Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo
Man performs 'indecent act' at naturist beach
Police are appealing for witnesses following an incident of outraging public decency at Studland Beach.
Freeview urges Brits to retune their TV as it makes 5 channel changes in new update
Brits are being urged to retune their TVs after five channel changes were made in the latest Freeview update on August 19, 2026.
Fears shops will 'suffer massively' over changes after three complaints
Businesses fear they will “suffer massively” if they are forced to strip the streets outside their shops of displays and signage.
Road in Swanage to close next month to comply with health and safety regulations
Chapel Lane in Swanage will close from 12 September for electricity works by Connect It Utility Services for SSEN. Dorset Council order may last until 2028.
Patisserie Mark Bennett applies to serve alcohol at Ashley Cross store
Patisserie Mark Bennett in Poole seeks alcohol licence from BCP Council, aiming to serve drinks daily from September 2026. Public objections invited.
South Coast Wine Festival celebrates successful festival at Highcliffe Castle
The South Coast Wine Festival took place at Highcliffe Castle in Christchurch from August 14 to August 16
£9,600 of free groceries at Aldi up for grabs for families across Dorset
Families in Dorset can now apply to get their hands on Aldi’s brand-new Superfam Pass, which offers one lucky household a full year of free groceries.
YMCA Bournemouth calls on local runners to take on the 2027 London Marathon
YMCA Bournemouth is calling on local runners, supporters and anyone looking for a challenge to apply to join Team YMCA at the 2027 TCS London Marathon.
Son of Beaulieu Motor Museum founder speaks out over plans to leave New Forest
The son of the man who founded the National Motor Museum has spoken out as the museum prepares to leave its long-time New Forest home.
National Trust expands Stepping into Parkinson's programme at Kingston Lacy
"Stepping into Parkinson's and nature" is a 12-week programme starting on Monday, September 7, from 2pm to 3pm, at Kingston Lacy in Dorset.
Nearly 30 classic motorcycles to go under the hammer at museum this November
Nearly 30 classic motorcycles, including rare Ducati and Moto Guzzi models, will be auctioned by Charterhouse at Haynes Motor Museum on 26 November.
Christchurch hospice helps make car loving grandmother’s last wish come true
Steve Sims, from Verwood, has praised the Macmillan Unit in Christchurch for supporting his wife Denise during her final weeks.
Upcoming road works across BCP set to cause delays from August 24 to August 30
Drivers in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole face road closures and temporary road works in August due to BCP Council and utility roadworks. Expect delays.
Hundreds ran 10k at Beaulieu museum to raise money for Cancer Research UK
Hundreds joined Cancer Research UK's 10k race at Beaulieu, Hampshire in 2006, raising thousands for cancer research amid historic cars and ruins.
Major New Forest reptile rescue op launched to save species after A31 blaze
A rescue operation has launched to save native species affected by the New Forest blaze.
Police shut three properties linked to drugs and ASB
Three addresses linked to anti-social behaviour and drugs have been closed by police and partner agencies.
Holiday park asks to sell alcohol at pool and expand film screenings
Holidaymakers could soon be able to watch more outdoor films and buy drinks beside the pool under plans submitted by a popular holiday park which are due to be considered next week.
Son of Beaulieu Motor Museum founder speaks out over plans to leave New Forest
The son of the man who founded the Beaulieu Motor Museum has spoken out as the museum is set to leave its New Forest home.
Charity garden loses £25,000 after A31 closure as visitors urged to return
A charity garden is calling on the public to visit and support it after the closure of the A31 cost it more than £25,000.
Country Fair cancelled following decline in attendance numbers
The Sherborne Castle Country Fair has been cancelled due to financial viability concerns following a continued decline in attendance numbers
Cider maker launches new brew in fundraising partnership with air ambulance
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.
'Build your own home' in Dorset with plot of land up for sale for £2.5million
Plans for a new 'build your own' waterfront home with panoramic views have been approved for a site in Dorset
The cult comedy filmed across Dorset you can watch for free
Dorset is the location for Mike Leigh's Play For Today, Nuts in May, which is free to watch on BBC iPlayer
WATCH: This island could have been all yours for just £250k
A YouTube video provides an insightful look at Brownsea Island in 1962.
The day Del Boy filmed Only Fools and Horses in Dorset
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?
Ferry staff subject to verbal abuse following hour suspension
Sandbanks Ferry staff were 'verbally abused' by passengers during a temporary suspension.
Hundreds of jobs created at holiday park as part of £500k investment
Hundreds of jobs are to be created at a holiday park as part of a major nationwide investment.
Residents split over introducing tourist tax
SHOULD there be a tourist tax in Purbeck – the “Purbeck Pound”?





























