Things To Do in Dorset
Not sure of what to see or do during your visit? Whatever you’re interested in, you’ll be sure to find it in Dorset.
From fantastically fun family attractions to intriguing museums and some of the most stunning stately homes and gardens to be found anywhere. The variety of attractions on offer will blow you away!
No matter if you are a day tripper or visiting on holiday, there are so many incredible things to do in Dorset, it will make your visit live long in the memory.
Looking for things to do in Dorset with the kids?
Have a day of monkeying around at Monkey World - home to over 250 rescued and endangered monkeys and apes. Once you have learned more about our closest living relatives, let the kids unleash their inner chimp by swinging and climbing on the south of England’s largest play area.
If you prefer your activities to be a bit more adrenalin pumping, Dorset is stacked with heart racing activities to keep every thrill seeker entertained. Racing carts, firing guns or scaling the heights rock climbing, we’ve got it covered. With all these extreme sports to choose from we just hope you can keep up!
Things to do in Dorset for everyone to enjoy!
Dorset is the perfect playground for you to explore, with mile upon mile of thrilling cycle routes, some of the finest walking trails to be found anywhere and scenery to die for!
Cast your fishing line off of one of Dorset’s stunning beaches and land your own monster from the deep or sit back and relax alongside one of the tranquil fishing lakes and watch the world go by.
Why not visit the world’s best collection of armoured vehicles at the Tank Museum, where the history of the tank is brought to life?
Shop 'til you drop
There is such a large range of shopping experiences in Dorset, we’re sure you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for. From big named brands to small, independent retailers and everything in-between, our shops will produce the goods...and more!
Whether you are looking to get something new for your wardrobe, find a stunning piece of art for your home or pick up some tasty food and drink for dinner, Dorset's high streets, shopping centres and retail parks have everything you could ever wish for.
And don't forget to take a break from all that retail therapy with a coffee break or lunch in one of our amazing cafes, bistros or restaurants.
Let us entertain you!
If you're looking for entertainment, we've got it covered! From performing arts in wonderful theatres to the latest blockbuster at a nearby cinema. And not forgetting places to let your hair down and party all night long!
Dorset is lucky to have a great variety of traditional theatres, as well as modern art centres where you can watch everything from Shakespeare's plays to live orchestras. And they are also host to touring theatre productions, local amateur dramatics and famous comedians.
If you're looking for a big night out to see your favourite band or artist, you won't be disappointed with the choice on offer. We've got big names, up and coming artists and all time legends.
Book your break in Dorset today
So what are you waiting for? Book your action packed break to Dorset now! We’ve got loads of holiday accommodation to suit all budgets and tastes and you can easily book the accommodation of your choice by using our easy-to-use booking facility.
Last but not least, we would definitely recommend you visit the filming location of ITV's hit drama 'Broadchurch' so you can see first hand how the amazing landscape helped play its part in its success.
Highlighted for you
AA Shooting School
Open for everyone! AA Shooting School provides clay pigeon shooting lessons near Sturminster Newton. Set on a working farm in the beautiful North Dorset countryside, the location is ideal for a clay...
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens is no ordinary garden, with its own micro-climate in a sheltered woodland valley on the Jurassic Coast. The special plant collection has been built up over the last...
Abbotsbury Swannery
Abbotsbury Swannery is the only place in the world where you are able to walk through the heart of a colony of nesting Mute Swans. A visit to this beautiful and tranquil place is one of the most...
Adventure Wonderland
Dorset’s multi award-winning family theme park, Adventure Wonderland, is the perfect spot to unlock the fun this year. 2021 marks Adventure Wonderlands 30th Anniversary. A wide range of outside...
Bincombe Geocache Trail
Hosted by Bincombe Valley Primary School, and led by the Dorset Youth Association with the support of Artsreach and Aster Group, the ‘Bincombe Geocache Trail’ has been developed by...
Brewery Square
Brewery Square is a vibrant and stylish regeneration in the heart of Dorchester which currently boasts a variety of shops, eateries and leisure facilities including; Nando's, Zizzi, Hobbs, Phase...
Brownsea Island
Brownsea Island is open between 11 March - 29 October 2023. The perfect day’s adventure, this island wildlife sanctuary is easy to get to but feels like another world from the moment...
Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle ruins are one of Britain's most iconic and evocative survivors of the English Civil War, partially demolished in 1646 by the Parliamentarians, they sit proudly upon a hill of this...
Cumulus Outdoor Adventure
Cumulus Outdoors offers unrivalled outdoor experience and a range of outdoor adventure experiences for families and private groups, a range of school residential programmes including field studies,...
Cyclexperience
Get tranquility and exercise on a bike whilst exploring the woodlands, heaths, beaches and hills of the Isle of Purbeck! Ride top of the range mountain bikes or modern...
