Top 10 Sunny Day Ideas in Dorset

Wondering what are the best things to do on a sunny day in Dorset? With so much on offer it can be difficult to choose, so we’ve done all the hard work for you. Here’s our top 10 ideas for exploring Dorset when the weather is at its sunniest. You can be sure that whichever ones you choose, you’ll have a fab time and make wonderful memories to look back on. If you're visiting during a heatwave or really hot day, and want to escape from the midday sun, we've got lots more ideas for things to do indoors.

Pack a picnic and follow a cycling trail or walking route

Pack up your lunch and explore by bike or on foot on one of Dorset’s many walking or cycling trails. 

If you want to seek some shade, explore the forest at Moors Valley Country Park, there’s no entry fee, you just pay for your parking. There’s lots of walking and cycling routes to choose from, as well as a tree-top trail, play trails to follow where you will uncover adventure play structures en-route, and even a miniature steam train. Older children and adults can really challenge themselves to ‘Go Ape’ in the tree canopy on a high ropes course! For lunch, head for the lake where there are lots of picnic tables to use. 

Or why not follow the Rodwell Trail, an easy and level cycle and walking route teeming with wildlife. It follows the track bed of the old Weymouth to Portland Railway and there’s four old Railway Stations and Halts along the way. A perfect picnic spot just off the trail is at Sandsfoot Castle, where there are grass lawns to lay out your picnic blanket and gorgeous views across to the Isle of Portland.

Visit one of Dorset’s castles

A sunny day in Dorset is a great opportunity to get out and about and explore one of Dorset’s many fascinating castles. 

If you have kids in tow, they can have great fun re-enacting a medieval battle, playing Knights and Princesses or putting parents in the stocks! 

Discover tales of treachery and treason, fantastic views, and wildlife havens at some of Dorset’s castles. 

Corfe Castle, Sherborne Castle and Gardens, Portland Castle, Lulworth Castle, Highcliffe Castle, Sherborne Old Castle; they’re all just waiting to be discovered. 

Or head to a castle that needs a little more imagination such as Maiden Castle, Lamberts Castle or Eggardon Hill Fort…these are the ancient hillforts of Dorset. While you won’t find an actual castle, you will find an absolutely stunning view!

Uncover a beautiful garden in Dorset

A sunny day is the perfect opportunity to wander the manicured lawns and admire the stunning borders of some of Dorset’s finest manor houses and gardens. 

Get planting inspiration for your own plot from the head gardener or why not buy a new plant from the gift shop to remind you of your visit.

Feeling hungry? Head to the tearoom or cafe to fill your boots with a delicious light lunch or afternoon tea. 

There are gardens of all shapes, sizes and styles from the grand and formal to the down right sub-tropical, ones with giant topiary and ones housing the National Waterlily Collection. 

Many of Dorset's gardens host special events too, so remember to check what’s going on when you visit.

Go for a delicious Dorset lunch

Enjoy the sun’s warm rays while relaxing over a delicious leisurely lunch or supper. 

Spend the afternoon relaxing in a pub beer garden tucked away in the rolling countryside. Or you might like to dine alfresco alongside one of Dorset’s pretty harbours as you watch the sun glinting on the sea or sampling the best of Dorset’s larder in one of the many award-winning restaurants or bistros. 

Wherever you choose to dine, you will be truly spoilt for choice, and there are many delicious places to eat out.   

Local food is a way of life here.

Walk along the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site

Dorset’s World Heritage Coast is part of the epic 630 mile South West Coast Path. This is a fantastic place to visit when the sun is glistening on the water, and the sea beckons for a cooling swim or paddle on a hot day.

Pick up this National Trail anywhere along the Dorset coast and your guaranteed to tick off one of our jaw-dropping coastal views such as Old Harry Rocks, Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, Golden Cap or East Cliff at West Bay (still enjoying its TV fame as the ‘Broadchurch’ cliffs of the award-winning ITV hit drama). 

There are so many walking routes and trails to follow to help you explore. 

