Delightful Dorset
The summer holidays are here and there's no place we'd rather spend them than in our very own county.
All of us here at Kite HQ feel lucky to live and work surrounded by incredible coastlines and beautiful countryside. Did you know that our designs are inspired by our fab local area?
If you're visiting Dorset this summer and fancy some local 'insider' recommendations, below our team have shared their favourite secret spots. Read our blog to find out more!
Mupe Bay
This hidden gem is just around the corner from Lulworth Cove and is Paul's top pick.
When he's not in the office looking after all things operational, you'll find Paul out on his bike exploring the local area (and further afield too!)
To get to Mupe Bay you have to cross Lulworth Range, which is Ministry of Defence land, so make sure you check that it is open that day.
Stick to the cliff path and you'll find yourself surrounded with beautiful views.
Bramble Bush Bay
If you take the ferry from Sandbanks to Studland, where most people turn left after disembarking, Ally prefers to veer right. Weave your way down to the sand and you will find yourself on Bramble Bush Bay beach.
Our sales extraordinaire loves this spot for escaping the crowds and enjoying the calm waters. Just remember to check the tides before you go!
You can also walk a lovely circular route coming back along Studland Beach to the ferry.
Agglestone Rock
Another fab walk you can do once you hop off the ferry to Studland is to see the mysterious Agglestone Rock.
Andrea, our numbers whizz, loves taking her little ones there. There are many myths about how the rock got there... it looks like it has fallen out of the sky!
It's certainly impressive to see, and the views up there are great.
Highcliffe Castle
Maggie, our operations administrator, recently enjoyed a fab day out at Highcliffe Castle.
The grounds of this beautiful building are a lovely place to settle for a picnic, enjoy a scone in the cafe or take a relaxing stroll around. And the beach is just a couple of minutes away too.
You can also enter the castle for a fee and learn all about its history. Maggie even got the chance to try on some vintage finery!
Joe's Cafe
For Marie, who looks after our wonderful stockists, no beach walk is complete without a visit to Joe's Cafe.
Hiding amongst the beach huts of South Beach, Studland, it's a laid-back spot where you can enjoy the views whilst tucking into freshly made sandwiches and homemade bakes.
Hengistbury Head
Choo choo! Hop aboard the land train for a scenic trip from Hengistbury Head to Mudeford Spit.
Emma loves taking in the scenic views of Christchurch and spotting lots of different wildlife along the way.
As it's a circular route, Emma often walks from Hengistbury Head to Mudeford Spit and then hops on the train back to give her legs a rest!
Dancing Ledge
Our adventure queen and resident designer, Paige, wanted to share Dancing Ledge with you as it really is somewhere special.
Whilst a little bit of scrambling is required to get there, it's definitely worth it.
Paige suggests taking a picnic and packing your swimming costume as there's a swimming pool in the rock that you'll definitely want to dip in!
Evening Hill
Milly, our marketing assistant, never gets tired of the views from Evening Hill.
Overlooking Poole Harbour, it's the perfect spot to grab a seat and watch the sunset.
Picking up some fish and chips from nearby Lilliput on your way isn't a bad idea either!
Coy Pond
Moments from Kite HQ, we are really lucky to have this little oasis so close by.
Many of us come here to while away our lunch break, watching the ducks and admiring the weeping willows that line the pond.
From here you can stroll along through the Gardens and head into Bournemouth, all the while following a delightful stream. There are plenty of benches for breaks and grassy spots for picnics too.
Christchurch Quay
It's fun for all the family in Christchurch. The Quay is a lovely place to relax and watch the boats go by. You can even hire a leisure boat and set sail down the River Stour yourself.
Little ones will have fun on the Quomps, a great area containing a splash park and children's play area. Just the thing for warm days and little ones who are full of energy.
Hambledon Hill
An iconic spot in Dorset is Hambledon Hill. Our founder, Jo, loves hiking to the top to admire the amazing views.
Once you're done, you can head back down the hill towards the village of Shroton where you'll find The Cricketers Pub, which is perfect for post-walk refuelling.
Haywards Bridge Farm
Have you ever picked your own sunflowers? Well, here you can (if they're in season that is!)
Last August, Jo and her family visited Haywards Bridge Farm, just outside the village of Shillingstone. Not only was it magical to walk through a field of sunflowers, they got to bring some home too.
Sturminster Newton
The River Stour runs along two sides of the little market town of Sturminster Newton.
With original buildings dating back to the 15th century, it's full of history and picturesque walks to explore.
Trigon Farm
We love to hold our Kite photoshoots on the Trigon estate. The area is oh-so beautiful, with trees and wildlife everywhere you look (which makes for great photo opportunities).
For 28 special days a year, the lovely owners open their working farm up to the public for camping. The reviews are second to none and Jayne and Rob make sure everyone has a great stay. Will you be next to visit?
Image attributions
*Image 1: "Mupe Bay cliffs" by Jim Champion is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. *Image 2: "Bramble bush bay" by Des Blenkinsopp is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. *Image 3: "Outside the cafe at Studland Beach" by Tony Atkin is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
