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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.

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  • Holidays and Tourist information - Official Tourism Board - Visit Dorset.
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  1. Relaxation Pods
    Relaxation Pods
    Monart Spa Poundbury
  2. A man and woman cycling near Corfe Castle, Dorset
    Explore Dorset by pedal power

You are here: Ideas & Inspiration > Short Break Ideas

  1. Double four-poster bedroom at Mortons House Hotel in Corfe Castle, Dorset
    Romantic Breaks
    With dreamy scenery and rustic rural retreats, Dorset is the ideal place for a romantic break.
  2. Walking Breaks in Dorset
    Walking Breaks
  3. Car Free Breaks in Dorset
    Car Free Breaks
  4. 3 Women in the indoor pool at Monart Spa Poundbury in Dorset
    Wellbeing Breaks
  5. Double four-poster bedroom at The Acorn Inn, Dorset
    Luxury Breaks
    Plan and book your luxury break to Dorset!
  6. Boats anchored in Lulworth Cove
    3 Days in Wareham, Lulworth and Swanage

    3 days in Dorset is just what the doctor ordered. Taking a few days away from your stress and strains can really give you a much needed boost.

    20 Feb 2018
  7. Statue of Thomas Hardy in Dorchester, Dorset
    3 Days in Dorchester

    Explore Dorset's county town of Dorchester on our suggested 3 day itinerary – perfect for a long weekend or short break.

    3 Sep 2020
  8. Autumn at Durdle Door
    Five days in East Dorset & Purbeck

    Guest blogger Hayley Spore enjoys a spring time escape to Dorset. Read on for her 5-day itinerary covering East Dorset and Purbeck.

    10 Apr 2019

Short Break Ideas in Dorset

Planning a weekend getaway or short break to Dorset?

You can pack so much into a short trip to Dorset that even if you’re only visiting for 24 hours, it will feel like a true escape from everyday life.

Be inspired by the amazing themed ideas below for a memorable holiday in Dorset – we’ll show you the best places to go for luxury, food, wellbeing, romance and more.

A weekend away for two

Booking a couples break to Dorset is the perfect way to reconnect with each other and give your love life a boost.

Picture yourselves in an intimate retreat for two, perhaps hidden away in the forest or in the luxury of a 5 star hotel.

Whatever your occasion, be it a honeymoon, an anniversary, a birthday or just the chance to sweep someone special off their feet, there’s sure to be a romantic break for you in Dorset.

Car free and care free

Without a motorway in sight, Dorset is a great place to enjoy a break away without the car.

Just imagine not having to sit in a traffic jam or endure the bank holiday rush to the South Coast, you’ll arrive fresh as a daisy and ready to make the most of your short break.

So, whether you want to keep down your carbon footprint or just want a break from driving, choose from one of these great car free holiday ideas.

Step to it!

Dorset is consistently voted as one of the top counties in the UK to enjoy a walking break and it’s very easy to see why.

Expect to see spectacular coastal views, pretty villages abound, fascinating geology and captivating beauty.

Hike through the landscapes that inspired Thomas Hardy and walk through time on the World Heritage Jurassic Coast.

Indulgent breaks

There are a plethora of luxury getaway ideas here in Dorset; there are lodges with hot-tubs hiding in forests, castles available for exclusive hire, 5 star B&Bs with opulent four-poster beds and luxury coastal hotels

It’s not just the accommodation that’s luxury here in Dorset, there are also a sparkling variety of top restaurants and award winning English vineyards to sample too.

Not forgetting of course that Dorset is full of grand houses, tranquil beaches and dramatic rolling countryside; the perfect backdrop to any five star break.

Seek some inner-peace

If you're looking to relax, unwind and de-stress, then a wellbeing break is just what you need. Dorset is the perfect bolthole away from city life and the busy fast-paced lives we all lead. You'll start to feel better as soon as you drive into the county and see the rolling hills and beautiful coastline.

You might like to book a pamper day or spa break. Or perhaps a yoga retreat or mindfulness workshop is just what you need to clear your mind and restore some calm in your life.

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  1. View of Christchurch Priory from the river
    24 Hours in Christchurch

    Christchurch's spectacular location on the shores of its own natural harbour makes it the perfect place to relex and enjoy stunning views across the four miles of coastline, as well as taking part in a range of water activities.

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Know Before You Go - Covid-19 information
  • We're Good To Go Dorset,
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Things To Do
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