AS THE winter air starts to pinch our cheeks, is there anything more heart-warming than a hot cinnamon bun or freshly baked buttery croissant?  

We've rounded up some of the best rated bakeries across the county so that you can enjoy a potter down to one of them and fill your boots (literally, if you want).  

Here are the best rated bakeries in Dorset according to TripAdvisor:

  • 1. M's Bakery

805 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth BH7 6AP England

The famous M's Bakery in Pokesdown is the county's top rated bakery, famous for their delightful cakes and 'phenomenal' bread. 

One review said: "The best bakery in town by far! The bread is phenomenal and the pastries are no doubt the best in Bournemouth."

Another customer said: "What a gem on the highstreet!

"You cannot be disappointed by the artisan range at this tiny shop.

"We tried the sourdough loaf (crunchiest crusts), mini cherry tarts (generously packed with fruit), spicy sausage rolls (best I've tried anywhere), cheese filled croissants (baked with cheese inside and sooo good), mini cheese scones (sold in a bunch of 6 and that was lucky because my kids only left me one to try) and delicious coffee.

"There was so much to choose from, I'm looking forward to my next visit.

"This has got to be a local favourite and an asset to local tourism. Long may they trade!"

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Bournemouth Echo:

  • 2/3. The Cornish Bakery

11 West Bay, West Bay, Bridport DT6 4EN 

Awarded the TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award 2021, The Cornish Bakery in Bridport takes pride of place as the second best bakery in the county.

Their sister cafe The Cornish Bakery in Lyme Regis also took third place for their incredible pasties.

One customer said: "Absolutely delicious pasty! Highly recommend the vegetable pasty. Staff friendly and service quick. Highly recommend"

Another person said: "Always visit this bakery when down visiting family. The pasties are great and they have different choices which is always good.

"The staff are very friendly and helpful an all round great place."

  • 4. Le Petit Prince Patisserie

48B Poole Road Westbourne, Bournemouth BH4 9DZ

Described as a 'different class', Le Petit Prince Patisserie in Westbourne is the fourth best bakery in the county.

The French patisserie and bakery has shops in Westbourne, Wimborne, Ferndown and Winton.

One customer said: "We only ordered some pastries and toast along with coffees. Delicious sour dough toast and fabulous coffee. Would definitely return when we go to Westbourne again."

Another happy review said: "Exceptional bakery and cafe. Delicious bread, top quality delicate cakes and pastries. Much much better than equivalent local bakeries.

"A different class. Delicious salads and top quality coffee."

  • 5. Corfe Castle Village Bakery

Described as a 'very large jewel in Dorset's crown', Corfe Castle Village Bakery offers an array of freshly baked sweets and savouries with something for everyone.

The traditional bakery is rated as the fifth best in all of Dorset.

One happy customer said: "What an awesome gem! It’s not very often you encounter a bakery, that’s not part of a mainstream chain. Highly recommended and very well priced for the amount and quality received."

Another said: "What a fantastic bakery this is, we always call in when we visit Corfe. Everything produced onsite in the bakery is absolutely second to none. I have honestly not tasted cakes and pastries this good from anywhere else. I cannot recommend this brilliant little medieval bakery enough.

"It's often not easy to keep calm and pleasant when you are very busy but the staff always manage to do so and are always welcoming and smiling."

Is your favourite not on the list? Give them a shout-out in the comments below!