Dorset: Fascinating facts about the county you might not know

Dorset is known for its rolling countryside and dramatic coastline, but it also holds some remarkable secrets. From ancient history to quirky claims to fame, here are some fascinating facts about this county:

No motorways

Uniquely, Dorset is one of the few English counties without a single motorway, preserving its tranquil rural charm.

Jurassic coast – A UNESCO world heritage site

Dorset’s Jurassic Coast is internationally recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spanning 95 miles of coastline, it offers a journey through 185 million years of Earth’s history, with fossils frequently uncovered along its beaches.

Thomas Hardy’s Wessex

The county provided the inspiration for Thomas Hardy’s fictional Wessex. Many of his novels, such as Far from the Madding Crowd and Tess of the d’Urbervilles, feature settings based on Dorset landscapes.

The world’s first ‘tank’

Dorset was home to the testing of the first-ever tank during World War I. Bovington Camp remains a key site in British military history and is now home to the Tank Museum.

Coldplay’s ‘Yellow’ was filmed here

The iconic music video for Coldplay’s hit song “Yellow” was shot on Studland Beach.

The UK’s bendiest road

Zig Zag Hill in Dorset claims the title of the bendiest road in the UK, with its sharp twists and turns providing a challenging – but scenic – drive.

England’s oldest surviving post box

The country’s oldest surviving post box, dating back to 1853, is located in Holwell, Dorset. Still in use today, it’s a piece of living history.

Mary Anning’s legacy

Fossil hunter Mary Anning, whose discoveries along the Jurassic Coast reshaped palaeontology, inspired the tongue-twister “She sells sea shells on the sea shore.” Her legacy is celebrated throughout Dorset.

The grave of Mary Shelley

The celebrated author of Frankenstein, Mary Shelley, is buried in Bournemouth, alongside her parents. Her presence adds a literary connection to Dorset’s cultural history.

Smugglers’ tales

The history of smuggling is woven into Dorset’s coastline, with hidden coves like Lulworth and Chapman’s Pool providing the perfect hideouts for smugglers during the 18th century.