Resort Dorset on FacebookResort Dorset on TwitterResort Dorset on Instagram
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

Bournemouth
Bournemouth
21 December 2024
Winter Solstice Walk
Studland
Christchurch
30 Nov 2024 to 23 Dec 2024
A Kingston Christmas
Dorchester

Latest Dorset Features

27 Nov 2024
Festive Foodie Highlights Get your tastebuds tingling this Christmas. We’re big advocates of Dorset’s foodie scene and enjoy nothing more than delicious dining – Dorset style. Here are some foodie events, producers and restaurants offering something a bit special this December. New to Portland is the Beekeeper Food Shop, where you will find local meats, dairy goodies, fresh vegetables and arts and crafts from Portland. You’ll find them at Victoria Park DT5 1GB where you will also want ... Read more...
27 Nov 2024
WIN a luxury Dorset break! We are delighted to launch the Resort Dorset newsletter! And good news for those who sign up as we have been kindly offered a fantastic prize draw for a two night break from Front Rows luxury holiday accommodation on Portland! The Resort newsletter will bring you good news from Dorset. Including what’s on, special offers and things to do. We will highlight locations to explore, unmissable events, local business heroes and much more. The prize draw will be available to ... Read more...
20 Nov 2024
Christmas Shopping in Dorset You'll find the perfect present while Christmas shopping in Dorset, find unique gifts, local art, Dorset food and drink and much more. We've put together a few ideas to help get you started! 1 – Have you got a tank enthusiast in the family? Take a look at the Tank Museum online shop: from baubles to model kits and themed T-shirts, their shop has something for everyone. 2 – Cheeeeeese! A Christmas staple, get ... Read more...
11 Nov 2024
Sen-Friendly Christmas Events in Dorset For families looking for sen-friendly christmas events, we have compiled a list of what's on in Dorset from attractions and businesses who are hosting sensory-friendly events. Read more...
6 Nov 2024
Father Christmas Visits Dorset Whether you call him Santa Claus, Father Christmas, St Nicks or simply Santa, your little one will want to meet the real Santa in Dorset this year. Lucky for you, many of Dorset's businesses have arranged magical experiences and Santa's Grottos throughout Dorset for you and your family to do just that. Maybe you're looking for breakfast with Santa, a winter wonderland, a meet and greet Santa, or a SEN Santa visit. We are building up all the best local events, so ... Read more...

More articles available in the features section.

Sign up for Resort Dorset offers, events and news by email
Your data will only be used to send relevant information relating to Resort Dorset magazine and digital platforms. We will not share your data with any third parties, and you can of course unsubscribe at any time. Please see our full privacy policy here.