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
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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.
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
Take to the slopes in Dorset
The Snowtrax alpine activity centre will transport you to the mountains for the day.
Location: Christchurch, Dorset
Enjoy high-wire and two-wheeled adventure in the Moors Valley
Enjoy adrenaline-fuelled activities for all the family in Moors Valley Country Park in the lovely Dorset countryside.
Location: Ashley Heath, 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
Give your taste buds a treat at the Furleigh Estate vineyard
Explore the peace and tranquillity of the Furleigh Estate vineyard, before getting down to the real business of testing out the wines for yourself.
Location: Bridport, Dorset
Dive into the deep blue sea at Oceanarium
Bournemouth's Oceanarium is a great indoor attraction that allows you to discover the secrets of the deep.
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
Fly along the world’s first pier-to-shore zip wire
Climb the Zip tower at the end of Bournemouth Pier and above the sea and zip-surf over the waves to the shore. Race friends and family to the beach!
Location: Bournemouth, Dorset
December events: Explore the Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland
Full of atmosphere and tradition, the Christmas Tree Wonderland is an epic trail through historic gardens and seafront walkways draped in lights.
Location: Bournemouth, Dorset