Unusual Things to do in Dorset

One of the big appeals to visiting Dorset is that it feels rather like a secret waiting to be discovered. With hidden coves, dramatic cliffs, unusual place names and unique hobbies, it is ‘THE’ destination to anyone who is looking for quirky things to do, places to explore or a special experience to enjoy. Dorset is rich in history, culture and its beauty is undeniable. Come for the day, the weekend, or make it your go-to holiday location. Many choose Dorset as their forever home, and it is easy to see why.

Take a look at some of the unusual things to do and explore Dorset:

Tyneham Village

On the Isle of Purbeck, lies Tyneham: a village in which no one has lived since World War II, and where you’ll find the remains of what used to be. In 1943, the village was evacuated in order for our respected soldiers to carry out training; however, the locals never returned and the village remains the property of Ministry of Defence. Many buildings were damaged in the training process, but the school and church have been restored and now act as a museum to give insight into what this idyllic life would have been like.

Thankfully, you are allowed to visit Tyneham to discover the ‘ghost village’ most weekends and school holidays throughout the year.

Bridport Hat Festival

It’s not often you see a town that puts on a festival to celebrate wearing hats, but Bridport are a step a’head’ when it comes to inventive events. Fundraising for head-related charities and celebrating the end of summertime, Bridport Hat Festival offers a creative occasion with competitions that include ‘Fun Hat’, and ‘Best Hatted Dog’. The festival brings a range of fun and enjoyable activities including live music, lots of food and drink, and quirky trade stalls.

Swanage Railway

The Jurassic Coast

Designated, in 2001 as England's first natural World Heritage Site, this 95-mile stretch of coastline is of outstanding international importance for Earth Science. From Orcombe Point, in East Devon, to Old Harry Rocks, in Dorset, 185 million years of history lie between, and a walk along the coast here is like taking a walk in time. Over the years, there have been many important fossil finds, and the skull of a pliosaur, a ferocious 'sea monster' predator that roamed the seas 150 million years ago can be seen at Dorset Museum and Art Gallery in Dorchester. Another which was featured in David Attenborough's 2023 documentary is on display at the Etches Collection at Kimmeridge. You can take part in your own hunt for fossils - ammonites are regularly unearthed - but take care, avoid the base of cliffs as landslides can happen at anytime. It's this shift of landscape that creates and forms the Jurassic Coast, offering up more fossils to find, but safety should be paramount. A reliable and rewarding way to try fossil hunting is to join an experienced guide, which you can do at both Charmouth and Lyme Regis. 

Cerne Abbas Giant

This ancient naked chalk figure is iconic with Dorset, and a visit to see him in all his glory is a must. Whilst no one knows the reason behind the Cerne Abbas Giant for definite, suggestions are made that it dates back to the Iron Age and is either an ancient symbol of spirituality, an illustration of Greco-Roman Hercules, or a mockery of Oliver Cromwell – but these are just theories. Fact is, he’s here in the Dorset Downs and you can discover one of the most well-known hill figures in the UK for yourself.

Image by Pete Harlow - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=22540551. Under licence of https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/legalcode.

Glass Blowing

Be blown away by the skills on show at Stuart Wiltshire Glass, based in Weymouth, and gain an insight into how this ancient craft works. There are lots of brilliant glass sculptures crafted by Stuart himself that are available to view and buy. 

Abbotsbury Swannery

Artillery, tunnels and much more create an extremely interesting experience for all at The Nothe Fort, Weymouth. Dating all the way back to as early as 1860, it served Weymouth and Portland as a defence system during numerous wars including World War I and World War II. Since 1978, the Nothe Fort has been preserved close to its original state and as a precious asset of local history with lots of knowledge, facts and evidence to be uncovered by visitors. There have even been reports of paranormal activity. Will you hear the whistle of the ghostly gunner? Entry prices are very reasonable, and you’ll also get the privilege of the view of Weymouth Bay and a walk through Nothe Gardens.

Seek Stone Sculptures on Portland

Within Tout Quarry, on Portland you can roam freely to find lots of rock sculpture and engravings, including the ‘Falling Man’, created by Antony Gormley. Portland is an attractive area for adventuring, with its lighthouses at Portland Bill lying at the very south of the Jurassic Coast and the famous Chesil beach.

The Gold Hill Cheese Race

The picturesque Gold Hill in Shaftesbury (you may recognise it from the Hovis adverts) is used as a racing track each year. Not as you’d think though — you’ve got to carry a great slab of cheese to weigh you down as you try and leverage yourself up the steep hill. Races are available in lots of different categories, including men’s, women’s, age categories for children, relay teams and veterans. It’s not very often you’d run up a hill with a block of cheese, competing against others. The event is part of the Shaftesbury food and drink festival, so it’s a great opportunity to join in and celebrate local food with lots on offer to try, with live cooking showcases from professional chefs

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