Dorset and the Jurassic Coast remain some of the most popular areas to visit in the UK, year after year sees Durdle Door beach, Weymouth town or Corfe Castle full of visitors looking for the best days out in Dorset, on England’s south coast.
While the likes of Durdle Door are well-known and great for Dorset days out with the family or friends, there are also plenty of other options for places to visit in Dorset for the day.
This guide aims to give you some ideas and inspiration for the best of Dorset, so you can plan your days out in Dorset, whatever the weather!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something. While clicking these links won’t cost you anything, they will help us to keep this site up and running! See the full disclosure policy for more details.
25 Ideas for a day out in Dorset
Hardy’s Cottage
For those who are a fan of the Victorian writer, poet and novelist, Thomas Hardy, a visit to his cottage is a must.
In fact, for anyone with an interest in literary history, Thomas Hardy’s cottage in Dorset is a fascinating time capsule that has barely been touched since he lived there. Hardy was born in the cottage and the thatched roof and quaint garden are a beautiful insight into his birthplace and life there.
The cottage is located next to Thorncombe Woods and there is a pay and display car park next to the visitor’s centre.
The property is owned by the National Trust so a visit is free if you’re a member. The property does close over winter so check their website for the latest opening times and prices.
The location is perfect for taking a stroll after your visit to the cottage too, continue along the track where the cottage is located and you can enjoy many dog-friendly public footpath walks in the woods and heathland.
The Tank Museum at Bovington
A day out in Dorset at the Tank Museum might not be the first place that comes to mind when you’re planning what to see in Dorset!
But you can easily spend a day at the museum, with so many exhibitions, informative staff and so much education material about the history of tanks from WWII to present day. You don’t need to be a tank or WWII enthusiast to appreciate the amount of information and interesting stories found in this museum.
The museum is also very family orientated and kid-friendly, with interactive exhibits, play areas, cafes, hands-on displays and the option to go inside some of the tanks too.
The Tank Museum is a great option if you’re looking for places to visit in Dorset with kids or on a rainy day in Dorset!
You can buy tickets in advance or on the day.
Corfe Castle and Railway trip
Corfe Castle definitely isn’t a secret place to visit in Dorset, but it’s popular for a reason which is why it has to be on this list for great days out in Dorset.
The actual Corfe Castle itself is National Trust owned and you can walk among the ruins and enjoy the view from the hilltop overlooking the town.
Alternatively, take a walk along the public footpath at West Hill to enjoy beautiful views of the castle.
But to make this a full day out in Dorset’s Corfe Castle, there’s plenty more to do than just see the castle.
Enjoy a pub lunch or cafe stop in one of the town’s cute tea rooms. Or head over to the Corfe Castle model village.
Don’t miss a stop at the colourful Corfe Castle railway station where you can see the steam train pass through several times a day!
You can even make a trip from it by taking a ride on the steam train for a unique experience in Dorset for both adults and children.
The Swanage Steam Railway runs five times a day between Swanage and Norden, with several stops in between.
You can purchase tickets to ride on the full-sized steam train, enjoying the unique experience and views of the Dorset countryside.
Find out more information here.
Dorset Adventure Park
For kids days out, Dorset Adventure Park needs its own full day to experience. Located right next to Corfe Castle, this is an easy-to-reach activity for the family.
With a huge inflatable obstacle course floating on the water, it’s huge fun for adults and children to spend a summer day jumping, sliding and swimming in the lagoon.
There’s also a mud trail as well as the water obstacle course and there are packages available for kids parties, groups and team building days.
Because it’s in water, the park is only open May-September and it does get popular, so check online for availability and to book.
Durdle Door and cliff walk
One of the most recognisable landmarks in England, the stone arch of Durdle Door draws visitors from all over the country and the world.
Durdle Door Beach is also a lovely beach to enjoy on a sunny day, although it does get very busy during the summer holidays! But it’s a great option for a free day out in Dorset.
Park at the stop of the hill behind the holiday park and you’ll see a steep gravel path down the hillside. This is the path to Durdle Door.
Once you’re at the bottom, take the steps down to the beach and enjoy a day of sun, sand and sea with a picnic, or take a walk along the Southwest Coast Path and enjoy the views of the white cliffs and South England coastline.
