The 10 best things to do in Dorset
If you tire of simply relaxing on the many beaches, there are numerous watersports to get the heart racing. The South West Coast Path, meanwhile, keeps walkers happy, charting a rugged route past iconic cliffs and rock formations.
All our recommendations below have been hand selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best things to do in Dorset. Find out more below or for further inspiration, see our guides to the region's best hotels, restaurants and beaches.
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Best for days out by the sea
Swanage and Weymouth
Enjoy a traditional day at the seaside
If buckets, spades and helter skelters are more your thing, Swanage and Weymouth are two thriving seaside towns with echoes of the past and a friendly atmosphere. Swanage is smaller and less built up, with a fine sweep of sand. Weymouth's beach is complemented by a bustling quayside, where crabbing is popular. Or try Bournemouth's long and lively main beach, with its Victorian pier.
Insider tip: The historic steam railway is integral to Swanage's vintage charms. Plan ahead to ride the steam carriage at sunset, past fireworks during Swanage carnival or catch it to watch outdoor cinema in the ruins of Corfe Castle during the Purbeck Film Festival.
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Daily Mail
30 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
TSA warns travelers about prohibited carry-on items
By Published: Updated: TSA has reminded travelers that liquid restrictions are still in place, despite some policies being lifted in recent weeks. The organization issued a warning on X alerting customers that liquids, gels and aerosols must be 3.4oz or less in carry-on bags. Travelers have been divided over the change, primarily because of their hatred for the liquid limitations after personal experiences. 'TSA steals and ruins what's left of a vacation. I had a jar of honey from France, less than 3.4 oz. You should have seen the agents eyes lite up as she stole my only jar. They laughed and took it home,' an X user claimed. 'I'd rather take my shoes off if it means I can bring the whole bottle of my specialty shampoo in my carry on without having to ration it out on a two week trip,' another person wrote. After years of liquid limit frustration, that rule could soon go away now that the Department of Homeland Security is questioning the limit. Like the former 'shoes-off' policy, the beverage limits were enforced by TSA in 2006. It was one of several rules created in response to the September 11 attacks. However, the liquid limit was inspired by a 2006 liquid bomb plot in the UK, which put thousands of lives at risk. The foiled plan was for terrorists to place liquid bombs disguised as soft drinks on at least seven transatlantic flights that were set to explode midflight. If the first phase of the plan was a success, they would then initiate attacks on skyscrapers in London's Canary Wharf, the Greenwich foot tunnel, nuclear power stations, oil refineries and gas terminals. The plan was not a success and it led to the arrest of several criminals, many of which were sentenced to life in prison. But the bomb plot was enough for TSA to initiate immediate action, leading to the liquid limit for everything from food and drinks to hair products. While some airports in Europe had scrapped the rule in recent years, they returned last year after new security scanners experienced a 'technical issue.' The carry-on liquid limit is back in limbo in the US due to opinions over the policy from Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. 'I will tell you, I mean, the liquids [rule] I am questioning,' Noem told NewsNation chief Washington Correspondent Blake Burman at the inaugural Hill Nation Summit. 'So that may be the next big announcement is what size your liquids need to be. We're looking at it.' TSA has already implemented a change for 10 US airport security experiences, which includes the addition of new expedited lanes and discounts to 'enhance the travel experience for members of the U.S. military community.' TSA has also begun offering a $25 discount on TSA PreCheck enrollment for spouses of military and uniformed service members.
