• Know Before You Go - Covid-19 information
    • We're Good To Go Dorset
      • Accommodation
      • Days Out
    • Know before you go town centres
    • Repect, Protect and Enjoy Dorset
  • Things To Do
    • Shopping
      • Home Delivery and Online Shopping
      • Keep It Local
      • Markets
      • Antiques & Vintage
      • Arts & Crafts
      • Clothing & Accessories
      • Food & Drink
      • Shopping Areas & Retail Parks
    • Coast and Beaches
      • The Jurassic Coast
      • Dorset Beaches
      • Dog Friendly
      • Beach Safety
      • Fossil Hunting
      • Be Coastwise
      • Harbours
    • Active and Outdoor
      • Walking
      • Cycling & Mountain Biking
      • Watersports
      • Adventure
      • Leisure Centres
      • Golf
      • Group Friendly
    • Families & Children
    • Heritage & Culture
      • Castles & Forts
      • Ancient Sites
      • Museums & Galleries
      • National Trust
      • Landmarks
      • Stately Homes
      • Arts & Crafts
    • Animals & Farm Parks
    • Gardens & Parks
    • Tours & Boat Trips
      • Boat Tours
      • Guided Tours
      • Day Trips
      • Educational Visits
    • Food & Drink Experiences
    • Entertainment & Arts
      • Cinemas
      • Theatres
      • Nightlife
      • Performing Arts
    • Nature and Wildlife
      • Bird Watching
      • Nature Reserves and Country Parks
      • Dorsets Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
  • Accommodation
    • Hotels
    • Bed & Breakfast
    • Self Catering
    • Self Catering Agencies
    • Dorset Holiday Cottages
    • Caravan & Holiday Parks
    • Campsites
    • Glamping
    • Pubs & Inns
    • Farm Stays
    • Eco Friendly
    • Group Friendly
    • Pet Friendly
    • Accessible
    • Gradings & Awards
  • Shopping
    • Home delivery and online shopping
    • Keep it local
    • Markets
    • Antiques and vintage
    • Arts and crafts
    • Clothing and accessories
    • Food and drink
    • Shopping areas and retail parks
  • Food & Drink
    • Takeaways
    • Restaurants
    • Pubs & Bars
    • Cafes & Coffee Shops
    • Afternoon Tea
    • Farmers' Markets
    • Local Produce
    • Celebrity Chefs
    • Food Events
    • Food & Drink Experiences
  • Ideas & Inspiration
    • Special Offers
    • Visit Dorset Blog
    • Top 10 Ideas
      • Top 10 Free Days Out
      • Top 10 Days Out With Kids
      • Top 10 Dorset Views
      • Top 10 Dorset Walks
      • Top 10 Rainy Day Ideas
      • Top 10 Sunny Day Ideas
    • Dog Friendly
      • Dog Friendly Accommodation
      • Dog Friendly Attractions
      • Dog Friendly Eating Out
      • Dog Friendly Beaches
      • Walking in Dorset
    • Eco-friendly
      • Eco Friendly Accommodation
      • Car Free Breaks
      • Top 10 car free days out
      • Travelling around Dorset
      • Charging your electric car
      • Local produce
      • Shop local
    • Short Break Ideas
      • Foodie Dorset
      • Romantic Dorset
      • Car Free Dorset
      • Health and Wellbeing Breaks
      • Luxury Dorset
      • Walking Breaks
    • Film & TV
      • Ammonite
      • Broadchurch
      • Dunkirk
      • Far From The Madding Crowd
      • On Chesil Beach
    • History & Heritage
      • Museums
      • Literary Dorset
      • Ancient Sites
      • Jurassic Coast
      • Fossil Hunting
    • Dorset Weddings
      • Places To Propose
      • Wedding Venues
      • Wedding Services
      • Honeymoons
      • Stag and Hen
  • Explore
    • Respect, Protect, Enjoy
    • Jurassic Coast
      • Accommodation
      • Fossil Hunting
    • Areas To Visit
      • Beaminster
      • Blandford Forum
      • Bournemouth
      • Bridport & West Bay
      • Christchurch
      • Dorchester
      • Lyme Regis
      • Poole
      • Portland
      • Purbeck
      • Shaftesbury & Gillingham
      • Sherborne
      • Sturminster Newton
      • Swanage
      • Wareham
      • Weymouth
      • Wimborne Minster
    • Villages
      • Abbotsbury
      • Cerne Abbas
      • Charmouth
      • Corfe Castle
      • Cranborne
      • East & West Lulworth
      • Milton Abbas
    • Coast and Beaches
      • Be CoastWise
      • Beach Safety
      • Dorset Beaches
      • Dog Friendly Beaches
      • Jurassic Coast
      • Fossil Hunting
      • Harbours
    • Countryside
      • Nature and Wildlife
      • Bird Watching
      • Nature Reserves and Country Parks
      • Nature Events
    • Areas Of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
  • What's On
    • Virtual events
    • Food & Drink Events
    • Art Events
    • Music Events
    • Festivals
    • Sporting Events
    • Nature Events
    • Submit Event
  • Visitor Information
    • Maps
    • Brochures & Guides
      • Accessible Guides
    • Tourist Information Centres
      • Tourist Information Points
    • Travel Information
      • Getting Here
      • Getting Around
      • Parking
    • Group Travel
      • Group Friendly Accommodation
      • Group Friendly Days Out
      • Group Friendly Eating Out
      • Educational Visits
      • Stag and Hen Parties
    • Litter Free Dorset
    • Accessibility
    • Social Media
    • Contact Us

