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Durdle Door
Kimmeridge Sunset
Osmington Mills
Portland Bill Lighthouse
Kimmeridge Bay
Weymouth Harbour
Poole Harbour
Durdle Door Kimmeridge Sunset Osmington Mills Portland Bill Lighthouse Kimmeridge Bay Weymouth Harbour Poole Harbour

Things to do in Dorset

Dorset is a county full of beautiful contrasts: rolling green hills, fertile farmland, golden beaches, rugged cliffs and open heaths make up nature’s own patchwork creation.

The beauty of its coastline is equally matched by its geological importance: 185 million years of the Earth's history is revealed in the 95 miles of Jurassic Coast that stretch from Orcombe Point in East Devon to Old Harry Rocks near Swanage. If you enjoy exploring, then you'll find places of interest right across the county.

Things to do in Dorset

Looking for things to do in Dorset? There's a huge choice of visitor attractions, including beautiful gardens, national treasures such historic houses, nature reserves, theatres and fascinating museums, offering something for all the family.

There's a jam-packed events programme all year round and visiting sport lovers can take their pick from a range of activities both on and off the water.

The county is fast becoming a food-lover's dream - you'll find some excellent pubs and restaurants making the most of the fantastic local produce.

If your holiday just isn't complete without some retail therapy, then shopping can be a rewarding experience with lots of local independant gems to be found alongside larger nationwide stores.

And if after reading about the delights of this fascinating county you find yourself wondering where to stay, you'll find a great selection of holiday parks and campsites to suit your needs.

Dorset and its World Heritage Coast offers something for everyone, from Durdle Door to Weymouth Beach and Portland Bill, enjoy exploring what's on offer.

As a highly photogenic county, our website features lots of photography courtesy of Scoop of Dorset. More photos are available to view and purchase here: Dorset photography prints.

Destinations

Places to Go

Find places to go and things to do in Dorset using the options below.

Dorset Events

17 August 2025
Back to Bacharach
Weymouth
15 Aug 2025 to 17 Aug 2025
Christchurch Carnival Weekend
Christchurch
01 Aug 2025 to 17 Aug 2025
Dorset Sunflower Trail
Dorchester
Abbotsbury
Abbotsbury

Latest Dorset Features

7 Aug 2025
Camp Bestival PR Visit: Camp Bestival: A Bubble-Fuelled Family Adventure! Image credit - Camp Bestival Hello Content Bubbles, pyjamas, glow sticks, glitter, sequins, trolleys, dancing kids, sleeping kids… and dancing dads! Camp Bestival had it all - and then some. A weekend of exploring, raving, laughing, and family bonding, and let’s just say... some of us (ahem, early 40s) are still in recovery mode. It was our first time camping at Camp Bestival, and it definitely ... Read more...
22 Jul 2025
Chesil Beach Cafe - Dorset’s Seafood Gem Chesil Beach Café – Abbotsbury Beach Tucked down a winding lane beyond the subtropical gardens of Abbotsbury, you'll catch glimpses of the legendary Chesil Beach, sometimes hard to tell where the sky ends and the sea begins. Follow the track a little further, and you’ll reach the sweeping stretch of Abbotsbury Beach, well loved by fishermen and walkers - and now, by food lovers too. Back in 2024, Sally Allan, a familiar face on Dorset’s ... Read more...
22 Jul 2025
Coastal Vibes Cruises Weymouth’s Newest Attraction Is Making Waves If you’ve been down to Weymouth Harbour lately, near to the Pavilion, you might have spotted a striking new arrival, a beautiful, state-of-the-art passenger vessel that’s already turning heads. We recently hopped aboard for a sneak preview and… wow. It’s clear that serious thought (and a great eye for design) has gone into every detail. The interiors are sleek, stylish, and surprisingly luxurious, but ... Read more...
21 Jul 2025
Crabbing in Dorset Catch a Crab Crabbing is brilliant traditional family fun; you can spend hours sat on a harbour wall, ice cream in one hand, crabbing net in the other. Where are the best places to catch those crabs? Try Kimmeridge Bay, Mudeford Quay, West Bay Harbour, Poole Quay and Weymouth Harbour all excellent crabbing spots. What will you need to catch them? Use a crabbing net (not a line) plus some bait — they love bacon or smelly fish — and sink the net straight down the ... Read more...
14 Jul 2025
The Best Summer Fireworks Displays in Dorset: Where to Watch in 2025 Top Firework Displays in Dorset 2025 1. Bournemouth Fireworks – Friday Night Spectaculars Location: Bournemouth Beach / Pier Dates: Every Friday night from 25th July until the end of August Why Go: Watch spectacular fireworks light up the sky over Bournemouth beach. These displays are set off near Bournemouth Pier and are part of the town’s vibrant summer festivities. Bournemouth Fireworks are free to attend and perfect for families, couples, and ... Read more...

More articles available in the features section.

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