Take your time…stop awhile at one of the delicious local pubs or seaside café’s, all serving up delicious lunches or seafood suppers using the local freshly caught catch of the day! 

With the setting sun, sea air and gentle ebb and flo of the waves, take time to enjoy one of the locally brewed ales or glasses of wine. Sheer perfection!

Check out what’s on in Dorset

There’s always something going on all year round in Dorset, but a sunny day is great for getting out and about and heading to a fantastic event. 

Whatever you’re into, Dorset’s sure to please with food festivals, art weeks, fossil festivals, lifeboat weeks, fairs, fetes, carnivals and country shows. We’ve got it all going on!

Camp Bestival is a 3 day festival with headline acts, favourite family entertainers and everything from the bizarre to the hilarious, all in the grounds of the impressive Lulworth Castle. 

Check out our events list for inspiration of what’s on and where to go.

Take a boat trip in Dorset

A boat ride along Dorset’s awe-inspiring Jurassic Coast is a must on a sunny day. 

Take a leisurely cruise and view 185 million years of the earth’s history from the sea. Thrill seekers can take an exhilarating fast RIB ride or how about a fun fishing trip hunting for Mackerel, Portland Bill seabass or West Bay turbot. 

Jump on a boat from Lyme Regis, West Bay, Weymouth, Lulworth Cove, Swanage, Poole or Christchurch.

Boat trips leave Poole Quay for cruises around Poole Harbour, over to the National Trust's Brownsea Island, along the Jurassic Coast to Swanage or along the River Frome to Wareham.

Fancy a leisurely paddle along the river? Hire a rowing boat at West Bay and head up the River Brit.

Visit one of Dorset's fantastic, fun attractions

If you’ve got kids to entertain, there’s something for all ages on a sunny day in Dorset. 

Head to one of our fun, farm parks such as Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park to ride tractors, cuddle the guinea pigs and play in the barns.

Or how about a gentle ride on the Swanage Railway, passing through the village of Corfe Castle and onwards to Swanage to enjoy delicious ice-creams on the pier?

Weymouth offers so much fun in the sun from paddling in the gentle waves to exploring under the waves at Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park.

At many of our seaside resorts you’ll find the everlastingly fun game of adventure golf on offer!

Dorset's watersports and outdoor activities

Made for hot days when you want to cool off, Dorset offers exhilarating watersports like coasteering, e-foiling and inflatable water parks. If you’re seeking something more leisurely, why not opt for kayaking or paddleboarding, where you get to travel at a slower pace and truly get to take in your surroundings.

It’s not all about being on the water though. There’s plenty of land-based activities to choose from as well. Feeling brave? Have a go at axe throwing, archery or test your head for heights on a high ropes course. You could also jump on a quad bike or rage kart to race round the track and see who gets to the finish line first!

Find your perfect Dorset beach

Dorset’s beaches are made for sunny days, whether you prefer the sand between your toes, or want pebbles to skim. Beaches perfect for crabbing or rock-pool exploration or ones where you can catch a boogie board wave. Ones with safe shallow waters to wander along or ones where you can just sit, take a deep breath and listen to the waves crashing onto the shore as the sun sets. 

There’s one perfect for you - take time to explore and find your perfect Dorset beach. 

We’re lucky enough to have established seaside towns like Weymouth, Swanage, Bournemouth and Lyme Regis which have all the facilities you'd expect from a coastal resort, including RNLI Lifeguards. Alternatively discover quiet little bays where you can laze the day away and make your own fun, such as Ringstead, Chapmans Pool or Worbarrow Bay. You might visit beaches which don't have litter or recycling bins, so be prepared to take all your rubbish away with you.

Take a picnic, enjoy a delicious seafood supper straight from the wrapper or fine-dine in a restaurant with a view; it’s all just waiting to be explored along our spectacular coastline.

Feeling inspired to book your next getaway to Dorset? 

Book a place to stay for a holiday or mini-break.

Search for events and festivals on our What’s On pages.

Find more things to see and do in Dorset.

Choose where to eat and drink during your visit.