What makes a place posh? Is it the architecture, the food, the low crime rates, the lack of litter, or is it the fact that they have a Waitrose or an M&S nearby?

The term gets thrown around a lot with many of us liking to think that we live in a upmarket area - or wish that we did.

But the real test is what Dorset residents say are the poshest areas in the county.  

Here are some of the poshest places, in no particular order:

Preston and Sutton Poyntz

Dorset Echo:

The coastal suburb of Preston, north east of Weymouth, is full of tourists in the summer visiting the nearby holiday parks and Bowleaze Cove.

The newer apartments in the area look akin to something you’d find in America on the sunset strip, and close by Sutton Poyntz gives that more traditional village feel. 

The area of Sutton Poyntz boasts a highly rated pub and a scenic duck pond lined with chocolate box cottages. 

Langton Herring

Dorset Echo:

The sleepy village of Langton Herring has a long history, with quaint thatched cottages dating from the 17th and 18th centuries and cosy walled off gardens.

Despite the small size of the area, the village boasts four listed buildings, which have been the inspiration of many artists both past and present.

The village is a popular destination offering holiday cottages for tourists to enjoy the sights of Chesil Beach looking out onto the English Channel.

Sherborne

Dorset Echo:

The market town in the north of Dorset is regarded as a gem within the county for its blend of medieval and Georgian architecture.

On top of the beautiful sights, the town also boasts a Michelin star restaurant in the Green. The town was named as the best place to live in Dorset in 2023. 

The house prices are also higher in Sherborne, possibly due to the Waitrose in the area, and there are not one, but three private schools nearby, most of whom offer boarding - making the area seem astoundingly affluent.  

Sandbanks

Dorset Echo:

Overlooking the banks of Poole sits the peninsula of Sandbanks, recognised as being one of the most exclusive areas anywhere in the world.

Properties in Sandbanks are desirable for a spot on this sandy beach, which even contains a neighbourhood dubbed ‘Millionaires Row,’ boasting some of the country’s most expensive homes.

In 2018, the price of one street in Sandbanks eclipsed the worth of Monte Carlo in Monaco- raking in almost £93m.

Celebrities and other high profile members of society who have purchased homes on the peninsula include former football manager Harry Redknapp and comedian Karl Pilkington.

It is also reported that crime in the area is low.

Poundbury

Dorset Echo:

The urban expansion of Poundbury to the west of Dorchester started development before the turn of the century in 1993 on principles of architecture and planning advocated by the now King Charles.

Built to his vision, the connection to the monarchy and ornate decorations and architecture are prevalent and drawn upon consistently. The covenant that homeowners must sign make the area seem all the more exclusive. Visitors that pass through Poundbury get a feel of royalty with its winding roads a place fit for a King.

With upmarket boutiques and a little Waitrose tucked into the vernacular structures in the Queen Mother Square, it’s easy to see why people from Dorset consider the area to be posh.

There you have it, but what would you consider the poshest area in the county to be? Comment below