Fossil Picking at Kimmeridge Bay
Visiting and learning about the Jurassic Coast is great, but there’s nothing like getting your hands dirty and finding your own fossils. Visiting Kimmeridge Bay is one of the best places to go in Dorset for an interactive day out with kids.
While the beach isn’t’ the prettiest beach in Dorset, the surrounding rock faces are laden with fossils. You cannot take fossils out of the rock (i.e. you can go digging, hacking or hammering out the cliff) but the beach is covered in pebbles, rocks and stones, many of which have fossils in. If the stone is already loose, you can take it home!
Isle of Portland
The Isle of Portland is a tied island, it’s an island connected by a thin strip of land which carries a road, making the island easily accessible from the mainland, right near Weymouth.
The Isle of Portland is so small but there really is plenty to do and you can easily spend the day there:
- Visit the Olympic Rings Stone Sculpture and enjoy the epic view of Chesil Beach from here
- See the unique carvings at Tout Quarry Sculpture Park and Nature Reserve
- Walk out to Blacknor Fort and enjoy the epic cliff views
- Head out to Portland Bill, see the iconic lighthouse, have a picnic in the park area and climb the Pulpit Rock (carefully!)
- Enjoy fresh seafood at the Lobster Pot or Crab House Cafe
- Portland is home to the National Sailing Academy and it’s where the 2012 Olympic Sailing events were hosted and you can try sailing at one of their beginner classes
- Visit the 450 year old Portland Castle
Old Harry Rocks
The walk out to Old Harry Rocks is a great option for an easy, free family day out in Dorset.
This circular walk takes you from Studland, along the coast, with views of the cliffs and Bournemouth.
Start at South Beach car park in Studland and follow the signs for Old Harry Rocks.
You’ll be following the Southwest Coast Path all the way, following the curve of the coast until you reach an intersection of paths, here you follow the sign to Studland and turn right, bringing you full circle back to Studland.
Although the walk is easy, allow 2+ hours to stop for photos. Especially at the tip of the Old Harry Rocks, where the white stone headland juts out into the blue sea and looks particularly beautiful in the sunshine.
A word of warning, bring plenty of water and cover ups or appropriate clothing. The path is extremely exposed with little shade and can get very hot on summer days and very windy or cold on winter days!
Finish your walk with a pub lunch back at the Bankes Arms in Studland.
Weymouth
An essential stop on any Dorset itinerary or Dorset road trip, Weymouth is a great option for family friendly days out with plenty to see and do.
Don’t miss these things to do in Weymouth with kids:
- Take a boat trip from the harbour
- See some epic sand sculptures at Sandworld, Weymouth
- Don’t miss the family favourite Weymouth Sea Life and Adventure Park
- Enjoy fish and chips on the beach or even just spend an hour or two enjoying the sand and sea
- The Fantasy Island Fun Park is another hit with the kids and it’s budget friendly at £5.50 for 1.5 hours
- Ride the popular Weymouth Land Train
Lyme Regis
A trip to Lyme Regis is a great option for days out in Dorset adults can enjoy.
This sophisticated town is tucked away further west on Dorset’s coast, near to Devon and is the perfect option for a romantic Dorset day trip or weekend away.
Don’t miss these things to do in Lyme Regis:
- Get an adrenaline kick with Lyme Regis rib rides
- Visit the Lyme Regis Museum
- Try out stand up paddle boarding with lessons from Boylos Watersports
- Stroll in the picturesque Langmoor and Lister Gardens
- Enjoy stone baked pizza at The Pilot Boat
- Sample some of the towns best bakes at Town Mill Bakery and Cafe
- Enjoy a beverage at the Lyme Regis Brewery or for a fun, relaxed experience, head to the relatively new Shave Cross Cellar on Bridge Street where you can pour your own pint of beer from the taps on the wall
Forde Abbey House and Gardens
Technically, this historic house lies on the border of Dorset and Somerset, but this stunning Abbey carries 900 years of history. From 12th century Cistercian monks to the world famous Mortlake Tapestries by Raphael and now home to the Kennard family, this Abbey and Gardens are spectacular to explore and spend the day.
The current family still own, run and farm the land in the way it has been done on the Estate for centuries. The gardens are a maze to explore and they’re also home to the highest powered fountain in the country!
