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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

Poole
Weymouth
21 Feb 2025 to 22 Feb 2025
Christchurch Scout and Guide Gang Show
Christchurch
Weymouth
20 Feb 2025 to 22 Feb 2025
Shrek The Musical
Bournemouth

Latest Dorset Features

13 Feb 2025
Half-term Fun in Dorset So, it’s the 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 seasons. 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; perhaps you will too. If you ... Read more...
7 Feb 2025
Protecting Primates with Monkey World Monkey World and the UK Primate Pet Trade For more than 30 years, Monkey World has been battling the legal UK primate pet trade! Since the park opened, as well as dealing with the worldwide illegal wildlife trade, Monkey World needed the UK government to address the home-grown issue of legal pet primates. From Monkey World’s first rescue of a female capuchin from a pet home in Leicestershire in 1989, to the 123rd pet trade rescue of a marmoset from Halifax in 2022, ... Read more...
7 Feb 2025
Dorset Tourism Award Winners Dorset Celebrates its Stars! Dorset tourism businesses this week celebrated the much-anticipated Dorset Tourism Awards at Marsham Court Hotel in Bournemouth. Five months of independent judging led to 61 winning trophies being presented to fantastic tourism businesses across the area. Resort Dorset is proud to support the awards again this year, supporting the Large Attraction category which saw some of Dorset’s biggest and best attractions come together for an ... Read more...
3 Feb 2025
Dorset Snowdrops A Drop of Snow to Herald Spring Belinda Fewings, Unsplash Whilst meteorological spring doesn’t start until 1st March this year, the first sight of snowdrops, which bravely push their way up through the cold ground in January and February, can certainly put a spring in our step! Determined to put on one of the first flower shows of the year, these hardy white blooms are a welcome reminder that warmer days are just around the corner. Galanthus nivalis (snowy milk flower) ... Read more...
27 Jan 2025
Celebrate Valentine's Day in Dorset Durdle Adore! Love is in the air, everywhere I look around… Yes, Valentine’s Day is back and whether you love it or hate it, it’s time to show that special someone how much you care. But what if you’re not into the commercialised slush with the oversized card, doe-eyed teddy bear and terribly-written poem? Fear not, for we are at hand to tell you of the many wonderful alternative options available to you in Dorset. One option is to spend time ... Read more...

More articles available in the features section.

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