Dorset (district)

Dorset is a county located in South West England, known for its Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Administratively, "Dorset" can refer to several entities, including the non-metropolitan county and the unitary authority.

Historically, Dorset was a shire county with a county council providing services across its area. However, in 2019, a significant local government reorganisation took place. The six district and borough councils (Christchurch, East Dorset, North Dorset, Purbeck, West Dorset, and Weymouth & Portland) were abolished.

In their place, two new unitary authorities were created: Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP Council), and Dorset Council. The Dorset Council unitary authority covers the majority of the traditional county area, excluding the BCP area.

Dorset is predominantly rural, with agriculture and tourism playing important roles in its economy. Major settlements include Dorchester (the county town), Weymouth, Poole (now part of BCP), and Bridport. The area is known for its scenic beauty, historic sites, and literary associations, notably with the author Thomas Hardy, who set many of his novels in the region he fictionalised as "Wessex."

The Jurassic Coast, stretching along the English Channel, is famous for its geological formations and fossil finds. Key landmarks include Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, and Chesil Beach.