Burnt Toast in Swanage is a Dorset cafe that has earned a lot of praise for its atmosphere, service and brunch

Here are the top 10 highest‑rated countryside pubs near Weymouth, Dorchester, Bridport, Lyme Regis, Portland and West Bay ranked by Google Reviews

NITROUS oxide canisters worth more than £600 have been discovered in Colehill during a police patrol.

Kauto Star racing memorabilia from Clive Smith’s estate to be auctioned by Charterhouse in Sherborne, including trophies and rare items. Bidding online.

Easter rail disruption: Winchester to St Denys line closed 3–6 April for engineering works. Buses replace trains; London Waterloo–Weymouth services diverted.

Weymouth Foodbank receives £2,200 from Hall & Woodhouse’s Community Chest to supply fresh produce. Dorset charities share over £30,000 in grants.

Rising fuel prices and cost-of-living concerns see UK Easter coach bookings surge 40%, says National Express, as families seek affordable travel options.

Cast of Rock N Roll Man, starring Constantine Maroulis, to perform a free pop-up concert at The Dolphin Poole ahead of Lighthouse Poole shows about Alan Freed.

Britain’s Got Talent finalist Paul Burling and Paul Bantin launch comedy podcast “Bantin & Burling’s Carnival of Stuff”, out March 27.

Ringwood celebrates 800 years of its historic market in July 2026 with a community event, live entertainment, funfair, and glove installation.

Ben Portsmouth brings acclaimed Elvis Presley tribute show, This is Elvis, to Bournemouth Pavilion on 16 May 2026.

Schools in England and Wales can now apply for Kellogg’s £1,000 grants to support breakfast clubs, helping fund equipment, staffing, and resources for pupils.

£400,000 Wessex Water mains upgrade on A353 east of Weymouth nears completion. New pipes to improve water supply; road fully reopens 17 April.

Monmouth House, a Grade II listed property on Lymington High Street, sold by Savills for £3.65m within 16 days, highlighting New Forest property demand.

Bournemouth Airport is now offering travellers a new and improved venue to wine and dine in before take-off.

A Bournemouth man has been cut off from his daily dough after being banned from every Greggs and Tesco in Dorset.

A BOURNEMOUTH family-run travel company is helping university students and graduates break into the competitive luxury travel industry through placements and early career opportunities.

The head of a national pub chain has raised concerns with licence reviews following a controversial meeting by BCP Council’s licensing sub-committee earlier this month.

March is an important month to lay the groundwork for more frequent usage, with a range of important jobs to carry out.

Can you pass the world's shortest IQ test? Only 17 per cent of people can

This overlooked pension payment could increase your income by £5,759 a year. Find out if you qualify.

Millions of households are facing a brutal council tax hike this April—with bills jumping by up to 10% in some areas.

The £10 note, which is being sold at a Noonans auction on Wednesday, is described as “incredibly rare”.

A new PIP review could reshape disability benefits. Officials are asking the public to submit evidence - here’s how it works.

The Cherries recorded a pre-tax profit of £14.9million for their 2024/25 accounts, documents published today reveal.

A walk from Ringstead Bay to Durdle Door has been named among the UK's best walks, thanks to its coastal views and sense of history

EMERGENCY services were called after reports of a person in water at Poole Harbour.

TWO people were onboard a jet ski when it broke down and began drifting dangerously towards the rocks.

A four-bedroom rural retreat set within a Dorset hamlet is our ‘Property of the Week’

Royal Navy vessel HMS Hurworth (M39), a Hunt‑class minehunter equipped with Seafox mine‑disposal technology, made a surprise appearance in Weymouth Bay

A warning has been issued to parents of a primary school in Dorset after pupils were groomed into sharing an indecent image of a child

West Howe residents invited to share views on £20m Pride in Place investment. MP Jessica Toale launches survey to shape funding for local facilities and safety.

Her Royal Highness Princess Anne launched the Chancellor’s Fund at Health Sciences University London, supporting health education, research, and community care.

Dorset residents must now pre-book visits to Dorchester, Wimborne, Shaftesbury and Sherborne recycling centres from 23 March 2026. Bookings required.

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

Springbourne Fire Station visited Tops Muscliff Nursery, teaching children about fire safety, emergency services, and community heroes with hands-on activities.

Europcar UK highlights van hire as a cost-effective, eco-friendly solution for DIY, gardening, and home improvement projects this Easter. .

Quay Rackets opens on Poole Quay, Dorset, offering tennis, padel, squash, badminton, and pickleball gear, expert advice, restringing and Spring Sale deals.

Ice Age Adventure Live comes to Lighthouse Poole on May 26—a theatre show with interactive prehistoric fun, ancient creatures, and a woolly mammoth rescue.

Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox brings The Future Is Vintage UK Tour 2026 to Bournemouth Pavilion, reimagining modern pop hits in vintage jazz style.

Hartford Care’s Bethel House in Barton on Sea offers new privately funded residents a free week’s stay. Includes dementia, respite, and end-of-life care.

Early bird tickets for Camp Bestival 2026 at Lulworth Castle go on sale tomorrow. Family festival features Bastille, Fatboy Slim, Joe Wicks and new workshops.

Four Japanese cherry trees gifted by the Sakura Cherry Tree Project have blossomed early in Bourne Valley, marking UK-Japan friendship and Hanami tradition.

Bird enthusiasts will have the chance to get a glimpse at new chicks after a live webcam has returned to a historic osprey nest.

An MP is calling for an "independent investigation" into the financial management and governance of initio learning trust after redundancies announced in Dorset schools.

A number of UK restaurants that featured in the Michelin Guide, including some from London, Cornwall and Manchester, have shut in the last year

Customers who have purchased any of the affected items are advised to take note of the possible health risks and follow the official guidance

Gaynor Simpson faced every parents' worst nightmare when her son was left fighting for his life with sepsis and meningitis

Three airlines, including one in the UK, have entered liquidation or administration in 2026, while another has shut down entirely - see which ones.

It comes as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the number of cases linked to the outbreak has reached 29, up from 27 previously.