You may think that Dorset is the perfect place to visit during the summer for our beautiful beaches, stunning coastline and lush rolling hills. And you wouldn’t be wrong!

But did you know that our relaxing hotels, warm and welcoming pubs and uplifting events are just as enticing during winter?

If you need a little more convincing, here are our top ten things to do in Dorset this winter.

Hibernate in a cosy hotel

Imagine spending a few days unwinding and recharging your batteries at a some of Dorset's cosiest hotels.

With sumptuous bedrooms, delicious food and guest lounges to curl up in with your favourite book, you’ll feel well rested after a short break this winter.

Guest lounge at Summer Lodge Country House Hotel and Spa, Dorset© Summer Lodge Country House Hotel and Spa

You don’t even need to leave the hotel if you don’t want to, as everything is provided right at your fingertips. However, if the sun is shining and you fancy an outing, why not try a walk in the countryside and get better connected with nature.

Learn about stargazing

With the long nights at this time of year, you don’t have to stay up late to look towards the stars.

The night sky is dark enough for stargazing just 2 hours after sunset, which is great for younger members of the family to get involved.

The Milky Way viewed above Dorset's dark skies

© Stephen Bankes

There are a number of stargazing events taking place in Dorset this winter for beginners to learn more about astronomy and star constellations.

Durlston Country Park near Swanage hosts regular stargazing events at their Observatory along with experts from the Wessex Astronomical Society. Events take place on 4 & 25 January and 1 February 2025.

Treat yourself to a spa break

Winter is the perfect time to book a spa day or overnight stay.

Your mind, body and soul will be treated to some much needed ‘you time’, so soak up the peace and quiet with an indulgent pamper day, or even better, a spa break.

Two people in the Hydrotherapy Pool at Monart Spa, Poundbury in Dorset© Monart Spa Poundbury

Let the heat of saunas and steam rooms warm you to your core, have a rejuvenating treatment or take a refreshing dip in the pool.

This time of year is the perfect excuse to spend a lazy day inside. So sit back, relax and let someone look after you for once.

Pubs with cosy fires

There are many pubs in Dorset with open fires or log burners to warm up after a countryside walk.

Whether you’re wanting to spend a few hours eating and drinking or just stopping for a break, be sure to warm your toes and soak up the atmosphere in these traditional pubs.

Winter fire at the Old Inn at Holt, Dorset

© The Old Inn at Holt

Here’s a few ideas of where to book your fireside table.

If you want to combine a walk with a pub lunch, you could also read our winter pub walks blog for a few more ideas.

Wildlife watching

Winter is a fantastic time of year to see some of the 20,000 birds which spend the colder months at Poole Harbour.

As well beautiful Spoonbills and Avocets, you might get the chance to see White-tailed Eagles on a winter boat trip with Greenslade Pleasure Boats and the Birds of Poole Harbour.

Avocet wading bird, copyright Peter Moore© Peter Moore

Choose from a Winter Safari Cruise, Low Tide Harbour Cruise or Winter Birds ID Course. Events can be booked via the Birds of Poole Harbour website.

Cool Coast Ice Rink

Bournemouth is home to the only indoor ice rink in Dorset, open until 23 February 2025.

Great fun for all ages and abilities – even the youngsters can take part with the help of a friendly penguin. And because it’s an indoor rink, it’s great for rainy day activities.

Cool Coast Ice Rink at the Bournemouth International Centre, Dorset

Seafront saunas

Want to try out the new craze of a seafront sauna?

Experience winter at the beach Scandinavian style by warming up in the sauna followed by a refreshing (and quick) dip in the sea. All along the Dorset coast you’ll find small seafront saunas to rent out at the edge of the beach.

They range in size and most offer both private and public sessions.

Image of a woman in a sauna, looking out through a window at the sea

Snowdrop walks

From late January to mid March, beautiful white snowdrops will start to flower, putting on fantastic displays in the gardens at Kingston Lacy, Mapperton House, Minterne Gardens and Forde Abbey, as well as Shaftesbury – the snowdrop town.

Shaftesbury’s Snowdrop Season in early February is one of the biggest events of its type in the country. You can go on a snowdrop walk, visit an art exhibition at Shaftesbury Arts Centre or watch the magical lantern parade.

Snowdrops and cyclamen flowers in springtime© National Trust Images

Illuminate

Let light brighten up your winter nights with Illuminate at the Blue Pool from 9 January to 23 February 2025.

Follow the lights around this beautiful nature reserve and warm up afterwards with something to eat or drink at the Art Deco Tearooms. You can even toast marshmallows on the terrace for an extra touch of winter alfresco life.

Illuminate event at the Blue Pool

Take to the slopes

There are two outdoor ski slopes in Dorset which are open to the public all year round.

The Snowsport Centre at Warmwell Holiday Park has a 110 metre slope as well as a nursery slope for beginners. You can ski and snowboard or jump on a ringo, swiss bob or sledge! For those who are more experienced on the slopes, there’s a fun park and jump zone.

Three people sitting in ringos sliding down the ski slope at Warmwell Holiday Park in DorsetPhoto - Warmwell Holiday Park

To learn and improve your skiing or snowboarding skills, go to Snowtrax Alpine Activity Centre. With a 110 metre slope as well as the Alpine Pub and Alpine Adventure Park, you could spend the whole day here. You can also slide, spin and bounce down the slopes on a ringo.