West Bay at Sunset
Summer in Dorset

Discover Dorset Home of the iconic Jurassic Coast

Discover Dorset, a land of epic coastline, rolling hills, and timeless charm. From fossil hunting to paddleboarding, Dorset is your gateway to unforgettable experiences. We've got everything you need to plan your visit to Dorset; we'll help you find where to stay, things to do, places to explore as well as top tips and ideas for great days out! 

Enjoy making happy memories in Dorset!

Your Dorset adventure starts here

Step into a world of natural wonder! Just a few hours from London, Dorset offers a world away from the everyday. Visit Durdle Door and marvel at the natural limestone stone arch, this is one of Dorset's most iconic landmarks and  its east to see why!  Walk Dorset's clifftop trails, kayak through sea caves, or cycle peaceful country lanes. A Dorset adventure is calling.

Things to do in Dorset

Not sure what there is to do in Dorset...lots!  There's something for everyone in Dorset, from water parks and axe throwing to castles and stately homes, whether you're looking for a break full of adventure or some rest and relaxation there's something to suit every taste and budget in Dorset.  There's also plenty of options for free or cheap days out in Dorset so you can enjoy making precious memories without breaking the bank! Check out our Things to Do in Dorset pages for ideas and inspiration!

Nature, wildlife & outdoor thrills

From the Jurassic Coast to ancient forests and heathlands, Dorset is a haven for nature lovers and thrill seekers. Spot dolphins, ride the waves on a RIB ride or discover tranquil woodlands and heathlands; Dorset truly is a nature lover's dream paradise!

What's on in Dorset

Dorset's event calendar is full to the brim!  There are plenty of vibrant (and unique!) events taking place all year round to keep you entertained in Dorset.  Regattas, carnivals, country shows, festivals, food events...where do we start, Dorset has it all!

Uncover Dorset’s hidden gems

Explore Dorset's towns and villages, from historic market towns like Dorchester, seaside favourites like Lyme Regis and Swanage, and picture-perfect villages like Abbotsbury. Each place has its own story to tell and is waiting to be discovered. For a traditional family holiday full of seaside charm then head to Weymouth or if you're looking for something a little more lively then enjoy the buzz of Bournemouth and Poole!

Find your perfect place to stay in Dorset

Whether it’s a luxury hotel, a cosy B&B, a family-friendly holiday park or a glamping pod under the stars – Dorset has the perfect place to rest and recharge. Browse our places to stay and find the holiday accommodation in Dorset to suit your taste and budget.

Savour Dorset's local food and drink

From fresh seafood and artisan cheeses to beachside bites and fine dining, Dorset is a food lover’s paradise. Enjoy a picnic with a view or a fireside dinner in a cosy pub after a day of exploring - the choice is yours! Discover Dorset's food and drink.

Plan your visit to Dorset

We've got everything you need to book your accommodation, plan your days out and make the most of your holiday to Dorset.  Whether its a weekend escape, family holiday, or solo adventure – Dorset is yours to explore. Step into a story millions of years in the making and create memories that last a lifetime - your adventure starts in Dorset!

Have an outdoor adventurein Dorset

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Summer inDorset

Summer Breaks

Experience fantastic festivals, inspiring activities and amazing beaches this summer.

Highlightedfor you...

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens is no ordinary garden, with its own micro-climate in a sheltered woodland valley on the Jurassic Coast. The special plant collection has been built up over the last...

Abbotsbury Swannery

Abbotsbury Swannery is the only place in the world where you are able to walk through the heart of a colony of nesting Mute Swans. A visit to this beautiful and tranquil place is one of the most...

Athelhampton House and Gardens

Athelhampton nestles in the Piddle valley, between Tolpuddle and Puddletown and is easily reached from the A35 main road. ​The ancient manor of Athelhampton has been continually lived in since Saxon...

Bournemouth International Centre

Situated in the heart of Bournemouth, the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) hosts comedians, musicians, sporting events and plenty more.    The BIC is a 6,000 capacity arena and...

Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre

Situated in the heart of Bournemouth, the Pavilion Theatre is host to comedians, musicians, sporting events and plenty more.    Bournemouth Pavilion has a 1,400 capacity seated...