The House and Gardens close for the winter, with the gardens reopening usually in February for the snowdrops, then the house and gardens are both available from April.
The Abbey is ideal for days out in Dorset for adults and being such an underrated destination in the southwest, it really is one of the best places to visit in Dorset and beyond.
Admission to both house and gardens costs £15 per adult, with reduced tickets to visit just the Gardens.
Find out more and book here.
Mapperton House and Garden
Another grand house, worthy of a spring day out in Dorset is Mapperton House and Garden.
Home to the Earl and Countess of Sandwich, this is a quintessential country manor house with almost 1000 years of history – it’s first mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086!
Since then, the house has only belonged to 4 families, handed down from generation to generation!
The house is also home to 15 acres of gardens, famed for their romantic Italianate gardens, Orangery, arboretum and classic topiary.
Adult tickets cost £11 and the house is closed for winter, usually opening between March until late autumn.
West Lulworth, Stair Hole, Fossil Forest
West Lulworth is a quaint Dorset village, full of sleepy thatched cottages and winding roads.
But despite its size, West Lulworth really packs a punch for things to do and you can easily spend a day in the area:
- Take a walk along the SW Coast Path above Lulworth Cove and admire the unique shape of the bay and the spectacular views.
- Spend a few hours on the pebbly beach and paddling in crystal clear water
- Take a walk to Stair Hole, the unique caves and stone arch formations to the right of the Cove.
- To the left of the Cove, walk around to the Fossil Forest where you can see the remains of a fossilised forest from 150 million years ago.
- Rent a canoe or a Kayak from Lulworth Activities centre located right next to the beach
- Treat yourself to an ice cream at the Ice Cream Parlour on the village
- Take a stroll around the village to enjoy the quintessential British thatched cottages
- Enjoy a pub meal and a drink at the beautiful thatched pub – The Castle Inn
- Head just up the road to visit Lulworth Castle
Lulworth Castle
You could include Lulworth Castle on your day trip to Lulworth, but you can easily spend a day visiting Lulworth Castle and Gardens in its own right too.
With the opportunity to explore the castle interior, learn about the history, climb the tower and enjoy panoramic views of the countryside, enjoy afternoon tea at the castle tearooms and take a stroll around the castle grounds and estate.
There’s plenty of woodland trails and a children’s play area for kids too.
Parking costs £3 for the day (pay and display) and the ticket to visit the castle is separate. Visit the website for the latest opening times and prices.
Blue Pool
A unique Dorset hidden gem, the Blue Pool is located in a nature reserve in the heart of the Dorset Purbeck Hills.
The Pool is famous for its vibrant hues of green, blue and turquoise making it look absolutely magical. There are surrounding walking trails (Green and Red routes) to enjoy in the surrounding reserve, as well as tea rooms and an ice cream parlour on site.
The Blue Pool is a great option for cheap days out in Dorset with kids, adult tickets are just £5, children £2.50 and under 5s are free.
Swanage
Swanage is a popular option for Dorset days out and places to visit, with plenty to see and do in the town.
The Swanage Beach is a great option for a beach day in Dorset and you can even hire a beach hut! With plenty of cafes and facilities, it’s a great option for a whole day out in the summer and you have K’s Funworld on the beachfront for the kids too.
If you’d prefer a more active addition to your day in Swanage, how about hiring a bike or enjoying a boat trip from Swanage Pier.
For those more interested in history, the Swanage Heritage Museum and the Swanage Railway are great cultural activities in Swanage.
For food and drink in Swanage don’t miss:
- Fortes Gelateria for ice cream
- Java Coffee House for coffee and light bites
- The Fish Plaice for fish and chips
- Gee Whites for beachfront seafood
Studland
Studland is a great option for a Dorset day out as part of a walk to Old Harry Rocks or within its own right.
It’s a beautiful village with long sandy beaches, quintessential British pubs to eat and drink, including the picturesque Pig on the Beach hotel which hosts events like a festival on the beach, food events and more, see their website for details.
Studland is also the best option if you want to plan days out to Poole because you can take the chain ferry across to Poole from Studland, rather than driving all the way inland to reach Poole.
Boat trip
Being located on the coast, it would be a missed opportunity if you didn’t seize the chance to take a boat ride if you’re planning fun days out in Dorset.
