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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

Dorchester
13 Jun 2025 to 14 Jun 2025
Bridport Beer Festival
Bridport
13 Jun 2025 to 14 Jun 2025
Bridport Food & Beer Festival
Bridport
Poole
Bournemouth

Latest Dorset Features

9 Jun 2025
Dog-Friendly Dorset A fully-fledged member of the family, your four-legged friend doesn’t need to feel left out of the holiday loop and will be well-catered for when you come to dog-friendly Dorset. Dog-Friendly Accommodation When it comes to finding somewhere to stay, there’s no shortage of dog and pet friendly accommodation to choose from. Whether it’s camping, a caravan, cottage or lodge you’re after, Dorset has plenty of dog-friendly options to choose from to make the ... Read more...
5 Jun 2025
Splashdown Water Park Flumin’ Fantastic! Looking for an unforgettable family day out? Splashdown Water Park, located at Tower Park, Poole, is the South of England’s largest and most thrilling water park! This action-packed water playground has become a firm favourite in our family. After our son’s first visit, it quickly became his top Dorset destination, and he’s already counting down the days to celebrate his next birthday there! What Awaits You at ... Read more...
3 Jun 2025
What's New Summer 2025 Fresh Faces on the Local Scene Dorset is buzzing with new beginnings. From foodie spots to attractions and summer events, the county is welcoming a wave of fresh ventures. Whether you're a local looking for your next favourite spot or a visitor curious about Dorset, here’s a round-up of the latest businesses making their mark, each bringing something unique to the table. Back in March, The Quay Inn on Poole Quay, formerly a JD Wetherspoon pub- closed its doors. Never ... Read more...
3 Jun 2025
Dorset Camping Get back to nature and sleep under the stars, camping in Dorset. According to the Met Office’s latest three-month outlook, the meteorological summer, running from 1 June to 31 August, is twice as likely to be hotter than usual in 2025. So, what better time to sleep under canvas. Dorset has some brilliant campsites to choose from; some on working farms, others right by the coast, or within walking distance of a cracking pub. We’ve put together a list to help you ... Read more...
2 Jun 2025
Vintage Festivals in Dorset Dorset Goes Vintage Shake & Stir Fest - Oak Photography. From cycling in your finest tweed to cruising in a Cadillac, learning to Lindy Hop, to jumping and jiving to the best bands around, lovers of vintage can rejoice at the selection of upcoming events in Dorset that’ll get you rockin’ and rollin’. So comb that quiff, perfect that pin-up look, and don your dancing shoes – these vintage-themed events are ready to transport you to some yesteryear ... Read more...

More articles available in the features section.

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