Dorset Activities
Just because you're on holiday doesn't mean you always want to sit back and completely relax! There's a huge range of activities in the county to keep you busy and having fun. Of course, water sports are especially popular with visitors to the Dorset coast, and there are plenty of opportunites to have fun on or in the water.
For those preferring to keep two feet on the ground, there are lots of activities involving the beautiful Dorset countryside - think horse riding, coasterring, archery, motor sports, woodland walks or golf - the opportunities are seemingly endless!
Here's a selection of the best ways to keep busy on your Dorset holiday...
Purbeck Sports CentreWareham
Lyme Bay Rib CharterWest Bay
Pirate Adventure GolfWeymouth
Portland Bill Lighthouse & Visitor CentrePortland
Chesil Equestrian CentrePortland
Portland AlpacasPortland
The ArkPoole
Lemur LandingsPoole
Moonfleet Adventure Sail TrainingPortland
Weymouth Harbour OfficeWeymouth
RockReefBournemouth
Bincombe Bumps PumpkinsWeymouth
Beachside Leisure CentreWeymouth
LeisureranchWeymouth
Coastline CruisesWeymouth
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Latest Dorset Features
21 Jul 2025
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
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...
26 Jun 2025
Spend a Day at Dorset’s Biggest Family Music Festival – Camp Bestival!
Whether you're here on holiday or a local resident, if you love great music and fun days out, Camp Bestival promises an experience to remember!
Many have heard of Camp Bestival, but did you know it's now in its 17th year? Founded in 2008 by husband and wife duo Josie and Rob Da Bank (photo below), the pair brought their years of experience in the party scene to create a legendary family ... Read more...
23 Jun 2025
18 Family-Friendly Dorset Attractions for 2025
From sandy beaches to historical hideouts, animal encounters to adrenaline-fuelled adventures, Dorset is packed with places to make this summer unforgettable. Whether you’re travelling with toddlers, teens, or grandparents in tow, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Dorset Museum & Art Gallery
Here are 18 top Dorset attractions that deserve a place on your summer must-visit list!
1. Dorset ... Read more...
23 Jun 2025
The Great Garden Trail of Dorset — showcasing the very best in English garden design, planting and history.
World famous for its camellia groves and magnolias and with its own micro climate, Abbotsbury Sub Tropical Gardens cover more than 30 acres and has a plant collection of over 6,000 species from around the world. Highlights include the Mediterranean bank and lily ponds, the Burma Rope Bridge and stunning views of the Jurassic Coast.
Situated close to Dorchester, ... Read more...
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