visit dorset official

The Top 10 Things to Do in Dorset, England

John Harper / Getty Images

The county of Dorset, located in southwest England, is an ideal destination for visitors to the U.K. Known for its beaches and dramatic white cliffs, the coastal area has lots to see and do during all seasons of the year. It makes for an excellent day trip from England or a long weekend by the English Cahnnel. Whether you're looking for a low-key beach visit or you want to dig into the history of the region at places like Hardy's Cottage, Dorset has something for every traveler.

Swim at Weymouth Beach

Tony Eveling 

Dorset has plenty of great beaches, but the beach in Weymouth is one of the most popular in the area—and for good reason. The long, curved beach was once popular with King George III, and today the sandy stretch borders the town's Esplanade. It's popular for swimming and water sports, and there's plenty of space to lay out in the sun during the summer months. Lifeguards patrol the beach from May through September, but it's also a nice spot for a walk during colder weather. Nearby, look for local restaurants, shops on the Weymouth High Street, many of which showcase the town's impressive Georgian architecture. Dogs are allowed on the beach in specific areas, so check ahead if you plan to bring a furry friend.

Walk the Jurassic Coast

Dorset's famous Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stretches about 95 miles along English Channel, from Exmouth to Studland Bay. There are tons of places to walk along the famed coast, both on the sandy beaches or atop the cliffs. The walks range in difficulty, but there's something for every type of traveler, including those with kids. A few of the most popular include Old Harry Rocks, which begins at Studland Bay, and a trek from Bowleaze Cove to Smuggler’s Inn, a historic pub. For something more challenging, kick things off in Worth Matravers and travel along to the rocky cliffs of St. Alban’s Head.

Explore Lyme Regis

The historic town of Lyme Regis is best known for its connection to Georgian fossil collector and paleontologist Mary Anning (who was recently the subject of the film "Ammonite"). The seaside town has generated lots of fossils, found in its cliffs and on its beaches, and today it's a nice resort area with quaint shops and restaurants. Don't miss the Lyme Regis Museum and the Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium, or opt to go on one of the fossil walks, where you can search out the ancient shells yourself. Book into the Dorset House Boutique B&B, a chic hotel, to stay a few days.

Marvel at Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove

Antony Spencer Photography / Getty Images

Durdle Door may be Dorset's most famous natural attraction. The natural limestone arch is part of the Jurassic Coast and a must-see for many travelers to the area. Lulworth Cove is also well worth a visit where you can go swimming or pursue outdoor activities like mountain biking and sailing, or simply take a stroll around the coastal area to get a good glimpse of the sights. It can be very popular on hot days, particularly during summer weekends and bank holidays, so plan your trip accordingly. The beach is dog friendly and has available parking for a fee.

Go Wildlife Spotting on Brownsea Island

Thomas Faull / Getty Images

Hop on a ferry boat to Brownsea Island, the largest island in Poole Harbour. Now owned by the National Trust, the island is a great spot to see wildlife or go bird watching. Look for red squirrels, peacocks, and deer, and then spend some time exploring the island's beautiful lagoon. Camping overnight is allowed at the Outdoor Centre, open from April through September, and there are also regular activities for families and kids available for visitors. Travelers should park at Sandbanks to take the ferry across to Brownsea, which has a small entry fee. Wear sturdy shoes to explore the trails and bring along some rain gear just in case.

Go Back in Time at Hardy’s Cottage

CM Dixon/Print Collector/Getty Images

Hardy's Cottage, a cob and thatch cottage, was the birthplace of English author Thomas Hardy. Visitors can explore the cottage and learn more about the writer's life (tickets are available at the Hardy's Birthplace Visitor Centre) and tour the adjacent Thorncombe Woods, a woodland and nature reserve. It's a nice spot to visit even if you aren't an avid reader of Hardy's work and especially if you're interested in 19th-century life. For those who are fans, it's particularly exciting to stand in the same spot where Hardy penned "Far from the Madding Crowd." The site also includes a cafe and a shop.

Hike Studland Nature Reserve

Studland Nature Reserve features 4 miles of beaches and heathland. Whether you want to swim in a peaceful cove or take a long hike through the nature reserve, it's a great spot for an outdoor day in Dorset. The best walk for families and kids is along a circular path through the dunes beginning at Knoll Beach. You can also opt for a longer hike that includes Old Harry, Purbeck Way, and Studland Beach to get a fuller look at the Jurassic Coast.

Tour the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum

Courtesy of Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum

Head to the town of Bournemouth to visit the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, an opulent historic building filled with paintings and sculptures. It was once a private home and the museum was founded by owners Sir Merton and Lady Russell-Cotes over a century ago. The couple gathered most of the museum's collection themselves, which means visitors can get a glimpse of what it was like to be a Victorian-era private collector. The museum is open select days of the week, so check its hours online before visiting. After your visit, head down the cliff to explore Bournemouth Beach.

Try Wine at English Oak Vineyard

Courtesy of English Oak Vineyard

England is not necessarily known for its vineyards, but Dorset is home to a few that make delicious sparkling wine. One of these is English Oak Vineyard, near Poole, which offers public vineyard tours and tastings on Fridays and Saturdays from June to September. Tours should be booked in advance by phone and you can also add on a vineyard picnic to your visit, which can be booked online .

Wander the Grounds of Historic Lulworth Castle

Courtesy of Lulworth Estate

Lulworth Castle, owned by Lulworth Estate (which also owns Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove), makes for a nice day out when exploring Dorset. The 17th-century castle was originally a hunting lodge used for entertaining and was partially rebuilt after a fire in 1929. It's surrounded by vast parks, which visitors can walk around or picnic in during a visit. Don't miss the Castle Tearoom, where you can grab a snack or a souvenir. Lulworth is also home to the annual Camp Bestival , a music festival that also features DJs, comedians, and theater.

The 12 Best Things to Do Along England's Jurassic Coast

Top UK Destinations for Stone Circles and Ancient Sites

The Top 20 Things to Do in England

The 10 Best Beaches in New England

The 16 Best Beaches in England

17 Best Romantic Things to Do in the United Kingdom

The 16 Most Beautiful Natural Features in the UK

The Top 10 Things to Do in Bournemouth, England

The Pembrokeshire Coast: A Complete Guide

The 13 Best Day Trips from Boston

The Perfect Mediterranean Coast Itinerary

The Top 10 Hikes on England’s South West Coast Path

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park: The Complete Guide

How to Spend 5 Days in Ireland

8 Top Things to Do in Tobago

The 15 Best State Parks in California

Must-see attractions in Dorset

Corfe Castle

The massive, shattered ruins of Corfe Castle loom so dramatically from the landscape it's like blundering into a film set. The defensive fragments tower…

Durdle Door

Durdle Door is the poster child of Dorset's Jurassic Coast. This immense, sea-fringed, 150-million-year-old Portland stone arch was created by a…

Kingston Lacy

Dorset's must-see stately home looks every inch the setting for a period drama. It overflows with rich decor, most famously in the Spanish Room, which is…

Clouds Hill

The tiny cottage that was home to TE Lawrence (1888–1935) provides a compelling insight into a complex man. The British soldier became legendary after…

Maiden Castle

Occupying a massive slab of horizon on the southern fringes of Dorchester, Maiden Castle is the largest and most complex Iron Age hill fort in Britain…

Tout Quarry

Portland's white limestone has been quarried for centuries and has been used in some of the world's finest buildings, such as the British Museum and St…

Cerne Giant

Rarely do you find such a nudge-nudge, wink-wink tourist attraction. Nude, full frontal and notoriously well endowed, this hillside chalk figure is…

Dorset County Museum

The Thomas Hardy collection here is the world's largest, offering extraordinary insights into his creative process. You can see from text in Hardy's…

Abbotsbury Swannery

Every May some 600 free-flying swans choose to nest at this swannery, which shelters in the Fleet Lagoon, protected by the ridge of Chesil Beach…

Portland Lighthouse

For a real sense of Portland's remote nature, head to its southern tip, Portland Bill, to climb the 41m-high, candy-striped lighthouse. It offers…

Wimborne Minster

A monastery was first founded in Wimborne, 10 miles north of Bournemouth, in around AD 705 by St Cuthburga. Most of the present-day Wimborne Minster was…

Bournemouth Beach

Bournemouth

Bournemouth's sandy shoreline regularly clocks up seaside awards. It stretches from Southbourne in the far east to Alum Chine in the west – an immense…

Russell-Cotes

Ostentation oozes from almost every inch of this arresting structure – a mash-up of Italianate villa and Scottish baronial pile. It was built at the end…

Sherborne Abbey

At the height of its influence, the magnificent Abbey Church of St Mary the Virgin was the central cathedral of 26 succeeding Saxon bishops. Established…

Brownsea Island

On this small, wooded island in the middle of Poole Harbour, trails weave through heath and woods, past peacocks, red squirrels, red deer and a wealth of…

Chesil Beach Centre

This centre at the start of the bridge to Portland, is a great gateway to Chesil Beach. The pebble ridge is at its highest here – 15m compared to 7m at…

Lyme Regis Museum

In 1814 local teenager Mary Anning found the first full ichthyosaur skeleton near Lyme Regis, propelling the town on to the world stage. An incredibly…

A 2-mile, wafer-thin peninsula of land that curls around the expanse of Poole Harbour, Sandbanks is studded with some of the most expensive houses in the…

Sherborne New Castle

Sir Walter Raleigh began building the impressive Sherborne New Castle in 1594, but only got as far as the central block before being imprisoned by James I…

Poole Museum

The building alone is worth seeing – a beautifully restored 15th-century warehouse. The star exhibit is a 2300-year-old Iron Age logboat dredged up from…

Sherborne Old Castle

These days the epitome of a picturesque ruin, Sherborne's Old Castle was built by Roger, Bishop of Salisbury, in 1120 – Elizabeth I gave it to her one…

Lulworth Castle

A confection in creamy, dreamy white, this baronial pile looks more like a French chateau than a traditional English castle. Built in 1608 as a hunting…

Forde Abbey

Built in the 12th century as a Cistercian monastery, Forde has been a private home since 1649. The building boasts magnificent plasterwork ceilings and…

Weymouth Beach

The nostalgia-inducing offerings along Weymouth's fine sandy shore could see you marvelling at highly skilled sand sculptors, renting a deckchair or…

Roman Town House

The knee-high flint walls and beautifully preserved mosaics here powerfully conjure up the Roman occupation of Dorchester (then Durnovaria). Peek into the…

Novelist Thomas Hardy was a trained architect and designed this attractive house, where he lived from 1885 until his death in 1928. Tess of the D…

Stair Hole Bay

Stair Hole Bay sits just a few hundred metres west of Lulworth Cove. This diminutive semicircle is almost enclosed by cliffs that feature tiny rock arches…

Dinosaurland

This joyful, mini, indoor Jurassic Park overflows with fossilised remains; look out for belemnites, a plesiosaurus and an impressive locally found…

Bournemouth's 1920s heyday is beautifully evoked at a subtropical enclave containing plants from the Canary Islands, New Zealand, Mexico and the Himalayas…

Chained Library

The Chained Library, in Wimborne Minster, was established in 1686 and is stacked with some of the country's oldest medieval books, 12th-century lambskin…

Old Wardour Castle

Six-sided Old Wardour Castle was built around 1393 and suffered severe damage during the English Civil War, leaving these imposing remains. The views from…

First built in the 13th century, Lyme's iconic, curling sea defences have been strengthened and extended over the years, and so don't present the elegant…

Hardy's Cottage

This picturesque cob-and-thatch house is the birthplace of writer Thomas Hardy. It features evocative, sparsely furnished rooms and a lush garden. It's in…

An atmospheric, creaking, grinding, 14th-century working watermill. Cafes, art galleries, a jewellery workshop and microbrewery sit alongside.

Monkey World

An appealing sanctuary for rescued chimpanzees, orang-utans, gibbons, marmosets and some utterly adorable ring-tailed lemurs.

Shaftesbury Abbey

These hilltop ruins mark the site of what was England's largest and richest nunnery. It was founded in 888 by King Alfred the Great, and his daughter,…

Highlights include sharks, penguins and seahorses, and talks and feeding demonstrations are held throughout the day. Tickets fall to £14 for adults and …

Weymouth’s photogenic 19th-century defences are studded with cannons, searchlights and 30cm coastal guns. Exhibits detail Dorset’s Roman invasion, a…

St Martin's on the Walls

This 11th-century church features a 12th-century fresco on the northern wall, and a marble effigy of TE Lawrence. If it's locked during normal shop hours,…

Jurassic Skyline

A 53m tower which rotates to reveal expansive Jurassic Coast views.

More destinations you need to see

Dorchester has a brilliant range of independent and nationally established places to eat and drink at any time of day. Many of them utilise and celebrate the wonderful food and drink produced in the local area. Dorchester has an amazing brewing history and we are fortunate to have a few local micro breweries and distilleries in the town.

Dorchester's rich history means there are lots of things to do here. We have hillforts, henges, an amphitheatre, Roman walls, a Roman town house complete with mosaics and a six brilliant museums! Plus, we forgot to mention all of our play parks, river walks and town trails. It is impossible for anyone, of any age, to be bored in Dorchester.

We have pulled together some suggested itineraries and more detailed information about how to make the most of your visit to Dorchester. Click on the link to be inspired.

Dorchester has a variety of different shopping areas. All of them have a great balance of national favourites and independent shops. Homewares, gifts, clothing, shoes, toys, essentials, refills and more can all be found in our vibrant county town.

Discover Dorchester

Dorchester – Thomas Hardy’s Casterbridge, or the Roman town of Durnovaria – is awash with history and sights to explore.

Whether it’s the two (where else has two?) Iron Age hill forts of Maiden Castle and Poundbury, the Roman Town House close to the line of the old Roman Walls (the only example of a fully exposed Roman town house in the country); the fantastic Georgian Architecture in the picturesque town centre; the house designed and lived in by Thomas Hardy; HRH King Charles III’s urban extension at Poundbury with its open spaces and interesting shops and eateries or the modern redevelopment of the former brewery with its dancing fountains – there is lots for everyone to enjoy.

Dinosaurs and Romans, literary giants, great scientists, military history, art and architecture, beautiful green spaces, interesting and independent shops and great places to eat – there really is something for everyone.

