Dorset Places of Interest
Dorset is blessed with stunning countryside, breathtaking coastal views, historic monuments and spectacular natural features. You don’t have to look far to see why visitors just can’t get enough of what Dorset has to offer.
One of the great advantages is just how accessible everything is – many sights are close together and you could pack a lot into just one day, but there’s so much to see that you’ll always want to come back for more. Browse the Dorset places of interest listed below and plan your visit.
Visit Durdle Door and explore the fascinating coastline of this beautiful area of Dorset. This famous rock formation is one of the county's most popular sights, find out what's on offer, how it was formed and how to get there.
Portland Bill is quite literally a place like no other. Combining all the weird and wonderful aspects of the Isle, here you can roam freely over large, open stretches of land set to a backdrop of fishermen’s huts, spectacular lighthouses, and rocky shoreline that make up this unique part of the Jurassic Coast.
Weymouth Old Harbour is one of the town's greatest attractions. With its small commercial fishing fleet, pleasure boat and charter fishing trips, and privately-owned boats coming and going on the water, there’s always something of interest going on.
West Bexington is a relaxing place to visit, situated between Abbotsbury and West Bay, a short journey south of Dorset's coast road. There are many reasons to visit, such as its surrounding nature and excellent location on the Jurassic Coast.
Church Ope Cove is a quiet, secluded bay that proves to be a great little asset to Portland. Surrounded by cliffs, this often shelters the Portland wind, and is just one of many reasons to visit.
Until 1983, Tout Quarry was used commercially. Tout Quarry is now also known as Portland Sculpture Park, where many stone masons have since practiced their skills, leaving much to be discovered.
Chapman's Pool is a bay that is nestled in the isle of Purbeck between Swanage and Lulworth. Its steep, surrounding terrain offers a challenging, yet very rewarding visit.
Eype Beach is a quiet alternative to the wonders of Lyme Regis and West Bay. The magnificent views of the Jurassic Coast can be enjoyed just as much, and the beach is dog friendly too.
Ringstead Bay is known for its peace and quiet, so it is the perfect place to visit should you want to chill out. You don't even have to head to the beach, as surrounding areas offer extensive views of the coast and bay itself.
Studland Bay offers a 4 mile stretch of golden sands, covering 4 beaches. There's lots to admire about the bay with chalk cliffs, wildlife, its cleanliness and the backdrop of Old Harry Rocks and the Isle of Wight.
Famous for its feature in the Hovis TV advert, Gold Hill in Shaftesbury offers extensive, panoramic views of the gorgeous countryside. There's lots to discover and explore about Gold Hill!
There are many tails of how Old Harry Rocks, situated off of Studland Bay, got its name. Marking the east point of the Jurassic Coast, it's great to learn about this natural wonder.
Rise over 600ft above sea level with a trip up to the South Coast's highest point. Unforgettable views of the Jurassic Coast are guaranteed - find out more about Golden Cap before visiting.
Winning more BlueFlag awards than any other UK beach, Sandbanks is the ultimate place to spend a day in the sun. Its wealthy rise through the property ladder has its reasons, so take a look at what Sandbanks has to offer.
You're missing out if you're yet to visit Poole Park. A scenic, relaxed area is the perfect place to chill out, enjoy a picnic or a refreshment from the local cafes or test your skills at a range of watersports.
Kimmeridge Bay is often overlooked, but it is truly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Dorset. A safe place for swimming and snorkelling, you can also catch both the sunrise and sunset here.
Bournemouth Beach is regarded the UK's best beach for all the right reasons. Seven miles of golden sand, activities for all ages, a picturesque pier, restaurants and bars next to a vibrant town centre are just some of the reasons to visit.
Sandsfoot Castle’s picturesque location by the sea, with the backdrop of Portland Harbour and the Isle of Portland itself beyond, makes for a perfect area to relax and admire some spectacular views. The gardens surrounding the castle have been lovingly cared for and there is an on-site café.
West Lulworth is home to some of the world’s greatest attractions. While the glorious Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove showcase the Jurassic Coast’s World Heritage status, there are also other things to do that will keep a smile on your face for the whole day (providing you can bring yourself to turn your back on the coastline itself).
Nothe Gardens has to be one of the prettiest and peaceful places in not only Weymouth, but the whole of Dorset. There’s plenty of space to make a day of it. With panoramic views of Portland Harbour and the island behind, you can sit and embrace the natural beauty for hours.
Tyneham is a tiny ghost village near Lulworth in Dorset. Requisitioned by the army to aid training during World War 2, the site is now open to the public and offers a fascinating glimpse into the past.
Chesil Beach in Dorset runs for 18 miles between West Bay and Portland. It's an important wildlife hotspot and of fascinating place to visit.
Durlston Country Park, situated just a mile south of Swanage is made up of 280 acres of sea cliffs, haymeadows, hedgerows and woodland. And if that's not enticing enough, you might just spot a dolphin or two!
The Cerne Abbas Giant is a famous Dorset landmark, its origins still very much debated today. Situated close to Dorchester, the village of Cerne Abbas is well worth a visit.
Brownsea Island can be reached by ferry from Poole, Bournemouth or Swanage. This fascinating island was the site of Baden-Powell's first scout camp and today is home to the rare red squirrel.
Dorset's Hardy Monument, a well-visited landmark situated near Portesham, can be seen from miles around and provides breathtaking views over rolling hills and coastline.
A walk along Weymouth Esplanade towards Preston will take you to Overcombe Corner, then continue up the hill to Bowleaze Cove where there’s a small beach and all the facilities you could want for a family day out.
The historic Poole Quay is a working quay, filled with plenty of daily hustle and bustle. Rich in history, there’s many a maritime tale it has to tell including that of the town’s favourite pirate son, Harry Paye; whose name, according to some, lives on in the local rock formation, Old Harry Rocks.
With its expanse of golden sands and sparkling water Weymouth Beach must surely be one of the best family beaches along the South Coast. It certainly receives planty of accolades as in 2016 it was awarded a Blue Flag and a Seaside Award: these were followed by the beach being voted 'Best UK Beach' in TripAdvisor's Travellers Choice Awards, and in 2017 Trainline's study of UK’s top ten seaside destinations, put Weymouth beach third based on the site’s ticket sales for the May Day bank holiday weekend.
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