Despite an abundance of inclement weather SARAH MARSH discovers a family cottage holiday can still be a real winter warmer…

Autumn has a bumper crop of food and drink festivals and shows. LIZ BIRD picks four gatherings to savour

Music and icecream proves a happy mix says DAVID STENHOUSE

A cosy seaside cottage is just the start of your adventure in West Lulworth, says MERNIE GILMORE

STEPHEN McCLARENCE enjoys a festive vintage rail journey to Dorset

As every parent knows when you have young children holidays cease to become, well, holidays really says LUCY ELKINS

ENJOY a traditional seaside holiday, with spa treatments and cream teas to boot in Christchurch, England.

WITH its dramatic coastline, medieval towns and excellent, down-to-earth eateries, West Dorset is far more than just the gateway to the West Country.

THE South West has 34 of England’s 85 Blue Flags fluttering from the beaches, which helps to explain why it’s our favourite domestic seaside holiday destination.