Special Offers

Sign up to our E-newsletter

Order or Download a Brochure

Visit Dorset Blog

Submit Event

Covid-19 information 

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation in Dorset

  • Things To Do

    Things To Do in Dorset

  • Food & Drink

    Places To Eat & Drink in Dorset

  • Explore

    Explore & Discover Dorset

Site Search Icon Site Search Icon

Welcome to the Itinerary Planner. Use this tool to build your own journey or choose from an exciting range of specially selected tours.

To build your own Itinerary, click Add to Excursion to add an item to your Itinerary basket.

List All My Saved Itineraries

  • Change Language
  • Holidays and Tourist information - Official Tourism Board - Visit Dorset.
  • Print Logo
  1. Wimborne Minster
    Wimborne Minster
  2. Beaminster town © Paul Smith
    Beaminster town © Paul Smith
  3. The River Frome and Wareham's Lady St Mary Church
    The River Frome and Wareham's Lady St Mary Church

You are here: Explore > Areas To Visit

Places To Visit in Dorset

  • Accommodation

  • Things To Do

  • What's On

  • Food & Drink

Type:
Area:
Keyword:
Check In:
Add room / Unit

Type:
Area:
Keyword:

Type:
Area:
Keyword:
Dates

Type:
Area:
Keyword:

Search Accommodation

Type:
Area:
Keyword:
Check In:
Add room / Unit

Search Things to Do

Type:
Area:
Keyword:

Search What's On

Type:
Area:
Keyword:
Dates

Search Food & Drink

Type:
Area:
Keyword:

Highlights

Where should you go whilst visiting Dorset?.....Where do we start!

Dorset is such a diverse and beautiful county that you’ll be spoilt for choice!  Rolling hillsides, dramatic cliffs, sweeping beaches, chocolate box villages, bustling towns, quiet countryside….Dorset’s charms are there for all to see and discover!

Retreat to the charms of Rural Dorset!

Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life? The peace and tranquillity of Wimborne Minster, Blandford Forum, Shaftesbury and Gillingham will certainly clear your mind and rejuvenate your senses!

This is traditional rural England at its finest…unspoilt countryside, picturesque villages, quaint pubs…need we go on?

Lose yourself whilst exploring mile upon mile of footpaths, breathe in the scent of bluebells in ancient woodland and admire the sweeping panoramas from Iron Age hill forts over patchwork fields.

But keep a lookout – this area is rich in wildlife!

Why not make it a holiday to remember by trying something new?  Perhaps orienteering, bushcraft or segwaying – all fantastic and fun ways of embracing the great outdoors!

West Dorset – as multi-layered as the famous fossil-flecked cliffs along its Jurassic Coast

Looking for somewhere to recharge your batteries and reinvigorate your senses?  West Dorset is for you!

Unplug from the daily rush and enjoy the simple pleasures of Bridport & West Bay, Lyme Regis, Dorchester and Sherborne.

West Dorset doesn’t shout about its stunning natural features, it simply lets you discover them! Wherever you are, each turning leads to a new adventure, a secret hiding place, or an atmospheric, mellow stoned village or two.

Amble along the green-topped cliffs that rise and fall like a sales graph – the path ahead is visible for miles as you climb high above the fossil flecked beaches below.

