Dorset has kept its position among the top 10 counties in the country, according to the Telegraph.

The national newspaper has ranked all 48 counties from worst to best, using criteria such as coastline length, nature reserves, dining, accommodation, and crime rates.

With new categories like top golf courses, award-winning hotels, and Michelin-recognised restaurants, the latest rankings reveal some big changes.

Dorset has been named as the ninth best county overall 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 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 Bournemouth as well as Brownsea Island.

The full top 10 list is as follows:

  1.  Devon
  2. Cumbria
  3. North Yorkshire
  4. Cornwall
  5. Somerset
  6. Kent
  7. Norfolk
  8. Hampshire
  9. Dorset 
  10. Greater London

Alan Vian, Lyme Regis town crier and member of the Lyme Regis Carnival Committee, said hearing the news 'made his day'.

He said: “I’m really pleased to hear that Dorset is in the top 10. The people who chose Dorset have good taste.

"Durdle Door is Dorset’s answer to Bollywood with the amount of filming that goes on over there, and we offer the sun, the sea, and the rolling countryside, and honestly what more else do you need?"

Robert Mühl, president of the Bridport & West Bay Business Chamber, said: “I’m very happy to see that Dorset is ranked in the top 10 counties.

“Bridport is a welcoming and friendly town with an eclectic mix of shops and businesses. Being on the Jurassic coast with amazing sea views and open countryside there is something to appeal to all. We have prolific artists and wonderful museums and we are very proud of our area.”

Alani Cook, a care leaver and youth worker in Bridport, said: "For me, I've lived across Dorset and always loved it. I'm a big admirer of the countryside and always feel at peace when I'm here. There is a lot to do here when you're young- you just have to really want to be involved in that activity.

"There are some issues when it comes to being a young person in the area, and it's difficult for someone young to find a home in the area, which then leads to a lot of young people leaving which can be a real shame."