We love February here in Dorset; the days start to get longer, the air is crisp, and the landscape starts to sprout the colours of Spring. February brings romantic vibes, family half term fun as well as glorious countryside walks and fresh sea air to reinvigorate the soul.

Check out our top reasons to visit Dorset in February...

Illuminate at the Blue Pool

Spend an evening meandering around the Blue Pool enjoying spectacular illuminations and music, take time to reflect in the peaceful tranquillity of The Blue Pool at night. 2025 celebrates the 90th anniversary of Blue Pool making it a great year to visit and celebrate.

Illuminated trees and reflections at the Blue Pool in DorsetYou’ll discover over 1km of professionally staged illuminations and lighting along the woodland trails. Glimpse the beautiful deep waters of the Pool and the ancient woodland whilst stopping at carefully selected positions along the way to relax and enjoy this unique setting.

Let’s go on a fossil hunt!

This is the perfect time of year to discover fossils along our world-famous Jurassic Coast as the beach exposes fossils unearthed following winter storms and the coastline erodes more rapidly.

A child holding a fossil on the Jurassic Coast in DorsetOne of the best and safest ways to hunt for fossils is to join a guided fossil walk which are fun and informative for everyone. 

Snowdrop season in Dorset

Chase away with the winter blues and look to brighter days ahead with a snowdrop walk.

Snowdrops and cyclamen flowers in springtimeEnjoy a wander around Minterne Garden's wild woodland garden carpeted with delicate snowdrops.

Visit Shaftesbury and enjoy hundreds of thousands of snowdrops planted in and around the historic hilltop town. Shaftesbury's snowdrop season is one of the biggest events of its type in the country, and the town's free snowdrop walks, including wheelchair and pushchair accessible routes, can be enjoyed by all, including dogs.

Dorset – a walker’s paradise!

Whether you like a stroll along the seafront, an amble through the countryside or a hike along the coast path, Dorset has it all and February is a great time of year to discover it all!

View from Swyre HeadThe weather is crisp, the landscape is stunning (as always!) and the atmosphere is peaceful so make sure you experience it all on a Dorset walk.

If you have a four-legged friend in tow then they’ll love this time of year too as they are allowed on most of the beaches – the perfect playground!

Half term fun in Dorset

Fun in the great outdoors near Durdle Door

There’s plenty of activities taking place during February’s half term week to keep your little ones entertained. From ice skating to splashing fun at a waterpark and nature walks to an explosive day out at the Tank Museum, there’s something for everyone.

There’s lots of free and low-cost things to do as well; cycle the North Dorset Trailway, visit a nature reserve or build sandcastles or hunt for fossils on the beach.

Dorset’s dark skies

The darker evenings at this time of year means there are some incredible star viewing opportunities and astronomical sights.

With over half of Dorset being a National Landscape and with many country parks, the county’s big open skies are perfect for seeing stars. The clear dark skies of February make this prime viewing season.  

The Milky Way viewed above Dorset's dark skies© Stephen Banks - Dorset Scouser Photography

Dorset is fortunate to have low levels of light pollution and there are locations throughout the county where visitors can experience incredible dark skies. Join a dark sky event at Durlston Country Park, learn something new and be prepared to be amazed.  

Beachside saunas

When it comes to feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and reinvigorated, nothing beats a gorgeous hot sauna followed by a dip in the Dorset sea!

Experience winter at the beach Scandinavian style by warming up in the sauna followed by a refreshing (and quick) swim in the sea. At several 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.

Inside of the Shoreline Sauna at Lyme Regis beach, Dorset

© Shoreline Sauna at Lyme Regis

Romantic Dorset

February is the month of love and romance, and Dorset is the perfect place to treat that special someone in your life.

Couple at Langham Wine Estates vineyardEnjoy romantic strolls on the beach, delicious food in front of a log fire in a cosy pub, breath-taking views, romantic ruins and the time and space to relax and enjoy each other’s company. If you're visiting for Valentines Day then we've got everything you need to fall in love with Dorset! 

Book your February break to Dorset

So what are you waiting for? Book a short break or overnight visit to Dorset. We've got some fantastic accommodation choices including romantic hotels, cosy B&Bs, cottages with hot tubs and lots more.