Fly a kite on an ancient hillfort, scramble around rock pools at low tide for the ultimate find, wander woodlands....If you’re looking for a bit of a thrill to get the adrenaline pumping why not take a rib blast along the coast?

Stylish, yet unspoilt.  Magical and mysterious…West Dorset will stir the senses and calm the mind!

Soak up the splendour of Christchurch

Located on the shores of its own natural harbour, Christchurch is the perfect setting to relax and enjoy stunning views, or if you’re feeling more energetic, there is a host of water activities to indulge in!

After a few hours on one of Christchurch’s many beautiful beaches, why not enjoy a stroll along the River Stour and the area around the town’s quay.

Stop for a while, sit back and relax in one of the many restaurants and cafes and sample some delicious Dorset delights.

Once you’re re-fuelled and ready to get going again, a short amble from the harbour brings you to Norman Castle ruins and magnificent Priory church allowing you to step back in time and immerse yourself in Christchurch’s historic past!

Family fun at the seaside amid Olympic waters!

If you’re looking for a traditional family holiday by the seaside then head to Weymouth! With beautiful, long, sandy beaches and traditional seaside attractions such as Punch and Judy and donkey rides, this is where childhood holiday memories are made!

Just imagine yourself sitting in a deckchair with the warm sun on your face and the sand between your toes……the golden sands and safe shallow waters of Weymouth are perfect for sitting back and relaxing whilst your little ones entertain themselves by building the most magnificent sandcastle!

And you won’t just be gazing out onto any water – these are Olympic waters! 

Weymouth & Portland played host to the sailing events at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games, however, Portland is much more than just a sailing venue – it’s an explorer’s paradise, adventurer’s delight and nature lover’s haven.

Enjoy the buzz of Bournemouth and Poole!

There’s all this and more to discover in Dorset, plus the bright lights of nearby Bournemouth and Poole and the woodland trails of the New Forest National Park.

Why not venture over to Bournemouth and discover the beautiful sandy beach that stretches for 7 miles followed by a night on the tiles in one of the many bars or restaurants? Or if you're after a bit of retail therapy then Bournemouth won't disappoint!
 
Or spend a day in nearby Poole with it's beautiful harbour and award winning blue flag beaches! Why not try one of the many water sports on offer or head off on a fishing trip?

Enjoy old fashioned seaside charm in Swanage and Purbeck

Swanage and Purbeck is sure to delight any visitor!

Victorian Swanage captures the essence of a traditional seaside family holiday! Pack your bucket and spade and enjoy a day building sandcastles on the beautiful sandy beach. Have some fun splashing around in the water or simply sit back, relax and enjoy the ebb and flow of foamy surf over damp pebbles.

Hire a pedalo from Swanage beach for some family fun, stride the cliff paths and be rewarded with awesome views or spot rare orchids and peregrine falcons at Durlston Country Park – the choices are endless!

Why not hop on the steam railway at Swanage and puff your way up to Corfe Castle, you’ll be captivated by these romantic castle ruins. Feel the history come to life as children play amongst the fallen walls, uncover secret hiding places and discover tales of treachery and treason around every corner.

Discover Dorset and book your break today!

With so many areas to explore, you’d better book a break to stand a chance of fitting it all in!
Click on the links below to book your accommodation and find out more about Dorset!
 

  • Hotels
  • Bed & Breakfasts
  • Holiday Cottages
  • Caravan & Holiday Parks
  • Campsites

Number of results:

Number of results: 96

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • Next Next
Sort By: Price - Lowest Price - Highest Grading: Highest A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest
  1. Bookham Court

    Add Alton Pancras to your Itinerary

    Alton Pancras

    South Walks House, Dorchester

    Running alongside the River Piddle, Alton Pancras is a small village with its church dedicated to St. Pancras.

    More info for Alton Pancras
  2. Bridport & West Bay

    Add Bridport & West Bay to your Itinerary

    Bridport & West Bay

    Bridport

    Set amongst the spectacular rolling Dorset hills, Bridport is a lively town with a friendly and vibrant character. A mile south is West Bay, a bustling harbour which becomes a popular tourist resort in the summer months.

    More info for Bridport & West Bay
  3. Farmers Market at Ferret Green in Verwood

    Add Verwood to your Itinerary

    Verwood

    Wimborne

    A modern town near the New Forest border surrounded by forest and heathland. There are a number of shops and community and leisure facilities and a selection of pubs and restaurants.

