Top 10 Things to Do in Dorset

Dorset, a picturesque county in South West England, is famous for its breath-taking coastline, rolling countryside, and an abundance of vibrant and interesting attractions. As the home of the iconic Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, steeped in millions of years of history, showcasing geological marvels and dramatic cliffs. In addition to stunning scenery and prime fossil-finding, visitors can explore historic landmarks, quaint villages, and family-friendly attractions, making it a prime destination for all ages and interests. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or looking for the perfect family day out, Dorset’s natural beauty and variety of attractions ensure an unforgettable experience. Here, we offer a guide to things to do in Dorset, from historic sites to family activities to gorgeous Dorset beaches. 

Best Things to Do in Dorset

• Explore the Jurassic Coast
  The Jurassic Coast is Dorset’s crowning jewel, stretching 95 miles and featuring some of the most iconic natural landmarks in England. One of its highlights, Durdle Door, stands as a towering limestone arch formed by erosion around 140 million years ago. This unique geological structure curves dramatically out into the sea, making it an ideal spot for a beach day with unforgettable views. While swimming through the arch is discouraged due to strong currents, you can take a guided kayaking tour for a unique perspective from the water. The Jurassic Coast also features the sheltered Lulworth Cove, and the chalk stacks of Old Harry Rocks near Swanage. These iconic sites are perfect for hikers looking for a scenic trek or photographers eager to capture striking views. Fossil hunters can try their luck finding prehistoric remains, especially in areas like Charmouth and Lyme Regis. The Jurassic Coast’s impressive cliffs and beaches create a fascinating trip back in time, revealing 185 million years of Earth’s history.

• Visit Corfe Castle
  On Dorset’s Isle of Purbeck, Corfe Castle’s ruins tell a 1,000-year-old tale of English history, set against the stunning Purbeck Hills. This fortress saw numerous battles and was finally destroyed during the English Civil War. Today, the castle offers visitors an enchanting experience, with panoramic views over the Purbeck Hills and a look into the lives of the people who once resided within its walls. Managed by the National Trust, Corfe Castle hosts a range of family activities, including storytelling events, historic reenactments, and trails for younger visitors, making it one of the best historic sites in Dorset. Make sure to explore the charming village of Corfe Castle, filled with quaint stone cottages, tea rooms, and artisan shops.

• Ride the Swanage Railway
  For a nostalgic journey through Dorset’s countryside, hop aboard the Swanage Railway and ride one of England’s best-preserved steam trains. The line runs between Norden and the traditional seaside town of Swanage, passing through picturesque villages and open countryside with views of Corfe Castle along the way. As you pass Corfe Castle, you can even pause to visit the free railway museum at Corfe Castle station. With vintage carriages and restored stations, the Swanage Railway offers a delightful throwback to yesteryear, transporting visitors back to the golden age of steam travel, making it ideal for families and history enthusiasts alike.

• Enjoy Nature at Brownsea Island
  This unspoilt island within Poole Harbour offers a peaceful retreat into nature. Brownsea Island, a National Trust property, is a wildlife haven where red squirrels and diverse bird species thrive in the woodlands, heathlands, and wetlands. Visitors can also spot deer and, on occasion, seals along the shoreline.  No public vehicles are allowed on the island, which is accessible via ferry from Poole, making it an undisturbed environment ideal for quiet walks, wildlife spotting, and family-friendly excursions.

• Go Fossil Hunting in Lyme Regis
  Lyme Regis is an essential stop for fossil hunters along the Jurassic Coast in Dorset. With its dramatic cliffs and sandy beach, Lyme Regis is known as the birthplace of British fossil hunting, made famous by palaeontologist Mary Anning. For a true Jurassic experience, consider joining a fossil-hunting tour, available through Lyme Regis Museum and the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre. The Ammonite Pavement is a must-see, with fossils embedded in the rock that emerge at low tide. Known as the “Pearl of Dorset”, Lyme Regis is a charming coastal town, with more than fossils to recommend it. Its historic harbour, The Cobb, offers beautiful views of the surrounding coast and serves as a picturesque spot for a seaside stroll, and Lyme Regis is also celebrated for its seafood restaurants, independent shops, and quaint streets.

• Spend a Day at Weymouth Beach

Weymouth Beach is one of Dorset’s most popular family destinations, boasting golden sands, calm waters, and a traditional seaside atmosphere. With shallow, sheltered water, it’s an ideal spot for families with young children looking for a safe place to paddle or swim. The esplanade is lined with entertainment options, including amusement arcades, cafes, and ice cream parlours, capturing the classic British seaside experience. The nearby Weymouth Sea Life Adventure Park is also a big hit with families, offering opportunities to learn about marine life and conservation.