Wareham, Weymouth, Poole and Lyme Regis are your best options for planning a boat trip from the Dorset coast.
The Lyme Regis Rib Rides are great fun and perfect for thrill seekers and cooling off on a summer day. If you prefer a slower pace, there are also sightseeing boat tours and fishing trips leaving from Lyme Regis Harbour too.
From Poole you have a range of boat ride options from sundowner cruises to sightseeing and pleasure cruises or harbour sailings with City Cruises.
If you’d prefer something more exclusive or you’re looking for ideas for unique things to do in Dorset, you can hire a boat for the day from Weymouth with Sirius Boat Charters.
Alternatively, for a relaxing but short 1-hour river cruise, check out Wareham River Cruises which winds along the River Frome from Wareham.
Shaftesbury
Made famous by the Hovis Advert, the picturesque street of Gold Hill in Shaftesbury is recognisable by many people who have never even been to Shaftesbury.
But there’s plenty more to see and do in Shaftesbury making it a great option for days out Dorset has to offer.
- See Gold Hill and visit the Gold Hill Museum
- Explore the markets – local markets happen every Thursday and farmer’s markets happen on the first Saturday of every month
- Take in the views from the Park Walk across the village and countryside
- Stop for a pub lunch at Ye Olde Two Brewers
- Visit Shaftesbury Abbey Museum and Gardens
- Follow one of the many walking or cycling routes in the Blackmore Vale
Unique Stays
If you’re looking to extend your Dorset day out, why not check out these unusual places to stay in Dorset to make your trip memorable?
SW Coast Path
One of the easiest and cheapest days out on the Jurassic Coast is to take advantage of the beautiful Southwest Coast Path.
This 630-mile trail is the longest continuous trail in the UK, starting in Minehead in Somerset and running around the coast of Somerset, Cornwall, Devon and Dorset to end in Poole.
The great thing about the continuous path is being able to pick it up wherever you are in Dorset. Simply head to the coast and follow it in either direction in Dorset for a wonderful day of rambling, fresh air and amazing views.
Dorchester Museums and History
Dorchester is the county town of Dorset and it’s home to some of the best Dorset places to visit from a historic perspective.
Here are just some of the museums and attractions in Dorchester that are a must-do when you’re planning what to see in Dorset
- The Dorset Museum
- The Military Museum
- Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum.- learn about the darker parts of Dorset’s history
- Visit the Maumbury Rings
- Learn about Egyptian history and see a recreation of the tomb at the Tutankhamun Exhibition
- Visit the beautiful Tudor Manor House – Athelhampton House
- For children, the Teddy Bear Museum and the Dinosaur Museum are both great options
Of course there’s also plenty to do in Dorchester in terms of markets, shopping, walking trails and food and drink. But for things to do in Dorset on a rainy day, Dorchester offers so many fascinating options.
Terracotta Warriors Museum, Dorset
This museum is also located in Dorchester but really deserves its own Dorset day trip because it’s one of the most unique places to visit in Dorset, UK.
The Terracotta Warriors Museum is the only museum in the world that’s outside of China and dedicated to the Terracotta army.
You can see exact replicas made from the real warriors in Xian and learn about how the army was found, recovered and preserved.
This is a completely fascinating and captivating day out in Dorset and with tickets just £6.50 for adults and £4.50 for children (under 5s are free) it’s an affordable Dorset activity.
Dorset AONB
A large portion of Dorset is covered by the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Although this is a more general recommendation, the area is full of countless walks, trails, events and attractions which are worth visiting.
To plan a day out somewhere in the AONB, the Dorset AONB provides a map of Dorset on their website with attractions and walking routes, you can even use their search engine to filter by postcode, activity and accessibility level which is hugely beneficial for those with young families or with limited mobility.
Summary: 25 Ideas for a day out in Dorset
Hopefully this guide has given you plenty of inspiration for days out in Dorset and some ideas for things to do in Dorset, England whether you’re visiting for a day, a weekend or longer.
It’s a beautiful part of the country that has something to offer throughout the year and regardless of whether you prefer active, outdoor adventures or if you’re looking for things to do in Dorset in the rain!
Pin this to save it for later and plan your future trip!
