Bring the family for a day out and step behind the scenes of a Hollywood movie or bestselling novel in stunning Dorset. You can find your own Jurassic Park on beaches sprinkled with fossils and smuggler's caves or trace Thomas Hardy novels on open heaths and vales. The southwest county's dramatic coastline is an outdoor sculpture gallery with arches, stacks and coves carved by Mother Nature herself, a must-see attraction in Dorset. Casual amblers and serious ramblers alike can trek ridgeways between Bronze Age burial mounds and castle ruins. With so many incredible places to visit in Dorset you’ll leave knowing exactly why this county is incredibly popular for vacations and staycations alike.
Places to visit in Dorset
Top 10 places to visit in Dorset this summer
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Take a Dorset adventure this summer for top-notch seafood, squirrel spotting, cool hotels and Instagrammable villages.
Pier to Pier in Bournemouth
Got a spare hour or two in Bournemouth? Then take a stroll between the two piers.
Location: Bournemouth, Dorset
Learn how to find fossils with a guided fossil walk
Take the family on a fossil hunting walk along Charmouth Beach and uncover prehistoric history while walking along a dramatic stretch of coastline.
Location: Charmouth, Dorset
Make waves on a water sports holiday in Bournemouth
Bournemouth has a vast array of water sports on offer throughout the year for both the novice and professional.
Location: Bournemouth, Dorset
Explore Lyme Regis
Wander round narrow streets and along the South West Coastal Path.
Location: Lyme Regis, Dorset
Uncover Wareham’s southern charm and civil war past
Wareham is packed with old red-brick houses and wonky, half-timber cottages that'll have your trigger finger reaching for the camera button.
Location: Wareham, Dorset
Majestic views at a Corfe Castle picnic
Enjoy breathtaking views at the majestic ruins of Corfe Castle in the perfect idyllic picnic spot.
Location: Corfe, Dorset
Peel away the layers of Dorset’s Jurassic Coast
Trace a history that goes back millions of years as you meander Dorset’s famous Jurassic Coast, England’s first UNESCO Natural World Heritage site.
Location: Dorset
Explore the West Bay coastline as seen on TV’s Broadchurch
Soak up the picture-perfect setting used in the TV series Broadchurch as you explore West Bay on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast.
Location: West Bay, Dorset
Explore an island of discovery
Explore Portland’s rugged landscape and breathtaking views and discover its history, heritage and natural assets.
Location: Portland, Dorset
A botanical treasure trove on the Jurassic Coast
Sniff your way around the award-winning Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, a coastal haven filled with rare and exotic plants from all over the world.
Location: Abbotsbury, Dorset
Discover Dorset’s Myths and Legends
Tour the many landmarks, dotted along Dorset’s beautiful coast and countryside, and uncover their fascinating tales.
Location: Dorset
Watch Indie A-listers at the End of the Road Festival
The intimate surroundings of the End of the Road Festival give you the chance to get up close and personal with the bands and their music.
Location: Larmer Tree Gardens, North Dorset
Enjoy a romantic break surrounded by echoes of royal love
Opulent comfort and English grandeur, in a house that once bore royalty.
Location: Bournemouth, Dorset
September events: Bournemouth Air Festival
The world's biggest airshow brings together the thrill of gravity-defying plane displays and an abundance of family entertainment on the ground - all for free!
Location: Bournemouth, Dorset
Experience a spiritual side to Bournemouth's history
Visit St. Peter's Church for the stunning architecture, the famous final resting places or simply the atmosphere.
Location: Bournemouth, Dorset
See Dorset from two wheels on a Jurassic Cycle Trail
The Jurassic Coast Cycle Trails are 3 family-friendly routes designed to help you take in the splendors of the Weymouth and Portland coastline.
Location: Weymouth, Dorset
Cook with celebrity chefs in Dorset
Share in Lesley Waters' and Mark Hix's kitchen secrets.
Location: Dorset
Stunning sea views and fine wines at a hip Dorset clifftop hotel
Enjoy a romantic summer break to the luxurious Seaside Boarding House in Dorset.
Location: Burton Bradstock, Dorset
Enjoy family fun and meals by the fire at Norburton Hall
Celebrate a special occasion, or just enjoy having the whole family round for dinner on this Dorset estate.
Location: Burton Bradstock, Dorset
Enjoy an eco-friendly stay in green and pleasant Dorset
Come and enjoy Dorset’s incredible scenic beauty and rich wildlife this spring on a sustainable seaside holiday.
Location: Dorset
Take the family pet along on a dog friendly break in Dorset
Thanks to Dorset’s dog friendly places, there’s no need to leave your favourite canine companion at home on a family holiday.
Location: Dorset