About

:: Dorset

Photo by John Allen

Although their family resided primarily in London and would holiday in the northern parts of the country, Dorset co-founders and sisters Sue and Sally found themselves drawn to the rugged beauty, stunning chalk hills and historic sites of Dorset County. They found the contrast between the landscapes of the busy city against those of the county to be a wonderful respite as well as a welcome break from everyday stress where they could enjoy life at a slightly more relaxed pace.

Dorset is part of the Southwest Coast that includes Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall Counties - the area known the world-over for its heritage of dairy farming and exquisite cream teas. Devon and Cornwall have long battled for recognition as the originator of the "cream tea", which is tea taken with scones and clotted cream (also known as Devonshire Cream) and jam - the only difference between the two is the order of spreading the cream and jam onto the scone. In Devonshire, the cream is spread first on the scone, followed by the jam. Cornish cream teas are somewhat more reckless, and definitely more indulgent: the scone is buttered first, followed by the jam, and topped with a dollop of clotted cream. Not wanting to feel left out, Somerset County has also contributed to the strong history of this region, as it is home of Cheddar, both the town, and the cheese!

While Dorset's dairy accomplishments may not be as well-recognized, it is known for being intellectually-rich, as home to authors Jane Austen, Douglas Adams, John le Carré, and Thomas Hardy, who immortalized the County seat of Dorchester in "The Mayor of Casterbridge".

Images of Dorset contains an extensive gallery of photographs that showcase Dorset's diverse beauty.