With breath-taking walks, mouth-watering food, and top attractions and activities, Dorset has plenty of ways to put a spring in your step!
Spring is the season when the countryside bursts back into bloom and we can’t think of a better time to book a break away to our beautiful county. So, visit Dorset during March, April or May for a lift that will last all year!
Step into Dorset's great outdoors this spring
Spring is a great time to explore the Dorset coast and countryside. Glorious spring walks and cycle rides await you at every corner.
As Dorset explodes into colour and the sound of birdsong fills the air, there really is no better time to get out and enjoy the inspiring scenery. Whether it’s the jaw dropping coastline or the abundance of breath-taking 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!
Young families will love the tree top trail, all-ability cycle trails and adventure play areas at Moors Valley Country Park and Forest. Teens can ride the zip wires and aerial obstacles of Go Ape, go on a Segway adventure or battle the enemy in a game of laser tag through the woods. And there’s plenty more to get involved in too, from gentle woodland strolls and mindfulness trails to golf and fishing.
Spring colour weekends
Dorset’s splendid stately homes and gardens are waiting to show off their spring time bloom.
Take in the incredible burst 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 National Trust's Kingston Lacy house and gardens is one of most popular places in the county to see bluebells, with thousands of people coming to see the spectacular sea of flowers.
With dozens of stately homes and gardens in Dorset opening their doors for the year ahead, we’re sure you’ll want to keep coming back to enjoy the specialities of the season and we don’t blame you!
You can find more information about all the great events happening in Dorset this spring within our What’s On guide.
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 a fantastic time to hunt for your very own ammonite.
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.
Lyme Regis and Charmouth are the county's hotbeds for some of the most spectacular fossil finds. Keep your eyes peeled and you can find your own unique keepsake from a lost world!
Welcome Dorset's new arrivals
Spring is lambing season in the countryside and visitors will delight in seeing the cute new-borns hop and leap in the grassy 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 Farm Park holds petting and feeding sessions for the new-born lambs, with a chance to meet other baby animals too. Don’t forget to look out for the Easter Bunny!
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 with some very interchangeable weather! But fear not, we have inspiration for whatever the British weather 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 of the year 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 to Dorset now!
There really is no other destination in the UK quite like Dorset during springtime!
We have a huge range of things to do and events on offer for you this spring. We are also proud to have some of the friendliest B&Bs, plushest hotels, prettiest self-catering cottages and campsites with the most stunning views.
Find and book your perfect home from home by browsing our excellent selection of accommodation options. See you soon!
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Spring Gardens
