Site Map
- About the Area
- Areas to Visit
Dorset is an area of contrasts, from great seaside resorts to miles upon miles of clasically English and unspoilt rolling countryside.
- Bournemouth
- Christchurch
- Poole
- Rural Dorset
- Swanage and Purbeck
Swanage & Purbeck lies on the south coast of Dorset and offers stunning coastal and country scenery.
- West Dorset
- Weymouth and Portland
- Countryside
Come and explore the beautiful Dorset countryside - you’ll find something for all the family to enjoy!
- Don't Miss Dorset
From Zorbing to ancient castles to farm parks, it's hard to know what to do first in Dorset.
- Favourite Views
Share some of your favourite views with us and you could have them featured on the website!
- Film & TV Locations
Dorset has been the star of many a film and TV drama and it's no surprise, with the unspoilt countryside, dramatic coastline and many impressive manor houses and gardens all offering a beautiful setting to really bring the script to life.
- Top 10 for 2012
- Favourite Views
- Dorset in the News
Dorset in the News
- History & Heritage
Discover Dorset's fascinating past
- Ancient Sites
There are so many fascinating ancient landmarks to uncover across Dorset, each holding secrets of the ages just waiting to be uncovered.
- Castles & Forts
- Jurassic Coast
- Literary Dorset
- Museums & Mills
From impressive military exhibitions to historic birthplaces, you will find a fantastic variety of museums and mills throughout the county.
- Who Do You Think You Are?
Trace your family history in Dorset
- Ancient Sites
- Jurassic Coast
The spectacular Jurassic Coast in Dorset and East Devon is England's first natural World Heritage Site.
- Fossil Hunting
Fossil Hunting
- Jewels of the Jurassic Coast
Explore the geological wonders of the Jurassic Coast
- Fossil Hunting
- Keep Dorset Special
- Towns
The towns in Dorset are full of history, charm and wonderful contrasts.
- Coastal Towns
Explore Dorset's picturesque coastal towns
- Market Towns
Explore the vibrant market towns of Dorset
- Coastal Towns
- Villages
Explore the chocolate-box villages of Dorset and immerse yourself in the stunning surroundings.
- Areas to Visit
- Accommodation
Accommodation
- Accessible Accommodation
The National Accessible Scheme for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility
- B&B and Guest Accommodation
If you're looking for a home from home atmosphere and service with a personal touch then there is a vast variety of friendly accommodation offering bed and breakfast in Dorset
- B&Bs by Area
B&Bs by Area
- B&Bs by Area
- Business & Conference
Conference venues in Dorset and accommodation offering business facilities
- Camping & Caravan Parks
If you fancy a night under canvas with a bit of al-fresco dining or a break in fully equipped caravan then there are plenty of caravan and campsites in Dorset for you to choose from.
- Caravan & Camping Parks by Area
Caravan & Camping Parks by Area
- Caravan & Camping Parks by Area
- Cottages & Self Catering Accommodation
If you prefer the freedom of a self catering holiday you will find an excellent choice of quality self catering accommodation and holiday cottages in Dorset to suit all tastes and budgets.
- Self Catering Accommodation by Area
Self Catering Accommodation by Area
- Self Catering Agencies
Self Catering Agencies
- Self Catering Accommodation by Area
- Farmhouses
Enjoy the comfort of a beautiful farmhouse, with all the modern facilities that you need and you'll be guaranteed a hearty traditional breakfast
- Farmhouse Accommodation by Area
Farmhouse Accommodation by Area
- Farmhouse Accommodation by Area
- Green Tourism
Dorset supports organisations who are commited to, and promote, sustainable tourism and environmentally friendly holidays.
- David Bellamy Conservation Awards
David Bellamy Conservation Awards
- David Bellamy Conservation Awards
- Hotels
You'll find luxurious 4 star Dorset hotels, stylish boutique and townhouse hotels and charming country house hotels in this stunning county
- Hotels by Area
Hotels by Area
- Hotels by Area
- Luxury Breaks
If you're looking for an indulgent holiday then Dorset has a great selection of luxury accommodation.
