back to blog

why dorset is the best escape from london

why dorset is the best escape from london

London. The Square Mile, one of the most advanced cities in the world, and the most congested city in the UK. It may be full of interesting bars, quirky restaurants and fascinating people, but sometimes a change of scenery is all you need for a little break from it all, whether it’s a picnic on the beach, exploring a new town, or just sitting in a cute café and watching the world go by. If you are feeling desperately in need of a trip away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Dorset is sure to captivate you with it’s boundless offering of stunning scenery and quaint coastal towns.

Dorset. A county that mixes beaches with countryside and castles with historic pubs. Whatever mood you’re in, however you want to spend your time, a breath of fresh air will do a whole lot of good. Dorset, for me, has always felt like a nice home away from home – cliché I know, but there’s no better way to describe it. So while sitting at your desk or slumped on the sofa after a long commute home, where would you rather be?

Dorset is one of the most picturesque spots along the Jurassic Coastline  (Instagrammable may the more appropriate word to use for the constantly connected Londoner). Well maybe it is time to “unplug” for a while and enjoy this World Heritage Site, which consists of 96 miles of relaxing coastline that could provide endless days of exploring and discovering.

DURDLE DOOR

One of my all time favourites has to be Durdle Door. With a name that never fails to bring a smile to my face, the privately owned space is open to the public and is home to probably one of the most famous stone arches in the world. Catching your first glimpse of the impressive limestone arch standing in stark contrast to the pristine blue sea, you’re going to want to take a picture from every angle. #Nofilter definitely fits true to this natural form of coastline, especially as the sun begins to set and paints the sky and cliff faces in a stunning dance of reds, pinks and oranges.

Created by the sea gradually piercing through the limestone, Durdle Door is proof of the amazing formations nature can create. So, if you need to get away and detox from life, this is a top spot to visit. Walk down onto the beach or sit up on the top of the windy cliff and just enjoy the moment – turn off your phone, exhale any stress and relish the opportunity to take life on the slow.

LULWORTH COVE

A small stroll along the Jurassic Coast will bring you to the famous Lulworth Cove, yet another natural erosion that has left us with a scenic place to visit all year round. It may be one of the top sightseeing destinations, and very busy in peak seasons, but once you take a walk along the short beach you’ll see why. In stark contradiction to the busy streets of London, the Dorset coast is the perfect place to escape all responsibilities for even the smallest amount of time.

LYME REGIS

On a blustery Autumn day, you might wish to venture further inland to discover what the cosy cobbled streets of Dorset have to offer. One of my favourites has to be Lyme Regis. This coastal town has an array of cafes, pubs and restaurants that’ll be refreshingly different to the ones you may be partial to in London. Everyone needs a bit of contrast in their life, so why not try something new and sample the best of homely, well-cooked food. The cobbled town has a wonderful selection of restaurants serving locally-sourced, seasonal products that will get your mouth watering and your taste buds tingling.

Lyme Regis is also the home to the debut seafood restaurant from the celebrity chef Mark Hix. Overlooking the bay, Mark Hix’s Oyster & Fish House not only has the perfect Dorset location, but the food to match. And of course, I couldn’t mention food without expressing how good the traditional seaside favourite is. Fish and chips should definitely be added to the list if you really want the authentic seaside experience.

So, if London’s getting the better of you and you need a place to unwind, with its captivating chalk cliffs, beautifully pebbled beaches and towns full of flavour and history, Dorset is the place to go.

This post was brought to you by The Idle Man, an online menswear retailer catering to the style conscious man. Hosting brands such as Champion, Levi’s and Carhartt, The Idle Man is a go-to destination for men. Alongside the online shop The Idle Man Manual is a blog dedicated to offering men style advice as well as stories and guides about music, grooming and lifestyle.

Read more on: dorset state of mind