Special Exhibition – Elisabeth Frink: A View from Within

Experience the inner world of famous sculptor Dame Elisabeth Frink.

Thu 18th Apr - All day and 3 future schedules

Community Exhibition: Awakened by Frink

Awakened by Frink is a community exhibition of artwork by members of the Deaf community created during a series of workshops at Dorset Museum and Art Gallery.

“At the Chapel” Pop Up Bakery

Pop along every Thursday for scrumptious baked goodies including their signature traditional breads, croissants, savouries, quiches, doughnuts, cruffins, and fabulous cakes.

Thu 18th Apr - 9:00am and 54 future schedules

Exhibition – ‘Asking For It’

This impactful photography exhibition, coming to Shire Hall Museum from Jayne Jackson, explores changing opinions towards historical and current tendencies toward victim blaming.

Thu 18th Apr - All day and 9 future schedules

John Brown in Dorchester: Rebuilding a Life after slavery

Special temporary exhibition at Dorset Museum

Thu 18th Apr - 9:00am and 42 future schedules

Spring Flower Trail at Thorncombe Wood

Discover the beauty of Thorncombe Wood this Easter!

Thu 18th Apr - All day and 8 future schedules

Storytime at the Museum

Fun-filled Storytime at Dorset Museum

Thu 18th Apr - 10:00am and 1 future schedules

Come and join us for fun-filled Storytime where you can listen to some amazing tales in our Community Space at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery!

Wellbeing Walk

Join this Ranger led wander, via surfaced paths, to explore the seasonal changes taking place across the reserve.

Thu 18th Apr - 10:15am and 3 future schedules

Step into Summer Shawl (6 week class)

Step into Summer shawl 6 week class – Starts 14th March 2024

Thu 18th Apr - 6:00pm

Inspiration

Planning a trip to Dorchester?

Brewery Square, is a vibrant new quarter that has been created in the heart of the historic county town and transformed the old brewery site as a premier shopping and leisure destination.

SEE & DO

Visitor information.

Brewery Square

Come and explore 250 million years of history at the Dorset Museum!

Dorset Museum & Art Gallery

Even wet weather cannot detract from the beautiful grounds and lake at Kingston Maurward Gardens and Animal Park.

Kingston Maurward Animal Park & Gardens

Maiden Castle, just two miles south of Dorchester town centre, is the largest Iron Age hill fort in Britain and, by some definitions, the largest in Europe.

Maiden Castle

Maumbury Rings is a Neolithic henge - it is a large circular earthwork, 85 metres in diameter, with a single bank and an entrance to the north east. It was modified during the Roman period when it was adapted for use as an amphitheatre.

Maumbury Rings

Poundbury Hill Fort is a Middle Bronze Age hill fort. Roughly rectangular, it is likely that the hill fort was situated at the top of Poundbury Hill for strategic reasons, as it commands views over the River Frome and the Frome Valley.

Poundbury Hill Fort

Shire Hall Museum brings over 200 years of justice and injustice to life.

Shire Hall Museum

The Great Big Escape is an escape room venue, one where you and your team will put your skills to the test to solve riddles, puzzles, and much more.

The Great Big Escape

The most spectacular military museum in the South literally cannot be missed as you come up High West Street, Dorchester.

The Keep Military Museum

The Kings Arms Hotel has a beautifully renovated restaurant, bar and rooms offer a stylish and decadent experience in the heart of Dorchester.

EAT & DRINK

The King’s Arms

Visiting Dorchester?

Dorchester is a compact Market town, nowhere is more than a 20 minute or so walk from the town centre. It’s easy to get in a sustainable way too. There are direct train services from Bristol, Bath, London, Southampton, Bournemouth, Poole and Weymouth. We are part of the Sustrans National Cycle Network, well connected by bus and we have lots of electric car charging facilities dotted about the town as well.

Dorchester has two train stations meaning we are well connected for visitors from across the country. London to Dorchester takes less than three hours and Bournemouth to Dorchester takes less than an hour!

There are lots of cycle parking points to lock your bike up around the town and it is well connected to the Sustrans National Cycle network.

We have a regular bus service to local major towns including Bridport, Weymouth and Blandford.

There are lots of car parks dotted around and lots of e-car charging points too.

Download the Discover Dorchester App

Your guide to everything you need during your visit to discover Dorchester.

Places to visit in Dorset

Bring the family for a day out and step behind the scenes of a Hollywood movie or bestselling novel in stunning Dorset. You can find your own Jurassic Park on beaches sprinkled with fossils and smuggler's caves or trace Thomas Hardy novels on open heaths and vales. The southwest county's dramatic coastline is an outdoor sculpture gallery with arches, stacks and coves carved by Mother Nature herself, a must-see attraction in Dorset. Casual amblers and serious ramblers alike can trek ridgeways between Bronze Age burial mounds and castle ruins. With so many incredible places to visit in Dorset you’ll leave knowing exactly why this county is incredibly popular for vacations and staycations alike.

47 Experience Results

View results as:

• Bournemouth (10) Apply Bournemouth filter
• Cycling (2) Apply Cycling filter
• Extreme Sports (2) Apply Extreme Sports filter
• Tours and trails (3) Apply Tours and trails filter
• Watersports (2) Apply Watersports filter
• Free (2) Apply Free filter
• Low cost (1) Apply Low cost filter
• Markets (1) Apply Markets filter
• Beaches (5) Apply Beaches filter
• Coastal landmarks and Islands (2) Apply Coastal landmarks and Islands filter
• Coastal towns (8) Apply Coastal towns filter
• Seaside resorts (1) Apply Seaside resorts filter
• Areas of outstanding natural beauty (1) Apply Areas of outstanding natural beauty filter
• Forests and woodlands (2) Apply Forests and woodlands filter
• Gardens and Parks (6) Apply Gardens and Parks filter
• Wildlife and Nature Reserves (1) Apply Wildlife and Nature Reserves filter
• Festivals and carnivals (4) Apply Festivals and carnivals filter
• Hidden gems (1) Apply Hidden gems filter
• Literature, film and TV (8) Apply Literature, film and TV filter
• Museums galleries and libraries (2) Apply Museums galleries and libraries filter
• Music and nightlife (1) Apply Music and nightlife filter
• Music festivals in England (1) Apply Music festivals in England filter
• Outdoor art and sculpture (2) Apply Outdoor art and sculpture filter
• Performing arts (1) Apply Performing arts filter
• Days Out in England (1) Apply Days Out in England filter
• December events (1) Apply December events filter
• November events (1) Apply November events filter
• September events (2) Apply September events filter
• Attractions (5) Apply Attractions filter
• Dog friendly (2) Apply Dog friendly filter
• Outdoor Activities (3) Apply Outdoor Activities filter
• Toddler Friendly Holidays (2) Apply Toddler Friendly Holidays filter
• Zoos wildlife and safari parks (2) Apply Zoos wildlife and safari parks filter
• Eating out (1) Apply Eating out filter
• Food markets and experiences (1) Apply Food markets and experiences filter
• Regional specialities (1) Apply Regional specialities filter
• Vineyards and wine tasting (1) Apply Vineyards and wine tasting filter
• Abbeys cathedrals and sacred places (1) Apply Abbeys cathedrals and sacred places filter
• Archaeological sites (1) Apply Archaeological sites filter
• Castles and Historic Properties (7) Apply Castles and Historic Properties filter
• Industrial Maritime And Transport (1) Apply Industrial Maritime And Transport filter
• Military history (1) Apply Military history filter
• Myths Legends and Tales (1) Apply Myths Legends and Tales filter
• World heritage sites (3) Apply World heritage sites filter
• Luxury and indulgence (1) Apply Luxury and indulgence filter
• Shopping and fashion (1) Apply Shopping and fashion filter
• Rural and Coastal Escapes (4) Apply Rural and Coastal Escapes filter
• Unique Experiences (2) Apply Unique Experiences filter
• Autumn (9) Apply Autumn filter
• Spring (9) Apply Spring filter
• Summer (27) Apply Summer filter
• Winter (3) Apply Winter filter

Top 10 places to visit in Dorset this summer

Take a Dorset adventure this summer for top-notch seafood, squirrel spotting, cool hotels and Instagrammable villages.

Pier to Pier in Bournemouth

Got a spare hour or two in Bournemouth? Then take a stroll between the two piers.

Location: Bournemouth, Dorset

Learn how to find fossils with a guided fossil walk

Take the family on a fossil hunting walk along Charmouth Beach and uncover prehistoric history while walking along a dramatic stretch of coastline.

Location: Charmouth, Dorset

Make waves on a water sports holiday in Bournemouth

Bournemouth has a vast array of water sports on offer throughout the year for both the novice and professional.

See the gardens in bloom in Bournemouth

Head down to Bournemouth to see the extensive collection of gardens and enjoy the wide range of facilities on offer.

Kingston Lacy: an Italian palace in Dorset

Home to a rather fabulous collection that includes pieces by Rubens, Van Duyck, Titian.

Location: Poole, Dorset

Camp at Corfe Castle

Explore this 1,000-year-old fortress above an eponymous Dorset village that's filled with wonky old cottages.

Location: Corfe, Dorset

Make friends at Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre

Home to over 250 rescued and endangered primates, this sanctuary lets you get up close and personal with all kinds of monkeys, gorillas and apes.

Location: Wareham, Dorset

Explore Lyme Regis

Wander round narrow streets and along the South West Coastal Path.

Location: Lyme Regis, Dorset

Uncover Wareham’s southern charm and civil war past

Wareham is packed with old red-brick houses and wonky, half-timber cottages that'll have your trigger finger reaching for the camera button.

Find romance in the depths of Thomas Hardy Country

Enjoy woodland walks and cosy inns, and immerse yourself in the romantic landscape that this renowned writer called home.

Location: Dorset

Have yourself a Famous Five adventure

Follow in the footsteps of Enid Blyton’s Famous Five with some castle capers and a seaside adventure by steam railway.

Location: Corfe Castle, Dorset

Visit the world’s best collection of tanks

Heroes big or small can find fun at The Tank Museum.

Majestic views at a Corfe Castle picnic

Enjoy breathtaking views at the majestic ruins of Corfe Castle in the perfect idyllic picnic spot.

Take to the slopes in Dorset

The Snowtrax alpine activity centre will transport you to the mountains for the day.

Location: Christchurch, Dorset

Enjoy high-wire and two-wheeled adventure in the Moors Valley

Enjoy adrenaline-fuelled activities for all the family in Moors Valley Country Park in the lovely Dorset countryside.

Location: Ashley Heath, Dorset

Take a walk through history in Cranborne

Explore the landscape of Cranborne Chase which inspired the father of modern archaeology, William Fox Pitt.

Location: Cranborne, Dorset

Visit a movie star house

Discover Bathsheba's 'Everdene Farm' from Far From the Madding Crowd in Dorset.

Location: Beaminster, Dorset

Peel away the layers of Dorset’s Jurassic Coast

Trace a history that goes back millions of years as you meander Dorset’s famous Jurassic Coast, England’s first UNESCO Natural World Heritage site.

Explore the West Bay coastline as seen on TV’s Broadchurch

Soak up the picture-perfect setting used in the TV series Broadchurch as you explore West Bay on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast.

Location: West Bay, Dorset

Explore an island of discovery

Explore Portland’s rugged landscape and breathtaking views and discover its history, heritage and natural assets.

Location: Portland, Dorset

Enjoy a luxurious camping trip at Crafty Camping

Luxury glamping in a beautiful forest setting alongside Guy Mallinson’s Woodland Workshop, featured in the BBC Mastercrafts series.

Location: Holditch, Dorset

• See more results

Related Items

Nearby places to visit, bournemouth.

Ambles through woodland lanes pausing at thatch-roofed tearooms and village pubs, canoe trips down bubbling streams and canters across heathland; that's what days in the New Forest are made of.

Isle of Wight

Visit the Isle of Wight for picture perfect sandy beaches, timeless villages, royal castles and a range of fun loving festivals. With so much to do for kids and adults alike, the Isle of Wight is a vibrant place to visit.

We've something we want to share

Want to receive travel tips and ideas by email?

VisitEngland would like to invite you to take part in a short survey about our website, it should take no more than a couple of minutes.

Go to the survey

To add items to favourites …

… you need to be logged in.

If you already have an account, log in.

Or register a new account

Access your account

30 Rather Brilliant Things to do in Dorset

Planning to explore Dorset and not sure where to start? Don’t miss this guide to the best things to do in Dorset – brilliant places to visit, things to see and cool spots for your trip. 

Dorset is just beautiful – as someone who grew up on the outskirts of London, the first time I ventured down to Dorset as a teenager I absolutely fell in love. Who wouldn’t when the region boasts beautiful spots like Durdle Door and Lulworth Castle? 

I’m not the only one. Jane Austen loved it, Thomas Hardy was obsessed with it – but what is it about Dorset that captures people’s imaginations so? 

Time to find out with this guide to the best things to do in Dorset.

Top 5 Things to do in Dorset

Durdle door .

Gorgeous Durdle Door was England’s first natural UNESCO World Heritage Site, so named back in 2001.

One glance at this quirky “doorway” and you’re sure to agree it’s a worthy inclusion. Years of erosion have left this true natural wonder, which attracts tens of thousands of eager visitors and photographers every year.

It’s not just a pretty face, either. There’s also a nice (rocky) beach not far from the rock formation, so you can easily spend a couple of hours here if the weather is good.

You can even take a tour (starting from Bournemouth) that explores both Durdle Door and Lulworth Castle in one day.

Lulworth Castle 

Arguably the most beautiful castle in the south of England, Lulworth Castle is undeniably very, very romantic.

It was first built in the sixteenth century, not as a fortification but to entertain rich guests – hence its status as a “mock” castle.

Like many old castles, it was badly damaged by a fire and largely rebuilt back in the 1920s. Today, it is open to the public to admire the beautiful interior and fancy grounds.

If you’re looking to go full British then you can even stop in for a cuppa and a cake at the castle’s tea house.

Sherborne New Castle 

Don’t be fooled. Sherborne “New” Castle is actually over 400 years old. That’s pretty old if you ask me.

In fact, Sherborne New Castle was built back in the Tudor era of the late 16th Century. The reason for the moniker is that it’s believed to have replaced an even older castle built in the 12th Century.

