Dorset AONB

The Dorset AONB is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in southwest England. Covering an area of 1,130 square kilometres.

The AONB was first designated in 1963, and covers much of the same area as the earlier Dorset Coast National Park which had been created in 1955.

The AONB stretches from Christchurch in the east to Lyme Regis in the west, and includes the towns of Poole, Bournemouth, Wareham and Swanage. It includes a large section of coastline which is part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. Within the AONB there are several nature reserves including Brownsea Island, Arne RSPB reserve and Studland & Godlingston Heaths NNR. There are also many sites of geological interest, including Durdle Door and Old Harry Rocks.

The AONB is a popular tourist destination, with several million visitors each year. The coastline is a major attraction, with its beaches, cliff-top walks and natural features such as Durdle Door and Old Harry Rocks. Other popular visitor attractions include Brownsea Island, theStudland & Godlingston Heaths NNR and the Arne RSPB reserve.