Dorset Adventure Park
Located in Corfe Castle, Dorset Adventure park is a family fun Waterpark and Mud Trail. Featuring 18 acres of woodland and lakes with stunning views of Corfe Castle. Whether you’re looking to...
Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park
~ A day delivered with passion at Dorset's favourite family run attraction ~ Come along and treasure a unique experience visiting one of the very last Heavy Horse Centres left in Great...
Dorset Tours
Welcome to Dorset Tours! Located in Weymouth & Portland our family run tour company offers small group Guided Minibus Tours and Shore Excursions throughout the Jurassic...
Farmer Palmer's Farm Park
Farmer Palmer's is where young adventurers can frankly ‘let their hair down’ without older children around to stifle their enjoyment! Designed specifically for children aged 0-8years,...
Fore Adventure
Fore / Adventure host two hour taster sessions to three day expeditions for all ages and abilities, getting closer to nature by sea kayak and stand up paddle board and enjoying the fruits of natures...
Furleigh Estate Wine Tours
Set in West Dorset’s wonderful green and rolling hills, Furleigh Estate makes some of the best sparkling wine in the country. We have over 22,000 vines and a purpose-built winery containing...
Gryphon Sports Centre
This busy leisure centre is the largest of its kind in the area. The centre has a fully air conditioned fitness suite, an aerobics/dance studio and a main sports hall. Outdoor facilities include...
Highcliffe Castle
Highcliffe Castle is not only a beautiful and historical building, but the surrounding grounds are perfect for a relaxing stroll or a family picnic on the lawns. There is direct access to both...
Jurassic Coast Guides
Martin offers professional guided walks, Jurassic Coast tours, Charity Walks, Corporate Walking Events and fossil hunts anywhere along the full length of the Jurassic Coast and surrounding areas....
Jurassic Footgolf
A great activity for all ages and abilities and the perfect blend of pitch and putt and football. A family run business with a lovely relaxed environment. A 9 hole meadow style course totalling 550...
Kingston Lacy
Kingston Lacy is an elegant 17th century Italian inspired country mansion set in attractive formal gardens and extensive parkland. Step inside the residence of the powerful and flamboyant Bankes...
Little Waddon Vineyard
Little Waddon Vineyard is a small boutique low-intervention vineyard producing wine without the use of pesticides or synthetic chemicals. Nestled in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on...
Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre
Enjoy a fun-filled, fascinating day out for all the family at Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre in Wareham. The 65-acre park is home to the stars of TV’s ‘Monkey Life’ and...
Moors Valley Country Park and Forest
To inject a sense of fun into your family days out then head to Moors Valley Country Park and Forest to get active in the outdoors and have yourself a family adventure. You are sure to find something...
Museum of East Dorset
Located in the heart of the beautiful market town of Wimborne Minster, visitors can discover the story of East Dorset with stunning Roman wall paintings, the fascinating childhood gallery and a unique...
Museum of Jurassic Marine Life - The Etches Collection
Come and visit the ‘Jewel’ in the crown of the Jurassic Coast, The Etches Collection Museum of Jurassic Marine Life situated in the village of Kimmeridge, Dorset Housing the finest single...
Palmers Brewery
Guided brewery tours now run throughout the year Monday to Friday. Book on to one of our brewery tours and take a look around the only thatched brewery in the UK. Palmers ales are brewed in one of...
Purbeck Park
Purbeck Park - Where adventures begin… Located in the centre of the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset, Purbeck Park is a 'must visit' location. Start here and explore nearby attractions and the...
Purbeck Sports Centre
A family friendly sports centre offering something for everyone. Swimming sessions for all abilities, sauna, football and cricket pitches, racket sports, modern gym and a packed timetable of...
Rock Reef Activity Attraction and Pier Zip
RockReef is an all year, all weather activity attraction located at the end of Bournemouth Pier. There is a huge range of amazing activities to suit all ages, from 4 to 94! Inside you will find 28...
RSPB Arne Nature Reserve
Arne Nature Reserve is situated on Poole Harbour and within the Dorset Area of Natural Beauty, it's a stunning landscape which consists of dramatic open heathland and ancient oak woodland. ...
RSPB Weymouth Wetlands (Radipole and Lodmoor)
The RSPB Weymouth Wetlands nature reserves are hidden gems in the heart of Weymouth. Comprises of 2 reserves (RSPB Radipole Lake and RSPB Lodmoor) and a Discovery Centre. Nestled in...
Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum
Executed for arson. Transported for asking for fair pay. Given six months hard labour for stealing clothes. 200 years of justice, injustice, crime and punishment are brought to life at...
South Coast Jet Ski
South Coast Jet Ski offers tours of the South Coast and the Jurassic Coast. We operate from Poole, Dorset and Ocean Village, Southampton. Both of our tours offer something completely different....
