5 of the Best Picnic Spots in Dorset

Few things beat enjoying a picnic surrounded by Dorset’s incredible scenery. From dramatic Jurassic Coast viewpoints and peaceful nature reserves to award-winning beaches and rolling countryside, the county is filled with beautiful places to roll out a blanket and relax.

Whether you’re planning a family day out, a romantic lunch with sea views, or a quiet escape into nature, these five picnic spots showcase some of the very best Dorset has to offer.

1. Hengistbury Head

If you’re looking for a picnic with spectacular coastal views, Hengistbury Head is hard to beat.

This protected nature reserve sits between Bournemouth and Christchurch, offering panoramic views across Christchurch Harbour, Mudeford Sandbank, and the English Channel. Wide open grassland areas provide plenty of space for picnics, and it’s easy to combine your visit with coastal walks and wildlife spotting.

Why visit?

• Panoramic coastal views

• Scenic walking trails

• Wildlife and birdwatching

• Large open picnic spaces

Practical information

• Pay-and-display parking at Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre

• Toilets available at the visitor centre

• Land train runs seasonally to Mudeford Sandbank

• Mostly flat accessible paths, with optional steep hill routes

• Dogs allowed (some seasonal restrictions in protected areas)

Picnic tips

• Arrive early in summer as parking fills quickly

• It can be very windy so bring layers or a windbreaker

• Walk slightly away from main paths for quieter picnic spots

2. Durlston Country Park

Perched on the cliffs overlooking the Jurassic Coast near Swanage, Durlston Country Park is one of Dorset’s most scenic picnic destinations.

The grassy areas near Durlston Castle offer stunning sea views, while surrounding trails pass through wildflower meadows and dramatic clifftops.

Highlights

• Jurassic Coast scenery

• Visitor centre and café

• Coastal walking routes

• Wildlife spotting opportunities

Practical information

• Pay-and-display car park on site (limited in peak season)

• Toilets at visitor centre and café

• Uneven coastal paths with cliff edges nearby

• Bus access from Swanage (seasonal services more frequent)

• Dogs allowed on leads

Picnic tips

• Stay back from cliff edges due to unstable ground

• Bring wind protection as this is a very exposed location

• Combine your picnic with a walk to nearby viewpoints

3. Stanpit Marsh Nature Reserve

For a quieter picnic surrounded by nature, Stanpit Marsh is an excellent choice near Christchurch.

This peaceful coastal reserve features salt marshes, reed beds, and open meadows overlooking Christchurch Harbour. It’s particularly popular for birdwatching and relaxed walks away from busier beaches.

Perfect for

• Peaceful surroundings

• Wildlife watching

• Harbour views

• Gentle walking routes

Practical information

• Small nearby car park (limited spaces)

• Short walk from Christchurch town centre

• No toilets on site (use Christchurch facilities)

• Mostly flat but natural uneven ground

• Dogs allowed but should be kept under control

Picnic tips

• Bring insect repellent in summer

• Best visited early morning or late afternoon for wildlife

• Combine with a walk towards Mudeford Quay

4. Upton Country Park

Set within over 140 acres of parkland near Poole, Upton Country Park is one of Dorset’s best family-friendly picnic locations.

It offers a mix of open lawns, woodland shade, gardens, and shoreline walks, making it easy to spend a full day outdoors.

Why families love it

• Large picnic lawns

• Children’s play areas

• Woodland and coastal walks

• Café and visitor facilities

Practical information

• Large pay-and-display car park

• Toilets and accessible facilities on site

• Good paved paths throughout much of the park

• Café available in the grounds

• Dogs allowed in most outdoor areas (some restrictions in formal gardens)

Picnic tips

• Choose shaded woodland areas in hot weather

• Arrive early on weekends for quieter spaces

• Easy to combine with walking trails and play areas

5. Maiden Castle

Combine history with sweeping countryside views at Maiden Castle near Dorchester.

This vast Iron Age hillfort is one of the largest and most important archaeological sites in Britain, offering peaceful picnic spots among ancient earthworks and rolling landscapes.

Highlights

• Historic Iron Age hillfort

• Panoramic countryside views

• Peaceful walking routes

• Open, spacious landscape

Practical information

• Small nearby car park (free at time of writing)

• No toilets on site (use Dorchester facilities before visiting)

• Uneven grassy terrain with steep slopes

• Bus access from Dorchester with a short walk required

• Dogs allowed but should be kept under close control

Picnic tips

• Bring a windproof layer—the hilltop is exposed

• Sit in sheltered dips within the earthworks

• Late afternoon is best for light and photography

What to Pack for a Picnic in Dorset

• Picnic blanket or lightweight chairs

• Reusable water bottles (limited refill points at rural sites)

• Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses in summer

• Waterproof jacket or windbreaker

• Binoculars for wildlife and coastal views

• Fully charged phone or camera

• Bag for all litter (many sites are protected landscapes)

Extra tips

• Check tide times for coastal locations like Hengistbury Head

• Parking fills quickly during weekends and school holidays

• Coastal and hilltop areas can be windy even in summer

• Stick to marked paths to protect wildlife habitats

Discover More of Dorset

One of the best things about Dorset is the variety of landscapes within short distances. You can enjoy coastal views in the morning, explore woodland or wetlands in the afternoon, and finish the day watching sunset over countryside or harbour waters.

These picnic spots offer some of the most scenic, accessible, and enjoyable outdoor experiences in the county.