- Pubs & Inns
There are some fantastic inns and pubs in dorset offering some great accommodation.
- Pubs & Inns by Area
Pubs & Inns by Area
- Pubs & Inns by Area
- Quality
When you are looking for a place to stay, you need resassurance that your choice of accommodation meets your expectations.
- Welcome Schemes
- Cyclists Welcome
Cyclists Welcome in Dorset
- Families Welcome
Families Welcome
- Walkers Welcome
Walkers Welcome in Dorset
- Welcome Pets
Welcome Pets
- Cyclists Welcome
- Accessible Accommodation
- Build an itinerary
- By Location
- Competition
- Food & Drink
- Celebrity Chefs in Dorset
With such a good reputation for local produce, Dorset has attracted some of the UK's top chefs.
- Eating Out In Dorset
Dorset offers a fantastic range of places to eat out. From award-winning restaurants, traditional tearooms to cosy Dorset pubs , you can be sure to find the perfect place to tantalise your taste buds.
- Cafes and Tea Rooms
There’s nothing better than to wile away a lazy Summer’s afternoon in a pretty village tea room, indulging in some homemade Dorset apple cake with a dollop of clotted cream.
- Pubs and Inns
The delightful Dorset countryside is bursting with traditional inns and family friendly pubs.
- Restaurants
You will be spoilt for choice with our fine selection of restaurants in Dorset.
- Cafes and Tea Rooms
- Food & Drink Events
Dorset is renowned for its local produce and as well as the regular farmers' markets around the county, Dorset hosts a range of events celebrating the delectable delights of the county.
- Bridport Food Festival
Bridport Food Festival
- Christchurch Food and Wine Festival
Christchurch Food and Wine Festival
- Spring Tide Festival
Spring Tide Festival
- Stinging Nettle Eating Championships
Stinging Nettle Eating Championships
- Bridport Food Festival
- Local Produce & Markets
Dorset is home to a variety of high quality producers of delicious food and drink, which is available to you through specialist farm shops and markets in Dorset.
- Farmers' Markets
Farmers' Markets
- Farmers' Markets
- Celebrity Chefs in Dorset
- Information
- Plan Your Visit
- Accessible Dorset
Information on Dorset for disabled visitors
- Dog Friendly Dorset
Dorset is a wonderful place to holiday with your faithful friend.
- Dorset Social Media
Keep up to date with all that's happening in Dorset via our social network.
- Dorset Videos
View our stunning videos highlighting the very best that Dorset has to offer!
- Group Travel
Plan your next group or school visit
- Accommodation for Groups
Accommodation that cater for group travel parties
- Attractions for Groups
Attractions that cater for group travel parties
- Educational Visits
Bring your school group to Dorset
- Itinerary Ideas
Get inspiration for your Group Travel visit
- Key Events in Dorset
As the seasons turn, film, folk, food and fossil festivals present themselves.
- Trips & Tours
- Accommodation for Groups
- Itinerary Ideas
- Maps
- Tourist Information Centres
Make the most of your stay in Dorset and visit one of our Tourist Information Centres (TICs).
- Travel Information
Whether you are planning your journey to Dorset , or deciding how you will travel around once you get here, there is plenty of Dorset travel information around to help you plan your stay.
- Weddings & Honeymoons
Dorset has romantic scenery with picture perfect locations that will make your big day truly memorable.
- Honeymoon in Dorset
Search our luxury hotels
- Places to Propose
Iconic spots to pop the question
- Wedding Fairs
Get ideas for your special day
- Wedding Venues
Browse our delightful range of wedding venues
- Honeymoon in Dorset
- Accessible Dorset
- Special Offers
- 20.12% off is GREAT
20.12% off is GREAT
- Accommodation Offers
- 20.12% off is GREAT
- Things to Do
Dorset is bursting with great things to see and do from great activities & attractions to wonderful houses and gardens there is something for everyone.
- Activities
Browse Dorset's thrilling selection of activities, you're sure to find plenty to keep you active.
