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Accommodation in Dorset
Things To Do in Dorset
Places To Eat & Drink in Dorset
Explore & Discover Dorset
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© Visit Britain
Dorchester
A different pace of life
Get out and active in Dorset
© Kristie Heath
© Alex Alevroyiannis
© Kirstin Prisk
Corfe Castle
Discover Dorset's pretty towns
Enjoy a day at the beach
Dorchester
© Kristie Heath
Property Management
© Richard Harris
Enjoy a thrilling activity in Dorset
Henley Hillbillies
Dorchester
Country Life
© Samantha Cook
Evershot
Enjoy Dorset's colourful parks and gardens
The Tank Museum
Lyme Regis
Discover some of Dorset's beautiful historic castles
© On The Rivet Cycling Fitness Retreat
Dorchester
Dorchester
Enjoy a day out and make it a holiday to remember
Christmas shopping in Dorset
Lulworth
© Cumulus Outdoor Adventure
Dorset has many beautiful and tranquil country parks and nature reserves
Take time to explore Dorset's beautiful and diverse towns
Discover Dorset's diverse and spectacular landscape
Integrating PMS Systems
You are here: Visitor Information > Group Travel > Group Friendly Days Out
There is an exceptional choice of things to see and do with a group in Dorset. Visit a fascinating museum or a National Trust property, get close to animals or stroll through beautiful gardens.
Whether you are bringing a school or youth group, a coach party or are just a large group of friends or family, find out about our group-friendly days out. There are plenty of activities in Dorset to suit hen and stag parties, team building events, corporate days out, school trips and much more.
Some will offer group discounts, organised tours or free entry or refreshment for coach drivers.
For all the attractions and activities listed on this page, pre-booking is essential for discounted ticket prices and to guarantee entry to the attraction. Guided tours may also need to be pre-booked.
For further details, please contact the attraction or activity directly, or speak to one of our Tourist Information Centres.
You might also like to download our group travel guide for Swanage and Purbeck for extra information and inspiration.
Corfe Castle Model Village is a scaled down version of the majestic Corfe Castle (before it was ruined) and its surrounding village. They welcome school groups, offer guided tours and give a discounted entrance price for bookings of 10 or more people. The group organiser or driver is admitted for free. Their tearooms can also cater for groups and the group organiser or driver qualifies for a complimentary refreshment.
Perfect for groups large or small, Splashdown waterpark at Poole is a fantastic attraction for whatever the weather. If you have 10 or more people in your group, you’ll get a discounted rate. The bigger the group, the less you’ll pay for your ticket and, for groups of 20 people or more; a group leader goes free per every 20 visitors.
The Tank Museum welcomes groups all year round. There is a group discount for pre-booked tickets for 12 or more people and you can choose to take a tour for an additional £5 per person. And they also offer an education programme for schools.
As Dorset is blessed with both coast and countryside, there is a huge amount of outdoor pursuits for your group to enjoy. Our outdoor adventure specialists will teach you how to abseil, coasteer, quad bike, Segway, climb, shoot and more. Or maybe you want to feel the wind in your hair on a fast jet boat ride along the coast?
You could even camp out for a few days and learn some bushcraft skills just like Bear Grylls or Ray Mears. Survive on the bare basics and get back to nature in Dorset’s beautiful countryside.
Ride on a heritage steam train with Swanage Railway and receive a discount when 15 or more tickets are purchased as a group – not only will this mean you get a great price, but it will also ensure that your group is seated together.
Group tours are available at St. Johns Almshouses in Sherborne. The picturesque Almshouse was built in the 15th Century for "12 poor men and 4 poor women". Of particular interest are the remarkable 15th century Triptych; copies of the illuminated Royal Licence and Foundation Deed; an original letter dated 1594 from Sir Walter Raleigh to the Almshouse Master.
Athelhampton House is a 15th Century manor house with Grade I Listed gardens which are home to the famous topiary pyramids. They offer discounted entry for 12 or more people. They also offer guided tours as well as catering packages to eat at their restaurant. You can download their Groups or Schools pack from their website.
Built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594 and the stately home of the Digby family since 1617; Sherborne Castle houses nationally important collections of Art, Furniture & Porcelain. You can explore the 42 acres of landscape gardens offering delightful walks the lake. Guided tours are available and discounted tickets can be booked for 15 or more people.
Treasure Trails is a brilliant way to explore a new area as well as having fun along the way. Follow the trail, answer the questions, hunt the clues and solve the riddles.
Everyone in your group can get involved and there are trails all over Dorset to enjoy.
Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre is home to chimpanzees, lemurs, orangutans, capuchins and a whole host of other primates rescued from all over the world. Group discounts are available for 10 or more people who book in advance and guided tours are offered at an additional charge. They have downloadable worksheets for school groups on their website.
If you’ve got a group of under 8’s, Farmer Palmers Farm Park lets them feed the animals, take a tractor trailer ride and learn that milk comes from cows not the supermarket! Groups with 20 or more people will get a discounted price, just give them a call to arrange your visit.
Explore above and below the ocean at Sea Life Weymouth. Have a face-to-face encounter with sharks or a hands-on rockpool experience. Group tickets are available for parties of 10 or more, with the opportunity to add on a V.I.P. tour. They also have downloadable activity packs for 6-14 year olds on their website.
Visit the gentle giants and other farmyard animals at the Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park. They welcome all groups including early learning, nurseries, pre–schools, education groups, youth clubs as well as WI and special needs groups. They offer discounts when 20 or more full paying adults or children attend when pre–booking their visit – just call to arrange your visit. They have a designated secure areas for bags and coats and the group organiser or coach driver is admitted for free.
There are loads of options to dip your toe in the water or jump straight in. Join a group kayaking tour along the Jurassic Coast and see amazing rock formations like Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove.
Or head inland to the picture perfect village of Corfe Castle and take on the challenge of Dorset’s inflatable waterpark. Fun for all ages.
Admire the world-famous displays of rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias at Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway, as well as exploring the riverside walks or taking a trip on the steam railway. They offer a variety of garden tours including meet the head gardener and one for coach groups. Chauffer driven buggies are available to charter for 15 or more people (excluding May and June).
Bennetts Water Garden hold the National Plant Collection© of Water Lilies with over 140 different varieties producing thousands of flowers spread across acres of water. Group discounts for 12 or more people are available, as well as free entry for the group organiser and free entry and complimentary refreshments for the coach driver. There are further discounts for groups arriving by a single mode of transport, i.e. a coach or mini-bus.
For a completely different experience, visit Keyneston Mill's and see how they grow, harvest and distill the key ingredients of Parterre luxury perfumes. It is the largest private botanic gardens in the country dedicated solely to aromatic and scented plants, with over 1,000 varieties in a 50-acre estate. Take a guided tour to find out more.
If you’re looking for a more sedate activity, how about joining a walking tour along the coast? Our expert guides are extremely knowledgeable about all things Dorset!
Or perhaps you’d prefer to explore the area on horseback. Sign up for a gentle ride or a cross country hack. Sometimes rides to pubs are also on offer – sounds good to us.
Did you know that a number of literary greats lived in or visited Dorset? Thomas Hardy and T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) both lived here and Enid Blyton used Dorset as a holiday retreat for over 20 years.
You can visit their homes and the places which inspired their books including Clouds Hill in Bovington, Maxgate in Dorchester and Brownsea Island near Poole.
If you love big blockbuster movies, you can visit some of the locations filmed for Dunkirk, Far From The Madding Crowd and On Chesil Beach. The award winning TV series Broadchurch was also filmed in Dorset - visit the dramatic cliffs which feature heavily in all 3 series (found at West Bay) or take a guided tour.
Fancy seeing the coast from a completely different angle? Why not take a leisurely boat cruise along the magnificent Jurassic Coast or around Poole Harbour.
Some boat cruises offer discounted group prices or exclusive hire of the boat.
Take a tour of Palmers Brewery's historic buildings and learn about all aspects of the brewing process as well as the production of Palmers famous "Golden Cap" whisky. They offer group tours for up to 25 people.
If wine is your drink of choice, you could opt for a guided tour of Furleigh Estate where some of the best sparkling wine in the country is made. They have over 22,000 vines and a purpose-built winery containing state of the art equipment. They provide private group wine tours and tastings throughout the year, offering a unique behind-the-scenes view of our vineyard and winery. Max number is 25 people per tour.
Vinyard tours are also available at the Langham Wine Estate. For groups of 15 or more people they provide bespoke tours throughout the year. Their on site café can offer a range of catering options to suit a range of occasions and budgets.
Perhaps you’re in Dorset to celebrate pre-wedding and are in need of a day of relaxation and pampering treatments. Book onto a spa day or weekend at one of our fabulous hotels and let the stress of wedding planning wash away.
Maybe you’d rather get outdoors and onto a golf course. We’ve got lots to choose from with amazing scenery, challenging courses and club houses to sink a few drinks in afterwards!
