Five of the Best Picnic Spots in Dorset

Here are five family-friendly picnic spots, focusing on their features, accessibility, and suitability for families. These spots are near bike trails or easily reachable by car, with ample amenities for a practical picnic outing. Below is information on each location, including facilities, activities & more:

1. Studland Beach (Near Swanage)

When you arrive at Studland Beach, a National Trust-managed site on the Jurassic Coast. You can set up your picnic on a grassy dune near the main car park, where picnic tables and open spaces accommodate families. The beach offers shallow waters for kids to paddle, and the South West Coast Path nearby allows short bike rides. The area is flat, accessible for strollers, and popular for sandcastle-building.

• Location: Studland, Swanage, BH19 3AH
• Facilities: Toilets, cafe (sandwiches, ice cream, drinks), parking (£5/day, free for National Trust members, 500 spaces), picnic tables, benches.
• Activities: Beach play, paddling, cycling/walking on South West Coast Path, Old Harry Rocks viewpoint (1-mile walk).
• Access: 5-minute walk from car park; bike access via Swanage cycle routes (2 miles). Bus stop at Studland village (Wilts & Dorset 50).
• Logistics: Open year-round, busiest July-August (arrive before 10 am). Cafe open 10 am-5 pm. No bins on dunes; take rubbish home.
• Supplies: Studland Stores (0.5 miles) for picnic items; Tesco in Swanage (4 miles).
• Tip: Park early in summer; bring a windbreak for coastal winds.

2. Durlston Country Park (Swanage)

Head to Durlston Country Park, and set up your picnic on a grassy area near Durlston Castle. The park offers benches and open spaces, with flat paths for easy access. Kids enjoy the play areas, and I spot cyclists on the park’s bike-friendly trails. The visitor centre provides maps, and the lighthouse is a short walk away.

• Location: Lighthouse Road, Swanage, BH19 2JL
• Facilities: Toilets, cafe (coffee, cakes, sandwiches), free parking (200 spaces), visitor centre, picnic tables, benches.
• Activities: Play areas, nature trails, lighthouse visit, birdwatching, cycling on park trails or nearby lanes.
• Access: 2-minute walk from car park; bike access via Swanage lanes (1.5 miles). Bus stop at park entrance (Wilts & Dorset 40).
• Logistics: Open 9 am-5 pm, quieter in spring/autumn. Cafe open 10 am-4 pm. Limited bins; bring rubbish bags.
• Supplies: Co-op in Swanage (2 miles); cafe for takeaways.
• Tip: Use the Globe area for picnics; check visitor centre for trail maps.

3. Avon Heath Country Park (Near Ringwood)

When you reach Avon Heath Country Park, choose a picnic table near the visitor centre. The park has grassy areas and shaded spots under pines, with flat paths for strollers. Families cycle the heathland trails, and kids flock to the playground. The cafe offers picnic supplies, and the nature discovery area educates young visitors.

• Location: Brocks Pine, St Leonards, Ringwood, BH24 2DH
• Facilities: Toilets, cafe (sandwiches, snacks), free parking (300 spaces), picnic tables, benches, visitor centre.
• Activities: Adventure playground, nature discovery area, cycling/walking trails (1-3 miles), ranger-led events.
• Access: 3-minute walk from car park; bike access via park trails or Ringwood lanes (3 miles). Bus stop at St Leonards (X3).
• Logistics: Open 8 am-dusk, busiest weekends. Cafe open 9 am-4 pm. Recycling bins available.
• Supplies: Waitrose in Ringwood (4 miles); cafe for takeaways.
• Tip: Picnick near playground for kid access; check event schedule for family activities.

4. Badbury Rings (Near Wimborne)

Arriving at Badbury Rings, an Iron Age hillfort, set up your picnic on the grassy slopes. The open space is ideal for families, with kids exploring the ramparts. Quiet lanes nearby suit short bike rides, and the car park is steps away. Wimborne provides amenities, as the site is rustic.

• Location: Off B3082, Shapwick, Wimborne, DT11 9JL
• Facilities: Free parking (50 spaces, limited), no toilets (nearest in Wimborne, 3 miles), no picnic tables (bring blankets).
• Activities: Hillfort exploration, kite-flying, walking trails (1-2 miles), cycling on nearby lanes.
• Access: 2-minute walk from car park; bike access via B3082 lanes (2 miles from Wimborne). No direct bus.
• Logistics: Open year-round, quieter weekdays. No bins; take rubbish home. Best in dry weather (muddy when wet).
• Supplies: Co-op in Wimborne (3 miles); The Hungry Bird cafe for takeaways.
• Tip: Bring a kite for windy days; visit in spring for wildflowers.

5. Kingston Lacy Estate (Near Wimborne)

At Kingston Lacy Estate, a National Trust property, pick a picnic spot on the lawns near the Cedar Avenue. The flat terrain suits families, with kids using the play areas. Bike-friendly paths make access easy, and the cafe and toilets are convenient. The estate offers trails and a Japanese garden for exploration.

• Location: Wimborne Minster, BH21 4EA
• Facilities: Toilets, cafe (cakes, sandwiches), parking (£5, free for members, 400 spaces), picnic tables, benches.
• Activities: Play areas, woodland trails, Japanese garden, cycling paths, house/garden tours (extra fee).
• Access: 5-minute walk from car park; bike access via estate paths or Wimborne lanes (2 miles). Bus stop at entrance (Wilts & Dorset 3).
• Logistics: Open 10 am-5 pm, busiest summer weekends. Cafe open 10 am-4 pm. Recycling bins available.
• Supplies: Waitrose in Wimborne (2 miles); cafe for takeaways.
• Tip: Picnick near play areas; book garden tickets online for post-picnic visits.

Our Practical Tips

• Amenities: Avon Heath and Kingston Lacy have playgrounds, cafes, and ample toilets. Studland and Durlston offer toilets and cafes. Badbury Rings lacks facilities (use Wimborne). Parking is available at all (Badbury’s is smallest).
• Safety and Comfort: Take  blankets, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Windbreaks are useful at Studland and Durlston. Supervise kids near water (Studland) or slopes (Badbury). All sites have flat picnic areas.
• Access: All are car-accessible with parking. Studland, Durlston, Avon Heath, and Kingston Lacy have bike paths; Badbury’s nearby lanes suit cycling. Bus routes serve all except Badbury (Wilts & Dorset lines).
• Best Time: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-October) are ideal for mild weather, fewer crowds. Summer (July-August) requires early arrival (before 11 am). Avoid wet days at Badbury (muddy).