ByTristan Pascoe

Dorset political reporter, Reporting fromBournemouth

A row over the creation of new town councils in east Dorset has rumbled on into a meeting of the committee looking into the plans.

The three new authorities in Bournemouth, Poole and Broadstone would act independently of the current Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council and have their own budgets and councillors.

In a recent consultation, 78% of the respondents living within the proposed area in Bournemouth said they did not want a town council established.

But those in favour said the new councils would bring benefits to residents.

A report to the committee said the consultation had 1,877 responses - a number opponents pointed out equated to less than 1% of the 400,000 population of the BCP Council area.

The report added "consultation responses are valuable but not definitive" and some of the views expressed were based on "inaccurate information or assumptions".

BCP councillors on the overview and scrutiny committee examining the plans were told by opponents the scheme was "an affront to democracy".

Former Conservative, now Independent councillor Karen Rampton, said her ward of Talbot and Branksome Wood would be split, with half going into a new Bournemouth Town Council and the other being subsumed into Poole.

She warned councillors Reform UK was rising in the polls and came second in a by-election in the ward last month.

She told the meeting "the electorate would remember, and that members who voted to approve the plans would likely lose their seats to Reform UK at the next local elections".

Green councillor Sara Armstrong, for Eastcliffe and Springbourne, said a Bournemouth Town Council would "totally undermine the existing community forum there which has already raised over £100,000 this year for local spending".

She urged members to allow the ward to have its own "community council" and not be subsumed into a larger town council.

Among those in favour, Lib Dem councillor Adrian Chapman-Law told members he wanted all areas of the conurbation to get "the same benefits as Christchurch and other [town councils]".

"...like festivals, markets, flower displays, cafes, sports pavilions, tennis courts, skate parks and football pitches," he said.

Neil Wedge, chief executive of the Dorset Association of Parish & Town Councils, said: "Dorset's existing network of 160 town and parish councils has long demonstrated the benefits of grassroots democracy.

"If implemented with purpose, transparency and genuine community engagement, these new councils could help restore local identity and improve responsiveness to residents' needs."

The board "noted the report" ahead of the cabinet voting to recommend the proposals go to full council on 14 October.

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There are plenty of Dorset villages that are well worth a visit, and one of those to add to your list is Kingston.

It is under an hour's drive from both Dorchester and Bournemouth and is said to offer some great views around the surrounding areas.

While it is a small village, it has a couple of notable landmarks, alongside plenty of walking routes to try.

Here's why you should visit Kingston for a day trip, thanks to a variety of features.

Why is Kingston in Dorset worth visiting?

Kingston is described as a "pretty, rural village" according to Visit Purbeck, which has some "fantastic" views out towards Corfe Castle.

It adds: "The village is dotted with traditional cottages built of the local Purbeck stone, a local church and a popular village pub.

"Around Kingston there are many farms that have been in existence since Saxon times."

It is also notable for its "elaborate" church, which resembles "a miniature of an early English cathedral," according to the Dorset Guide.

St. James' Church was built during the 1870s as a private chapel before it was consecrated for use of the village in 1921.

The parish website adds: "The wonderful organ has been refurbished and is now listed. The acoustics in the church make it a superb venue for concerts which are well attended.

"The church is very popular for weddings and christenings. Many couples return to St James’ to attend services following their weddings."

Alongside that, there are several popular walking trails that visitors can embark on from the village.

One of those is the Commoners' Way trail, which goes to Corfe Castle and then heads back to Kingston.

Additionally, the Swyre Head walk takes people to the highest point on the Purbeck hills and offers views towards the Isle of Wight and Poole Harbour.

What are house prices like in Kingston?

According to Rightmove, Kingston house prices have an overall average of £482,333 over the last year.

The most common type of house sold in Bere Regis was terraced, with an average price of £523,500.

It adds: "Overall, the historical sold prices in Kingston over the last year were 31% down on the previous year and 54% down on the 2015 peak of £1,057,500."

What pub can you find in Kingston?

Kingston has one pub that visitors can find in The Scott Arms, which is located on West Street.

It is described as a pub "with history, character, community and atmosphere" on its website.

One aspect of the pub that will likely appeal to visitors is the views over to Corfe Castle from its large beer garden.

The website adds: "The Scott Arms is one Dorset pub that you’ll always find great beers and lagers, including tempting guest craft ales along with our permanent ales from breweries here in the south west.

"Whether dining or just quaffing, we offer an interesting range of wines to suit all pockets and, like all good hosts, we have full range of spirits including many from local distilleries."

Ciders are also well-stocked with several options from Purbeck Cider available to try.

The pub has been mostly well-received by visitors, earning a 4.2/5 score on Google Reviews from 1,593 ratings.

