Visitor & Tourism Guide in Dorset

To explore inland Dorset, consider visiting charming towns like Sherborne and Dorchester, exploring the Blackmore Vale, or visiting historical sites like Corfe Castle and the Cerne Abbas Giant, all offering a mix of history, nature, and culture.

Discover why Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park is one of the best family attractions in Dorset. Located near Weymouth Beach and Lodmoor Country Park, explore sharks, seals, rescued sea turtles, Europe's only Fairy Penguins, interactive exhibits and exciting seasonal events. Perfect for families, couples and marine life lovers looking for one of the top things to do in Weymouth.

Discover why The Tank Museum is one of Dorset's most unforgettable family attractions. Home to the world's finest collection of almost 300 historic tanks, interactive exhibitions, live vehicle demonstrations, family activities and inspiring wartime stories, it's a fascinating day out for visitors of all ages. Whether you're passionate about history or simply looking for one of the best things to do near Wareham, The Tank Museum offers an experience you'll remember long after your visit.

Find a variety of bike trails in Dorset catering to different skill levels and preferences, from scenic coastal routes to woodland paths and challenging mountain bike tracks.

Highcliffe offers the perfect escape for those seeking a blend of natural beauty, fascinating heritage, and quintessentially English seaside charm without the lengthy journey to more distant destinations.

Discover five picture-perfect places to eat in Dorset, from clifftop restaurants overlooking Studland Bay to riverside dining in Wareham, seafood beside the Jurassic Coast and lunch surrounded by lakes and contemporary sculpture. These beautiful Dorset restaurants and cafés combine memorable food with exceptional settings, making them ideal for summer lunches, romantic meals and special occasions worth bringing a camera for.

Discover the best music festivals in Dorset, from family favourites and boutique indie weekends to waterfront concerts and lively reggae celebrations. Whether you're planning a summer staycation or looking for unforgettable live music events, our guide highlights the Dorset festivals worth adding to your calendar, including Camp Bestival, End of the Road, Poole Harbour Festival, Bournemouth Reggae Weekender, Christchurch Music Festival and more. Find your next festival adventure right here.

Bournemouth Pier has been named among Britain’s best, celebrating its unique mix of seaside heritage, adventure and entertainment while highlighting its continued importance to Bournemouth’s thriving visitor economy.

Discover seven brilliant things to do in Dorset this September, from food festivals and country shows to coastal walks, live music and arts events.

March in Dorset heralds the arrival of spring, with blooming landscapes, milder weather, and a fresh vibrancy that makes it an ideal time to explore this stunning county. From coastal wonders to countryside gems, here are the five best activities to enjoy in Dorset this March, each offering unique experiences tailored to different tastes. We’ll compare their locations, ambience, atmosphere, and suitability for children and pets, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Christchurch in Dorset is a picturesque coastal town where history and natural beauty collide. Nestled at the confluence of the River Avon and River Stour, it’s got a lot to offer. With its mix of history, outdoor adventures, and quaint charm, Christchurch is perfect for a relaxed day out or a deeper dive into Dorset’s heritage.

Discover five of the best things to do in Dorset this summer, from exploring Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove to spotting red squirrels on Brownsea Island. Travel through Purbeck on the Swanage Railway, enjoy peaceful art and gardens at Sculpture by the Lakes, or watch fireworks illuminate the Dorset coast. Whether we are planning family days out, romantic escapes or unforgettable coastal adventures, these summer experiences showcase some of the very best places to visit in Dorset.

Discover why Poole Harbour is one of Dorset's most iconic destinations and an essential stop on any visit to the Jurassic Coast. From peaceful waterfront walks and breathtaking harbour views to boat trips, watersports and incredible wildlife, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're exploring Poole Quay, setting sail across Europe's largest natural harbour or simply soaking up the coastal atmosphere, Poole Harbour offers an unforgettable day out for families, couples and nature lovers alike.

Discover Compton Acres in Poole, one of Dorset’s most beautiful ornamental gardens near Bournemouth. Explore themed gardens including Italian, Japanese and woodland valley landscapes, perfect for peaceful walks, photography and family days out. A must-visit attraction for anyone searching for things to do in Poole or gardens in Dorset.

Discover Dorset's rich past and culture through its many museums and galleries. Whether you want to explore military history at Nothe Fort and the Tank Museum, or the onset of trade unions brought by the Tolpuddle Martyrs, there is an abundance of fascinating history to be found in Dorset's museums.

Find information about transfers from Bournemouth Airport including private taxi transfers.

Explore Dorset's best sandy beaches with our complete guide, featuring family favourites, hidden gems, watersports and beautiful coastal scenery across the Jurassic Coast.

Discover why Abbotsbury Swannery is one of Dorset's most extraordinary days out. Walk among the world's only managed colony of nesting mute swans, witness hundreds gathering for the daily swan feed, explore the beautiful willow swan maze and, in spring, experience the magic of fluffy cygnets hatching beside the tranquil Fleet Lagoon. It's a truly unforgettable wildlife experience that you won't find anywhere else.

Discover why Upton Country Park deserves a place on your Dorset bucket list. Set on the edge of Poole Harbour, this beautiful 160-acre country park combines historic gardens, peaceful woodland walks, open parkland and the elegant Upton House to create one of Dorset's most rewarding free days out. Whether you're visiting with family, enjoying a scenic dog walk or simply looking to unwind in nature, Upton Country Park offers something special in every season.

Discover five of the most beautiful villages in Dorset, from the thatched cottages of Milton Abbas and historic streets of Abbotsbury to Corfe Castle, Cerne Abbas and peaceful Worth Matravers. Whether you are planning a Dorset day trip, searching for pretty villages to explore or looking for somewhere different to visit this weekend, these picturesque Dorset villages combine history, countryside, character and some of the county's most memorable scenery.

Discover why Nothe Fort is one of Weymouth's most underrated attractions. Explore atmospheric underground tunnels, a secret Cold War nuclear bunker, interactive exhibitions and spectacular 360-degree views across Weymouth Harbour, Portland Harbour and the Jurassic Coast. With family-friendly activities, seasonal events, beautiful surrounding gardens and over 150 years of history, Nothe Fort offers one of the most unique and memorable days out in Dorset.

Dorset’s hills offer a captivating mix of chalk downs, rugged ridges, and gentle slopes that define the county’s inland and coastal character.

Escape to Brownsea Island, one of Dorset's most extraordinary National Trust destinations, where ancient woodland, peaceful heathland and spectacular views across Poole Harbour create an unforgettable day out. Famous for its rare red squirrels, abundant birdlife and rich Scouting history, the island offers beautiful walking trails, family-friendly adventures and a true sense of tranquillity. Discover why Brownsea Island deserves a place on every Dorset bucket list.

Every Sunday, Bournemouth town centre comes alive with independent traders, artisan stalls, street food, handmade gifts and family attractions, creating one of the town's most vibrant weekly community events.

Find Westbourne Shopping, Dining, Beaches, Markets and Local Attractions including gardens, historic arcade & walking routes. Westbourne is a very popular tourist destination, with a fantastic choice of things to do, such as watersports, cycling or walking. Our Westbourne Visitor and Tourist Information Guide will help you plan your holiday, with information on Places to Visit in Westbourne.

THE NICI has been awarded Five AA Stars, becoming Bournemouth’s first five-star hotel in 26 years and marking a major milestone for the town’s luxury tourism scene.

Dorset’s wildlife thrives within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and along the Jurassic Coast, often called England’s “wildlife capital.” Its mix of habitats—chalk downs, heathlands, woodlands, wetlands, and coastal cliffs—supports an astonishing variety of species, including rare and endemic ones.