Arts & Crafts in Dorset

If you love to absorb local culture whilst away, or like to get stuck in with arts and crafts, we've got some fabulous ideas for you.

Engage your inner artist and get crafting...

Feel inspired at a Dorset sculpture park

These are our hidden gems; places of pure beauty and tranquillity where you can sit and contemplate some astounding works of art, all positioned cleverly to be entwined with their natural surroundings.

Sculpture by the Lakes near Dorchester is an oasis for all art lovers. Set in 26 acres of countryside, the park is a restorative, sensuous experience that will leave you feeling both in awe and at peace.

Tout Quarry Sculpture Park is situated in a disused quarry upon the Isle of Portland. Local artists adopted the site in 1983 with the notion of giving back to the site in response to what had been taken away.

If you’re out on a ramble along the Wessex Ridgeway, make sure you take some time to ponder over some of the thought-provoking art installations along the trail.

Spectacular Public Art in Weymouth and Portland

Weymouth and Portland's hugely varied public art sites were all designed and created by artists and are staged outside and accessible to all.

The aim of these spectacular crafts, were to draw on and enhance particular qualities of Weymouth and Portland in creative and striking displays. The pieces range from figurative statues, sculptures, features, displays and non-representational works.

Admire the work of Dorset’s resident artists

Sprinkled across Dorset’s towns and villages you’ll find some wonderful little art shops and galleries, showcasing some outstanding pieces from local painters.

Do wander in, have a browse and revere the exceptional talent on display.

If you’ve found you’ve fallen in love with a place in Dorset, what better than to take a painting or piece of art home with you to be a perpetual reminder of your fond memories here.

Have a go!

There are lots of opportunities to try your hand at a new skill in Dorset, from woodwork to stone carving to basket making.

Crafty Camping’s green woodworking courses are very sought after. The Woodland Workshop is a beautiful private woodland area that many visitors have described as magical - something akin to Avatar in summer and Narnia in winter.

And if you feel you’d be au fait with a hammer and chisel, book yourself on to one of Burngate Stone Carving courses, suitable for all the family.

Maybe you'd like to learn how to take amazing scenic photographs, so how about a day out with Jurassic Coast Photography to master the art and have something to take home and frame or put on your social media and show off?

Find your artist’s or writer’s retreat

Many of our B&Bs and self catering accommodation offer themed packages and courses for their residents.

Enjoy warm Dorset hospitality combined with local expert tuition and hone a new skill, be it willow weaving, stained glass or even metalcraft.

Symondsbury Estate Holidays run bread-making and art courses, located in The Manor Yard, a lively and developing farmyard scene with a lovely cafe, a beautiful tithe barn and an interesting mix of shops and craftspeople, well worth a browse.

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