Explore Durlston Country Park
Climb to the top of this hillfort at Hambledon Hill
Keen birdwatchers can spot Peregrine Falcons on coastal cliffs © Peter Moore Photography

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Nature Reserves and Country Parks in Dorset

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Highlights

Dorset is well known for being a rural and wildlife rich county, and you won't go far without passing by a nature reserve.

Whether it's a wild woodland, urban heathland or lush green meadow, there are lots of places where you can be at one with nature. And you don’t need to be a wildlife expert to appreciate them, so put on your walking boots and get exploring.

Incredible landscapes

The sand dunes at Studland’s Shell Bay and Knoll Beach separate the gorgeous sandy beaches from the national nature reserve of Studland and Godlingston Heath. From the beach you will be able to glimpse the outlines of Old Harry Rocks and the Isle of Wight in the distance. On the heath, there are nature trails and footpaths to follow for breath-taking views and encounters with local wildlife.

The longest un-interrupted stretch of coastal limestone grassland in Europe is found on Dorset’s south coast. The grassland is home to huge numbers of wildflowers including the early English gentian and the bizarre and beautiful early spider orchid. In spring and summer, the air is filled with butterflies such as Adonis blue and Lulworth skipper. Durlston Country Park is a fantastic place to see these coastal grasslands.

Dorset’s lowland heaths are found mostly in the south east corner of the county. Although at times they may look dull and un-interesting, they are home to an amazing amount of wildlife. Some of the heathland nature reserves are home to all six of Britain’s native reptile species and are fantastic for spotting nightjar or Dartford warblers. The best time for reptile spotting is April and May as they emerge from hibernation and male sand lizards turn bright green to attract a mate. Visit the RSPB reserve at Arne to see spectacular heathland on the edge of Poole Harbour.

Both Christchurch and Poole Harbours were naturally formed thousands of years ago and continue to change to this day. Poole Harbour is Europe’s largest natural harbour and for some of the best views, be sure to visit Upton Country Park or Holes Bay Nature Park. For Christchurch Harbour, hike to the top of Hengistbury Head or walk to the water’s edge at Stanpit Marsh Nature Reserve for scenic viewpoints.

Dorset’s Country Parks

Being a mostly rural county, there are some pretty big country parks to visit. Moors Valley Country Park and Forest is Dorset’s largest at an impressive 1000 acres. There are miles of walking and cycling routes to follow and you can hire a bike if you need to. Take a ride on the narrow-gauge steam train, go on a tree top trail, lets the kids go wild on the adventure play areas or take a Segway tour.

Durlston Country Park's 320 acres of countryside paradise is a national nature reserve with a fantastic variety of habitats to visit. Stunning coastal views, walking trails, superb geology and fascinating wildlife means there is always something different to see and do. Durlston is also one of the best places in the country to spot dolphins and you can even join the dolphin watching team.

Follow the five nature trails or get up close to the sand lizard nursery at Avon Heath Country Park. You can also visit the Heathland Discover Centre, enjoy something to eat at the café or let the kids burn off some energy on the adventure play area.

On the edge of Poole Harbour, is Upton Country Park’s large open spaces, formal walled garden and bird hides to watch wildlife at the water’s edge. As well as walking routes to follow, you can also join a guided Segway tour.

At Lodmoor Country Park in Weymouth there is a huge amount to keep all ages amused. Your day out will be fun filled with a pirate ship play park, model railway, 9 hole pitch and putt, orienteering course and green gym. And not forgetting the RSPB Lodmoor Nature Reserve and Sea Life Centre are within walking distance.

Historic sights

There an ancient hillforts dotted all around Dorset. Hambledon Hill is not only an Iron Age hillfort, but also a National Nature Reserve too. You’ll find Hod Hill next door to Hambledon, once used by a Roman legion of soldiers.

Along the coast, the stone cliffs have been quarried for a variety of stone and minerals. The headlands were once used as lookouts, and caves and quarries used by smugglers for storing contraband goods. Nowadays, you can visit some of the quarries, including Tout Quarry Nature Reserve and Sculpture Park.

Visiting with your dog

Many of Dorset’s nature reserves and country parks welcome dogs on leads, so you can enjoy a wildlife walk with your faithful friend at your side.

There are lots of trails and paths to follow so that both you and your dog enjoy your day out. Some offer cafes or take-away kiosks where you can re-fuel before carrying on your walk.

Be sure to follow signs about nesting birds and closing gates so that grazing animals don’t escape.

Wildlife watching events

The best way to get up-close and personal to local wildlife is to join a guided tour with an expert. Not only will they know where the wildlife is likely to be found, they will also spot it a lot quicker than the average visitor.

Most of the country parks host their own events throughout the year. The National Trust and Dorset Wildlife Trust also have a packed schedule of wildlife themed events for the whole family to enjoy.

Take a look at what’s on the events calendar for the next few months.

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Number of results: 23

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
2407 reviews
Brownsea Island

Type

Type:

Country Park/Nature Reserve

POOLE

A beautiful island with wonderful views, history & wildlife including rare red squirrels and birds, and is also the birthplace of Scouting and Guiding.