Old or new, the castle is very beautiful and one of the best places to visit in Dorset. You can visit the elaborate gardens most of the year, but if you want to actually get inside the castle then you’ll need to visit on a Saturday.

They also run frequent events including some pretty impressive fireworks.

Chesil Beach 

Looking to enjoy a day at the beach in Dorset? Then I highly recommend making your way over to Chesil Beach.

Now, it is a shingle (rocky) beach, which I know don’t get the same love as their sandy counterparts. However, this is a seriously excellent shingle beach.

It’s not just me who thinks so – it’s considered one of the three best and most important rocky beaches in Britain.

I mean, it goes for a staggering 12 miles (28 kilometres), which you’ve got to admit is pretty epic. Don’t miss it when you’re penning your list of Dorset places to visit.

Brownsea Island 

The biggest island in Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island is one of the most famous Dorset tourist attractions. 

Although you can easily see the mainland while you’re on Brownsea, you still get those relaxed island vibes.

There are particularly great wildlife watching opportunities on the island. It’s easy to spot the international visitors – they’re the ones squawking at the (admittedly pretty cute) squirrels.

Brownsea Island is managed by the National Trust, so if you’ve got a pass then you get in for free. Winning.

More Brilliant Things to See & Do in Dorset 

Kingston lacey .

If I ever leave London and become horrendously wealthy, I plan to stake a claim for Kingston Lacey. This 17th-century mansion is seriously impressive.

If you’re interested in history then the backstory of Kingston Lacey is a dramatic and scandal-filled read. Or, you can just wander through the gardens and dream of the good life.

As dogs are welcome, this is one of my picks for things to do with dogs in Dorset.

Fun fact – Kingston Lacey was gifted to the National Trust back in 1981, along with the equally impressive (but far less preserved) Corfe Castle. If you’ve seen them both, it’s probably no surprise to hear it was the National Trust’s largest-ever donation.

Highcliffe Castle 

As you might have picked up from this list, Dorset isn’t short on a fancy castle or two. 

Of all of them, their settings don’t get much more impressive than the stunningly beautiful Highcliffe Castle .

The name might be a bit of a giveaway as to its location – up on the hilltop, overlooking the staggeringly beautiful coastline.

It’s no surprise to hear it’s a popular wedding venue, considering it really does look like something a romance novelist cooked up. Don’t miss it when you’re looking for what to do in Dorset.

Corfe Castle 

Owned by the same family as Kingston Lacey, Corfe Castle was the other half of the National Trust’s largest-ever donation.

The result is that absolutely everybody is welcome to come and visit this iconic place of interest in Dorset .

Now, if you’ve spent much time in the UK you’ll know that we’re not exactly lacking in ruined castles – but the fascinating backstory of this one makes it particularly special.

If you’re a bit of a history geek, then you’ll want to head along to one of the special events where you can find out more about the castle during the English Civil War.

Maiden Castle 

Don’t be fooled by the name, this is not a castle in the regular sense. Instead, it’s an iron age hill fort.

In fact, it’s not just any iron age hill fort – but the oldest and most complete in Britain.

Parts of the archaeological site date back around 3,500 years, making Maiden Castle around the same age as Stonehenge. There’s also significant evidence of a Roman settlement.

So, if you’ve got any interest in European or ancient history – you’d best add this to the list of unusual things to do in Dorset.

Hunting Down Thomas Hardy in Dorchester 

If you don’t know who Thomas Hardy is, I recommend brushing up before a visit to Dorchester. The author is kind of a big deal around these parts.

If you do know of the famous author, then you’re in for a treat. The area is peppered with plenty of sites relating to his life.

Dorchester itself inspired many of his novels, while you can also drop by to see his family home. The Dorset County Museum also houses several original manuscripts.

Cerne Giant 

Kids, look away now. Turns out drawing, ah, questionably-clad figures on things is not a modern invention.

Case in point: the Cerne Giant . Standing at 55 metres high and totally starkers, this is certainly one of the more memorable places to see in Dorset.

While some early historians thought that it was prehistoric, recent studies pitch it as a piece of political satire from around the 17th century.

If so, they really did leave their mark on the landscape.

Abbotsbury Swannery

For a seriously amazing and unique experience, head down to the Abbotsbury Swannery , one of the most exciting things to do in Dorset.

This area is home to more than 600 mute swans, including hundreds of breeding pairs. It’s a totally unique attraction, being the only place on earth where you can walk through a colony of mute swans.

If you’ve got any interest in wildlife photography or are looking to rack up the likes on Instagram – be sure to bring a camera.

Portland Castle 

In the mid 16th Century, Henry VIII (the one who famously offed his wives) built a number of fortifications along the coast of England. This was so that Old Blighty could be protected from the cunning French and Spanish.

One of these was Portland Castle , and it’s one of the best preserved examples of a coastal fort. Today, you can check it out and also admire the sweeping views from it.

Walk in the Footsteps of Jane Austen at Lyme Regis 

Now, I could tell you that Lyme Regis is beautiful – but I suspect you’ll put more weight on the words of Jane Austen. 

The famous author described it breathlessly in her novel Persuasion, having visited the area at least twice on research missions.

Whether you love Jane Austen’s novels or just trust her (or my) judgement on beautiful places, it’s a great option if you’re looking for where to go in Dorset.

Sherborne Abbey 

There are quite a lot of old abbeys around England, however many of them have been ruined due to the Dissolution of the Monasteries. 

That’s why it’s so fascinating to visit a well-preserved one like Sherborne Abbey .

It’s believed to have been a spiritually significant site since at least 705, although much of what is on display dates from the 13th and 15th centuries.

Forde Abbey

Yet another beautiful old abbey is Forde Abbey , which is a privately owned Cistern Abbey. 

Originally started by 12 monks in the 12th century, the abbey is (unsurprisingly) Grade I heritage listed.

Far from being a dusty museum, the Abbey is open to the public to explore and admire. It’s set amongst over 1,600 acres of beautiful gardens, making it a fabulous thing to do in Dorset for adults – although kids may also appreciate the wide green space.

Free Things to do in Dorset 

Bournemouth beach .

Dorset is famous for its beautiful coast, and with beautiful coast comes beautiful beaches. Like Bournemouth Beach.

Technically, Bournemouth actually has several beaches that overlap, offering a magnificent seven miles of dazzling sand and surf.

They’re well-maintained, with lifeguards and constant cleanups, making them some of the most popular in England. For good reason.

Isle of Portland 

Located about five miles out to sea in the English Channel, the Isle of Portland is a seriously cool place to visit.

It’s just far enough away that you feel like you’re on a real adventure. Plus, all the cool maritime-inspired attractions like the historic lighthouse adds to the feeling of being a real explorer.

As well as the attractions including a castle and museum, the Isle is also famous for its gorgeous wild scenery – so strap on those walking shoes and get ready for a hike.

Isle of Purbeck 

Yet another spot to take in some seriously gorgeous coastal views is the Isle of Purbeck. 

So, sorry to burst your bubble, but the Isle of Purbeck is not technically an island. That said, it is surrounded by water on three sides – so close enough, I guess?

Island or no, it’s got amazing coastal views for miles and miles. There’s also a golf club if you consider yourself a Tiger Woods in the making.

Sandbanks Poole 

Sandbanks Poole is home to one of the best beaches in all of Britain. If you don’t believe me just ask the local real estate agents – rich people are falling over themselves to secure a home nearby.

I certainly don’t blame them – this sandy, wide beach is enough to make you think you’ve popped up in the south of France.

There’s also a very beautiful harbour, as well as a small selection of shops and cafes to browse as well.

Weymouth Beach 

If you’re looking for beaches, then Dorset really does deliver. 

Weymouth Beach is yet another popular option, thanks to its long stretch of soft sand and calm, warm water. 

Located along the Jurassic Coast, it’s also got pretty beautiful views and is a great stop off after a hike.

Stair Hole Bay 

You know those places that are super gorgeous and tend to go viral on Instagram? Stair Hole Bay is one of those places — minus the viral fame (for now).

Not far from Lulworth Cove, it’s a little pool of dazzling blue with interesting rock formations around.

It’s a popular route with kayakers, or you can make your way down to it – I just recommend wearing some sturdy footwear so you don’t take a tumble.

Tout Quarry 

Mining isn’t usually associated with beauty, but in the case of Tout Quarry, they’ve really made the best of a bad situation.

In fact, this abandoned stone quarry has become one of Portland’s most famous attractions since it was turned into a sculpture park.

There’s more than 60 sculptures to discover, with artists completing residencies since the 1980s. 

Cool Things Do in Dorset in the Rain 

Sea life .

Learn more about the world under the sea at Sea Life in Dorset. With sixteen themed areas, you can be dazzled by the different sea creatures.

There are plenty of interesting and informative things to do at Sea Life, however my personal favourite is to visit the teensy Little Penguins. They’re the smallest penguins in the world, and seriously cute.

They run lots of fun events, especially in the school holidays – so check out the website to see what’s on.

Dorset County Museum 

One of the oldest museums in the south of England, the Dorset County Museum was set up way back in the mid 1800s.

In fact, it replaced a pub – I guess I have to admit that’s better for your brain cells.

The design is distinctly Neo-Gothic on the inside and out, which is pretty cool. Inside, things are even better.

There’s an impressive collection of objects relating to the Dorset area. It’s a wide-spanning collection, from local author Thomas Hardy’s original manuscripts to fossilised dinosaur footprints.

Lyme Regis Museum 

I just love cute little local museums, and the Lyme Regis Museum is a beauty. 

The museum was built back in 1901, by Thomas Philpott. His aunt – and the inspiration for the museum – was Elizabeth Philpott. Elizabeth was a fossil collector so prolific that she ended up with her own Wikipedia page.

Fittingly, the museum is mainly devoted to fossils and geology of the Jurassic Coast area. However, the collection is wider, incorporating local and maritime history as well.

If you’re looking for things to do in Dorset on a rainy day, this is a great option.

Unusual Things to do in Dorset

Old harry rocks .

Marking the most easterly point of the incredibly beautiful Jurassic Coast Path, the Old Harry Rock s are quite the spectacle.

Jutting out of the water, they’re a stark white against the blue of the ocean and green of the mainland. 

No wonder that photographers (and nature lovers) are kind of obsessed with them. 

If you want to see this Dorset attraction you’ll want to hurry on over – one (Harry’s Wife) has already collapsed.

Tyneham Ghost Village

Since WWII, Dorset’s Tyneham Village has been completely abandoned – in 1943, the villagers who resided there were given notice that they would need to leave within 28 days as the area was required in order to train soldiers.

But today, the village still sits in ruins. It’s really cool to wander around and see a quaint English village frozen in time, completely undisturbed. Keep your eyes peeled for the ultra-retro phone box – London who?

Pirate’s Graveyard

St Andrew’s Church in Portland is known by many by its creepier title, the Pirate’s Graveyard. 

Sitting underneath the equally-spooky Portland Castle are the ruins of the church and the bones of smugglers who used to operate within the region. Not to mention the incredible sea view. Make sure to visit the castle while you’re there.

I won’t lie, it’s a bit eerie, but it’s a great place to bring older kids along to.

Knob Throwing

Yes, you read that correctly – this cheeky biannual event involves hurling the area’s famous bread rolls – (or is it a biscuit?) – known as Dorset knobs, FYI. A food market also takes place alongside the event, so you’ll get to try out local delicacies.

Bear with me on this one. Attractions include: Knob eating, knob painting, guessing the weight of the Big Knob (I’m not making this up, I swear), and a knob and spoon race.

Whilst the exact date and location changes each year, this is a pretty unique way to spend a day in Dorset. 

Places to Visit in Dorset: Practical Tips for Your Trip

How long should i stay in dorset .

As you can see from this list, for a relatively quiet place there is a lot to do in Dorset. Many people choose to spend extended breaks here, enjoying the amazing sights and relaxed seaside atmosphere.

A few days to a week will give you plenty of time to explore – which is especially ideal if you like history and hope to take a deep dive into the sights.

That said, if you’re on a tight time frame then an overnight trip from London is possible. It’s best to do this in summer when the days are long, giving you enough time to really explore it.

Best Time to Visit Dorset

Since Dorset is on the coast, you’ll see it at its best during summer. At this time, the sun is (often) shining and rain is at a minimum – meaning you can enjoy sunny days at the beach.

Of course, you won’t be the only one who thinks so, so prepare to share the beach.

If you prefer the peace and quiet, then late spring or early summer are good alternatives. They may be on the cool side, but you won’t have to compete with the crowds.

Where Should I Stay in Dorset? 

While there are plenty of hotels in Dorset, it’s a fabulous destination for a self-catered holiday as there’s plenty to keep you entertained for the course of a week or two and you can settle in to explore the area at your leisure.. 

Dorset Coastal Cottages offers a range of comfortable and stylish properties dotted around the Dorset, including fabulous options in Lyme Regis, Lulworth and the Isle of Purbeck.

Dorset Attractions: Map 

Love This? Save and Share on Pinterest

I’m Julianna Barnaby - a professional travel writer and geek extraordinaire. I started The Discoveries Of to help you to discover the best of new destinations from around the world.

Discovering new places is a thrill - whether it’s close to home, a new country or continent, I write to help you explore more and explore differently.

Related Posts

2 Days in London: A Fun-Filled London Itinerary

23 Cool Things to do in Newquay

The Perfect Cornwall Road Trip: A Step by Step Cornwall Itinerary

Best Places to Stay in Bath: Best Areas & Hotels For Your Trip

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Follow me on Instagram for travel inspiration, tips, and guides.

• Overall Guide to Dorset
• Dorset Coast

Bournemouth

• Things to Do
• Food and Drink
• Festivals and Events
• Inspiration

Dorset Towns: 19 Towns You Need To Visit In Dorset

• Last Updated 26 April, 2022

Some posts on this site contain affiliate links. If you book or buy something through these links, I earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Take a look at my privacy policy for more information.

Dorset is a pretty rural county. Lots of countryside, quaint villages, rugged coast… and absolutely no cities or motorways! But there are plenty of lovely towns in Dorset that make a great base for your next holiday.

And if you’re moving to Dorset – perhaps one of these could be your new home!