Bowleaze Cove Holiday Park and Spa

For a coastal holiday park in Dorset with luxurious accommodation and 5 star leisure facilities, you need look no further than Bowleaze Cove Holiday Park & Spa (previously known as Waterside...

Brittany Ferries Boat Trips

Onboard, relax in one of our spacious passenger lounges, or enjoy a breath of fresh air out on deck, as we sail high speed from Poole.  Brittany provides High Speed Ferry crossings...

Burnbake Forest Lodges

Tucked inside the glorious Purbeck region of Dorset on the breathtaking Jurassic Coast, Burnbake Campsite and Forest lodges is the perfect location for a great British getaway for family,...

Character Farm Cottages

Welcome to Character Farm Cottages, a family-run business offering five delightful self-catering cottages situated on our working farm in the picturesque village of Langton Herring, near Weymouth and...

Chesil Beach Holiday Park

Chesil Beach (previously known as Chesil Vista) is a 5* Holiday Park celebrating a breath-taking coastal location overlooking Portland and the Fleet with panoramic sea views. The fantastic on-park...

Chideock Grange Holiday Cottages

This is a small, quiet holiday cottage complex, on the outskirts of the village of Chideock, set in a hollow by Winniford Stream and surrounded by rolling farmland. A mile inland off the main road, it...

Classic Cottages

Classic Cottages have the perfect holiday home waiting for you in Dorset. From family-sized homes with sea views in Lyme Regis to chic couple’s boltholes in the heart of Bridport, there's...

Clifftops

Situated on the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site coast. Clifftops luxury lodges are within the grounds of Portland’s Pennsylvania Castle and have uninterrupted sea views. Unique and...

Coastal Cruises Poole Ltd

We offer a wide selection of cruises along the Jurassic Coast, trips to the Victorian resort at Swanage and the Steam Railway, Poole Harbour cruises, evening cruises or private charters. A smart...

Cove Lodge

Cove Lodge represents the very definition of laid-back luxury. The lodge provides panoramic sea views, an elegant interior, and the perfect location for short breaks, or getaways with friends. Cove...

Dorset Cottage Holidays

Dorset Cottage Holidays is a an independent, family run agency, established over 20 years ago and located locally in the heart of Corfe Castle in Dorset. We offer over 60 holiday cottages in Swanage,...

Dorset Museum & Art Gallery

Welcome to Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, a place to connect with 250 million years of history. From amazing archaeology, to dinosaur bones and the story of Mary Anning, the archive of Thomas Hardy...

Dream Cottages

Discover your dream holiday in Dorset with Dream Cottages. With over 400 charming, independently owned cottages to choose from, there's something for everyone - from cosy countryside retreats to...

Durdle Door Holiday Park

Close to Lulworth Cove and the iconic rock arch of Durdle Door, the Holiday Park is ideally situated between Weymouth and Swanage in one of the most spectacular parts of the Jurassic Coast. This...

Go Ape Moors Valley

Located 10 miles north of Bournemouth and 5 miles west of Ringwood, you can find us in Moors Valley Country Park. We're just off Horton Road - near to Ashley Heath and the New Forest. Go Ape Moors...

Kersbrook

The Kersbrook is a beautiful thatched, eighteenth century Grade II listed building (1780) set in its own picturesque mature gardens just off the town centre with views across Lyme Regis. Family run,...

Knoll House Hotel

You’ll find us at Studland Bay on the Isle of Purbeck, between Poole and Old Harry Rocks. Purbeck is a quiet landscape of coast, cliffs, heath and woodland, and a haven for wildlife. It’s...

Lighthouse Poole Arts and Entertainment

Lighthouse in Poole is one of this country's largest arts centres, offering a year round programme of live music, theatre, dance, comedy, film, visual arts, pantomime and family shows.  ...

Lulworth Holiday Cottages

Thatched cottage retreats with hidden sun terraces, traditional farm buildings with swimming pools, period properties in rolling park-land... Book a stay in a holiday cottage here on the privately...

Lyme Bay Holidays

Everything about a Lyme Bay Holiday is special. As a family-run business we know what's really important when you take a break, and with over 40 years experience you can count on us...

Lyme Bay RIB Charter

Get ready to be blown away by unforgettable boat trips from West Bay with  Lyme Bay RIB Charter . From fast paced adventures to relaxing sightseeing cruises and private hire options, we...