One wrote: "The Staff at The Scott Arms were amazing and so thoughtful- service was always friendly and professional which enhanced the stunning location.

Recommended reading:

"A quiet dog free spot had been reserved with no problems and the out two meals were simply brilliant, well presented and so tasty."

Another said: "Absolutely fantastic pub, with one of the best pub garden views in the country, looking out to the sea and Corfe Castle. If in the area, well worth a visit on a nice summers day."

A third shared: "Only went for a drink has really stunning views over corfe. Service really good and plenty of outside seating and inside. Seems like a popular place to go."

ByTristan Pascoe

Dorset political reporter

New town councils for Bournemouth, Poole and Broadstone have been approved.

The controversial plans were passed at a full council meeting of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council.

Three MPs in the area criticised the plans as undemocratic while opposition councillors, including Conservative, Labour, Green, Reform UK and Independents, claimed the new councils were not needed.

But the Lib Dems, which helps runs the council under the Three Towns Alliance coalition, said it would give communities more "identity" and power.

Less than half of 1% of the people in the affected areas responded in writing to a consultation, of which about three quarters were opposed.

Before the debate started, a petition signed by almost 4,000 people calling for a delay in the decision until the 2027 local elections was presented.

Resident Jo Keeling told councillors there was a lot of anger among those who felt their views were being ignored.

But it was ruled the petition would fail as it did not have a substantive motion attached to it, but it was discussed my members alongside the proposals.

Labour councillor Sharon Carr-Brown told the meeting "not a single resident in my ward has written to me in support of a new parish council".

"Don't foist something on people that they don't want," she said.

Independent Karen Rampton warned councillors who supported the move "would be remembered by residents at the next elections" and lose their seats.

Conservative councillor Hazel Allen said: "Why do we ask people a question if we're going to ignore them? That's not democracy."

But Lib Dem Sandra Moore said the new councils would "restore civic pride and identity".

Fellow Lib Dem Mike Cox said "the cost (of the new councils) will be very small".

Summing up in favour of the proposals, leader Millie Earl said she was "proud to put power back in communities' hands" and enable them "to act to save the services they want to save".

The Task and Finish group will set the level of public contributions for the new authorities, as well as work to transfer community assets from BCP Council.

The town councils will come into being in April, with elections in May.

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There are plenty of Dorset villages that are well worth a visit, and one of those to add to your list is Corfe Castle.

It is under an hour's drive from both Dorchester and Bournemouth, and is obviously famous for its castle ruins.

While it is a small spot, there's still plenty to do on a day trip here, thanks to a variety of features.

Here's what you can get up to in Corfe Castle, including learning about its history and visiting its "welcoming" pubs.

Why is Corfe Castle village worth visiting?

Corfe Castle village is obviously known for its castle ruins, which dominate the skyline, according to the village's website.

It adds: "The village is constructed almost completely from the local grey Purbeck limestone and comprises two main streets, East Street and West Street, linked at their north end at the Square.

"Around the square with its cross commemorating Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee of 1897 are a number of shops (including a post office), a church, three pubs and two hotels."

The Swanage tourism website highlights it as having "one of the most unique and beautiful settings in the UK".

Outside of the National Trust-owned castle ruins, there is also a model village, depicting how the castle looked before it was destroyed in the English Civil War.

According to the attraction's website, it is a 1/20th scale model of what it would have been like in 1646.

Outside of that, it also has some gardens for guests to explore, life-size Civil War soldiers guarding the castle and a terrace for refreshments.

Other features for the village as a whole include St Edward's Church, which was likely built around the 12th century.

The church's website shares: "The early church consisted of a nave, chancel, a narrow north aisle and a large north porch and was enlarged during the 13th century with an additional aisle."

It underwent a major restoration in 1859-60, and plenty of history remains, such as with its font, which dates back to 1450.

Visitors can also find the Corfe Castle Town Trust Museum, which can be found on the ground floor of the town hall.

Its website shares: "Starting with the Iguanadon (dinosaur) footprints, the museum exhibitions offers a glimpse into the local history of Corfe Castle and the Isle of Purbeck.

"It incorporates numerous engaging interactive displays and a touchscreen showcasing aspects of village life, celebrations, and traditions."

What are house prices like in Corfe Castle village?

According to Rightmove, Corfe Castle house prices have an overall average of £501,000 over the past year.

The most common type of house sold in the village was detached, with an average price of £622,500.

It adds: "Overall, the historical sold prices in Corfe Castle over the last year were 24% down on the previous year and 17% down on the 2021 peak of £603,936."

What pubs can you find in Corfe Castle village?

Corfe Castle has three pubs in The Fox Inn, The Castle Inn and The Greyhound Inn.

