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.
© 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.
© 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 November 2023 and 20 January, 3 February and 17 February 2024.
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.
© 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.
© The Old Inn at Holt
Here’s a few ideas of where to book your fireside table.
The Grosvenor Arms found in the heart of Shaftesbury is a historic coaching-inn. They have a log burner in their buzzy lounge-style bar and their restaurant was awarded gold in the 2022 Taste of the West Awards.
A traditional country pub situated close to the historic town of Wimborne Minster, The Old Inn at Holt prides themselves on preparing everything from scratch, from their Chicken Liver paté to children’s chicken nuggets. They also have a woodfired pizza oven for that perfect authentic Italian taste.
A fantastic pub for walkers, you'll find the Brace of Pheasants nestled in the Plush Valley, just off the Wessex Ridgeway walking route. This is a quintessential Old English thatched country pub serving award winning food from their seasonal, local produce menu.
Offering menus for breakfast through to dinner, the old country charm of The Ship Inn at West Stour offers a flagstone floor bar with a roaring fire for the colder months. Winners of the 2022 Taste of the West Gold award, their head chef and patron Nick is a 'field to fork' Chef who previously worked at The Shard and Savoy in London.
The New Inn in the pretty village of Church Knowle has fresh, homemade food on the menu as well as a Sunday carvery. In the main bar you'll find a welcoming log fire during the winter months. This rooms was originally a barn and cheese loft and now has traditional farmhouse tables and seating for around 40 people.
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.
© 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 from 9 December 2023 until 18 February 2024.
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.
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. At four beaches along the Dorset coast you’ll find small seafront saunas to rent out at the edge of the beach.
They range in size with a maximum capacity of 8 people and most offer both private and public sessions.
© Shoreline Sauna at Lyme Regis
- Lyme Regis Beach - Shoreline Sauna
- Seatown Beach - Seaside Sauna Haus
- Studland Bay - Studland Beach Sauna run by Studland Watersports
- Sandbanks Beach - Saltwater Sauna
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.
© National Trust Images
Illuminate
Let light brighten up your winter nights with Illuminate at the Blue Pool from 11 January to 25 February 2024.
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.
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.
Photo - 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.
