Winter Breaks in Dorset

Winter is the perfect time to wrap up warm and explore Dorset’s outstanding natural beauty, rolling hills and dramatic coastline.

Along with spectacular scenery, expect country pubs with roaring fires, festive events, fabulous food and a lots of great days out - we're sure you'll have a fantastic short break or holiday to Dorset.

Stretch your legs and enjoy the great outdoors

If you think that Dorset is somewhere to only visit in the summer, think again. Grab your favourite knitwear and thermos flask and head outside into nature. Enjoy some of the freshest air around while roaming the grounds of historic manor houses, ancient castles and country parks.

Dorset has a number of National Trust and English Heritage properties that are surrounded by impressive landscapes where the kids can let off steam, run around and enjoy their own woodland adventures.

The county is crammed full of fabulous walking routes with miles of glorious rolling countryside and amazing coastal backdrops. You might like to try our winter pub walks followed by a hearty meal afterwards.

Relax and unwind

Winter is one of the best seasons to make the most of a spa day or overnight break

Let the heat of a sauna, steam room or jacuzzi relax your muscles and recharge your batteries. When the weather is mis-behaving outside, it feels even better to be inside enjoying the warmth, aromas and tranquillity of a spa experience.

Many of our larger hotels offer spa facilities and treatments. Or if you are looking for a luxurious day spa, Monart Spa Poundbury on the edge of Dorchester offers evening, half day or whole day packages.

Hit the beach

Enjoying our wonderful beaches shouldn’t just be for the summer months.

With mile upon mile of glorious beaches, why not head to the coast with your four legged friend. There really is no better place for your dog to run free and feel the wind in their fur!

As the waves crash against the shoreline, the empty sands provide the perfect playground for your faithful friend to burn off some energy on a long afternoon walk. Check out our list of dog friendly beaches and enjoy.

If you're a fan of cold water swimming, there's nothing better than a bracing sea swim followed by something warm to eat or drink at a seaside café. You might like to even rent your own beach hut so that you've got somewhere warm and dry to change.

Unearth your own dinosaur

The winter storms and rough seas along the World Heritage Jurassic Coast are incredibly dramatic and can unearth some fascinating fossils that have been buried for millions of years.

The beaches at Lyme Regis and Charmouth are particularly good for fossil hunting. Get your friends and family together, join an organised guided tour and have a go at discovering your own piece of natural history.

Famous food and drink

When the wind is blowing and the cold snap is biting, there really is no better time to enjoy some heart-warming grub. Dorset's got some fabulous village pubs where you can cosy up next to a roaring log fire and tuck into some delicious home-made seasonal delights.

Take some time to amble around one of the many farmers’ markets that are held across the county. These are the best places to find high-quality food and drink that reflects the character of the county. Discover, browse and sample a wide variety of foodie delights – the freshness and taste of locally grown food is unbeatable. Whatever you choose, we’re sure you won’t be leaving hungry!

With the quality and flavours on offer, it’s easy to see why Dorset leads the way in providing some of the finest food and drink and is home to a number of respected celebrity chefs.

Festive Dorset

If you're thinking of a Christmas or New Year getaway, there is lots of choice on offer in Dorset.

Many of our hotels offer festive packages for Christmas, Twixmas and New Year suitable for all members of the family, not forgetting the pet pooch.

This year there will be light shows, festive feasts, Christmas markets, ice-skating and lots of other Christmas events to entertain all ages throughout the holiday season.

Book your winter escape

Dorset is irresistible over the winter season and with so much to see and do why not stay a while and take advantage of our wonderful places to stay.

Treat yourself to a bit of luxury and experience the high life with one of our sophisticated hotels or B&B’s. Put your feet up and enjoy some much needed relaxation.

Alternatively, if you prefer the freedom of a self-catering escape you’ll find a huge variety to choose from. With contemporary apartments overlooking the coast to beautifully refurbished barn conversions in tranquil settings and not forgetting our cosy cottages with inglenook fireplaces; Dorset has accommodation to suit your every need. Some even have their own hut tub!

With so much on offer what could be more wonderful than a winter break in Dorset? Planning your magical winter getaway couldn’t be easier!

Discover Dorsetthis winter

Winter Pub Walks

Read on for our favourite cold weather walks with pubs at the finish line!

We handrawn heart Stargazing

Stargazing

Discover Dorset's dark skies. Stargazing is fun for all ages with shorter days during the winter.

You may also like...

What does your Dorset look like? Adventures on our epic coastline? Visiting attractions with family? A walk through the beautiful countryside? Or perhaps a chilled out evening eating and drinking with friends? Discover a sample of your #VisitDorset images below and share your love for Dorset using the hashtag on Instagram.