5. OSMINGTON MILLS COASTAL WALK

A short walk from Bowleaze to Osmington Mills lies at the heart of the Dorset World Heritage Site.  Walk itself is 3.6 miles (5.8 km) and you can see The Osmington White Horse on the hill, a figure cut into the limestone of Osmington Hill just north of Weymouth in Dorset in 1808. The figure is of King George III riding his horse and can be seen for miles around. The king was a regular visitor to Weymouth and made it 'the first resort'. Have lunch at the Smugglers Inn, above the beach, where 'French Peter' smoked out a customs officer hiding in the chimney. Walk back along the Coast Path with great views of Portland and the bay.

4.  CHURCH OPE COVE



A walk exploring Portland's north-eastern shoreline, where dramatic cliffs with breathtaking views along the Jurassic Coast tower over a dramatic landscape. In the summer take your swimming gear with you to enjoy a crystal clear water or take a picnic.

Start from the telephone box in the small village Littlebredy. The route can be muddy after rain, but a short walk brings you peace and tranquility. A visit to Bridehead Lake is a relaxing way to finish the walk, there are several signs directing visitors to the Lake.  There are a stillness and quiet about the place, you get a sense of stepping away from the modern pace of life. Note that cars are not allowed through part of the village, but it's plenty of free parking spaces around.

4.  NOTHE GARDENS IN WEYMOUTH

Positioned at a stunning location on a promontory overlooking both Weymouth and Portland harbours, these informal gardens are one of the most beautiful the town has to offer. The vast array of choice trees and winding paths that lead down to sheltered slopes with benches are ideal for walkers. The views are stunning all around. The walk can be long or short as you wish. Cafe, public toilet, large green grass area let you spend all day in these beautiful gardens. Take games and picnic with you and make a day out of this walk. Grab some nuts for squirrels, they are so used to humans, they will eat from your hands  and it's a great fun for kids and adults alike. Nothe Garden is a place to visit if you are in West Dorset.

5. COFRE CASTLE

Leave the car park by the kissing gate and walk along the left-hand edge of the field beyond, with a sports field on the other side of the stream on the left.   Walk about 2½ miles, some of the going underfoot is quite rough and it is often muddy: wellingtons or walking shoes are recommended. After walk you can visit Corfe Castle. The ruins of Corfe Castle are the image often chosen to represent Dorset. The Castle itself has a very rich history with the spectacular views. Small pretty Corfe village has a great cafes, little cute shops and you can take a walk to Blue Pool, a lake within the Furzebrook Estate. The route also crosses the Swanage Railway, one of the success stories of the steam railway preservation movement, a regular timetable operates throughout the summer and at weekends in the winter so jump on the train and extend your day with more fun.