From the lively, small-city feel of Bournemouth , to historic market towns in the countryside, to colourful seaside spots like Lyme Regis and Weymouth , there are plenty of towns to keep you busy as you explore the county. Many of these towns make ideal bases to explore the surrounding coast and countryside!

Below you’ll find an A-Z list of all 19 Dorset towns, as well as a map. There’s also a size-ordered list, in case you’re looking for the bustle of a big town or the peace of somewhere smaller.

Of course, some of the smaller towns can still get pretty busy – especially seaside resorts like Swanage and Lyme Regis. So check out my list of the prettiest villages in Dorset if you’re looking for something more small and tranquil!

Whatever you’re after, there’s something for everyone in Dorset!

Map of All Dorset Towns

Dorset towns by size, blandford forum, christchurch.

• Dorchester – market

Shaftesbury

Sherborne – market, sturminster newton, wimborne minster.

All Towns in Dorset by Population Size

• Bournemouth (183,491)
• Poole (154,718)
• Weymouth (58,200)
• Christchurch (54,210)
• Ferndown (26,559)
• Dorchester (19,060)
• Wimborne Minster (15,174)
• Bridport (13,737)
• Verwood (13,360)
• Blandford Forum (11,694)
• Gillingham (11,278)
• Swanage (10,454)
• Sherborne (9,523)
• Shaftesbury (7,314)
• Wareham (5,496)
• Sturminster Newton (4,945)
• Lyme Regis (4,712)
• Beaminster (3,100)
• Stalbridge (2,698)

A-Z of Towns in Dorset

Beaminster is one of the smallest towns in Dorset, a proper West-Country market town full of crooked stone cottages and picturesque streets.

This one is a bit of a hidden gem, not yet overrun by “down for the weekend-ers” clad in squeaky-clean hunter wellies! Beaminster is ideally placed to explore some of the area’s top attractions, such as Jacobean manor Mapperton House & Gardens . Not to mention the Hardy-esque rolling hills and countryside surrounding the town! You’ll also find plenty of independent shops and restaurants to explore.

An attractive and historic market town on the River Stour, Blandford Forum is all-too-often overlooked by visitors.

The town sits right between the borders of Dorset’s two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. So it’s ideally situated to enjoy the county’s excellent countryside. Blandford itself was almost entirely destroyed by a fire in 1731, so was completely reconstructed in the classical Georgian style. As a result, the town centre is an elegant and quintessentially English place, filled with some truly beautiful buildings.

Among them is the red brick Hall and Woodhouse Brewery , home of Badger Beer. Founded in 1777, this is one of the most famous breweries in Dorset so it’s well worth a visit.

Bournemouth is the largest town in Dorset, and perhaps the most popular, known for its enormous white-sand beach. The bustling town centre has the feel of a small city.

Not only does it make a great base for exploring the county, but Bournemouth is also an ideal holiday destination all on its own! You have seven miles of beaches (not to mention these quieter alternatives nearby ).

There’s also history, culture, great food, and easily the best nightlife in Dorset. This town is packed with fun things to do, like these fab escape rooms or an afternoon tea bus ). Essentially, Bournemouth is brilliant if you don’t like to be bored!

Bridport is one of Dorset’s many market towns, filled with handsome Georgian buildings

This lovely town has strong nautical ties thanks to its close proximity to the harbour at West Bay. Since the Middle Ages, Bridport has been a rope and net making town . The industry still thrives today, with Bridport nets used on the Space Shuttle and for the Wimbledon tennis championships!

History aside, Bridport is also well known as one of the best foodie destinations in Dorset thanks to its agricultural connections.The historic weekly market is still well-known for its rich local produce. Bridport also hosts one of the county’s biggest annual food festivals . Another famous Dorset brewery can also be found in the town, Palmers of Bridport . Sitting on the banks of the River Brit, this is the only thatched brewery in the UK.

Tucked between the coast and two of Dorset’s longest rivers,  Christchurch is a small town where seaside, riverside, and countryside all collide.

Just on the outskirts of Bournemouth, Christchurch is a charming little town dotted with Norman ruins and historic buildings. The Priory church which gives the town its name dates from the 11th century. The town is right on the water, with two rivers and an impressive natural harbour, as well as numerous nearby beaches. So Christchurch is an ideal spot to try some watersports or take a scenic river cruise in one of the historic wooden ferries.

Dorchester is the “county town” in Dorset – a small market town steeped in local history.

The beaches and cliffs of the Jurassic Coast are just seven miles away, and the town is also in the heart of the Dorset AONB. So it’s an ideal base for exploring the county – and one of the best places to live in Dorst. There’s a reason I chose to call this town home!

Dorchester is perhaps best known for its connection to Thomas Hardy. The classic novelist was born and raised in Dorchester (you can still visit both his former homes) and set most of his works in a fictionalised version of Dorset ( more on that in this post ) . But the town’s history runs much deeper than that. It’s been settled since at least the Neolithic period, some 6,000 years ago, while the town itself was founded by the Ancient Romans as Durnovaria.

Ferndown is one of the larger towns in Dorset, although it’s not all that well known. It’s a relatively modern town which is more residential, so is less visited by tourists. The town’s good transport connections and modern centre make it an attractive place to live, as do the decent shopping centre and leisure facilities. There’s also a nice mix of independent shops to explore – and the town is brilliantly poised to make the most of the nearby countryside.

Not to be confused with the Kentish town of the same name, Gillingham is a small town in the Blackmore Vale area of Dorset. Just up the road from Shaftesbury, it’s also the most northerly town in Dorset. This means it’s about as far away as you can get from the coast, but ideally placed to explore some gorgeous countryside. The Cranborne Chase AONB is right on the doorstep, while the nearby National Trust House and Gardens at Stourhead marks the start of the Stour Valley Way, one of the greatest river walks in Dorset .

With its quaint harbour and fossil-rich beaches, Lyme Regis is one of the most popular seaside towns in Dorset .

Lyme Regis is particularly well-known as the birthplace of the famous palaeontologist Mary Anning . Along with the neighbouring village of Charmouth, this town is still famed as a fossil-hunting destination. Visit the town’s small museum to see a fascinating collection of locally-found fossils – or hit the beaches in search of your own finds.

As well as fossils and beaches, Lyme is known for its historic fishing harbour, known as The Cobb. The cute town centre also packed with some brilliant independant shops, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants.

A quirky, historic town clustered around the largest natural harbour in the world, Poole is one of the biggest towns in Dorset.

From the white sand beaches and millionaire properties of Sandbanks, to the picturesque Quayside old town, Poole is a pretty diverse destination. It often gets overlooked in favour of neighbouring Bournemouth, but this town makes a brilliant base for exploring the area.

Beaches, countryside, and the stunning Isle of Purbeck just a short ferry-ride away. There’s also plenty to keep you busy in Poole itself. Don’t miss the chance to take a cruise around the enormous Harbour, or pay a visit to nearby Brownsea Island.

Home to the county’s most famous street, Shaftesbury is Dorset’s only hill-top town, offering stunning views of the Blackmore Vale.

This picturesque town is best known for just one street. Gold Hill is known as one of the most attractive streets in England, and is one of the most photographed sights in Dorset. It was used as the backdrop for an iconic 1970s Hovis advert (reputedly the nation’s favourite advert). Even if you don’t remember the ad, this street is easily one of the prettiest views in Dorset. The rest of the town is also just as pretty, filled with cute cottages and quaint streets.

Sherborne is one of the most charming small towns in Dorset, known for its stunning medieval Abbey.

In fact, this pretty little town is filled with historic buildings. Alongside the Abbey, which dates from the 12th century, are some beautiful Tudor houses. The town also boasts not one, but two of Dorsets best castles . There are the 12th-century ruins of Sherborne Old Castle, as well as the 16th-century Tudor mansion known as the “New” castle. Most of the town centre is built from local golden Hamstone , giving it an attractive uniformity.

Stalbridge is the smallest of all the Dorset towns, tucked away in the Blackmore Vale close to the Somerset border. It’s also a bit of a hidden gem: a quaint town with a village-y feel and an unhurried, friendly atmosphere. This is a historic little place packed with listed buildings, including the 15th century Market Cross on the High Street, built from local Hamstone. If you want to get away from it all, and avoid the more touristy towns in Dorset, this one could be for you!

A historic town on the banks of the River Stour, Sturminster Newton is surrounded by watermills and rich farmland.

Although one of the smallest towns in Dorset, Sturminster Newton is a pretty important place. It sits at a historic fording point on the Stour, which was replaced in the 16th century with an iconic six-arch stone bridge. The 17th-century Sturminster Mill still works today, telling the story of one thousand years of milling.

Affectionately known as “Stur”, the town was home to author and poet William Barnes, who wrote in local dialect, as well as Thomas Hardy for a short time. A large part of the latter’s best-known work, Tess of the D’Ubervilles , was set in the town and surrounding countryside.

Sitting at the tip of the stunning Isle of Purbeck, Swanage is one of Dorset’s loveliest seaside towns.

The charming coastal resort is home to a beautiful working steam railway, which runs from Wareham to Swanage. It opened in 1885 and still runs today, shuttling tourists across the Isle of Purbeck in lovingly restored railway carriages. The station at Swanage is a must-see, to watch the trains rolling in amongst billowing clouds of steam.

As well as this remarkable tourist attraction, Swanage has plenty more to keep visitors (and locals) busy. There’s an attractive fishing harbour, some lovely beaches with safe sea bathing, and plenty of family-friendly attractions. You’ll also find lots of interesting antique and vintage shops, independent boutiques, and some great little cafes and restaurants.

Verwood is a peaceful town just north of Bournemouth and Poole. Its good connections with the larger towns in Dorset, and close proximity to both Cranborne Chase AONB and the New Forest National Park, make it a popular place to live. It’s not particularly well-known by tourists – perhaps another thing that makes it an attractive place to live! The modern town centre has plenty of shops and leisure facilities, as well as a good selection of pubs and restaurants.

Tucked between the Rivers Frome and Piddle, the historic market town of Wareham is the gateway to the Isle of Purbeck.

This is a peaceful riverside town with 2,000 years of history. Wareham is also one of the few remaining Saxon walled towns in England. It’s packed with pubs, restaurants, and unique shops – as well as an excellent Quay-side market every Saturday.

Plus, the town is ideally situated for exploring the incredible Purbeck region, with its rolling hills and stunning coastline. Many of Dorset’s most popular attractions are near Wareham, including Monkey World and the Tank Museum at Bovington.

Famed for its wide beach, Georgian seafront, and colourful fishing harbour, Weymouth is one of the most popular destinations in Dorset.

Weymouth is the perfect place for a quintessentially British beach holiday. After all, this is the spot where the idea of seaside holidays was first popularised , when King George III’s doctors recommended he try sea bathing to cure his “madness” . Situated on a beautiful bay, Weymouth has one of the nicest beaches in Dorset. There’s also a historic harbour lined with pastel-painted buildings and brilliant fish ‘n’ chips shops.

I grew up in Weymouth, so I’m a bit biased, but I honestly think this is one of the nicest Dorset towns. There’s a reason it gets so many visitors, especially in summer. You have coast, countryside, history, and family-friendly attractions, all within easy reach!

A Georgian market town on the banks of the River Stour, Wimborne is known for its twin-towered Norman Minster church.

Although one of the larger Dorset towns, Wimborne still feels quite small and rural. So it offers the best of both worlds! The narrow streets are home to a wide variety of architecture, especially the half-timbered properties along King Street.

Nearby, the 17th-century manor house and sprawling estates of Kingston Lacy are one of the most popular attractions in Dorset. While the surrounding countryside is littered with walks to suit all abilities. Its lovely atmosphere and wealth of nearby attractions make Wimborne an ideal base for exploring the rest of Dorset.

15 of the Best Things to do in Dorset

12 Seaside Towns in Dorset

The Ultimate Local’s Guide to Dorset

So there you have it; a list of all the official towns in Dorset. Let me know your favourite in the comments!

2 thoughts on “Dorset Towns: 19 Towns You Need To Visit In Dorset”

We visited Dorset for the first time in December 2021 for a week and enjoyed it so much we are returning early December 2022 for a week. We’ve visited Beaminster, Bridport, Lyme Regis, Shaftesbury and Sherborne already so we look forward to exploring more from your list. Thank you for the info, really helpful!

Thanks so much for leaving a comment Janey – so pleased you’ve enjoyed Dorset so much1 Hope your trip goes well 🙂 Come in spring next, the countryside is lovely then!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

You May Also Like:

12 of the Best Forests and Woods in Dorset

15 of the Best Things to do Near Bournemouth

5 Waterfalls in Dorset You’ll Love to Visit

10 Best Things to Do in Bournemouth, Dorset

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Mar 24, 2023

The largest population center in the county of Dorset, Bournemouth also just so happens to be one of the newest. It was only established in 1810 in a largely uninhabited area of heathland known only to a few fishermen, farmers, and smugglers. Once word got out about its incredible beaches , the floodgates opened, with developers, railroads, and hotel owners rushing to stake their claim.

Fast forward 200 years, and Bournemouth is now known the world over as one of England's leading seaside destinations . The big draw remains its nearly 10-mile-long stretch of beaches. Running all the way from Sandbanks in the west to Hengistbury Head in the east, Bournemouth's beaches are set in a large, sheltered bay known for its clean, calm waters.

Just because it's relatively new compared to most other English seaside towns doesn't mean it's not without plenty of fun things to do when you eventually venture off the beach. The Victorians, first to arrive in droves with the introduction of the railway in 1870, have left many attractive architectural gems behind, from charming townhomes and cottages to its iconic beachfront pier.

More recent additions to this inventory of tourist attractions include state-of-the-art convention and entertainment complexes such as Bournemouth International Centre (BIC), an internationally recognized aquarium, and some of England's top dining experiences.

Whatever you enjoy doing at the seaside, be sure to refer to our guide to the top things to do in Bournemouth, Dorset.

1. Splash about on a Bournemouth Beach

2. russell-cotes art gallery & museum, 3. enjoy the tranquility of a bournemouth garden, 4. take the kids to the oceanarium, 5. bournemouth pier, 6. see a show at bournemouth pavilion theatre, 7. ride the west cliff funicular railway, 8. see the spectacular views from the bournemouth observation wheel, 9. st. peter's church, 10. take a drive to hengistbury head, map of things to do in bournemouth, dorset, bournemouth - climate chart.