The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
Esta rules, phone searches and simple travel hacks: Everything you need to know about US travel in 2025
The US is on sale this summer. Even the most guarded aviation executive concedes that bookings for transatlantic flights are 'soft'. At a time when airlines would hope to charge upwards of £1,000 for a round-trip from the UK to the US, prices are being slashed to fill seats. From London Heathrow to New York JFK on 1 August for a fortnight, Virgin Atlantic wants only £549 return. For a much longer trip on British Airways from Heathrow to Denver, I paid just £620. These are absurd fares for peak summer flights. The catch is: when you touch down, things may be rather different from your last visit. As soon as Donald Trump returned to the White House, he signed an executive order demanding that foreigners should be 'vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible' on arrival. Since then, some high-profile deportations of travellers deemed not suitable for admission have taken place. LGBTQ+ travellers, as well as those who are politically active, may have particular concerns. These are the key questions and answers. Will I be able to get an Esta without too much trouble? Probably – and even if you have no immediate plans to visit the US you should consider enrolling as soon as possible for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (Esta), to swerve an impending price rise. After a 50 per cent price hike in 2022, the current $21 (£16) fee is set almost to double to $40 (£30), though no date has yet been set. The Esta scheme came into effect in 2009. These essential online permits are usually granted within a few hours. An Esta gives permission to travel to the United States for business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days without a visa. Note that it does not guarantee entry; as the Australian government advises its citizens: 'You can be refused entry if you provide false information or can't satisfy the officials you're visiting for a valid reason.' The authorities may ask to see your return ticket or one onward to a country that is not Canada, Mexico or a Caribbean nation, and demand proof you have enough money to support yourself during your stay. What if I have been to Cuba? It depends when you were on the island. At the end of his first term, on 12 January 2021, President Trump designated Cuba a 'state sponsor of terrorism'. Anyone who is found to have visited Cuba on or after this date is not eligible for Esta and must apply for a visa. Getting a US visa is a long, cumbersome and expensive process. Travellers with fresh passports have not reported any problems. Any other 'no-go' countries? Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen; any visit since March 2011 disqualifies you from Esta. What if I am a transgender person? In an Executive Order, President Trump instructed: 'It is the policy of the United States to recognise two sexes, male and female. 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Paul Charles, chief executive of travel consultancy The PC Agency, has flown several times in the last two months to different US ports of entry: Miami, Chicago and New York. He says: 'Surprisingly, I was straight through – and I wasn't first off the plane. It was very smooth. Now, that's in a slightly less busy period. If you're travelling during July and August, it's peak, so chances are you will have to wait longer when you arrive at immigration. They're asking more questions.' More in-depth questioning takes up time, which helps explain some very long waits. Paul Charles says one time-saving practice has been adopted: 'They're not stamping passports really anymore because they have all your details digitally from your Esta application.' Bear in mind that if you are transiting to another country, for example flying London-Miami-Lima, you must clear CBP checks as though you were planning to stay in the US for months. Will I have my phone examined? 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The Independent
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What you should know before travelling with any medication
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Some countries have restrictions on the amount of medication that you are allowed to bring into the country, usually a maximum of a three-month supply. Travellers often overlook how strict customs regulations can be regarding medications. Even if prescribed for a valid medical reason, carrying a prohibited drug can lead to confiscation (leaving you without essential treatment), fines (especially in countries with tough drug laws) and detention or arrest in rare but serious cases. If you're travelling with certain controlled drugs – such as opioids, stimulants or psychotropic substances – you may need to apply for an export licence from the UK Home Office. This is typically required when carrying a supply of three months or more. Examples of controlled drugs include diazepam (for anxiety and muscle spasms), codeine and morphine (for pain), amphetamines (for ADHD) and temazepam (for insomnia). Before you travel, check whether your medicine is affected by any of these restrictions. 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When in doubt, ask your pharmacist whether your medication can be safely repackaged for travel. It's also important to split your supply of medicines between bags (if more than one is used) in case one is lost. Tablets and capsules can sometimes be placed in a pill organiser for daily use, but always carry the original box or prescription label as backup. Some medicines require refrigeration – like Wegovy and Ozempic (semaglutide) injections for weight loss or insulin. Usually, unopened Wegovy pens and insulin preparations should be stored between 2°C and 8°C in a fridge. Once out of the fridge, they can be kept at room temperature (up to 25°C) for up to 28 days, but must be protected from heat and sunlight. High temperatures, such as in direct sunlight or a hot car, can damage insulin. When travelling, use an insulated travel case or cool pack, but avoid placing pens or other medicines directly next to ice packs to prevent freezing. 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