Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

The Royal Air Force will conduct a high-powered engine test on an A400M transport aircraft at Bournemouth Airport.

Thousands gather at Poole Quay for Seafood and Sounds festival 2026.

Dorset’s Stockford Lodge is a one-bedroom thatched cottage linked to James Bond inspiration and artist Augustus John, now a holiday home in East Stoke.

HMRC has warned that more pensioners will interact with the tax system as bank savings data, rising pensions and frozen tax thresholds affect their tax bills.

Could your council tax bill change? MPs have been quizzing HMRC over what an England-wide property revaluation could mean for households.

The M&S Beauty Advent Calendar returns on October 13 with Estée Lauder, Benefit, Aveda and more. Find out how to get early access.

Illuminate launches at Poole’s Upton Country Park on November 20, 2026, with a family-friendly festive light trail, food, drinks and tickets on sale.

NUSARA Thai in Poole is ranked No.1 on Tripadvisor, with a 4.9 rating from 560+ reviews, praised for authentic food, warm service and atmosphere in Dorset.

Photographer Martin Shaw captures four seals, including three harbour seals and a grey seal, resting together in Poole Harbour in a rare wildlife sighting.

Clavell Tower is a unique landmark located above the cliffs at Kimmeridge Bay that offers widespread views of the surrounding area

Wingstop Bournemouth opens on September 18 at Bobby’s, serving wings, tenders and sides, with free wings for the first 100 customers.

Ringstead Bay has been named among Britain's top 20 remote beaches by The Telegraph

Routes for a potentially transformative tram network are being explored by BCP Council as part of a long-term vision to reduce car dependency across the conurbation.

A run between Swanage and Worth Matravers has been named among the UK's best coastal runs by Elise Downing of Live for the Outdoors

The Isle of Purbeck in Dorset has been named among the best places for a group break in the UK by a Cosmopolitan writer

Transport plans to tackle congestion is “complimentary” to motorists across BCP.

The Parlour Cafe at Pamphill Dairy has earned plenty of praise from visitors thanks to its food and personable service.

The following roadworks are listed in the PDF for Monday September 14 to Sunday September 20, 2026.

The New Queen Inn: A Historic Country Pub Thriving on Ringwood Road

The play area, near to Rossmore Road, is set for a space-themed refurbishment as part of BCP Council’s Plan for Play strategy.

Purbeck Cider launches People’s Choice cider in Dorset, donating £1 per litre sold to Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. Community-grown apples support charity.

Plans for a new 'build your own' waterfront home with panoramic views have been approved for a site in Dorset

Dorset is the location for Mike Leigh's Play For Today, Nuts in May, which is free to watch on BBC iPlayer

A YouTube video provides an insightful look at Brownsea Island in 1962.

Only Fools and Horses repeats are as popular as ever this Christmas - but did you know that the classic BBC comedy was not once, but twice filmed in Dorset?

Sandbanks Ferry staff were 'verbally abused' by passengers during a temporary suspension.

Hundreds of jobs are to be created at a holiday park as part of a major nationwide investment.

SHOULD there be a tourist tax in Purbeck – the “Purbeck Pound”?