When you first set eyes on Bournemouth's beautiful beaches, you can easily be forgiven for forgetting you're on England's south coast. This nearly 10-mile-long stretch of near perfect sand wouldn't look out of place on the Mediterranean or in Florida.

Bournemouth's beaches are known for their clean shorelines, clear waters, and gently sloping sands. What at first glance looks like a single stretch of beach disappearing into the distance is in fact made up of a number of individual beaches, each with their own unique charm. Named "chines" after the attractive river-forged gorges that dissect the cliff-faced coastline, these beaches offer something for everyone.

Those looking to be closest to the off-beach action should consider claiming a spot-on Durley Chine Beach . Set to the west of Bournemouth Pier, this Blue Flag beach is just steps away from amusement arcades, public washrooms, plenty of dining options, as well as major Bournemouth attractions such as the Oceanarium and the Observation Wheel .

Farther to the west, Alum Chine and Branksome Chine are superb locations for water sports activities such as surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing, while to the east, Boscombe Beach features fun for families with its own pier, volleyball courts, and a laid-back vibe.

It's worth noting that while dogs are permitted on the beach in the shoulder months, they're typically not allowed during peak summer months. Lifeguard services are available on most beaches, and you're never too far from public amenities such as washrooms, showers, dining, and beach hut rentals.

If you're looking for a cultural activity that's close to the beach, glance upward and slightly to the east of Bournemouth Pier, and you'll catch a glimpse of one of the town's best-known historic landmarks: the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum. Set in a former East Cliff mansion overlooking the beach, this world-class museum and art gallery houses a vast private collection donated, along with the home itself, to the town by the Russell-Cotes family.

It's a stunning property. Built in 1901 and opened as a museum and art gallery in 1922, this attractive Art-Nouveau-style seaside villa is chock-full of rare artworks and artifacts. Highlights include a large collection of Japanese, Russian, and Australian artworks; Victorian-era paintings; and numerous pieces by women artists.

The museum also features a variety of touring exhibits, often with accompanying lectures and workshops. Guided tours are available. Be sure to allocate time to explore the exotic garden area, too.

Address: Cliff Promenade, Bournemouth, Dorset

Official site: https://russellcotes.com

Thanks in part to its relatively mild climate, Bournemouth has a reputation for the quality of its public parks and gardens. The easiest for visitors to explore is the centrally located Lower Gardens. Stretching some distance from the pier head up to Bournemouth Square, this large swath of parkland offers plenty of shade and grassy spots perfect for a picnic.

Lower Gardens is a great place to hang out, and offers plenty of fun things to do. Attractions include crazy golf, a bandstand, and plenty of snack kiosks, plus a great little aviary housing a variety of exotic birds. It's also fun to visit in Christmas, when it's lit up with a spectacular festive light display.

Given its central location near the beach, Lower Gardens does get busy, so if you're craving a little less crowded space, keep walking up through Central Gardens all the way to Bournemouth Upper Gardens near Poole, a total of three kilometers in distance. It's a lovely way to spend a few hours in a relatively relaxing environment.

Also worth a visit, Boscombe Chine Gardens follows a ravine down to Boscombe beach and pier. Usually much quieter, it features a mini golf course, children's' playground, and tennis courts.

Address: Westover Road, Bournemouth, Dorset

Official site: www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/Leisure-culture-and-local-heritage/Parks-and-open-spaces/Parks/Parks-in-Bournemouth/Bournemouth-Gardens.aspx

Handily located just steps away from Bournemouth Pier, the Oceanarium opened in 1998 and is a must-visit for families. Highlights of a visit to this state-of-the-art aquarium include underwater tunnels, allowing a close-up look at thousands of sea creatures, including sharks swimming about their large tank.

Other popular sea creatures guaranteed to thrill the kids include loggerhead turtles, crocodiles, sea otters, penguins , and numerous colorful tropical fish species. A program of daily talks is provided, with an especially good time to visit being feeding time.

Other fun things to do at the aquarium include a play zone and participating in unique behind-the-scenes experiences. A great café with views over the beach is located on the premises along with a gift shop.

Address: Oceanarium Pier Approach, Bournemouth, Dorset

Official site: www.oceanarium.co.uk

Bournemouth Pier was constructed in 1880 just 10 years after Bournemouth welcomed its first rail passengers. Its opening was the icing on the cake for this still relatively new seaside destination. One of the longest surviving Victorian-era piers in England, it measures 1,000 feet in length and, at its widest point, is 110 feet wide.

It's a delightful place for a stroll, especially in early morning when it first opens, and before the crowds hit the beach. Fun things to do here include enjoying stunning views over the English Channel and back towards Bournemouth and its miles-long beaches, amusement arcades, as well as the country's first pier-based zipline and climbing experience.

There are also plenty of places to pick up food and beverages, including popular seaside sweet treats like ice cream and gelato .

If you've got time to cram another fun pier into your Bournemouth itinerary, take a 30-minute walk eastward to Boscombe Pier. Built just a few years later in 1886, this 750-foot-long structure offers an equally fun seaside experience.

Address: Pier Approach, Bournemouth, Dorset

Official site: www.thebournemouthpier.com

Located in the south end of Bournemouth Lower Gardens and featuring one of the largest terraces in the South West, Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre was constructed in the early 1920s and is widely regarded as one of the country's most attractive surviving Art Deco places of entertainment.

It's still a very popular venue. Check the attraction's official website for details of visiting rock and pop artists, cover bands, touring musicals, as well as ballet and operatic performances. Recently renovated and upgraded, its plush seating and attractive interior décor alone are worth the price of admission.

Official site: www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk

Also referred to as the West Cliff Lift, the West Cliff Funicular Railway is located on Durley Chine Beach and connects the lengthy West Undercliff Promenade with the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) on the upper West Cliff Promenade. Constructed in 1908, this fun yet all-too-short ride offers riders fantastic views over the beach and shoreline.

Notable as one of the first all-electric funicular railways in England, its motors have since been replaced with modest gas-powered engines. Two other funicular railways are also located in Bournemouth and offer summer-only services: the East Cliff Railway and Fisherman's Walk Cliff Railway.

Address: West Cliff Promenade, Bournemouth, Dorset

Another world-class attraction to add to your list of fun things to do in Bournemouth, the Bournemouth Observation Wheel presents riders with some of the best views over a beach and seafront that's thankfully devoid of high-rise developments.

Initially set up on a temporary basis, this huge 100-foot-tall Ferris Wheel offers uninterrupted panoramic views over Bournemouth's beautiful beaches, its pier, the Pavilion Theatre, and over Lower Gardens.

For a memorable experience, consider coming back for a sunset or night-time ride, when the seafront is bathed in the warm glow of both natural and artificial light. Cameras at the ready, of course.

While obviously not one of England's oldest churches, St. Peter's Church is still well worth a visit. Built in 1879 and Bournemouth's first major church, St. Peter's Church has a Gothic Revival style and a picture-perfect hillside setting.

Notable interior features include its richly decorated chancel, along with elaborate flourishes to its high ceiling. It also boasts a 202-foot-tall spire, which dominates the surrounding busy downtown core of the town.

Be sure to spend at least a little time exploring its picturesque graveyard. Climbing up beside and behind the church, you won't have to walk too far to find the gravesite of its best-known resident: Mary Shelley. The author of Frankenstein was interred here in 1851.

Address: Hinton Rd, Bournemouth, Dorset

Official site: www.stpetersbournemouth.org.uk

A 15-minute coastal drive east from downtown Bournemouth , and you'll find yourself at the Hengistbury Head Visitors Centre. Not only is it one of England's most unique and important coastal landmarks and nature reserves, Hengistbury Head is also a popular place to visit for those who enjoy the great outdoors.

Leaving your car at the visitor center, a nearly four-mile-long circular trail will introduce you to some of the best bits of this scenic coastal spit. If you prefer, a fun land train carries visitors down to Mudeford . Guided tours are available for those interested in learning more about the area from an expert guide.

In addition to great views over the English Channel, the Isle of Wight, and Christchurch Harbour, you'll have access to the soft sands of the beach at Mudeford Sandbanks. This excellent Blue Flag beach doesn't get as busy as the main beaches closer to Bournemouth and is an extremely popular place to visit among water sports enthusiasts for this reason. All told, the beach here extends for nearly 10 miles, making it one of the longest in Southwest England.

Explore the nature reserve, and you'll find a variety of different habitats that shelter numerous animal species. In addition to over 500 plant species, this mixed geology is a bird-watcher's paradise and home to over 300 different bird species. Numerous rare amphibians and reptiles also make their home here, and information about them, and the area's plant life, can be found at the visitor center.

Other amenities include two cafés, beach hut rentals, and public washrooms.

Address: Hengistbury Head, Broadway, Southbourne, Bournemouth

Official site: www.visithengistburyhead.co.uk/home.aspx

More on England

Go South West England

22 Amazing Places to Visit in Dorset: beaches and villages!

With a staggeringly beautiful ancient coastline and some of England’s most charming countryside, there are many places to visit in Dorset. It’s quite a large country, so you could be forgiven for feeling overwhelmed when planning a trip here. 

What are the best places to go in Dorset? This blog post will answer this question, detailing some of my – and other travel blogger’s – favourite attractions. 

If you’re planning a trip to Dorset, read on for some major travel inspiration to one of England’s most beautiful counties! 

Table of Contents

Places to Visit in Dorset

Bournemouth .

Situated on the southern coast of England, Bournemouth is a popular holiday destination for those seeking a beach getaway. Bournemouth is excellent for a longer break or a  day trip from London  or any other nearby city. 

The city’s main drawcard is the white sand Bournemouth beach that stretches over seven miles. For active visitors, there is a 10-mile-long promenade that starts at Sandbanks and finishes in Hengistbury.

The promenade is not only great for a long stroll but also is excellent for cycling. Don’t forget to visit the Bournemouth Pier, home to the typical British seaside attractions, including the amusement arcade, fish and chips and souvenir shops. 

Other activities include zip-lining, mini-golfing in the City’s Lower Park and a balloon ride that operates in the summer. Plus, there are rainy day attractions like laser quest and an indoor climbing wall.

Bournemouth also has some great seafront restaurants along the beach where you can have some fresh seafood and a glass of wine while watching the sun going down. 

By Mal from Raw Mal Roams 

Lyme Regis is one of the best places to visit in Dorset to find fossils on the Jurassic Coast.

The Dorset town was the birthplace of pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning, whose work finding and preserving fossils was ground-breaking. Now visitors come from all over the world to go  fossil hunting in Lyme Regis , and anyone can find fossils on the beach to take home.

Lyme Regis Museum explains more about Mary Anning and her work and has some excellent examples of fossils on display.

They also run Fossil Walks, where a guide will take you along the beach to go fossil hunting, explaining why and what you might find here.

Entry to the Museum is £5.95 per adult, and the fossil walks are £12.75 per adult, both with discounts available for children.

While fossils are the main draw for most visitors, Lyme Regis also has a pleasant sandy beach, an aquarium and various independent shops to explore. 

By Claire from Tales of a Backpacker 

Durdle Door

Durdle Door is without a doubt one of the most iconic sights on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast.

The natural limestone arch juts out of the cliffs between Swanage and Weymouth, near the village of West Lulworth.

The geological changes that formed Durdle Door happened around 25 million years ago when layers of hard limestone were pushed vertically upwards; the sea then eroded the softer layers of rock, leaving Durdle Door’s distinctive arch shape.

Visiting Durdle Door is easy and free.

Access by car is through the Durdle Door holiday park, then a sloping, downhill walk to the top of the cliff and the viewpoint.

You can also get here by walking along the South West Coastal Path from Lulworth Cove, about a mile away.

There is a beach at the base of the cliff which is very popular on sunny days; to enjoy the views without the crowds visit in the evening. 

By Helen from  Helen on her Holidays

Swanage is a small town located on the coast, and is one of the best places to visit in Dorset – and one of the most popular day trips from Bournemouth !

Every year thousands of tourists come to visit this town and its remarkable historic scenery.

The town lies between lime rocks, mountain landscape, and an incredible white sand beach and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast.

In the town, you will find many old buildings – some of them date back as far as the 18th century. You can also choose between lots of hiking trails along the cliffs and plenty of other nearby attractions.

By Victoria from  Guide Your Travel

Isle of Portland

A trip to Dorset wouldn’t be complete without visiting the stunning Isle of Portland. Located to the south of Weymouth, Portland is only connected to the mainland by a barrier beach called Chesil Beach.

Although it is an island, the Isle of Portland is part of the Jurassic Coast and has many unique and beautiful features to see.

The best part is that you can see most of its sights in one day if you complete the  Isle of Portland Loop , which is 16km (10 miles) and is part of the South West Coast Path. 

On the route, you’ll be able to visit Portland Bill Lighthouse, climb Pulpit Rock, and discover unique sculptures at Tout Quarry Sculpture Park.

You can admire the view from the Olympic Rings Lookout Point and visit the ruins of a church and castle. 

The best bit? You’ll be treated to dramatic cliffs and stunning views of the sandy beaches all day long.

By Kitti from Kitti Around the World

Charmouth is a pretty village in West Dorset in an area of outstanding beauty. If you’re thinking of  visiting Charmouth , you won’t be short of things to see and do. 

Fossil hunting on Charmouth beach is a very popular activity with visitors to the area. With ample parking in the seaside town and plenty of facilities, a visit to the beach is a whole day out.

In addition, you can visit the Heritage Coast Centre with fossil displays, and even book a fossil walk. 

The beach is separated by the river Char, providing a stretch of calm river which is perfect for paddling, paddle boarding, or even floating about in a dinghy. 

There are plenty of rock pools to discover when the tide goes out, ideal for entertaining the children. 

At the end of a busy day in Charmouth, you could enjoy fish and chips on the beach from the beach cafe, or there are various cafes and pubs in the village. It’s definitely one of the best places to go to in Dorset!

By Angela from Exploring Dorset

Weymouth is a seaside resort in Dorset and is a popular holiday location for families and others seeking a  UK staycation .

Not only are there plenty of things to do in Weymouth but its location in the middle of the Jurassic Coast make it the perfect destination for fossil hunters!

