Things to Do in Autumn in Dorset

Mapperton Gardens, Beaminster

Autumn is a brilliant time to visit Dorset. The summer crowds have eased, the countryside starts to turn golden and there’s still plenty going on across the county.

From exploring Dorset’s countryside and coast to enjoying its autumn colours, treating yourself to a wellbeing break or planning a family day out, there’s plenty to tempt you outside this autumn.

Here are some of our favourite things to do in Dorset this autumn.

See Dorset in Autumn Colour

Bournemouth

One of the best things about autumn is that you don't need to plan a big day out to enjoy it. A walk through a woodland, park or garden can be enough to see Dorset looking completely different.

From Sherborne Castle and Forde Abbey to Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Mapperton House and Kingston Lacy, there are plenty of places where autumn colour really comes into its own.

We've picked out some of our favourite places to see the season in our guide to Autumn Colours in Dorset, including some beautiful gardens and estates that are particularly lovely at this time of year.

Read: Autumn Colours in Dorset

Go for an Autumn Walk

Cooler days are made for walking, and Dorset has plenty of choice.

Head for the coast for dramatic sea views and fresh air, or head inland for woodland, countryside and quieter lanes. Autumn is also a great time to explore some of the county's villages, when you can combine a walk with a pub lunch or a wander around the village itself.

We've picked five of our favourite autumn walks, from Langton Herring and Evershot to Old Harry Rocks and Portland Bill.

Read: Five of the best autumn walks in Dorset

And you don't need to commit to a long walk. A stroll along Weymouth seafront, around Nothe Gardens or through one of Dorset's parks can be just as good when the weather is on your side.

Head to the Coast

Dorset's beaches are rather lovely when the summer crowds have gone.

There is something rather special about having the coast to explore without the crowds. Wrap up warm and head to the Jurassic Coast for a bracing walk, search for fossils around Lyme Regis and Charmouth, or simply enjoy the sea air at Weymouth, Studland, West Bay or one of the county's many beaches.

The changing light can make the coastline look completely different too, particularly later in the afternoon.

Explore: Dorset beaches and coastal spots

Wellness & Relaxing Days Out

Autumn can be a good excuse to slow the pace a little. And Dorset has plenty of ways to combine getting outdoors with a bit of time to yourself.

From spending time beside the sea and trying wild swimming to forest bathing, yoga and a visit to a spa, our Wellness Breaks in Dorset feature looks at some of the ways you can make the most of Dorset's natural surroundings while giving yourself a bit of a reset.

You don't necessarily need a whole weekend away either. A walk by the coast, a swim, a good lunch or an afternoon in a spa can all make for a pretty good autumn day.

Read: Wellness Breaks in Dorset

Find Family Fun in Autumn

The October half-term brings a whole new batch of things to do across Dorset.

There are pumpkin trails, Halloween events, autumn trails, family attractions and plenty of seasonal activities to keep everyone entertained.

We've rounded up what's happening in our Half-Term Events in Dorset guide, so you can find something happening during the school holidays.

Read: Half-Term Events in Dorset

For something a little more seasonal, pumpkin picking has become a firm autumn favourite too. Pick your own pumpkin, explore the farm and, if you're brave enough, tackle one of the spooky trails.

Read: Pumpkin Picking in Dorset

Enjoy an Autumn Event

Illuminate at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens - various dates please see events diary link below.

Dorset doesn't shut down when summer ends. Far from it!

Autumn brings food festivals, markets, live music, exhibitions, theatre, Halloween events and plenty of other reasons to get out and about.

There are events taking place right through September, October and November, so our Dorset Events calendar is always worth checking before you make plans.

See what's on in Dorset →

And if you're planning ahead for October, you'll find everything from autumn steam and food festivals to Halloween events, pumpkin trails and the Purbeck Film Festival already appearing in the calendar.

Have a Dorset Pub Lunch

Let's be honest, one of the best things about an autumn walk is knowing there's a pub at the end of it.

Dorset is rather good at pubs, and autumn is the perfect excuse to find one serving a good lunch, local food and something warming to drink.

Make a pub the destination of your walk, stop somewhere after exploring a Dorset town, or simply settle down somewhere cosy and let someone else do the cooking.

Explore: Pubs & Restaurants in Dorset

Make a Day Of It

Sherborne

Sometimes the best autumn days are the ones where you don't have much of a plan.

Pick a Dorset town or village, have a wander, browse the independent shops, stop for coffee and see where the day takes you.

Sherborne, Dorchester, Bridport, Lyme Regis, Wimborne and Weymouth all make good bases for an autumn day out, with plenty to explore nearby.

And if the weather takes a turn, there are plenty of museums, galleries and indoor attractions to duck into.

Explore: Things to do in Dorset

Why not make a weekend of it?

Autumn is a great time for a short break in Dorset, whether you're after a cosy cottage, a holiday park, a hotel by the coast or somewhere in the countryside. With quieter beaches, walks, attractions and plenty going on, there are so many reasons to stay for a couple of nights.

Explore: Out of Season Breaks in Dorset

Fun Whatever the Weather

Dorset Museum & Art Gallery

Dorset isn't just a summer destination, and a grey day doesn't have to mean sitting inside all day.

Some of the best autumn days are the ones where you pull on your boots, wrap up warm and get outside anyway. And if it does rain? That's what museums, cafés, pubs and indoor attractions are for.

So grab your coat, check the forecast and come and discover a different side of Dorset this autumn.

Read: Rainy Day Ideas in Dorset