Price Free to £44.50 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1268 reviews
Moors Valley Country Park and Forest

Type

Type:

Country Park/Nature Reserve

RINGWOOD
Awards
- Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
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 for everyone.
Children of all ages will love…
Price £1.60 to £72.00 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1143 reviews
Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve

Type

Type:

Country Park/Nature Reserve

SWANAGE
Awards
- Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
Durlston Castle and Country Park, situated 1 mile from Swanage in Dorset, is a fabulous 320 acre countryside paradise and National Nature Reserve, consisting of sea-cliffs, coastal limestone downland, haymeadows, hedgerows and woodland.
With…
Free
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
28 reviews
Hardy's Birthplace and Thorncombe Woods

Type

Type:

Country Park/Nature Reserve

DORCHESTER

Discover more about Thomas Hardy's early life at the Hardy's Birthplace Visitor Centre. The Centre is located on the edge of Thorncombe Wood Local Nature Reserve and a short walk from Hardy's Cottage. Thorncombe Woods is home to a great diversity of…

Free
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1315 reviews
Studland Bay

Type

Type:

Beach

STUDLAND

The National Trust car parks are open at Shell Bay, Knoll Beach, Middle Beach and South Beach from 9am to 5pm. Toilets are open at Shell Bay, Knoll Beach and Middle Beach. There are limited spaces, so if the car park is full please come back another…

Free
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
139 reviews
Avon Heath Country Park

Type

Type:

Country Park/Nature Reserve

RINGWOOD
Awards
- Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
A mosaic of glorious heathland and forest, laced with waymarked trails and picnic spots, together with a visitor centre, play equipment, cafe and gift shop.
Free
RSPB Weymouth Wetlands

Type

Type:

Country Park/Nature Reserve

WEYMOUTH

Weymouth is very lucky to have two top class nature reserves in the centre of town. Radipole lake has always been a favourite place for wildlife enthusiasts. Lodmoor is where you can encounter a vast range of bird species.
Abbotsbury Beach - Chesil Bank and Fleet Lagoon

Type

Type:

Beach

Nr Weymouth

A shelving beach made up of pebbles and shingle, popular with both local anglers and families for mackerel fishing.
Purewell Meadows Nature Reserve

Type

Type:

Natural Wildlife Site

Purewell, CHRISTCHURCH

Purewell Meadows is a nature reserve with four hectares of public open space, most of which is grasses and sedges but there are also a large number of flowering plants. These include Ragged Robin and Devils Bit Scabious.

Free
Wareham Forest

Type

Type:

Forest

WAREHAM

Walk or cycle through heathland and forest by Morden Bog National Nature Reserve: one of the largest valley mire habitats in England. Numerous picnic benches and a waymarked walk. Cyclists welcome on 2 metre paths or the Sika Trail - a 7 mile family…

Free
Stanpit Marsh Nature Reserve

Type

Type:

Country Park/Nature Reserve

Stanpit, CHRISTCHURCH

Stanpit Marsh is situated on the north side of Christchurch Harbour, just below the confluence of the rivers Avon and Stour. The Marsh is home to over 300 species of plants, 14 of which are nationally rare and endangered.

Free
Kimmeridge Bay

Type

Type:

Natural Feature

Kimmeridge, WAREHAM

Kimmeridge Bay lies within a marine Special Area of Conservation and boasts the best rockpooling and safest snorkelling site in Dorset.

Free
Steamer Point Nature Reserve

Type

Type:

Country Park/Nature Reserve

Friar's Cliff, CHRISTCHURCH

Steamer Point is a 24 acre cliff top designated Local Nature Reserve (LNR) that is situated between Highcliffe Castle and Friar's Cliff on the Christchurch coastline. It comprises of woodland, aquatic habitats, flora and fauna.

Free
Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre

Type

Type:

Country Park/Nature Reserve

Portland

Managed by Dorset Wildlife Trust, the centre's exciting displays and programme of activities will help you make the most of your visit to Chesil Beach and Portland.

Free
Mude Valley

Type

Type:

Natural Wildlife Site

Mudeford, CHRISTCHURCH

An urban wildlife corridor made up of Mudeford and Peregrine Woods, including a variety of natural habitats - woodland, grassland, the river and associated wetlands. It includes amenity areas and is surrounded by extensive urban development. The…

Free
Radipole Lake Nature Reserve

Type

Type:

Country Park/Nature Reserve

WEYMOUTH

Radipole Lake is a quiet ‘wildlife oasis' in the heart of Weymouth and a great place to get close up with nature. Look for otter prints, go pond dipping and visit the bird hides.

Free
Hengistbury Head

Type

Type:

Natural Wildlife Site

Bournemouth

Hengistbury Head is a relatively unspoilt and south-facing pebble beach, with imposing clay and ironstone cliffs.
RSPB Arne Nature Reserve

Type

Type:

Country Park/Nature Reserve

WAREHAM

Arne is celebrated for its lowland heathland, which is rare in Europe, and its wildlife including Dartford warblers, nightjars, all six species of British reptile, plus many species of butterflies, dragonflies, and moths.

Free
Tout Quarry Nature Reserve and Sculpture Park

Type

Type:

Country Park/Nature Reserve

Portland

Tout Quarry Nature Reserve and Sculpture Park is an abandoned stone quarry which has now been turned into a stone sculpture park. Now one of Portland’s most popular attractions, you can discover over 60 hidden sculptures in the Quarry, such as…
Nea Meadows Nature Reserve

Type

Type:

Natural Wildlife Site

Highcliffe, CHRISTCHURCH

A small quiet Local Nature Reserve (LNR) which has a lake, wildlife pond, woodland and two wildflower meadows with over two hundred and fifty species of flower.

Free

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Nature Reserves and Country Parks in Dorset

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Highlights

Incredible landscapes

Dorset’s Country Parks

Historic sights

Visiting with your dog

Wildlife watching events

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