Splashdown Poole
Please note, tickets are ONLY be bookable through the Splashdown website. Splashdown is an all action water park with some of the UK's best water flumes. A roaringly good welcome awaits those who...
The Great Dorset Steam Fair
If you are looking for an excellent fun and action packed day out for all the family, you'll love the Great Dorset Steam Fair. Just find the village of Tarrant Hinton on the map, head in that...
The Mowlem Theatre, Cinema and The Showbar
Situated on Swanage seafront The Mowlem, cinema, theatre, function rooms and sea view bar offer the perfect entertainment during your visit to Swanage. The refurbished and comfortable auditorium hosts...
The Official Test Centre Ltd
The Official Test Centre (OTC) is the windsurfing, kitesurfing and stand up paddling (SUP) centre located right on the water’s edge, within the grounds of the National Sailing Academy on...
The Tank Museum
The Tank Museum brings history to life, with the world’s best collection of tanks and explosive live displays. Come face-to-face with over 300 huge military machines and hear about amazing...
TheGallery
Welcome to The Gallery at the Arts University Bournemouth - a major resource for contemporary art and design in the South of England. TheGallery is open to the public and admission to our exhibitions...
Treasure Trails Dorset
Explore the streets of Weymouth with a self-guided Murder Mystery themed walking Treasure Trail; a fun and imaginative way to explore Weymouth. As you follow the Trail route, can you solve the clues...
Tunnel Tree Tops Ltd
Tunnel Tree Tops Ltd is an award winning high ropes adventure course running through the woodland at The Tunnel, Charmouth. An adrenaline-pumping, bird’s eye experience which is made up...
Woodland Archery, Axe Throwing and Crossbow shooting in Dorset
Nestled in a beautiful Dorset woodland, you will find award winning outdoor activity company, Insight Activities. Here to offer you one of the most fun and memorable experiences you can have during...
Athelhampton House and Gardens
Athelhampton nestles in the Piddle valley, between Tolpuddle and Puddletown and is easily reached from the A35 main road. The ancient manor of Athelhampton has been continually lived in since Saxon...
Bushcraft and Primitive Survival Skills
Probably one of the most authentic woodland activities you can experience in Dorset. Relax in our beautiful secluded woodlands and reconnect with our ancestors way of life. Our Bushcraft activities...
City Cruises Poole
City Cruises operate daily from Poole Quay and Swanage Pier. We offer a wide selection of cruises along the Jurassic Coast, trips to the Victorian resort at Swanage and the Steam Railway, Poole...
Laserguys Laser Tag
Laserguys outdoor laser tag is a mixture of the best elements of paintball and laser quest! Games are suitable for people of all abilities. Laser tag is really easy to play and a fun activity that...
Monart Spa Poundbury
*LATEST UPDATE* Please browse through the updated brochure including two new special offers and view the Covid Policy. Gift vouchers now available for as little as £20 Monart Spa - Poundbury is...
Moonfleet Adventure Sailing
Sailing daily from Portland - check website for availability and to book Gift vouchers now available - Prices start at just £35 for a 2 hour cruise on the Tallship Moonfleet. Treat yourself to...
Swanage Railway
Whatever the weather, take a journey back in time with an enjoyable day of excitement and nostalgia at the award winning Swanage Railway. Sit back and relax during a leisurely trip behind a historic...
Share your Dorset
What does your day out in Dorset look like? A romantic walk in the Dorset countryside? A day out with the family at a farm park? Or coasteering off the Dorset coast? Discover a sample of your #VisitDorset activity and attraction images below and share your love for Dorset using the hashtag on Instagram.
Discover things to do in Dorset
Family Friendly
If you’re seeking fun-packed days out in Dorset, we've got loads of ideas for all ages.
Nature & Wildlife
Dorset has some of the best wildlife and natural landscapes found anywhere in the UK.
Walking
Find your perfect walking route in Dorset.
Stargazing
Discover Dorset's dark skies. Stargazing is fun for all ages with shorter days during the winter.
Heritage & Culture
Discover Dorset's rich and intriguing heritage and soak up the atmosphere of bygone eras.
Coast & Beaches
Dorset's stunning coast is waiting to be explored.
Entertainment & Arts
Enjoy a night out at the cinema or theatre
Shopping
With a large range of shopping experiences in Dorset, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for.
Group Friendly Days Out
Attractions and activities offering group discounts, tours or coach parking.
Plan Your Visit
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Accommodation
Dorset has a fantastic range of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets.
Restaurants
There's a variety of fantastic restaurants in Dorset offering mouth watering menus.
Areas to Visit
Bustling towns, quaint villages and seaside resorts...all waiting to be explored!
Explore
We've got lots of ideas for fantastic days out in Dorset.