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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

17 May 2025 to 18 May 2025
Christchurch Cheese & Chilli Festival
Christchurch
10 May 2025 to 18 May 2025
Dorchester Walking Festival
Dorchester
Weymouth
17 May 2025 to 18 May 2025
Magic of Thailand
Poole

Latest Dorset Features

13 May 2025
Towns of Culture - Reveal Portland & Weymouth Portland & Weymouth Revealed! Reveal - Portland & Weymouth Towns of Culture 2025 is a celebration of the vibrant cultural scene in Portland and Weymouth. Showcasing the rich tapestry of artistic expression, local talent, and diverse events that define the two towns. Join in, exploring the unique stories, traditions, and creativity that make Portland and Weymouth the cultural gems of 2025. What to expect! Thanks to funding from the Arts Development Company, Portland ... Read more...
30 Apr 2025
La Mia's Poole Quay Celebrating One Year of La Mia’s on Poole Quay We’ve enjoyed several visits to La Mia’s on Poole Quay for coffee, cake, and their delicious tapas. So, when we heard they were celebrating their first anniversary, we couldn’t resist giving them a little shoutout. Housed in one of Poole Quay’s historic Victorian buildings, La Mia’s was transformed in 2024 into a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant with a nautical twist by owner Carly ... Read more...
29 Apr 2025
Dorset's Family Fun Farm Park Make Unforgettable Memories at Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park If you're looking for a fun-filled, family-friendly day out in Dorset, look no further than Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park. Specially designed for children aged 0–8 and their grown-ups, this award-winning attraction is bursting with indoor and outdoor adventures — making it the perfect ‘whatever the weather’ destination! Whether you’re planning a quick visit or a full-day out, Farmer ... Read more...
29 Apr 2025
Half-term Events in Dorset So, it’s the May half term and you may be wondering how you’re going to keep the kids entertained! Well don’t worry, whether you are local resident or are staying in Dorset on a break, there’s lots to do throughout the half term holidays. If you're looking for things to do in Dorset we have found lots of Dorset events to keep you entertained. Our Resort family has children of different ages, here are some of the things we plan to enjoy during the ... Read more...
19 Apr 2025
Weymouth RNLI Mural Weymouth Harbour - RNLI Tribute Mural Next time you stroll along Weymouth's beautiful old harbour, be sure to look up and see the striking new RNLI mural that's almost complete. Painted on the side of Custom House Cafe, Custom House Quay. After huge efforts from the RNLI fundraising team along with donations from local events such as Summerfest, the RNLI mural is a coming to life. The mural creation is in the safe hands of local visual artist Peter ... Read more...

More articles available in the features section.

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