• Visit Chesil Beach & Portland Bill

Chesil Beach, a unique 18-mile-long shingle beach, is part of the Jurassic Coast and provides a distinctive landscape for a coastal walk. This natural feature is popular among birdwatchers, photographers, and geology enthusiasts. Nearby, Portland Bill Lighthouse stands proudly at the Isle of Portland’s southern tip, offering spectacular coastal views. This striking red and white lighthouse dates back to 1906, and it is a popular spot for photographers. Visitors can tour the lighthouse and learn about its history and role in protecting ships along Dorset’s rugged coast. The Isle of Portland itself has a stark and atmospheric beauty, offering a fascinating contrast to the more sheltered beaches of the Dorset coast. While you are here, check out Pulpit Rock and Tout Quarry, a former limestone quarry that has been transformed into a sculpture park. 

• Enjoy the Water at Poole Harbour & Sandbanks

Whether you are interested in a luxury beach stay or water sports, you will find it here. Poole Harbour, one of the largest natural harbours in the world, is a prime location for water sports enthusiasts, offering activities such as sailing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding. Nearby, Sandbanks Beach is famed for its soft sands and clear waters, as well as its status as one of the most exclusive areas in the UK. In fact, Sandbanks is the world’s most expensive seashore! For those looking for relaxation, Sandbanks provides a perfect place to enjoy the sun and sea. It’s also a great starting point for boat tours around the harbour, which showcase stunning views of the surrounding coastline and islands. If you prefer a beach with a lower profile, head across Poole Harbour to the beaches at Studland, which are quieter and beautiful. 

• Soak in the Beauty of Sherborne Castle & Gardens

Built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594, Sherborne Castle and Gardens is a captivating historic estate nestled in the Dorset countryside. The castle’s interiors feature period rooms, antique furnishings, and displays of artefacts from its long history. Surrounding the castle, there are beautifully landscaped gardens and lakeside walks, designed by Capability Brown, where visitors can stroll. The garden’s seasonal colour and peaceful atmosphere make Sherborne Castle an ideal day out for history and garden lovers alike.

• Step Back in Time at the Tank Museum 

Located in Bovington, the Tank Museum is a must-visit attraction for military history enthusiasts and families alike. This impressive museum boasts one of the world’s finest collections of tanks, offering an insightful look into armoured warfare from WWI to the present day. With interactive displays and occasional live tank demonstrations, the museum offers an engaging experience that brings history to life. Younger visitors will enjoy the museum’s hands-on activities, including the chance to sit inside a real tank, while families and history lovers alike will appreciate this immersive journey through wartime innovation.

Family Activities in Dorset

Of course, many of the above activities are suitable for families, but if you are looking for attractions specifically geared towards families with children, Dorset has quite a few. One of the top attractions in Dorset is Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre, which offers a fun yet educational experience, rescuing primates from around the world and giving them a safe haven in this 65 acre sanctuary. The rescue centre also features guided talks and children’s play areas. For hands-on activities like feeding animals and riding tractors, young children will love Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park, near Poole. This family-run, award winning park also features play areas, and the entire park is geared towards children 8 years or younger. In Bournemouth, you will find the Oceanarium, with sharks, stingrays, otters, clownfish, piranhas, a Loggerhead turtle, and a colony of Humboldt penguins! There are regular talks and feeds, as well as a gift shop and café for visitors. 

Let Together Travel Help You Plan Your Dorset Adventure

When you are planning your trip to Dorset, contact Together Travel to check availability for the Sherborne Cottage. A honey-coloured 17th-century cottage bursting with charm, the cottage is situated in the centre of Sherborne. Inside is an oasis of understated elegance and calm, fully restored throughout to carefully blend the original character the contemporary essentials and amenities one would expect from a self-catering property. The comfortable and inviting lounge is also sophisticated, with an inglenook fireplace and wood burner, and French patio doors leading out to an enchanting cottage garden. The garden has a dining patio and wood-fired hot tub, as well as a secret bunk hideaway perfect for young teens. The kitchen is fully-equipped and charmingly decorated, in Hague blue with red splashes, making it a functional and creative space. There is a conveniently located downstairs WC, and upstairs, guests can choose a sumptuous Super-King with a Victorian-style bathtub and en-suite shower room, or a Double bedroom with an adjoining bathroom. One more flight up, in the cottage’s eaves, there is another spacious Super-King, with views of the rear garden. Across the UK, Together Travel has a wealth of luxury cottages for you to enjoy. Find out how we can make your holiday amazing by contacting our expert concierge team at +44(0)1625 416430 or emailing us for more information.