    More info for Verwood
  4. The Old Coach House

    Add Hooke to your Itinerary

    Hooke

    Dorchester

    The quiet village of Hooke is tucked away in the Dorset Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Close by is Eggardon Hill Fort and the historic town of Beaminster.

    More info for Hooke
  5. Shaftesbury, Gold Hill

    Add Shaftesbury to your Itinerary

    Shaftesbury

    Shaftesbury

    Saxon hilltop town with famous Gold Hill and stunning views. Visit the abbey ruins and gardens, Gold Hill Museum or browse old-fashioned shops and stores.

    More info for Shaftesbury
  6. Chickerell

    Add Chickerell to your Itinerary

    Chickerell

    Dorchester

    Chickerell is modern town by the Fleet Lagoon and home to Bennett's Water Gardens, a popular visitor attraction and wedding venue.

    More info for Chickerell
  7. Ferndown Clock Tower

    Add Ferndown to your Itinerary

    Ferndown

    Wimborne

    Today a modern town with a good shopping centre and excellent community and leisure facilities.

    More info for Ferndown
  8. Puddletown

    Add Puddletown to your Itinerary

    Puddletown

    South Walks Road, Dorchester

    Nestling in the Piddle Valley, surrounded by rolling hills and woodland lies Puddletown, one of Dorset’s most attractive villages and which features heavily in Hardy’s novels - most notably 'Far from the Madding Crowd'.

    More info for Puddletown
  9. Melbury Osmund

    Add Melbury Osmund to your Itinerary

    Melbury Osmund

    Sherborne

    This quiet and unspoilt village is where Hardy’s parents were married in 1839.

    More info for Melbury Osmund
  10. Shopping in Bournemouth

    Add Bournemouth to your Itinerary

    Bournemouth

    Bournemouth

    With seven miles of golden sands and sparkling sea, the vibrant cosmopolitan town of Bournemouth has it all. Explore a vast variety of shops, restaurants and holiday accommodation, seafront hotels, quality B&Bs and buzzing nightlife.

    More info for Bournemouth
  11. Hive Beach, Burton Bradstock

    Add Burton Bradstock to your Itinerary

    Burton Bradstock

    Bridport

    Burton Bradstock is a pretty village famous for its position along the Jurassic Coast with its iconic sandstone cliffs marking the start of Chesil Beach.

    More info for Burton Bradstock
  12. Stinsford

    Add Stinsford to your Itinerary

    Stinsford

    South Walks Road, Dorchester

    A small hamlet, much loved by Hardy, which features in 'Under the Greenwood Tree' and a number of his poems. Hardy’s heart is buried in the churchyard here next to his wives, Emma and Florence plus other members of his family.

    More info for Stinsford
  13. Cranborne

    Add Cranborne to your Itinerary

    Cranborne

    Wimborne

    A charming village of red brick and cob houses on the River Crane. The village has two pubs, a restaurant, village stores selling local produce and a garden centre.

    More info for Cranborne
  14. Gillingham

    Add Gillingham to your Itinerary

    Gillingham

    Gillingham

    Gillingham a town in the Blackmore Vale area of Dorset, England. The town is the most northerly in the county 4 miles south of the A303 lying on the B3095 and B3081. The town of Shaftesbury is 5 miles to the south east.

    More info for Gillingham
  15. Character Farm Cottages

    Add Langton Herring to your Itinerary

    Langton Herring

    Dorchester

    This picturesque, rural village has a quaint appearance, with a number of original thatched cottages from the 17th and 18th century and four listed buildings.

    More info for Langton Herring
  16. Chedington

    Add Chedington to your Itinerary

    Chedington

    Bridport

    Chedington is an attractive village made entirely of rich golden ham stone and commands one of the finest views in Dorset.

    More info for Chedington
  17. credit Mark Simons

    Add Beaminster to your Itinerary

    Beaminster

    Bridport

    Beaminster is a prosperous market town with over 200 listed buildings and is a designated important conservation area.

    More info for Beaminster
  18. Morecombelake

    Add Morecombelake to your Itinerary

    Morecombelake

    Lyme Regis

    Sitting under Hardown Hill, Morecombelake is the home of Moore’s Biscuit Factory, famous for its Dorset Knob.

    More info for Morecombelake
  19. Views from Kingston towards Corfe Castle

    Add Kingston, Worth Matravers & Langton Matravers to your Itinerary

    Kingston, Worth Matravers & Langton Matravers

    Kingston, Worth Matravers and Langton Matravers are found south of Corfe Castle. The area is very popular for walking and a number of our walking trails pass through or near these villages.

