Spring Breaks in Dorset

The days get longer, the weather gets warmer, nature awakens from its deep winter slumber and blossom fills the air like confetti; who doesn’t love the springtime?

It’s the season when the countryside bursts back into bloom and we can’t think of a better time to book a break away to beautiful Dorset.

Take a breath of fresh air

Spring is a great time to get and about and explore the Dorset coast and countryside and glorious spring walks and cycle rides await you in every corner.

As Dorset explodes into colour and the sound of birdsong fills the air there really is no better time to get out enjoy the inspiring scenery whether it’s the jaw dropping coastline and the abundance of breathtaking countryside, it’ll be a walk you remember forever.

A great idea for a Spring day out is a visit to one of Dorset’s country parks, there’s always plenty going on!

At Moors Valley, young families will love the Zog Activity Trail, Play Park and all-ability cycle trails, teens can ride the zip wires and aerial obstacles of Go Ape or battle the enemy in a live action combat game through the woods and there’s plenty more to get involved in too, from gentle ambles to falconry experiences.

A Treasure Trail is a really fun way of getting the family away from their screens and discovering new places (not to mention you’ll burn just as many calories as a Zumba class!). Simply buy your chosen trail, download at your convenience and you can solve a secret spy mystery, a dastardly whodunit or find the location of hidden buried treasure!

Spring colour weekends

Dorset’s splendid houses and gardens are now open again and waiting to show off their spring time bloom.

Take in the incredible bust of colour at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens as their Camellia Groves and Magnolias burst into life.

The daffodils will be carpeting the floor at Minterne Gardens followed by the dazzling rhododendron display and the perfectly pink Cherry Avenue.

In late Spring, the Kingston Lacy estate is one of most popular areas in the county to see bluebells, with thousands of people coming to see the spectacular sea of flowers.

With dozens of homes and gardens in Dorset opening their doors for 2019 we’re sure you’ll want to keep coming back throughout the year to enjoy the specialities of the season and we don’t blame you!

Go fossil hunting in Dorset

Feel the fresh, salty sea air on your face as you take part in Dorset’s favourite hobby – fossil hunting! After the winter storms, the beach floor is fresh with new exposed fossils making spring the best time of year to hunt for a real life dinosaur.

Our stunning coastline isn’t called the Jurassic Coast for nothing. It gets its name due to the incredible number of prehistoric finds that can be found along Dorset’s beaches with Lyme Regis and Charmouth being hotbeds for some of the most spectacular fossil finds. Keep your eyes peeled and you can find your own unique keepsake from another world!

The Lyme Regis Fossil Festival is an annual event and is a perfect day out for the family. Enjoy walks, talks, theatre, music, comedy, exhibits and lots of hands-on science for all ages.

You can find further information on all the great events happening in Dorset during this spring within our what’s on pages.

Welcome the new arrivals

Spring is lambing season in the countryside and visitors will delight in seeing the cute newborns hop and leap in the open fields.

For families with small children this a magical time, with the opportunity to get up close and personal with the new arrivals.

Farmer Palmers holds petting and feeding sessions for the newborn lambs, a chance to meet the other baby animals and don’t forget to look out for the Easter Bunny!

Towards the end of April, a visit to Dorset Badgerwatch could reward you with the delightful sight of young badger cubs as they take their first tentative trips away from their sett - a wonderful experience.

And May sees the arrival of the first cygnets at Abbotsbury Swannery, certainly one of the cutest holiday snaps you can take while in Dorset!

Things to do whatever the weather

We all know the rhyme: March winds, April showers bring forth May flowers – oh yes, the Spring months come paired with some very interchangeable weather!  

But fear not! We have inspiration for whatever the British meteorological system throws at us!

If you’re fortunate enough to be blessed with beautiful blue skies on your holiday, take a look at our list of top 10 things to do when it’s sunny. From that first ice cream on the beach to a ride on a steam train, you’ll have plenty to keep you occupied.

If the coin falls on the other side and you end up with weather for ducks, our ideas for what to do on a rainy day will put the ‘spring’ back in your step in no time!

Start planning your Spring break in Dorset now!

There really is no other destination in the UK quite like Dorset during springtime!

Along with the huge range of attractions, activities and events on offer for you and your family this spring, we are also proud to have some of the friendliest B&Bs, the plushest hotels, the prettiest self catering cottages and campsites with the most stunning views.

Find your perfect home from home by browsing our excellent selection of accommodation below. See you soon!

• Dorset Hotels
• Dorset B&Bs
• Dorset Self Catering Cottages
• Dorset Campsites
• Dorset Holiday Parks