Things to do in Dorset

Before heading off on your Dorset holiday, we’d really suggest planning your trip - because there are so many things that we wouldn’t want you to miss out on!

We’ve put together our suggested things to do covering activities all over the county, including the stunning Jurassic Coast and its beaches, the wonderful attractions for families, the various wonderful walking routes, and more…

Jurassic Coast:

Much of Dorset’s coastline is part of the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site that is considered a natural wonder. This 96-mile stretch of coastline is a must visit while in Dorset with breath-taking views out across the channel along with natural rock formations including Durdle Door and Old Harry’s Rock. The Jurassic Coast is known as this due to the time when these cliffs were formed with fossils being found in the rocks from over 180 million years ago.

Beaches:

Along with the Jurassic Coast, you’ll find a fantastic selection of beaches along the South Dorset coastline. One of the most popular for tourists and locals alike is Bournemouth beach with a 7-mile stretch of golden sand and plenty of fantastic places to enjoy a meal while overlooking the beach. You’ll be spoilt for choice on where to spend your day beside the sea while in Dorset with clean sandy beaches found at Weymouth and Swanage amongst other locations.

Attractions:

Dorset has a host of tourist attractions that provide a great opportunity for an exciting day out. You can see the monkeys who starred on the TV series, Monkey Life, at Monkey World in Wareham. Across the county are several farm parks where children young and old will enjoy getting up close and personal to the cute farm animals. If you’re a fan of history, then there are a few museums and historical buildings in the county that will keep you entertained during a holiday in Dorset. For an exciting family day, out head to Adventure Wonderland in Bournemouth where rides and attractions can keep you busy for hours on end.

Heritage:

Dorchester is the place to visit if you’re interested in heritage as the county town of Dorset is filled with many stately buildings that have rich history. There are also several Natural Trust properties across the breadth of the county with large gardens, which are tranquil places to spend a day in Dorset.

Walks:

The opportunities to enjoy a long walk while in Dorset are endless with part of the South West Coast Path falling in the county. Marvel at the beauty of the view from atop a cliff on the Jurassic Coast or feel the sand at your feet as you trek across the sandy beaches. If you prefer to ramble across rolling countryside then Dorset is still the place for you with much of the countryside scattered with forts and castles that provide excellent views long into the distance, the perfect picture opportunity. You can even bring your four-legged friend on these countryside walks meaning no-one has to miss out during a holiday in Dorset.

Dorset holidays have something for everyone with a wide variety of activities and things to see and do. From traditional seaside holidays right through to peaceful breaks in the countryside, a holiday in Dorset is sure to provide long lasting memories.