1. Sail away to Brownsea Island.

The island upon which the Famous Five’s Kirrin was based, Brownsea is also the birthplace of the scouting movement and home to an endearing colony of red squirrels. It’s owned by the National Trust who re-open it to visitors in February. For details of how to get there, contact nationaltrust.org.uk/brownsea-island

2. Swim round Durdle Door.

This majestic limestone sea arch is THE symbol of Dorset and there is nothing to prevent you lawfully from swimming through it; one man is even known to organise a yearly group splash round the landmark. However, like all open water swimming, any attempt should only be made by competent bathers who have taken all the usual safety precautions.

3. Visit Clouds Hill House, home of Lawrence of Arabia.

Dark and tiny – there are just four rooms – this dwelling was used as a refuge by the mystical and celebrated soldier when he tired of the hubbub of military life at nearby Bovington Camp.

4. Enjoy a classic cream tea.

From Dorchester’s Moreton Tea rooms, to Studland’s Knoll House Hotel, to the chocolate special at Bournemouth’s Royal Bath; indulge in the county’s most celebrated culinary fare.

5. Gaze upon Midsummer.

It’s the Russell-Cotes Museum’s most popular painting and no wonder. Just looking at it will make you feel warmer.

6. Find a fossil at Lyme Regis.

Mary Anning was just 12 when she discovered the bony remains of an ichthyosaur in 1811, at a time when folk still believed they were placed in the rocks by the devil to ‘muddle men’s minds’. The cliffs along the Jurassic Coast are dangerous, so for guided trips try fossilwalks.com

7. Say hello to the Cerne Abbas giant.

He may be the rudest man in Dorset but don’t let that put you off; he’s free to see and, for the infertile, has an alleged talent to help you conceive!

8. Swim at Dancing Ledge.

Blasted from the rocks near Langton Matravers, this tidal pool is said to be the one upon which Enid Blyton based the pool in Malory Towers. It’s free to use but, like Durdle Door, should only be accessed by competent swimmers who have assessed any risks.

9. Breakfast at the Hive Beach Cafe.

The Burton Bradstock eaterie is the place to consume your full English – if you can squeeze past the celebs and weekending Londoners to get in, that is. Visit hivebeachcafe.co.uk 10. Go ape at Monkey World. Release your inner Attenborough at Europe’s only ape and primate rescue centre, near Wareham.

11. Read Thomas Hardy at his family home.

Where better to sit and read under a greenwood tree than in the garden of the great man’s childhood abode? Call the National Trust on 01305 262366 for opening hours at Hardy’s cottage at Bockhampton.

12. Spot the Puffins. To see this tiny and precious colony near Dancing Ledge is rare. Up your chances with one of the seabird cruises that departs from Swanage in the summer months. For details call 01202 467882.

13. Walk in the footsteps of the ancients at Maiden Castle. This Dorchester hill-fort is one of the largest in Europe.

14. Sail the Olympic course at Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.

Even you can follow in the golden wake of Ben Ainslie at Britain’s premier sailing venue. Details of how to get on the water at the Academy are available on wpnsa.org.uk 15. Get spooked at creepy Knowlton Church. Scare yourself stupid at this abandoned chapel which boasts ghostly faces, phantom horses, and various weeping nuns and figures in black. Allegedly.

16. Drive – or cycle – the Kingston Lacy beech avenue.

The Beech Avenue began in 1835 when 731 trees – 365 trees along one side and 366 along the other, one for every day of the year and the other for every day of a leap year – were planted along the B3082.

17. See the swans of Abbotsbury.

Abbotsbury Swannery is the only place in the world where you are able to walk through the heart of a colony of nesting Mute Swans.

18. Cycle down Gold Hill.

Director Ridley Scott could not have known what he was starting when he filmed a baker’s boy freewheeling down the cobbles of this Shaftesbury landmark for that Hovis ad. Recreate the experience – if you dare – as part of the Shaftesbury Cycle Revival festival. See shaftesburycyclerevival.

19. Walk (a bit) of the South West Coastal Path. Start at Poole and keep going until you reach the county boundary. Or just keep going...thousands have!

20. Wander the lost village of Tyneham.

The villagers were cleared out to let the army practise war games in 1943. They never returned but you can, when the ranges are not in use. Call 01929 404714 for access details.