Visitor & Tourism Guide in Dorset

Discover some of the best dog-friendly places in Dorset, from coastal hotels and welcoming pubs to scenic walks, beaches and memorable days out. This practical guide includes dog-friendly stays near Studland and Weymouth, routes such as the Rodwell Trail, places to eat with your pet and attractions including Corfe Castle and Swanage Railway, helping us plan an enjoyable Dorset break without leaving the dog behind.

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.

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.

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.

Discover some of the top campsites on the Jurassic Coast, including coastal camping near Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, Weymouth, Chesil Beach, Bridport and Golden Cap. Whether you are looking for a family holiday park, traditional tent camping, sea views or easy access to the South West Coast Path, these campsites offer brilliant bases for exploring Dorset's UNESCO World Heritage coastline and some of its most famous beaches and landmarks.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Explore Dorset's ancient walking trails, from prehistoric ridgeways and Iron Age hillforts to peaceful river paths and coastal routes, discovering thousands of years of history alongside spectacular countryside.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Discover Dorset Coastal Cruises from Weymouth and experience the breathtaking Jurassic Coast from the sea. Departing from Weymouth Harbour, enjoy scenic boat trips, sunset cruises and family-friendly coastal adventures with stunning views, onboard refreshments and unforgettable memories along one of England's most spectacular coastlines.

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 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.

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.

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 five brilliant businesses with surprising Dorset roots, from Lush and Farrow & Ball to Sunseeker, Hobbycraft and Hall & Woodhouse. These nationally and internationally recognised companies began, manufacture or remain headquartered in the county, proving that Dorset is home to far more than beautiful beaches and countryside. Explore the local stories behind some of Britain’s best-known brands and the products reaching customers around the world.

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.