- Cycling
Cycling in Dorset
- Extreme Sports in Dorset
From quad biking to clay pigeon shooting, Dorset has plenty to get your pulse racing!
- Family Activities
Enjoy Dorset with the family
- Fishing
Fishing in Dorset is the perfect way to enjoy the nature and scenery of this beautiful county.
- Golf
Dorset has so many great courses in some stunning locations.
- Horse Riding
What better way to enjoy the beautiful scenery and explore Dorset than on horseback.
- Walking
Walking in Dorset
- Watersports
- Cycling
- Attractions
The choice of attractions in Dorset is endless, whatever your age or interests, you'll never be short of interesting and exciting places to visit in Dorset.
- Ancient Sites
Discover Dorset's past
- Castles & Forts
Dorset has a fantastic collection of castles and forts for you to explore.
- Don't Miss Dorset
If you’re hoping to cram as much into you visit to Dorset here are a few ideas that are just too good to miss!
- Family Attractions
Dorset has such a wide range of family attractions you’ll be sure to have plenty to do during your stay.
- Houses & Gardens
Take the chance to enjoy a relaxing lunch or afternoon tea surrounded by some of the most stunning grounds in Dorset.
- Museums & Mills
From impressive military exhibitions to historic birthplaces, you will find a fantastic variety of museums and mills throughout the county.
- Ancient Sites
- Beaches
If spending a day on the beach building sandcastles, swimming in the sea and lazing around then Dorset is definitely the place for you.
- Key Beaches
Enjoy a brilliant family day out at some of Dorset’s best beaches.
- Key Beaches
- Shopping
- Farmers' Markets
Farmers' Markets
- Weekly Markets
Weekly Markets
- Farmers' Markets
- Top 10 for 2012
Why not make 2012 the year to do all the things you've ever wanted to do. Dorset has so much to offer and is sure to keep you busy.
- Activities
- What's On
- Arts Events
Dorset has so many art & craft events throughout the year there’s plenty of opportunity to learn new skills!
- Diamond Jubilee
Diamond Jubilee
- Diamond Jubilee Events in Christchurch
Diamond Jubilee Events in Christchurch
- Diamond Jubilee Events in East Dorset
Diamond Jubilee Events in East Dorset
- Diamond Jubilee Events in North Dorset
Diamond Jubilee Events in North Dorset
- Diamond Jubilee Events in Purbeck
Diamond Jubilee Events in Purbeck
- Diamond Jubilee Events in West Dorset
Diamond Jubilee Events in West Dorset
- Diamond Jubilee Events in Weymouth
Diamond Jubilee Events in Weymouth
- Diamond Jubilee Events in Christchurch
- Festivals and Seasonal Events
Among the huge variety of events going on in and around the county throughout the year you will find some fantastic festivals and seasonal events in Dorset.
- Baby Swans Hatching at Abbotsbury
Baby Swans Hatching at Abbotsbury
- Dorchester Festival
Dorchester Festival
- Dorset Art Weeks
- Sherborne Castle Country Fair
Sherborne Castle Country Fair
- Spring Lambing Weekends
Spring Lambing Weekends
- Wimborne Folk Festival
Wimborne Folk Festival
- Baby Swans Hatching at Abbotsbury
- London 2012 Sailing
Weymouth and Portland will host all sailing events for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games between July and September 2012.
- Maritime Mix - Cultural Olympiad
London 2012 Cultural Olympiad by the sea. World class outdoor theatre, open-air mass choir performances and inspiring visual art.
- Olympic Torch Relay Evening Celebration
Join in the evening celebration of the Torch Relay in Weymouth
- The Olympic Torch Relay
Find out where the torch is passing near you
- The Weymouth Bayside Festival
- Weymouth & Portland Live
- Maritime Mix - Cultural Olympiad
- Nature & Wildlife
With so much of Dorset an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB), it’s no surprise to find it bursting with wonderful wildlife. You will always find great nature & wildlife courses for you to join in with.
- School Holidays
There is so much half term fun to be had in Dorset, get yourself involved!
- Arts Events
