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Highlights

Purbeck Sports Centre

Swimming - squash - badminton - yoga - tennis - sauna - table tennis - astropitch - playzone -…

English Oak Vineyard

Join the vineyard owners for a fascinating tour followed by a delicious wine tasting, sampling the…

Cyclexperience

Combine tranquility, exercise and discovery on a bike and explore the woodland, heath, beaches and…

Rock Reef Activity Attraction and Pier Zip

RockReef is an all year, all weather activity attraction located at the end of Bournemouth Pier.…

Walking

With mile upon mile of spectacular coastline and luscious countryside, Dorset is the perfect place for a walking break.
Watersports

Enjoy the sea air and give some watersports a go!
Leisure Centres
Golf Courses

Dorset has some fantastic golf courses in some glorious locations!
Group Friendly

Attractions which offer group discounts, tours or coach parking.
Cycling
Adventure

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!

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Lawrence of Arabia Trail

Type

Type:

Walking Route

Bovington, WAREHAM

The 7 mile (11km) trail starts and finishes at Bovington’s Tank Museum taking in Lawrence’s home at Clouds Hill and his last resting place: the cemetery at Moreton.
East Lulworth Cycle Ride

Type

Type:

Cycle Route

WAREHAM

An exhilarating 18 mile (29km) circular on-road ride through the beautiful countryside surrounding Lulworth Castle, with an extended route down to Lulworth Cove.
Lulworth Range Walks

Type

Type:

Walking Route

Wareham

The Lulworth Ranges are found along the coastline between West Lulworth and Kimmeridge and include Tyneham village and Worbarrow Bay. They are owned by the Ministry of Defence (MOD), which means they are closed during the week (and some weekends)…
Sturminster Newton and Ibberton Cycle Ride

Type

Type:

Cycle Route

STURMINSTER NEWTON

This is a 18 mile (30km) circular cycle ride. Difficulty rating: Grade 2. It will take about 2-3 hours to complete. This ride will take you through the quiet villages of Ibberton and Okeford Fitzpaine. Start at Church Street car park in Sturminster…
Burngate Stone Carving Centre

Type

Type:

Activity Centre

SWANAGE
Awards
- Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2021
The Centre reopen from 17th May with our usual courses: stone carving, sculpture, letter carving, family sessions - as well as new workshops. Sale of locally produced items including headgear, hosiery, jewellery, candles, cards and artwork. Tea…
Price £20.00 to £95.00 Course
Convent Walk

Type

Type:

Walking Route

CHRISTCHURCH

The Convent Walk is a tranquil route that follows the course of Mill Stream, as it runs parallel to the River Avon, from Town Bridge to Place Mill on Christchurch Quay. It is approximately 500 metres (0.5 km) long on a wide tarmac path suitable for…
Witchampton Cycle Route

Type

Type:

Cycle Route

WIMBORNE

13m (21km) moderately difficult, circular cycle route through the picturesque village of Witchampton and surrounding, quiet, pretty lanes. Places of interest include Witchampton Village and Church and the 15th Chalbury Church. You can take an…
Frome Valley Trail

Type

Type:

Walking Route

Evershot, DORCHESTER

Starting at Evershot, the second highest village in Dorset, the 16 mile (26km) route meanders close to the River Frome. The route passes through Chilfrome, Maiden Newton, Bradford Peverell, Charminster and Dorchester. Along the way a wealth of…
Downloadable Walks from Bus Stops: Portesham to Abbotsbury - Portesham Withy Beds

Type

Type:

Walking Route

Portesham

Downloadable Walks from Bus Stops: Portesham to Abbotsbury. Distance: 2.8 miles (4.5km). Walking Time: 80 mins not including stops. Route Difficulty: Moderate.
Discover Dorset Tours

Type

Type:

Guided Tours

Ashley Road,, Bournemouth

Discover Dorset Tours is based in Bournemouth and has been showing the spectacular surroundings to visitors since 2004. You can discover the many hidden gems by joining our trips where our guides will share their unique and expert knowledge with you…
Symondsbury Walking & Cycling Trail

Type

Type:

Cycle Route

Mill Lane, SYMONDSBURY

The scenic trail leads you down tracks and across fields where views of hills and valleys stretch to Colmers Hill and the sea beyond. It is 5 miles (8km) long.
Rempstone Cycle Ride

Type

Type:

Cycle Route

Norden, CORFE CASTLE

A circular 12 mile (19km), mainly off-road route between Norden and either Studland village or Shell Bay beach via the Rempstone Estate.
Wareham Forest Way

Type

Type:

Walking Route

WAREHAM

Starting from Wareham Quay, this 13 mile (21km) walk takes you up through the Forest to Morden and continues on through farmland and country estates to Sturminster Marshall.
Shell Bay Sailing Centre

Type

Type:

Watersports Centre

STUDLAND
Awards
- Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2021
Dinghy sailing tuition, RYA courses, dinghy hire.
Price £20.00 Activity to £55.00 Course
Downloadable Walks from Bus Stops: Abbotsbury Walks - Circular via White Hill

Type

Type:

Walking Route

ABBOTSBURY

Downloadable Walks from Bus Stops - circular route via White Hill. Start point: Bus stop near Ilchester Arms or Swan Inn, Abbotsbury. Distance: 2.5 miles (4 km). Walking Time: 70 mins not including stops. Route Difficulty: Moderate.
Cerne Valley Way

Type

Type:

Walking Route

CERNE ABBAS

This 26 mile (42 km) circular walk takes in the hamlets and villages of Minterne Magna, Cerne Abbas, Nether Cerne, Godmanstone, Forston and Charminster, as well as Hillfield Hill Nature Reserve.
Gillingham Cycle Ride

Type

Type:

Cycle Route

GILLINGHAM

This is a 16 mile (26km) circular cycle route. Difficulty rating: Grade 3. It will take around 2-3 hours to complete. This challenging ride will take you through some pretty villages on the outskirts of Gillingham. Start the ride from the Peacemarsh…
Downloadable Walks from Bus Stops: West Bay & Eype

Type

Type:

Walking Route

WEST BAY

Downloadable Walks from Bus Stops: West Bay & Eype. Start point: Bus stop near West Bay harbour. Distance: 4.5 miles (7km) or 3.5 miles (5.6km). Walking Time: 2 hours (120 minutes) not including stops. Route Difficulty: Moderate with some steep…
Rodwell Trail

Type

Type:

Walking Route

Weymouth

From Weymouth to Portland, the Rodwell Trail follows a disused passenger railway line, now a wonderfully, accessible wildlife corridor. The Trail is a fully surfaced 2 mile (3.4km) route suitable for walkers, scooters, bicycles and mobility scooters…
Cranborne Walk

Type

Type:

Walking Route

Cranborne

Circular 5 mile (8km) route around the pretty village of Cranborne with views over Cranborne Chase.

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Highlights

These boots are made for walking!

Tee off in Dorset

Pedal power

Discover Dorset on horseback

Feeling adventurous?

Cast a line

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