Amongst Weymouth’s attractions are its beautiful sandy beach which is 3 miles long and perfect for swimming and making sandcastles.

In fact, it’s so good for building sandcastles that a visit to Sandworld to see exhibitions of sand sculptures is a must every year. Tickets cost £7.50 for adults and £5.50 for children.

Nothe Fort is another popular attraction in Weymouth.

This historic sea fort consists of three levels which include a museum, café and gift shop.

Throughout the year events and exhibitions are held at the fort which are fun for all the family. Views from the fort across the harbours are also particularly memorable.

Other things places to visit in Weymouth include the SEA LIFE centre, shingle covered Chesil Beach, Portland Bill Lighthouse and Weymouth Harbour with its pretty painted houses.

By Tracy from UK Travel Planning

Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle is a National Trust property that is well worth visiting while you’re exploring Dorset. With 1,000 years of history, Corfe Castle sits imposingly atop a hill and is a fascinating place to explore.

Corfe Castle was constructed by William the Conqueror in the 11th century – it was one of the initial castles in England to be constructed with stone. It was instrumental in the Civil War when Parliamentarian forces besieged it two times. 

Nowadays, Corfe Castle is owned by the National Trust and is open to the public. It stands above Corfe village, not too far from Old Harry Rocks and the rest of the coastline.

Its unique structure makes it a fantastic place to visit in Dorset – and you can easily add a stop here to a trip to the coast! 

It costs £11 for an adult and £5.50 for a child – but if you are a National Trust member, you can enter for free. 

Despite not being a city, Poole claims to have the largest natural harbour in the world (which happened after Sydney in Australia built so much around its harbour!).

Poole Harbour is around 36 km 2  (14 square miles) – and although its claim to being the largest in the world is sometimes debated, there’s no denying that it’s enormous.

This means that it’s a definite must-visit place to go to in Dorset – there are so many opportunities for boating and watersports! 

Poole also has a lovely old town, with buildings from the 15th century, so there’s lots of history here. In addition, the town boasts some impressive museums, including the Poole Museum and the Old Lifeboat Museum. 

As it is one of the largest towns in Dorset, there’s a range of excellent dining opportunities available in Poole – and, of course, there’s no shortage of beaches here either! 

Blandford Forum

Blandford Forum is a charming place to visit in Dorset, sitting about 13 miles inland from Poole in the Blackmore Vale area. Situated on the banks of the River Stour, Blandford Forum is a historic place with plenty of charm. 

The historic town was destroyed by fire in the 18th century, so it was rebuilt in the classic Georgian style of the era. Modern Blandford Forum still looks like a step back three centuries.

It’s a wonderful place to walk around, and you can also visit the Fire Monument in the marketplace and go to the Blandford museum to learn a little more about its history.

There’s also the Blandford Fashion Museum which details historical fashion trends!

There are lots of independent shops around the main town and the Hall and Woodhouse brewery, which makes its own Badger Beer. 

If you want to enjoy some of Dorset’s beautiful nature, take a stroll from Blandford to either Stallbridge or Spetsbiry and the surrounding beautiful villages. 

Sturminster Newton

Sturminster Newton is one of the most beautiful towns in inland Dorset, sitting on the banks of the River Stour. This is Thomas Hardy’s country – if you’ve ever read his books and marvelled at the glorious descriptions of nature, make sure that you visit Sturminster Newton and the surrounding area! 

In particular, the 15th century bridge in Sturminster Newton has been featured in one of Hardy’s poems, “On Sturminster Bridge”. The author also lived in the town and took lots of inspiration from surrounding fields. 

It’s worth visiting the Sturminster Newton Water Mill, which dates back to the 17th century and is still a working mill.

Knowledgeable guides will show you around and detail the history and working of the building. The mill is open in the summer months (usually late March to late September) on Monday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. It is £4 for adults and £1 for children. 

There’s also the ruins of a 14th century castle that you might be able to find while walking around the town. The architecture of Sturminster Newton makes it a wonderful place to stroll around and there are a variety of pubs and restaurants in the town, as well as nature walks along the River Stour. 

Studland Bay

Located on the Isle of Purbeck, Studland Bay is a Dorset destination at the end of the South West Coast Path – making it a site of pilgrimage for many keen hikers. However, it’s well worth visiting in its own right as well! 

Studland Bay is a glorious beach with lots of watersports activities available. Out of season, it can be wonderfully deserted, with fantastic views over to Poole. 

If you want to try something different, Foreadventure runs foraging tours around Studland, and I highly recommend them.

We did the three-hour forest walk and forage tour, which ended with us making a wood-fired pizza with our foraged goods! 

They also run canoeing and fishing trips. 

Old Harry Rocks

Old Harry Rocks is the official terminus of the Jurassic Coast, which starts in Exmouth in Devon. These chalk formations are popular with hikers and people exploring the entire coast, but they are incredible on their own as well. 

Old Harry Rocks are brilliant chalk-white arches, stacks, and stumps, jutting out into the sea and running along the ocean. Although the whole area is known as Old Harry Rocks, only one is called Old Harry (and there’s also an Old Harry’s Wife!). 

From the rocks, you can enjoy epic views across the water into Poole and Bournemouth. 

Dorchester is the historic county town of Dorset and one of the largest towns in the county. Sitting on the River Frome, Dorchester is a town that very much sits in the heart of the countryside – and you can enjoy some of its epic nature as well as its more urban attractions while exploring the town. 

It’s worth visiting The Keep, Dorset County Museum and The Dinosaur Museum, where you can learn a little more about the Jurassic Coast.

There’s also a lovely historic art deco cinema in town, as well as the ever-popular Dorchester Market, an indoor and outdoor market. 

On the outskirts of Dorchester, there’s the 19th century Max Gate, which is run by the National Trust and is the former home of Thomas Hardy. 

Sherborne is a beautiful town with charming stone cottages and stunning surrounding scenery. Although the town isn’t huge, it’s packed with attractions, including two castles and an abbey – there’s so much to explore here!

The Abbey has a long history spanning back over a millennium – it has been a Cathedral and church over the years. Some people consider it to be the most beautiful building in Dorset. 

Sherborne Castle is a 16th century Tudor castle. It started its life as a Tudor hunting lodge but was expanded by Sir Walter Raleigh and was the subject of a siege in the Civil War. You can learn all about this at the castle! 

Sherborne Old Castle has a history spanning back to the 12th century and is the ruins of an old majestic fortress. You can still explore these ruins today. 

Christchurch

Christchurch is a coastal town on the Dorset/ Hampshire border, not too far from Bournemouth. With six beaches, it’s a popular spot for families! Activities that you can enjoy in Christchurch include stand up paddleboarding, swimming and beach games. 

Friars Cliff and Avon beaches are perhaps the most family-friendly, with plenty of facilities for people of all ages. Mudeford Sandbank also has amenities to enjoy. 

More nature-focused beaches are Highcliffe Castle Beach, with beautiful cliffs, and Gundimore, which looks over the Isle of Wight. 

Christchurch town has plenty of amenities, including shops, restaurants and Christchurch Castle which dates back to the 11th century. 

Highcliffe Castle

Highcliffe Castle is located near Christchurch and is a Grade I listed mansion, dating back from the Victorian era. 

Highcliffe Castle was destroyed by a fire in the 1960s and was left to ruin for two decades – before it was acquired by the Council in 1977 and received funding from the English Heritage and National Lottery Grants. 

Nowadays, it’s a popular tourist attraction in Dorset and has been the filming location of various shows, including The Antiques Roadshow and Mr Selfridge. 

Highcliffe Castle is open from Sunday to Thursday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. It costs £7 for adults and £3 for children.

Sitting between Lyme Regis and Weymouth, Abbotsbury is a small quintessentially English village with two stand out attractions: the Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens and the Abbotsbury Swannery. 

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens are botanic gardens on the edge of Abbotsbury town.

Encompassing 30 acres, these gardens are famous for their range of flowers and exotic plants. The Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens are open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm every day, and tickets cost £10 for adults and £5 for children. 

Abbotsbury Swannery is also worth visiting. This is the only managed colony of mute nesting swans in the world. Spanning 25 acres and home to some 600 swans, walking through the colony is an unforgettable experience.

It is a Harry Potter filming location and has lots of other attractions, including the giant swan maze, a cafe and gift shop. 

Like the subtropical gardens, the swannery is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm every day, and tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for children. 

You can save 25% on ticket prices if you book a visit to both the Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens and the Abbotsbury Swannery at the same time. 

Purbeck Hills

The Purbeck Hills is a ridgeway that runs from Durdle Door to Old Harry Rocks. A fantastic place for hiking, the Purbeck Hills encompass Corfe Castle and the inland area from the Jurassic Coast. 

Wimborne Minster

Wimborne Minster is an ancient market town on the Rivers of Allen and Stour.

There’s so much to see here, including a beautiful minster church (with the chained library which has a book dating back to the 14th century and a book that belonged to Catherine of Aragon!), a model town which resembles Wimborne Minster in the 1950s and Waterford Mill Crafts which has shops and exhibitions. 

There are also some beautiful walks and bike rides along the two rivers, so it’s a great place to enjoy nature as well! 

Burton Bradstock

Burton Bradstock is a popular holiday destination along the Jurassic Coast, with epic sandstone cliffs and charming villages. 

It’s a small village, but there’s plenty to enjoy here – including pubs, tearooms, a holiday park and there is a Spring Tide Food Festival every May. 

Also don’t miss Hive Beach, which is owned by the National Trust has some epic views over this stretch of coastline. 

Shaftesbury

Sitting near the Wiltshire border, Shaftesbury is one of the very best places to visit in Dorset. Shaftesbury is famous for Gold Hill, its postcard-perfect cobbled street which has been called “one of the most romantic sights in England” as well as “England’s most famous hill” (it has featured in numerous films and television programmes including the Hovis advert!).

With quaint cottages and rolling green hills in the background, Shaftesbury is a lovely place to stroll around – you can enjoy the many shops, restaurants, and cafes here and take in various viewpoints that look out over Blackmore Vale. 

Places to go to in Dorset!

With green valleys, beautiful villages and towns, popular sandy beaches on the world-famous Jurassic Coast and a hiking path with amazing views, there’s so much to love in Dorset!

Similar Posts

12 Best Outdoor Activities in Devon for Adults and Kids

25 best things to do in Penzance, Cornwall (2023 guide)

Is Cornwall worth visiting? Pros and cons (expert tips!)

30+ Awesome Places to Visit in South West England

15 best things to do in Bournemouth in the rain (2023 guide)

20+ Fun Things to do in Truro: Cornwall’s Only City

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Work With Me

• Sierra Leone
• South Africa
• United States
• New Zealand
• Falkland Islands
• Netherlands
• Accommodation
• Electrical Gear
• Essential Gear
• Working Abroad
• Blogging Resources

Europe , UK , Western Europe

21 best places to visit in dorset.

A beautiful coastal county in the south of England, Dorset is chock full of wonderful things to do, places to visit and attractions to enjoy.

From historic castles to great hikes, stunning beaches to quaint villages, Dorset makes for a perfect holiday destination, especially from London, as you can reach it in just a couple of hours.

With rolling countryside and beautiful blue coastal water, this gorgeous region makes the ideal escape away from the city and even just a weekend here will leave you feeling refreshed.

However while a weekend is a good start, you’ll probably need a bit longer to enjoy everything on this list, because this mammoth compilation of 21 great places to visit in Dorset is going to keep you entertained for quite a while…

Related Posts

• Top 5 Dorset Walks + How Best to Enjoy Them
• 13 Best Beaches in Dorset
• 7 Epic Days Out in Dorset

This page contains affiliate links meaning Big World Small Pockets may receive a small commission on any purchases at no extra cost to you

#1 Visit Corfe Castle

Coming in at number one, it’s an absolute English and National Trust classic.

Corfe Castle, near Swanage, has some gorgeous walks around, including the Purbeck Ridge, but the castle grounds, along with the incredibly cute model village nearby, make this a fantastic day out.

With tons of English history to learn as part of the displays at the castle, it’s really the views as you climb to the top that made it for me.

#2 Walk to Old Harry Rocks

And if we’re talking about views, then it’s hard to find a better place to visit in Dorset than Old Harry Rocks.

An incredible geological formation found in Studland, walking out to these dramatic cliffs to take in the sea air and snap the drama of this spot is something that can’t be missed when you visit Dorset.

#3 Head to Studland

And more broadly than Old Harry Rocks, there’s a whole load of beauty to take in on Studland, that you’ve definitely got to visit this area of Dorset more broadly.

From stunning beaches, like Knoll Beach, through to the dramatic hiking along the Southwest Coastal Path and even the cute village of Studland itself, if you’re after a treat, then the Pig on the Beach is the perfect excuse to do just that!

#4 Swing by Swanage

And just down the road, the town of Swanage in east Dorset is another must-visit location.

An old town with loads seaside charm, including donkey rides, steam train rides and top fishing opps, it’s really the amazing sandy beach strip that people come here to visit.

The gardens at the end of the beach, and the view they give over the town and the coast really are delightful, and you shouldn’t miss Swanage Pier or Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve while you’re down this way either.

Learn more in my list of the top 10 things to do in Swanage .

#5 Delight in Abbotsbury Abbey

And now we swing to the other end of the county and west Dorset, as it’s time to bring the beautiful, historic village of Abbotsbury onto this list.

Honestly, things don’t get more quintessential than this gem and its chocolate-box appearance thanks to the beautiful thatched-roof cottages, with their cute roses climbing up the façade and classic English gardens infront.

Some of the most photographic cottages in the county are complemented here by an array of cute, independent shops and tearooms, alongside a number of churches, a hillfort and some beautiful walks.

Having inspired the famous English writer Thomas Hardy, it’s the Abbey and nearby St Catherine’s Chapel that really sets this place apart however and definitely makes it one of the best places to visit in Dorset.

Both are run by English Heritage and should not be missed!

#6 Tick Durdle Door Off Your List!

And another Dorset gem that should certainly not be missed is the UNESCO-listed wonder of Durdle Door.

A huge natural arch formed at the foot of some step cliffs due to coastal erosion, this iconic sight is one of the most familiar in the UK and if you’re looking to tick off some bucket list classic while you’re in Dorset, this is the one!