    More info for Kingston, Worth Matravers & Langton Matravers
  20. Sutton Poyntz

    Add Sutton Poyntz to your Itinerary

    Sutton Poyntz

    South Walks House, Dorchester

    Sutton Poyntx is picture-postcard pretty with a village pub overlooking the duckpond.

    More info for Sutton Poyntz
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • Next Next
Loading..Loading..Loading..
Loading..Loading..

Follow Visit Dorset

  • Facebook

    Thumbnail for Facebook

  • Twitter

    Thumbnail for Twitter

  • Youtube

    Thumbnail for Youtube

  • Instagram

    Thumbnail for Instagram

Sign up for our Newsletter

thank you

Download our Guide

thank you

Know Before You Go - Covid-19 information
  • We're Good To Go Dorset,
  • Know before you go town centres,
  • Repect, Protect and Enjoy Dorset,
Things To Do
  • Family Friendly,
  • The Jurassic Coast,
  • Dorset Beaches,
  • Dog Friendly,
  • Beach Safety,
  • Fossil Hunting,
  • Be Coastwise,
  • Harbours,
  • Shopping,
  • Active and Outdoor ,
  • Families & Children,
  • Heritage & Culture,
  • Animals & Farm Parks,
  • Gardens & Parks,
  • Tours & Boat Trips,
  • Food & Drink Experiences,
  • Entertainment & Arts,
  • Nature and Wildlife,
Accommodation
  • Hotels,
  • Bed & Breakfast,
  • Self Catering,
  • Self Catering Agencies,
  • Dorset Holiday Cottages,
  • Caravan & Holiday Parks,
  • Campsites,
  • Glamping,
  • Pubs & Inns,
  • Farm Stays,
  • Eco Friendly,
  • Group Friendly,
  • Pet Friendly,
  • Accessible,
  • Gradings & Awards,
Shopping
  • Home delivery and online shopping,
  • Keep it local,
  • Markets,
  • Antiques and vintage,
  • Arts and crafts,
  • Clothing and accessories,
  • Food and drink,
  • Shopping areas and retail parks,
Food & Drink
  • Restaurants,
  • Pubs & Bars,
  • Cafes & Coffee Shops,
  • Afternoon Tea,
  • Farmers' Markets,
  • Local Produce,
  • Celebrity Chefs,
  • Food Events,
  • Food & Drink Experiences,
Ideas & Inspiration
  • Special Offers,
  • Visit Dorset Blog,
  • Top 10 Ideas,
  • Dog Friendly,
  • Eco-friendly,
  • Short Break Ideas,
  • Film & TV,
  • History & Heritage,
  • Dorset Weddings,
  • Dorset Videos,
Explore
  • Jurassic Coast,
  • Areas To Visit,
  • Villages,
  • Coast and Beaches,
  • Countryside,
  • Areas Of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB),
What's On
  • Festivals,
  • Food & Drink Events,
  • Art Events,
  • Music Events,
  • Nature Events,
  • Sporting Events,
  • Submit Event,
Visitor Information
  • Maps,
  • Brochures & Guides,
  • Tourist Information Centres,
  • Travel Information,
  • Group Travel,
  • Litter Free Dorset,
  • Accessibility,
  • Social Media,
  • Contact Us,
Home
Industry
  • About Us,
  • Our Work,
  • Working With Us,
  • Media Room,
  • Business Resources,
  • Research,
  • News,
  • Print Page
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Statement
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms and Conditions

Copyright 2021 Visit Dorset. All Rights Reserved.

Made By Simpleview Logo

Ratings & Reviews

Powered By

tripadvisor

Special Offers

Sign up to our E-newsletter

Order or Download a Brochure

Visit Dorset Blog

Special Offers

Sign up to our E-newsletter

Order or Download a Brochure

Visit Dorset Blog

Special Offers

Sign up to our E-newsletter

Order or Download a Brochure

Visit Dorset Blog

Special Offers

Sign up to our E-newsletter

Order or Download a Brochure

Visit Dorset Blog

Special Offers

Sign up to our E-newsletter

Order or Download a Brochure

Visit Dorset Blog

Special Offers

Sign up to our E-newsletter

Order or Download a Brochure

Visit Dorset Blog

Special Offers

Sign up to our E-newsletter

Order or Download a Brochure

Visit Dorset Blog