has ranked all 48 counties in the UK from worst to best, using criteria such as coastline length, nature reserves, dining, accommodation, and rates. New categories were used to judge counties this year, such as top golf courses, award-winning hotels, and Michelin-recognised restaurants. Dorset has been named as the ninth best county by the newspaper, one place above Greater London.
Topping the list was Devon, followed by Cumbria with North Yorkshire completing the newspaper’s top three locations. According to the rankings, Dorset was ‘propelled’ into the top 10 through its 174km stretch of coastline boasting seaside views from the picturesque Jurassic Coast through Chesil Beach, Studland and the formations of Durdle Door and Old Harry’s Rocks. The newspaper awarded the county an extra 50 points for its 14 Blue Flag beaches- the joint-most in the whole of the UK.
Dorset’s two natural landscapes, formerly Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, helped the county gain another 20 points, with its 12 National Trust properties equating to 39 points. Culinary creations Dorset Blue Vinny cheese, West Country lamb and beef were also praised in the rankings, along with Premier League football with AFC as well as Brownsea Island. The full top 10 list is as follows:.