Lyme RIB Rides

Looking for unforgettable things to do in Lyme Regis? Book a boat trip with Lyme RIB Rides and experience the Jurassic Coast like never before. Whether you're after a thrilling fast paced...

Mallinson’s Woodland Retreat

Escape, unwind and recharge in a stunning West Country woodland. Choose from three distinct award-winning luxury treehouses, each one a self-contained nest for two with its own facilities (and no...

Monart Spa Poundbury

Monart day spa has been created with only one purpose in mind to help you rest, relax and rejuvenate in a beautifully tranquil, adult only environment. This unique journey begins with a personalised...

Moonfleet Adventure Sailing

Sailing daily from Portland - check website for availability and to book Gift vouchers now available - Prices start at just £42 for a 2 hour cruise on the Tallship Moonfleet. Treat yourself...

Osmington Mills Lodge Park

Osmington Mills Lodge Park is a relaxed luxury lodge park set in the beautiful wooded valley of Osmington Mills. The quiet rural setting is the perfect place for a peaceful getaway on the Dorset...

Pennsylvania Castle

Pennsylvania Castle is an exclusive wedding, events and private rental venue overlooking the charming Church Ope Cove and UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coastline. The neo-gothic design of the Castle...

Sandford Holiday Park - Parkdean Resorts

The wonderful woodland surrounds Sandford Holiday Park which is bursting with new activities and facilities to make your holiday unforgettable. A Blue Flag beach is just a short drive away, perfect...

Swanage Railway

Whatever the weather, take a journey back in time with an enjoyable day of excitement and nostalgia at the award winning Swanage Railway. Sit back and relax during a leisurely trip behind a historic...

The Eastbury and Spa

A tranquil destination like no other, comfort and elegance, wrapped in West Country charm. The award-winning Eastbury Hotel & Spa, a luxury Georgian Townhouse hotel with a bijou garden...

The Front Rows

A collection of 20 luxurious holiday homes situated on the cliff edge of The Estate. The Front Rows provide an ideal base for those who wish to explore The Isle of Portland and experience everything...

The Heights Hotel

The Heights Hotel set on the summit of Portland with stunning sea and coastal views over Weymouth and Chesil beach towards Lyme Bay. A warm welcome awaits you at the hotel - whether you are staying...

The Saltwater Sauna

The Saltwater Sauna offers a Nordic bathing experience rooted in ancient wisdom and progressive wellness. Connect with nature, reap the benefits of contrast therapy and join us for golden sunsets and...

UK Lodge Breaks

UK Lodge Breaks offers a fantastic selection of lodges across Dorset, making it easy to find the perfect retreat. Whether you're looking to explore the breathtaking Jurassic Coast, relax on...

Upton Grange Holiday Cottages

From it’s location of privilege, cossetted in the centre of the tiny unspoilt hamlet of Upton, where the World Heritage Jurassic Coastline rejoices in the simplicity of nearby Ringstead Bay, the...

Wareham Forest Tourist Park

Our Park is situated midway between Bere Regis and Wareham in the heart of Wareham Forest. We have spacious and level camping, caravan and motorhome pitches in a tranquil woodland setting, with...

Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park

Explore an amazing underwater world and journey to the ocean depths at Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park! Get up close to over 2,000 creatures, including our playful otters and rescued sea turtles....

Wild Chesil Centre

The Fine Foundation Wild Chesil Centre is your gateway to exploring the iconic Chesil Beach and Fleet Lagoon, renowned for its diverse wildlife, remarkable geology and stunning views. Managed by...

What does your Dorset look like? Adventures on our epic coastline? Visiting attractions with family? A walk through the beautiful countryside? Or perhaps a chilled out evening eating and drinking with friends? Discover a sample of your #VisitDorset images below and share your love for Dorset using the hashtag on Instagram.   

Discover ourgreat outdoors

Coast

Dorset's coast is perfect for a beach day, adventure or activity!

Natural Beauty

Uninterrupted coastal views, epic landscapes and some of the most wonderful wildlife.

Walking

Find your perfect walking route to explore Dorset's coast and countryside.

Dog Friendly Dorset

All the information you need to plan a break to Dorset with your four legged friend!

Below them spread the Dorset countryside, shimmering in the heat of the day, the distance almost lost in a blue haze
Enid Blyton