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Days out in Dorset needn’t cost the earth!
With fantastic beaches, incredible attractions and some of the very best in history and heritage, you’ll not be short of things to see and do.
We’ve drawn up our own list of the ten best free days out in Dorset. With so much to choose from, the hard part was limiting it to ten!
Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve
Situated a mile from Swanage, Durlston Country Park is a fabulous 280 acre countryside paradise. With stunning views, walking trails to explore and fascinating wildlife, it provides a marvellous day out for everyone.
Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre
Found on the world famous Chesil Beach, the Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre run a number of exciting events, workshops and activities throughout the year and provides a wonderful insight into the local wildlife.
Avon Beach
Avon Beach is an award winning, family friendly beach in Christchurch with wonderful views over to the Isle of Wight. Lined with pretty, pastel coloured beach huts and a promenade, this beach has everything you need for an authentic Great British day out at the seaside complete with an ice cream parlour and freshly cooked fish and chips.
Minster Church of St. Cuthburga (Wimborne Minster)
The fine and impressive Norman church of Wimborne Minster holds a host of treasures within its walls and is well worth a visit. Discover one of only four of the country's chained libraries, the famous astronomical clock and don't miss the Quarterjack striking his bell.
Roman Town House
The only Roman Town House to be seen in its entirety in Britain. Dating from the 4th century AD, the remains show a number of architectural details and provide look back in time to Dorchester’s Roman past.
Durdle Door
Probably one of Dorset’s most iconic images, the magnificent Durdle Door arch and beach is part of the Lulworth Estate and considered one of the jewels in the crown of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.
Cerne Abbas Giant
It is not agreed how old the Cerne Abbas Giant is, but the most likely explanation is that he depicts Hercules, the god with super- human strength and was probably created as a pagan idol during the Iron Age period of Britain. The giant really needs to be seen to be believed!
Tyneham Village
The village was evacuated in 1943 during World War Two and has been left deserted ever since. Tyneham provides a real step back in time to war-time Dorset and provides a tremendous insight into this troubling time in British history.
North Dorset Trailway
Choose to walk or cycle along a section of the old Somerset and Dorset railway line and explore the heart of rural Dorset. With plenty of nature reserves and picnic spots along the way, as well as some notable attractions such as the Sturminster Newton Mill (chargeable), the trailway provides a lovely day out in the fresh air.
RSPB Arne Nature Reserve
Arne is celebrated for its magnificent landscape that lend itself so wonderfully to a whole host of superb wildlife species including all six British reptile species, butterflies and endless birdlife. Arne has also played host to the much loved BBC AutumnWatch TV series.
