Active and Outdoor Dorset

Can’t get enough of the great outdoors? Always looking for your next adventure?

Dorset's mix of glorious countryside and superb coast make the ideal setting for a great escape.

Book a short break to recharge your batteries in our stunning natural environment and you'll return home fully refreshed and invigorated.

These boots are made for walking!

Dorset is a walker’s paradise! 

The South West Coast Path runs along 73 miles of the Dorset coast and is arguably one of the world’s best long distance paths, taking you on a journey through time. Don’t let the word ‘long distance’ put you off; there are plenty of smaller sections to walk as well. Take a look at the Timeless Coast leaflet which gives daily itineraries to help you explore more of West Dorset.

If you’d like to learn about the geology and heritage of the land passing beneath your feet as you stride, Jurassic Coast Guides run tours that you can tailor completely to your requirements – there’s no walk too big or small so give them a bell, it will prove a valuable addition to your hike.

And don’t forget about our beautiful rural countryside! Inland, way-marked walking trails criss cross through undulating green hills, lush meadows and ancient woodland dotted with charming little villages and cosy pubs.

It’s a land where each turning leads to a new adventure…

Tee off in Dorset

Golf enthusiasts can tee off from a number of superb courses in Dorset, all offering a different challenge in some spectacular settings (in particular the 6th hole at Bridport & West Dorset Golf Club!) 

Whatever your handicap, both experienced golfers and novices will find a course to suit their level with many courses open to visitors and members alike, such as Isle of Purbeck Golf Club.

If you're just out for a bit of family fun, then Dorset has some great pitch and putt and crazy golf courses to compete for top spot on the scorecard.

Pedal power

Cyclists can take their pick of challenging hill climbs over rough track or gentle meanders through winding lanes to remote villages and rural pubs for a lunchtime ploughman’s and a pint of local ale!

Or you might want to take an leisurely ride by electric bike to one of our glorious beaches or stunning nature reserves. Feel the wind in your hair and enjoy the views as you experience the joys of cycling without all the effort!

If you enjoy cycling holidays, then the Carter Company should be your first port of call. Their thoughtful and creative routes through Dorset aim to show you the hidden gems of your destination, not just the highlights!

Discover Dorset on horseback

With our expanse of open countryside and beautiful beaches here in Dorset, the county is perfect for horse riding.

The equestrian experience in Dorset is exhilarating; explore the wide network of trails and bridleways and hack your way through gorgeous countryside or take in the breath taking scenery of a coastal canter.

Rosewall Equestrian caters for most abilities whether you are a first time rider wanting a ½ hour lesson or an experienced rider looking for something more challenging.

Feeling adventurous?

Turn to the sea for adrenaline kicks as you zoom down the coast in a speedy RIB or try your hand at coasteering, you’ll certainly be left feeling invigorated! 

Hire a kite surfer to leap across the waves, abseil down steep cliffs or you can even try your hand at axe throwing!

Inland, you can have a go at shooting clays, quad biking and manoeuvring through a muddy assault course.

For an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime, take to the skies with Aerosuarus Balloons!

Floating above the patchwork landscape below, you’ll enjoy views of Shaftesbury or Sherborne depending where the wind takes you and to finish off, celebrate with a glass of chilled Champagne!

Cast a line

The varied landscapes here in Dorset make fishing an incredibly popular pastime. Wile away the hours at serene lakeside settings or gushing rivers.

Cast off from Chesil Beach at sunset and reel in some mackerel or experience the thrill of angling out at sea with boat trips from most of our coastal resorts.

Dorset also offers some great rockpooling spots and what could be more fun than crabbing at the harbour on a hot summer's day?

So what are you waiting for? Get out and get active in Dorset!