With beautiful beaches around, as well as some great clifftop walking care of the Southwest Coastal Path, there’s tons to do around Durdle Door too, which means it’s easy to make a day out of it.

A large paid car park allows you to do that with ease, but do beware of the steep walk to get down to the beach and back!

#7 Discover Lulworth Cove

And talking of walks, one of the best you can enjoy in Dorset, in my opinion, is the walk between Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove.

Taking in some of the most beautiful scenery on the Southwest Coastal Path, this is a great walk, that shouldn’t take you longer than an hour, but allows you to marvel at 2 great Dorset icons.

Parking at Durdle Door is my advice – there’s more space – and then head across on the well-marked clifftop trail to Lulworth Cove.

Here you can snap this gorgeous circular bay to your heart’s content, before grabbing an ice cream or vegan sorbet before you retrace your steps.

#8 Rockpool at Kimmeridge Bay

And if you’re into coves, then checking out nearby Kimmeridge Bay is another must when it comes to places to visit in Dorset.

Located just east of Lulworth Cove, Kimmeridge is famous for its rockpools, which provide some great snorkelling, surfing and windsurfing opportunities.

A Marine Special Area of Conservation, head to the Wild Seas Centre to learn more about this landscape and its ecosystem, before scaling up to Clavell Tower that overlooks the bay for some great views.

There is some parking at Kimmeridge, but you have to pay via a toll road to get down into the bay, so this one is probably best accessed on foot or by bike if you can.

#9 Watch Sunset from Swyre Head

The top sunset-watching spot in Dorset in my opinion, Swyre Head is an elevated hilltop located just near Kimmeridge.

Walk here from Kimmeridge, before the sun goes down – perhaps with a small picnic packed – and then enjoy the colour display in front of you as the light fades and shimmers over the landscape and coast.

#10 Check Out the Isle of Portland

Now it’s time to continue westwards along the Dorset Coast as I bring you the next entry on this list of the best places to visit in Dorset.

Hanging off the town of Weymouth and suspended in the sea like a teardrop, the Isle of Portland is a glorious nature reserve where you can enjoy some epic walking right on the edge of England.

Wild and natural, quaint and isolated, it’s not just the rugged beauty you’ll be amazed at here, but also the history with castles, museums and lighthouses all waiting to be explored and their hidden takes of smugglers and pirates just waiting to be discovered.

#11 Day Trip to Weymouth

But now for something a bit more on the beaten track, we head to the Dorset town of Weymouth, which is situated just above the Isle of Portland.

Famous for its golden sandy beaches, which have Blue Flag status, the pretty harbour here and safe, shallow swimming waters make this a firm favourite with families.

The sailing and other water sports add to the action, or you can hire a classic deckchair and just relax with an ice cream on the beach.

#12 Stroll Bournemouth Pier

Another of Dorset’s top towns, and another family classic down in these parts, it’s the beautiful beachside spot of Bournemouth.

With some superb beaches, a bustling student community, beautiful gardens, as well as some top museums and galleries, it’s really the historic pier that seals it for me.

A retro-classic, lined with arcades and attractions, this is British seaside kitsch at its best!

#13 Fossil Find in Lyme Regis

And at number 13 on this list, we come to another great Dorset town, this time the most westerly one of Lyme Regis.

Famous for its fossil-collecting possibilities, this historic gem (it’s actually mentioned in the ancient Doomsday Book) is located in the heart of Jurassic Coast.

There’s so much to enjoy in Lyme Regis, but the jewel in its crown has to be the gorgeous harbour known as The Cobb, which has acted as a refuge since 1313 – don’t miss it!

#14 Browse Bridport

And also over in the west of Dorset, Bridport is a lovely market town filled with a cultural and creative community.

Charming and quaint, the cute independent shops and cafes of this place make it an excellent stop on a road trip or between sightseeing destinations if you’re looking to refresh and re-energise.

Regular farmer’s, vintage, vinyl, artisan and antique markets add to the offering here, as does the local Palmers Brewery and the iconic Art Deco cinema – The Electric Palace.

#15 Eat at Rick Stein’s

And now at the other end of the cultural spectrum, Sandbanks near Poole is one of the most elite places to live in the UK.

Boasting some of the most expensive coastal properties in the country, you should nevertheless take a trip to Sandbanks to just spot them!

If you’re up for even more of a special day here, then the beach is gorgeous, and there’s plenty of bouji places to treat yourself for lunch too… not least Rick Stein’s – a classic round in these here parts!

#16 Explore Brownsea Island

One of Dorset’s most magical spots in my opinion, Brownsea Island provides a unique sort of getaway.

As I was born on a tiny island, I’m always a fan, and Brownsea does not disappoint.

Managed and preserved by the National Trust, this island is known for its wildlife and is a great place to spot deer and red squirrel.

National Trust members can enter for free, but the island is only open during the summer season and you’ll need to catch a ferry here from Poole Quay if you want to enjoy it.

Day trips are possible, but to get the full experience, hitting up the campground here and staying overnight is a must.

#17 Snap Burton Bradstock & Hive Beach

Another beautiful place to visit in Dorset is the twin destination of Burton Bradstock and Hive Beach.

The latter is one of my fav strips of sand to hit up in Dorset (the café is also awesome!) and the former is one of the best and most beautiful Dorset villages going!

And that’s saying something, because the competition here is fierce!

The iconic cliffs around, and the great walking opps only add to the charm and there’s some brilliant seafood eateries here too for all you foodies.

#18 Go Back in Time at Kingston Lacy

Another National Trust classic – Kingston Lacy is a stunning historic mansion that sits in the middle of the Dorset countryside.

Built in the style of a Venetian palace, this place has to be seen to be believed and, luckily, if you’re an NT member, you can do so for free.

Yes, if you hadn’t guessed already, buying a membership if you plan to spend any time in Dorset is certainly a good idea!

With amazing gardens, meadows and heathlands outside to incredible rooms, opulent furniture and marvellous artwork inside, Kingston Lacy is a historic family home that has to be seen to be believed!

#19 Walk on Chesil Beach

Ah Chesil Beach!

As a literature student, I was first made aware of this huge shingle barrier thanks to Ian McEwan’s famous novel, which meant when I finally got to visit Dorset, I knew I had to come down here!

At 18km long, this is a pretty impressive natural spectacle, which is as wild and rugged as it sounds.

Head here for some alone time, some seriously moody walking and a load of artistic, melancholic inspiration!

#20 Hit West Bay

Very close to Bridport – just 1.5km away in fact – West Bay is so beautiful however, I thought it worthy of its own entry on this list of the best places to visit in Dorset.

Made famous as the filming location of the great British TV drama Broadchurch , this stunning cliff-backed stretch of beach is flanked by a cute harbour and can be reached from Bridport via a 20 minute stroll.

With a cute country town and an epic coastal spot both on offer, this makes for an epic combination!

West Bay is also to the start of the so-called Jurassic Coast, which is UNESCO listed, so fossil hunting is a great thing to do here.

You can also enjoy coastal and countryside walks, fishing trips, scuba diving, paragliding, golfing and river boating in and around West Bay, which is just 20 minutes on foot (or a short bus ride) from Bridport.

#21 Wildlife Spot at Mudeford Sandbank

I haven’t touched on Christchurch much on this list, but tucked over in the east of Dorset, basically nudging the New Forest in Hampshire , Mudeford Sandbank is the jewel in this area’s crown.

A unique sand spit and a designated Site of Nature Conservation Interest, this feature creates a beautiful natural barrier between Christchurch Harbour and the open ocean and is home to some of the UK’s rarest species of reptiles, birds and insects.

Accessible via bike foot, land train or ferry, the best place to head for is Hengistbury Head car park, from where you can pick up one of the first 3 options.

Passenger ferries depart from Mudeford Quay and Christchurch Quay and when you’ll arrive you’ll be greeted by a long strip of beautiful white sand.

Entrance to the spit is free – hoorah!

Just enter your details below and I'll email it to you - simple!

Information will be sent to the email provided above

Top Dorset Travel Tips

When to Visit Dorset?

There’s no question the best time to visit Dorset in my opinion is between the months of June and September when the weather is at its driest, sunniest and warmest.

Not only does this make for a more pleasant travel experience, but the better weather at this time of year will also allow you to enjoy more of the region’s beautiful landscapes too – whether that’s walking, cycling or hitting up the coast.

Within the summer months, do remember that the school holidays and sunny weekends will be by far the busiest months down here, so if you want to get the best prices or the thinnest crowds, it’s probably best to avoid these times!

As an FYI, I visited Dorset in mid-April and experienced idyllic weather that saw me hiking, beaching and sightseeing under brilliant blue skies every day, but this isn’t a given!

How to Get to Dorset?

Situated in the south of England, Dorset’s main town is Bournemouth and this place has the most regular train connections from London, along with frequent services from the nearby coastal cities of Southampton and Portsmouth.

Otherwise, the larger Dorset towns of Dorchester, Lyme Regis, Poole, Weymouth and Swanage also boast train stations and you can choose between them depending on where you are coming from and where you are basing yourself when you’re down here.

Regardless of which station you choose to arrive at, my top tip is to use Trainline to find the cheapest deals on rail tickets across the UK, as these guys use split-fare technology to get you the best prices.

Booking in advance with Trainline can throw up some surprisingly cheap fares, especially as this site also allows you to easily compare routes and journey times.

Alternatively, you can drive to Dorset – this will grant you the most flexibility when you are down in this rural county, especially if you are planning to hike and sightsee off the beaten track.

If you don’t have a car, you may consider renting one and I highly recommend Discover Cars for the job, as they offer some super deals on short-term hires and are very reputable.

Learn more about how to score a great deal when renting a car in the UK using these handy top 12 tips I swear by!

How to Get Around Dorset?

There’s no doubt that the easiest way to explore Dorset is via 4 wheels, however there are several good bus services (especially in the summer) that can help you get around if you don’t have a vehicle.

The Jurassic Coaster and Purbeck Breezer buses are probably the most useful for beach go-ers, especially those who want to enjoy parts of the Southwest Coast Path.

These tourist-friendly routes are also ideal for those who just plan to sightsee, and sitting on their top deck sure does give some epic views!

Learn more about the Purbeck Breezer here .

If you don’t want to catch public transport, then cycling is also an option for getting around Dorset.

Although there are some designated trails, as well as calm and quiet country roads to enjoy, do beware there’s plenty of hills too!

  Where to Stay in Dorset?

Bournemouth, Weymouth and Lyme Regis all have a heap of accommodation options.

However, Swanage would be my pick when it comes to a quieter beachside place to base yourself.

It’s just so beautiful there, and so near to many of Dorset’s best beaches and attractions, that it’s hard to pass up!

When it comes to accommodation in Swanage, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better deal than the YHA Swanage , which has both private rooms and dorms.

For something more suited to groups looking for some self-catering accommodation, this Shepherd’s House, also in Swanage, is a top-rated 2 bedroom house that gets regular rave reviews thanks to its excellent comfort, cleanliness and location.

Just down the road, The Bear Hotel , in Wareham offers lovely double and family rooms with an onsite bar, restaurant and a charming boutique feel.

Otherwise, over in West Dorset, the wonderful Pumpkin View Cottage is the perfect Airbnb spot for 1-2 travellers near Dorcester. The owners are delightful and the property is beautifully peaceful and clean.

5 Packing Essentials for Dorset

#1 Walking Shoes – I highly recommend these lightweight and comfortable ones from North Face , which are perfect for the job, with a great level of support for those clifftop ascents!

#2 Waterproof, Windproof Jacket – Bringing a good waterproof and windproof jacket with you, no matter when you’re coming, is just plain sensible!

#3 Swimwear & Towel – I thoroughly recommend taking swimwear and a travel towel with you, especially if you’re coming in the summer!

#4 Camera – I love my Sony A6000 , which never leaves my side during my travel adventures.

#5 Portable Charger – Come armed with 2 fully charged Anker portable chargers , so you can fire up your phone, camera or other devices whenever and wherever you need.

Where To Head After Dorset?

If Dorset has wet your appetite to explore more of the south of the UK (and who can blame you?!), then you’ll be glad to know it’s just a hop, skip and a jump to several other stunning areas around.

To the south, the wonderful Isle of Wight can easily be accessed by ferry and offers more great walking and glamping opportunities. Learn more in this list of the top things to do on the Isle of Wight .

Otherwise, to the west you have Devon and all the coastal hiking wonders this county provides or, to the east, the magnificent New Forest provides loads of great walks and cycling opps, as well as some fab pubs too!

Alternatively, to the north, the county of Somerset with the magnificent Cheddar Gorge and historic icons of Glastonbury and Wells shouldn’t be missed. Check out my list of the top 10 things to do in Somerset for more ideas.

Travel Insurance for the UK

Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.

Travel Money in the UK

The easy way to spend abroad with real exchange rates, no markups and no sneaky transaction fees, you can use your Wise card just like a debit card here… and it links easily with Google and Apple pay – sold! Grab yours here .

PIN IT TO PINTEREST!

So there you have it, my list of the top 21 places to visit in Dorset!

Have you been to any of these before?

Which was your favourite?

Or have I missed your top pick out?

Please join the conversation in the comments box below…

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

How one Pennsylvania official is getting creative to combat voter apathy

NORRISTOWN, Pa. — Neil Makhija is on a mission.

As the county commissioner in charge of elections here in Pennsylvania’s Montgomery County, he is determined to get as many people out to vote in November as he can. It’s a big part of the reason he campaigned for the job. 

“I’m probably one of the first people to run for a county commissioner seat in Pennsylvania because of the role of administering elections,” said Makhija, 37, a Democrat who took office in January and previously taught election law at the University of Pennsylvania. 

“When this seat opened up, I thought this is a real place where we can make a difference, protect voting rights and really set the standard in Pennsylvania and for the country,” he added. 

But to get more people to vote, Makhija realized he would need to get creative. 

That’s why on a Thursday in April, Makhija had gathered 16 Montgomery County voters at the county commissioner’s office to present them with leather-bound certificates honoring a lifetime of civic duty.

It was the first Montgomery County Voter Hall of Fame. 

After official county business wrapped, Makhija and his two fellow commissioners stood in front of the room’s imposing wooden desk to greet the honorees, who were found by combing through the county and state electoral records for voters who had cast ballots in the last 50 consecutive general elections. Makhija polled the room about how long they’d been voting. The oldest honoree had been voting since 1956.

