As the end of the year approaches, look forward to starting 2026 off on the right foot by planning a trip to Dorset this January. With our beautiful countryside and stunning coastline, you'll give your wellbeing a well deserved boost with a dose of vitamin sea. From spa days and cosy pubs to quirky events and dog-friendly breaks, we've even got ice-skating and ski slopes too! Find out more and be inspired to visit Dorset during January.
New Years Day in Dorset
Dorset has some wonderful and unusual events which will take place on 1 January 2026.
The Bath Tub race at Poole Quay is watched by hundreds of spectators as teams take to the water in their homemade crafts, often with hilarious consequences.
In Poole, there's a free-to-visit illuminated light trail which brings sparkle and joy to long winter nights. At Bournemouth, you can wander around the Christmas Tree Wonderland, enjoy something to drink at the Moguls Bar or show off your skills on the outdoor ice-rink at SKATE.
It wouldn’t be New Years Day without a traditional pantomime, and this year it's the perfect pantomime "that's just right" at the Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne Minster - Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
Learn a new craft in Dorset
January is the time to make a new year’s resolution, so why not learn a new craft in 2026. Choose something you’ve never done or perhaps return to a hobby you used to do, but now don’t seem to have the time for.
With January’s cold crisp days, you’ve got the perfect excuse to stay inside and concentrate on honing your skills. How about stone carving, making jewellery or pottery painting?
January sales shopping in Dorset
If you're lucky enough to get some gift vouchers or cash for Christmas, January is a great time to get shopping and grab yourself a bargain in the New Year sales.
Dorset has a great selection of shopping experiences, from indoor shopping centres and traditional high streets to small town shopping and retail parks.
And once you’ve shopped til you drop, take a break and grab something to eat at one of our fantastic cafes or coffee shops.
Stargazing during January in Dorset
Dorset's night sky can be absolutely beautiful. You just need to remember to take the time and look up!
Did you know that the Cranborne Chase National Landscape located in east Dorset is one of only 22 International Dark Sky Reserves in the world? Whether you join a stargazing event or grab a pair of binoculars to take a peek into the universe, you'll be amazed at the natural light show overhead.
Because the nights are so long in winter, stargazing can be fun for all ages at this time of year with the sky being it darkest just 2 hours after sunset.
On 24 January 2026, why not head up to Durlston Country Park to join the Wessex Astronomical Society. With use of their telescopes, you'll get the chance to see Saturn and Jupiter with Ganymede, as well as the Winter constellations.
Dorset's winter pub walks
What could be better than to explore our beautiful countryside on a sunny January day and end your walk at a warm and welcoming pub?
Photo - The Acorn Inn.
The popular, traditional pubs featured in our blog offer roaring log fires as well as delicious food and drink. It’s advisable to book a table in advance if you want to guarantee a table by the fire.
With a choice of walking trails between 2.5 miles (4km) and 10 miles (16km), there are options depending on your ability and the weather. So grab your hat, scarf and boots and venture outside into the fresh crisp air of winter to soak up some vitamin D.
Go ice-skating in Dorset
Throughout January, you can take to the ice at Dorset’s indoor, seasonal ice-skating rink at the Bournemouth International Centre.
Fantastic fun for the young and young at heart, it’s a magical indoor attraction for whatever the weather.
Sessions last 60 minutes and there are penguin skate mates for little ones to help get their balance.
The Alpine Terrace is available for spectators and those who want to stay a little longer, serving a wide range of festive drinks, hot drinks and snacks.
Dorset welcomes dogs during winter
Winter is a wonderful time to take a dog-friendly break or day trip to Dorset. All our beaches allow dogs at this time of year, so pooches can run and splash while you get some refreshing exercise.
From exploring towns and discovering the breathtaking beauty of our coast to visiting woodlands and nature reserves, you and your dog will love getting out and about.
Many of our pubs and cafes welcome muddy paws, so no member of the family gets left out.
Enjoy a Dorset spa break during January
Whether you choose to stay overnight or visit just for the day, soak up the warming sensation of a sauna and let the bubbles of a jacuzzi melt away aching muscles. There’s nothing like a spa day in winter to rejuvenate and invigorate your mind, body and soul.
Photo - Monart Spa Poundbury.
In Dorset there are a number of spa hotels offering spa break packages as well as the award-winning Monart Spa Poundbury which you can visit for half day, full day or twilight sessions.
Take to the slopes in Dorset
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.
Book a January escape to Dorset
Now that you’ve been inspired to book a winter break to our wonderful county, you’ll want to take a look at places to stay.
From hotels and B&Bs to cosy cottages and modern apartments, you’ll find a great range of options, some of which have their own log burning stoves or luxurious hot tubs.
