A sailing trip around Poole Harbour, by day or night, is a must. Noted for its ecological wonders, Poole Harbour delivers nature lovers and birdwatchers a glimpse of its glory, with plenty of photo opportunities.

One of the best ways of touring this region is by foot, allowing time to explore all of nature's nooks and crannies. There are plenty of footpaths in Dorset to choose from.

Cockle Trail in Poole: Trace Poole's rich history with a one-and-a-half hour walk around Old Town. Each warehouse along the wharf, and house, cottage, tavern and inn along the way has a story to tell. Part of the Poole Arms dates back to the early 17th century. Ghostly piano music was reported in the Guildhall Tavern and Crown Inn and renovations in the King's Head unveiled five hidden passageways.

Stour Valley Way: If you have extra time to spend, try the 64-mile Stour Valley Way footpath leading from Christchurch to Stourhead in Wiltshire. Old mills, bridges, wildlife and historically rich villages await the adventurous. Sturdy shoes are recommended.

Castleman Trailway: From Dorset Heathland through fertile farmland, the Castleman's Corkscrew is a meandering 16-mile path following the twists and turns of the railway built by Charles Castleman in 1847. Be sure to take in Avon Heath Country Park and the Moors Valley Country Park along the way.

North Dorset Trailway: A trail in progress, the North Dorset Trailway saw its first bridge, tying two sections of the trail together, open recently. The goal of the trail is to bring stunning landscapes and plentiful wildlife to the feet of would-be walkers. The long-distance North Dorset Trailway follows along the Somerset and Dorset Old Railway Line, linking many of North Dorset's villages.

Jurassic Coast Trail: See Golden Cap, England's highest point on the south coast, and take in the drama of Corfe Castle while crossing the 67-mile Jurassic Coast Trail. Cliffs, caves and coastline stretch before those inclined to enjoy a walking holiday. You may even have an opportunity to go fossil hunting here, one of few places awarded World Heritage Site status. Poole's Welcome Centre can provide walking maps and more about the area by calling 01202 253253.

If you have more time to take in Dorset's bounty, try a Quad safari zooming through the Wiltshire downs north of the Dorset border with Mayhem Quad Bikes in Mere; or test your skill while taking in the panoramic views golfing at Dorset Golf and Country Club, Parkstone Golf Course, Moors Valley or Rushmore Golf Clubs.

Most have heard of Aussie animal-lover Steve Irwin, who embraced nature with his infectious enthusiasm. In Great Britain, Jim Cronin's passion for primates and mission to provide refuge for apes is equally inspirational. Jim died in March 2007, but his legacy lasts through the 65-acre Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre in Wareham which he and his wife created to care for more than 160 primates. A family destination, Monkey World shares its vision with visitors who might enjoy a woodland walk, keepers' talks, cafés, shops, picnic areas and a play area for children. Monkey World works with foreign governments to stop the illegal smuggling of apes from the wild and the consequential slaughter of many primates. Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre is west of Poole, near Wool and Wareham.

While in the area, visit the Tutankhamun Exhibition in Dorchester, the Weymouth Sea Life Park and Marine Centre in Weymouth, Wimborne Model Village in Wimborne, the Llama Experience in Beaminster, Swanage Railway in Swanage, Putlake Adventure Park near Swanage, Go Ape at Moors Valley, Owl Sanctuary at Ringwood, the IMAX 3D at Bournemouth, and Honeybrook Farm in Wimborne Minster.

Restore your senses at the Kingston Maurward Garden and Animal Park in Dorchester. Stopping to smell the flowers is encouraged while touring the fine formal gardens, garden rooms, simple pleasure gardens, the ornamental walled garden and Edwardian garden on this nearly 300-year-old estate. Sir Cecil and Lady Hanbury, a well-known horticultural family, purchased the estate in 1914 and designed the series of garden rooms at Kingston Maurward House. From flora to fauna, the estate's animal park outshines even Old MacDonald's farm with pet-able animals including donkeys, goats, Shetland ponies, pigs, chickens, ducks and rabbits. Find Kingston Maurward near the eastern end of the A35 Dorchester bypass.

If time allows, take a ride on the Seaton Tramway, visit the Abbotsbury Swannery in Weymouth, see the Church Knowle Animal Sanctuary in Wareham, try a Deep Sea Adventure in Weymouth, catch a wave at the Splashdown, visit Tower Park in Poole and Adventure Wonderland in Bournemouth, go to the Oceanarium in Bournemouth, enjoy Paulton Park near Romsey, and make your way through the Great Dorset Maize Maze at Weymouth.

Walking along Gold Hill in Shaftesbury is like stepping inside a postcard brought to life. Discerning shoppers will find gift-shop gems as boutiques and antiques abound in this market town. High above the Blackmore Vale, Shaftesbury and its charming, thatched-roof cottages and cobblestone street are immortalised as Shaston in Thomas Hardy's novels. Explore the town, browse the shops and search the surrounding countryside for regional specialties; then relax over a cup of tea and a square of Dorset apple cake.

Historians, sailing aficionados and shopoholics find common ground at Brewers Quay in Weymouth's old harbour area. Visitors can indulge in handmade fudge, sample real ale, and splurge in any of 20 speciality shops at Brewers Quay set within the historic Hope Square. Two former breweries were joined together under one roof creating a splendid gift emporium revitalising a historically important part of the harbour. Brewers Quay also has a museum, restaurant, Timewalk Attraction and 2,000sq ft interactive science centre. To find Brewers Quay, follow the signs in the town centre to Old Harbour, cross the old Town Bridge and follow the signs to Hope Square.

From remains of dinosaurs, evidence of civilisation dating to 6,000 BC, a traitor's betrayal, war, murder and more, Corfe Castle on the Isle of Purbeck, is as rooted in the area's rhistory as the battlements are to the craggy chalk mound beneath. Today, children pretend to defend the ruins and roll down grassy slopes while their parents explore the castle and estate.

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