5 Perfect Early Spring Ideas

March in Dorset is when the county begins to wake from winter. Coastal paths are quieter, countryside views stretch for miles, and there’s still just enough chill in the air to justify ending the day in a cosy pub.

If you’re searching for things to do in Dorset in March, whether you’re local or visiting for a weekend break, here are five ideas to help you make the most of early spring.

1. Visit The Tank Museum in Bovington

One of the best indoor attractions in Dorset, The Tank Museum is ideal for unpredictable March weather.

Home to a world-renowned collection of historic tanks and military vehicles, the museum combines large-scale exhibits with immersive storytelling. It is engaging for families, history enthusiasts and curious visitors alike.

Why March is a good time to go:

• Quieter than peak holiday periods

• The chance to get inside the Chieftain Main Battle Tank tour, booking highly recommended

• During the Easter holidays, live tank displays on weekdays, tracked vehicle rides and special Easter trails and activities

If you are planning a weekend in Dorset in March, this is the kind of experience that easily fills a few fascinating hours and leaves you talking about it long afterwards.

2. Explore Lyme Regis on the Jurassic Coast

Lyme Regis is one of the most picturesque seaside towns in the county, and March is a wonderful time to explore it.

Walk along the historic Cobb harbour, take in the dramatic cliff views, and enjoy the slower pace before the summer season begins.

March is also prime fossil-hunting season. Winter storms often reveal new finds along the shoreline, making it one of the most exciting months to visit. Lyme Regis is, of course, forever linked with Mary Anning, the pioneering fossil hunter who made remarkable discoveries along these very beaches in the early 19th century. Her finds helped shape our understanding of prehistoric life, and her legacy is still very much part of the town’s identity.

If you are new to fossil hunting, it is well worth popping into Lyme Regis Museum. The museum stands on the site of Mary Anning’s former home and organises guided fossil walks, offering expert advice to help you stay safe and make the most of your adventure.

Do take care along the cliffs. Beware of falling rocks and rising tides, and always keep a safe distance from cliff edges.

Afterwards, warm up in one of the many independent cafés or enjoy locally caught seafood overlooking the sea. Lyme Regis has a fantastic choice of places to eat and drink, so you are unlikely to leave hungry.

3. People Watching at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery

If you are looking for cultural things to do in Dorset in March, the People Watching exhibition at Dorset Museum and Art Gallery is well worth your time.

Featuring over a hundred years of British portraiture from The Ingram Collection, the exhibition explores image and identity through sculpture, paintings, drawings and photography from 1915 to the present day.

We visited earlier this year and found it completely captivating. Whether you are an art enthusiast or simply curious, it is an engaging and thought-provoking experience.

It is also worth noting that museum tickets include 12 months re-entry, meaning you can return to enjoy future exhibitions throughout the year.

4. Walk Gold Hill in Shaftesbury

If you are looking for scenic walks in Dorset in March, start with Gold Hill in Shaftesbury.

This iconic cobbled street offers one of the most recognisable views in the county. In early spring, you can enjoy sweeping views across the Blackmore Vale without the peak-season crowds.

While you are there, take time to explore:

• Independent shops. Shaftesbury is known for its antiques, but you will also find charming gift stores, well-stocked bookshops, fashion boutiques and a cheese deli that is well worth a visit.

• Traditional tearooms and pubs. You are spoilt for choice for coffee, lunch or something more substantial. On our last visit, we stopped at The Salt Cellar at the top of Gold Hill and enjoyed a generous lunch in a perfect location.

• The cobbles themselves. No visit is complete without walking down the famous slope, made iconic by the 1973 Hovis Bread advert. If you are of a certain age, you may even find yourself humming the theme tune.

5. Cosy Up at The Elm Tree Inn

After a day exploring Dorset in March, few things feel better than settling into a traditional country pub.

The Elm Tree Inn sits in a beautiful spot, surrounded by countryside that is ideal for gentle walks and birdwatching. It is the sort of place where you can head out for fresh air during the day and return as the light begins to fade.

Inside, you will find a warm and welcoming atmosphere, hearty seasonal dishes and a good selection of local ales. It is also dog-friendly, so your four-legged companion does not have to miss out.

Whether you choose to relax by the fire or sit outside in the pub garden and catch the first hints of spring sunshine, it is a lovely way to round off a Dorset day.