The Fox Inn says it is reputed to be the oldest pub in the village and is said to retain many of its 16th century original features.

It has been well-received by visitors, earning a 4.4/5 rating on Tripadvisor from 472 reviews.

One person wrote: "Called in for an evening meal to this small but very welcoming pub. Greeted by staff on arrival and were lucky to get a table it was so busy.

"The food was genuinely some of the best that we had tasted in a long time. The three of us had steak frites, pan-seared salmon and chicken supreme, each accompanied by an imaginative range of vegetables."

Another said: "Popped in for a quick drink with friends and family and ended up spending 4 hrs in this beautiful pub garden.

Recommended reading:

"A huge array of beers and wines to suit all our tastes. We've been coming to Corfe for decades and can't believe we've only just discovered this pub."

Alongside that, The Castle Inn is a family-friendly pub offering entertainment for children throughout the year and a menu that appeals to many different tastes.

Meanwhile, The Greyhound Inn prides itself on having a diverse selection of drinks and laidback menu options.

This stunning town outshines its famous neighbour with quiet beaches, independent shops, and charm.

I recently spent a day in Swanage, a quaint seaside town on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, and it quickly became clear why so many visitors are choosing it over its more famous neighbour, Bournemouth. While Bournemouth is known for its long sandy beach, buzzing promenade, and busy shopping centres, Swanage offers something quite different: a calmer, more intimate experience where the seaside feels relaxed and personal rather than crowded and commercial.

The first thing I noticed upon arriving at Swanage Bay was just how peaceful it felt. The beach is smaller than Bournemouth’s sprawling sands, yet that makes it all the more enjoyable. There’s plenty of space to spread out a towel or watch children paddle at the water’s edge without feeling jostled by crowds. The waves lap gently against the shingle, and the town’s Victorian pier juts gracefully into the bay, a nostalgic reminder of the area’s heritage.

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On the horizon, the cliffs of the Jurassic Coast rise dramatically, a stunning backdrop to a beach that’s surprisingly serene for a popular tourist destination.

A short walk from the seafront leads into Swanage’s High Street, and it’s here that the town truly comes into its own. Unlike Bournemouth, where high streets are dominated by national chains, Swanage thrives on independent businesses.

Artisan cafés, boutique gift shops, outdoor gear stores, and bookshops line the streets, each with its own distinctive character.

There’s a sense that these businesses belong here, rooted in the community rather than just chasing passing trade.

I found myself lingering in a small cafe, enjoying a flat white while watching locals greet one another, a feeling of intimacy and familiarity that larger resorts often lack.

The town’s independent retail scene isn’t just charming, but it’s practical too.

From unique souvenirs to locally made crafts, Swanage offers one-of-a-kind finds that you simply won’t get in Bournemouth’s bigger, busier shopping centres.

Strolling along the cobbled streets, I could see why so many visitors choose Swanage for gifting and browsing. Everything feels carefully curated, personal, and authentic.

It’s not only the shops that set Swanage apart. The town’s compact, walkable layout makes it easy to explore without needing a car.

In a single afternoon, I wandered from the High Street to the beach, along the pier, and into Durlston Country Park, all within minutes.

Families can stroll at their own pace, stopping at cafés or ice cream parlours along the way, and the pace of life is refreshingly slow. Even the busier areas of the town never felt overwhelming, a sharp contrast to Bournemouth’s often hectic promenade.

Swanage’s appeal extends beyond the town centre. Nearby Old Harry Rocks and the surrounding cliffs offer spectacular walks with panoramic views over the sea, while the heritage steam railway adds a touch of nostalgia.

Even the town’s seasonal events capture its unique character. Swanage celebrates festivals such as the Swanage Carnival, Blues Festival, and Folk Festival, which draw visitors from across the region but retain a local, inclusive feel.

During these events, shopfronts decorate with creativity and pride, offering themed products and experiences that feel personal rather than commercialised. It’s a reflection of the town’s tight-knit community spirit, something that larger neighbouring towns often struggle to replicate.

For anyone accustomed to Bournemouth’s bustling atmosphere, Swanage is a refreshing change. The town’s smaller, quieter beaches, independent shops, and close-knit, welcoming vibe make it feel like a true coastal escape.

Even a single visit is enough to appreciate how the natural beauty of the bay, the charm of the streets, and the personality of the community combine to create something genuinely special.

By the end of my day, sitting with a coffee in a sun-dappled café while watching the tide roll in, I understood why Swanage is quietly stealing the spotlight from Bournemouth.

It’s not about flashy attractions or long shopping promenades; it’s about authenticity, tranquillity, and character.

Swanage proves that sometimes, smaller towns with big hearts offer exactly what a seaside getaway should: space to breathe, discover, and simply enjoy the moment.