“Anybody got 1956 beat? This is like an auction,” Makhija joked.

As a photographer captured the moments, the honorees posed at the front of the room with the commissioners and their new certificates.

The mood was celebratory, but the mission behind the ceremony was serious.

Central to Makhija’s efforts is understanding what makes people like honorees Alan and Rosemary Hinkle tick. The couple has voted in every election since 1972, when Alan was 21 and Rosemary was 18.

“I think it’s so important that in the midst of everything that’s happening in politics, where people are cynical or disillusioned, that we actually recognize the people who are so committed to the system,” Makhija said. 

He said he hopes that initiatives like the Hall of Fame will not only inspire other voters to turn out, but also inspire him to come up with new ways to make voting more accessible. According to NBC News polling going back to 2008, election enthusiasm is at an all-time low for a presidential contest.

Pennsylvania clinched the White House for Joe Biden in 2020 — thanks in large part to places like Montgomery County, a largely white, highly educated, wealthy suburb of Philadelphia that trends blue. Biden was able to expand his margin of victory in Philadelphia’s surrounding counties — Montgomery, Bucks, Chester and Delaware — by more than 100,000 votes over what Democrat Hillary Clinton earned in 2016, offsetting gains former President Donald Trump made in the state’s smaller counties.

“We’re the most courted voters in the whole country,” Makhija said. “I think reminding people in our communities that we set the direction of the country will make a difference.”

Makhija isn’t just battling a lack of enthusiasm for the two candidates; he’s also contending with a firehose of disinformation about the entire electoral system, just as so many other election workers are across the country. 

Trump has repeatedly claimed, without evidence, that mail-in voting is a vehicle for widespread voter fraud. The former president also continues to push the baseless theory that the 2020 election was stolen from him. 

“When you see them cheating, you get out there and start screaming,” Trump said at a rally in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania, last weekend. “The radical left Democrats rigged the presidential election in 2020, and we’re not going to allow them to rig the presidential election of 2024.”

Makhija said claims like that cause “fear and cynicism by design,” and he worries that it will cause voters of both parties to skip the ballot box in November.

“When you challenge the whole system, people will rethink their participation,” he said. 

Still, Makhija expects the Republican nominee to continue to sow doubt about the validity of mail-in ballots, despite attempts from local GOP officials to embrace mail-in and early voting to match what’s been an advantage for Democrats in recent years.

To that end, he’s trying to build trust in the early voting system that will span across party lines. He’s aiming to literally meet voters where they are by expanding election satellite offices for people who need to “cure” their ballots — the process of allowing voters to fix their mail ballots with technical issues, such as an incorrect date or a missing signature, that otherwise may not be counted on Election Day. Makjiha also hopes to establish a mobile unit that would travel around the county to help people resolve any mistakes they made on their mail-in ballots.

“Instead of throwing out their votes, we’ll be trying to help voters cure ballots with technical errors for about 2,000 people in the last two weeks of the election,” he said.

In battleground Pennsylvania, every one of those votes will count — something Montgomery County’s Hall of Fame inductees know all too well. 

The Hinkels aren’t sure which way they’ll vote yet — but they say they are “absolutely” decided on one thing: They’ll be casting ballots in 2024.

“If you don’t want other people making the decision for you,” Rosemary Hinkle said, “then you have to participate.”

Abigail Brooks is a producer for NBC News.

Dasha Burns is a correspondent for NBC News.

Emma Barnett is a 2024 NBC News campaign embed.

• Men's Basketball
• Women's Basketball
• FanNation FanNation FanNation
• SI.COM SI.COM SI.COM
• SI SWIMSUIT SI SWIMSUIT SI SWIMSUIT
• SI Sportsbook SI Sportsbook SI Sportsbook
• SI Tickets SI Tickets SI Tickets
• SI Showcase SI Showcase SI Showcase
• SI Resorts SI Resorts SI Resorts

Virginia to Host Four-Star Point Guard Trent Perry for Official Visit

• Author: Matt Newton

Virginia has yet to take make its first big recruiting splash of the offseason, but that could change soon as the Cavaliers are set to host a major high school recruiting target this weekend. Class of 2024 four-star point guard and former USC commit Trent Perry will reportedly be taking a visit to Virginia this upcoming weekend.

Former USC commit Trent Perry tells me that he will visit Virginia this weekend. 4-star prospect in the 2024 class. — Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) April 18, 2024

A little over a week ago, we wrote about how Trent Perry could be a potential solution to Virginia's point guard void with Reece Beekman departing for the NBA Draft and no reliable succession plan in place. At the time, UVA was only mentioned as one of the many schools who had reached out to Perry since he decommitted from USC after head coach Andy Enfield left to take the job at SMU. Other schools mentioned as having been in contact with Perry are Alabama, UCLA, Oregon, Stanford, Villanova, Gonzaga, Oklahoma, Tennessee, TCU, and others, so the competition is stiff to say the least.

But so far, Trent Perry has only scheduled an official visit with one program: Virginia.

. @trent_perry0 tells SCNEXT that he’ll visit Virginia this coming weekend. Perry, who is ranked No. 26 overall in the ESPN 100, decommitted from #USC during @McDAAG week. Other schools he’s heard from include USC, Oregon, Oklahoma, UCLA, Gonzaga, Alabama, Tennessee, Villanova,… pic.twitter.com/pikwaWDBXj — SportsCenter NEXT (@SCNext) April 18, 2024

Virginia was initially a top candidate for Perry's recruitment the first time around and Perry even said this about Tony Bennett in an interview with On3 last summer: "It's Tony Bennett. He's a legendary coach, honestly. He won a national championship and he played in the league. Coach Bennett knows how to develop guards, guys like Ty Jerome and Kyle Guy. He's also had West Coast guys like London Perrantes and Kihei Clark. I have a great relationship with the staff and it's pretty comfortable knowing that they want West Coast kids and they've been pretty successful there."

Perry was originally going to visit Virginia, but changed plans after Christian Bliss committed and he ultimately pledged to USC last October. Now, Perry is back on the market after a coaching change at USC and he's giving the Cavaliers the first swing at landing his commitment.

This is a massive opportunity for Tony Bennett and company, as Perry is one of the most talented recruits available in this recruiting cycle. A consensus four-star recruit and top 50 overall prospect in the class of 2024 across each of the major recruiting services, ESPN has Perry ranked as the No. 26 overall recruit in the country. In his senior season at Harvard-Westlake in Los Angeles, the 6'4" point guard averaged 18.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 6.0 assists en route to being named the Gatorade Player of the Year in the state of California. Perry played in the McDonald's All American Game, won the three-point shooting contest, and participated in the Nike Hoop Summit last week.

Impressive performance from Trent Perry in Portland! The 4⭐️ gets buckets everywhere he goes 🪣 @trent_perry0 | @nikehoopsummit pic.twitter.com/QmOa2YRhwE — League Ready (@LeagueRDY) April 13, 2024

Virginia's case to Perry will be simple. There is an avenue for him to earn lots of early playing time at UVA due to the uncertainty at the team's point guard position. Reece Beekman is gone, ending a stretch of a decade-plus where the Cavaliers always knew who their next starting point guard was going to be. The only two point guards currently on the roster are Dante Harris, who struggled in a backup PG role last season after transferring from Georgetown, and Christian Bliss, a talented player with a high ceiling, but who spent most of his redshirt season in a walking boot and will likely not be ready to take over the starting job in his first season of college basketball. Tony Bennett can also point to the examples of London Perrantes and Kihei Clark, two California native point guards who were regular starters right from their freshmen seasons and who went on to have successful All-ACC careers in their time at Virginia.

Expect Bennett and the Cavaliers to do all they can to get a commitment from Perry this weekend.

More Virginia Men's Basketball News and Content

Virginia Guard Reece Beekman Declares for 2024 NBA Draft What's Next for Virginia After Ryan Dunn's Departure for the NBA Draft? Virginia to Host UIC Transfer Wing Toby Okani for Official Visit Could Trent Perry be the Solution to Virginia's Point Guard Problem? Saint Mary's Transfer Forward Joshua Jefferson Schedules Visit to Virginia Virginia Basketball Transfer Portal Contact Live Tracker

Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

Travel to Dorset by train, ferry or plane

Airports in southern britain.

Drive times to Dorset

Travelling to Dorset

With so many great travel options and its close proximity to London, not only is Dorset one of the most accessible destinations in the South West, it is the ideal place to visit for your holiday or relaxing short break.

If you are travelling from another country, you will be delighted to find that Dorset has an  international airport  and  ferry ports  which connect us with Europe and beyond. So Dorset is a fantastic place to start your travels in the South West of England.

Planning your visit to Dorset couldn’t be simpler with our handy 'how to get here' travel tips for many modes of transport including  train ,  coach , road ,  ferry  and  air .

For journey planning from anywhere in Europe, you can also use  Omio  to check prices across a wide range of travel choices including rail, coaches, ferries and flights. You simply enter your start and end point and a variety of travel options will be displayed, which you can then book online.

Arriving by train

Dorset is served by a reliable  rail network  between many of the UK’s towns and local railway stations throughout the county.

South Western Railway  operates direct trains from London Waterloo station stopping at Christchurch, Bournemouth, Poole, Wareham, Dorchester and Weymouth as well as Gillingham, Sherborne and Axminster (for Lyme Regis).

Dorset also has connections from Bath, Bristol and Gloucester with Great Western Railway train services.

From 4 April to 10 September 2023, visitors will be able to travel by train from London, Southampton and many other destinations to the beautiful village of Corfe Castle and seaside resort of Swanage. You will need to change trains at Wareham, switching onto a heritage diesel train run by Swanage Railway. You will be able to buy through tickets from South Western Railway and these services will operate on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays only.

Arriving by road

Whether you are arriving by  coach  or car, Dorset is easily accessible by  road . Travelling to the county is an enjoyable and scenic journey, passing through beautiful countryside along the way.

And once here, enjoy the peace and quiet – five English counties do not have a motorway and Dorset is one of them! Driving is a pleasure on our traffic-light country lanes - just make sure you don’t get distracted by the incredible views! 

If you are driving an  electric vehicle , there are over 100 chargepoint locations across the county where you can recharge - many are in car parks or at supermarkets or you can choose to stay at a hotel, holiday park or B&B where you can charge overnight.

Arriving by sea

As Dorset is situated on the south coast of England, there are a number of  ferry services  from European ports arriving in or close to the county.

Ferry services run to and from Poole, Plymouth (in Devon) and Portsmouth and Southampton (in Hampshire). A warm welcome is also extended to cruise ship passengers arriving at Portland Port and Poole Port. 

There are also a number of  harbours  along the Dorset coast which welcome visitors travelling with their own boat, offering a place to berth overnight, showers and other facilities.

Arriving by air

Dorset is easy to get to from anywhere in the world!

The main  airports  for Dorset are at Bournemouth, Southampton (in Hampshire), Exeter (in Devon) and Bristol. All are less than 90 minutes drive away.

If you are arriving at London Gatwick or London Heathrow airports, you can get a connecting train or coach, or it is a 2-3 hour drive.

Highlighted For You

Condor ferries.

If you're looking for a day out with a difference that's really great value, join us on one of our high speed journeys to Guernsey. You can travel on foot or with your vehicle, and...

Purbeck Breezer

Hop on-board a Purbeck Breezer bus to see dazzling white chalk cliffs, heathlands that stretch to the horizon, picturesque villages, a charming seaside resort that still has steam trains, and a...

South Western Railway

South Western Railway is a joint venture between FirstGroup and MTR Europe, two of the world's leading train companies. With over 235 million passenger journeys a year, the South Western franchise...

Arriving in Dorset...

By electric vehicle, by coach or bus, by ferry or cruise ship, plan your visit, you may also like..., car free breaks.

Give your car its own holiday and enjoy days out on foot, bike, boat, train or bus.

Accommodation

Dorset has a fantastic range of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets.

Areas to Visit

Bustling towns, quaint villages and seaside resorts...all waiting to be explored!

Things to Do

There's activities and attractions galore in Dorset!

Share your Dorset

What does your dorset look like adventures on our epic coastline visiting attractions with family a walk through the beautiful countryside or perhaps a chilled out evening eating and drinking with friends discover a sample of your #visitdorset images below and share your love for dorset using the hashtag on instagram.   .

Advertisement

Former penn state wr keandre lambert-smith schedules official visit to auburn, share this article.

Who says there is such a thing as too much talent in your wide receiver room?

Auburn is set to have one of its most talented wide receiver rooms in recent memory as Georgia State’s leading receiver from last season, Robert Lewis , joins the roster in addition to true freshmen Cam Coleman , Perry Thompson , Bryce Cain , and Malcolm Simmons .

However, Hugh Freeze wants to give his quarterbacks every advantage possible. Because of this, he is pursuing one of the top wide receivers in the transfer portal .

Former Penn State wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith entered the transfer portal this week, and is already filling his calendar with official visits. According to Pete Nakos of On3 , Lambert-Smith will be in Auburn for his official visit beginning Thursday.

Lambert-Smith had a productive career at Penn State. In four seasons, he logged 1,721 yards on 126 catches with 11 touchdowns. He completed his best season in 2023 by hauling in 53 passes for 673 yards, both were career-highs. He also tied his career-best in touchdowns with four.

He was Penn State’s highest-graded receiver according to Pro Football Focus with a 74.0. He caught 53 of 85 targeted passes with 11 contested catches and five drops.

Lambert-Smith has scheduled for Texas A&M that will take place following his Auburn visit this weekend. Colorado and West Virginia are other known schools that are actively pursuing Lambert-Smith.

Contact/Follow us @ TheAuburnWire on  X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TaylorJones__

Most Popular

How many of cbs sports' top 100 players will auburn face this season, sec baseball: conference standings through first half of schedule, auburn in the hunt for running back transfer dallan hayden, ranking sec men's basketball coaches by win total, auburn center johni broome to return for one more season, sec football recruiting rankings: where auburn stands after carde smith's commitment, where every former auburn tiger lands in the latest nfl mock draft from the athletic.

Please enter an email address.

Thanks for signing up.

Please check your email for a confirmation.

Something went wrong.