Visitor & Tourism Guide in Dorset

With its Jurassic Coast, rolling countryside, and charming villages, Dorset is a fantastic destination for a family weekend getaway. Here we highlight 10 carefully selected locations and activities for a memorable family break in late April 2025, focusing on family-friendly accommodations, attractions, and sunset viewpoints for a well-rounded experience. Each option includes practical details to help you plan, tailored to families seeking a mix of adventure, relaxation, and scenic beauty.

Discover the Jurassic Coast that stretches along Dorset's coastline, offering a living timeline of 185 million years of Earth’s history, laid bare in its cliffs, beaches, and fossils.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Just a stone's throw from Bournemouth lies one of Dorset's most captivating coastal gems, where dramatic cliffs meet golden sands and history whispers through every clifftop path. 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.

Just a short drive from Bournemouth lies one of England's most cherished landscapes, where ancient woodland meets heathland and wild ponies roam freely through villages that seem unchanged by time. The New Forest offers the perfect escape from coastal bustle, providing a countryside adventure that feels worlds away whilst remaining wonderfully accessible for a spontaneous day out.

Bournemouth boasts a rich cultural heritage reflected in its landmarks, which blend historical significance, architectural beauty, and artistic vibrancy. Bournemouth’s cultural landmarks offer a compelling mix of heritage, art, and community spirit, making the town a dynamic destination for cultural exploration. Each site, from the intimate Westbourne Arcade to the grand Russell-Cotes Museum, contributes to a rich tapestry that celebrates both past and present.

Dorset's attractions have everything you need for fun-filled family days out. From waterparks and wildlife sanctuaries, to museums and climbing centres, there's something for everyone in Dorset.

Dorset’s landscape is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the Jurassic Coast is a mesmerising blend of geological drama, ecological diversity, and timeless beauty. Spanning coastal cliffs, rolling chalk hills, lush valleys, and expansive heathlands, it’s a region sculpted by millions of years of natural forces and human history.

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.

See our list of popular landmarks in Dorset, all offering amazing experiences - these attractions range from natural wonders to historical sites and family-friendly outings.

Dorset’s sandy beaches are some of the finest in England, offering golden sands, clear waters, and a mix of lively and laid-back vibes. Dorset’s sandy beaches cater to every taste—Studland’s wild dunes, Weymouth’s classic bustle, Swanage’s gentle charm, Bournemouth’s long beaches, and Lyme’s fossil opportunities.V

For Dorset residents & visitors seeking a delightful day out without venturing too far from home, Lymington presents itself as the perfect coastal escape. This charming Georgian market town, nestled on the edge of the New Forest and blessed with one of the Solent's most picturesque harbours, offers an irresistible blend of maritime heritage, boutique shopping, and culinary delights that feels refreshingly unhurried compared to busier Hampshire destinations.

Dorset offers a mix of stunning coastlines, charming villages, and historic sites. Visit our guide to some of the best places to visit in Dorset.

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 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.

Dorset is a haven for nature lovers with some of the best nature reserves in Dorset. Here is our list of nature reserves, selected for their rich biodiversity, family-friendly features, and unique habitats.. These reserves are managed by organisations like Dorset Wildlife Trust, RSPB, and National Trust, and offer opportunities to spot rare wildlife, enjoy scenic walks, and engage in conservation activities.

Here are details of 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.

Find Westbourne Shopping, Dining, Beaches, Markets and Local Attractions including gardens, historic arcade & walking routes. Westbourne is a tourist resort on the Costa Blanca, Spain, located between Alicante and Valencia. It's beautiful sandy beaches, and stunning rock "Penon de Ifach", make Calpe 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.

See our choice of Dorset’s ancient trails, that wind through the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), are steeped in history and shaped by millennia of human and natural forces. These paths often trace Iron Age routes, Roman roads, and medieval byways, and offer a connection to the past while showcasing the region’s inland and coastal splendour.

Dorset offers a charming coastal retreat for visitors seeking tranquility and scenic beauty. Find out more about the best hotels, guest houses & B&B’s to stay at for an unforgettable visit in the picturesque coastal areas of Dorset. Find places across Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole, Westbourne, Southbourne, Ferndown, Parkstone.