Or how about learning a new craft? Have a go at stone carving or pottery painting.
If you are planning an overnight stay in Dorset, you may want to take a look at our extensive list of group-friendly accommodation, including hotels, B&Bs, hostels, bunkhouses, large self-catering properties and holiday parks.
To complete your itinerary, why not take a look at our group-friendly eating out.
And if you're bringing a school, college or university group for an educational visit, there are lots of places to visit which will enhance your study or field trip.
There are plenty of activities in Dorset to suit hen and stag parties, team building events, corporate days out, school trips and much more.
Some will offer special rates or group discounts, so be sure to look out for offers or deals which you’re group can use.
Looking for the whole package? Some of our outdoor centres also provide accommodation too. Try Brenscombe Outdoor Centre and The Swanage Centre who offer residential packages (including accommodation and food) aimed at a variety of age groups.
Number of results: 89
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Railway
SWANAGE
Swanage Railway has now re-opened. Enjoy a nostalgic steam-train ride on the Purbeck line. Steam trains run for most of the year - daily from April to October and most weekends throughout the year. Park at Norden then catch a train to travel 6 miles…
Outdoor Pursuits
WEST LULWORTH
*LATEST UPDATE* Activities are suspended until further notice. Lulworth Outdoors are a passionate, lively group of outdoor pursuit instructors, based within the stunning and versatile Lulworth Estate. We have access to continuous footpaths,…
Boat Trip
POOLE
City Cruises Poole has now re-opened. Cruises operate daily from Poole Quay and Swanage Pier (1st April - 31st October 2020). We offer a wide selection of cruises along the Jurassic coast, trips to the Victorian resort at Swanage and the Steam…
Boat Trip
Portland
Sailing daily from Portland - check website for availability and to book. Both novice and sailor can try classic tall-ship sailing around Southern England’s stunning Jurassic coastline and the fascinating chalk downlands of The Isle of Purbeck and…
Walking Tour
Martin is now running private fossil walks (6 people max). There will be strict social distancing measures in place. Martin offers professional guided walks, tours and fossil hunts anywhere along the full length of the Jurassic Coast and surrounding…
Historic House/Palace
DORCHESTER
Athelhampton House and Gardens is now open for pre-booked ticket entry. Their restaurant has now re-opened. Athelhampton House & Gardens is one of the finest English manor houses, with beautiful furnished rooms. The Grade I Listed gardens are home…
Sport/Leisure Centre
WAREHAM
Purbeck Sports Centre has now re-opened - bookings are essential. Squash - badminton - yoga - tennis - sauna - table tennis - astropitch - playzone - cricket - nets - swimming - fitness room - cafe/bar - exercise classes - pilates - trampolining -…
Guided Tour
POOLE
*LATEST UPDATE* The RNLI College is currently closed. Find out how RNLI crews and lifeguards are trained with a behind the scenes 90 minute tour of the RNLI College. Conducted by our dedicated volunteer tour guides, you will be given the chance to…
History & Heritage
BLANDFORD FORUM
Cancelled for 2020 but get 26th to 30th August 2021 in your diaries!
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. If its heritage related, you'll find it. Stand amazed…
Food & Drink
Lytchett Matravers, POOLE
Join the vineyard owners for a fascinating tour followed by a delicious wine tasting, sampling the international 'Decanter World Wine Award' winning end product and discover the sensation delights that subtly different blends create on the nose and…
Outdoor Activity/Pursuit Centre
SWANAGE
Cumulus Outdoor Adventure is now open and taking bookings. Activities include: Coasteering, Kayaking, Climbing & Abseiling and Bushcraft amongst other things, plus outdoor corporate events, fun days and team building for business plus school and…
Farm
Organford, POOLE
Farmer Palmers Farm Park has now re-opened - pre-booking admission is now essential. Please visit website for tickets. Designed for children 8 years and under. Delivering family fun for over 20 years! Enter into a world of discovery - meet the…
Animal Collection
Weymouth
Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park has now re-opened for pre-booked tickets. Explore an amazing underwater world and take a fascinating journey to the ocean depths at Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park! Get up close to over 2,000 creatures in 15…
Castle/Fort
Highcliffe, CHRISTCHURCH
*LATEST UPDATE* The grounds of Highcliffe Castle and the car park are open, however the Castle remains closed. Magnificent Grade I Listed 1830's mansion built by Lord Stuart de Rothesay.
Theme Park / Waterpark
POOLE
Splashdown Poole has now re-opened with updated opening hours and operating procedures to help with social distancing and to help ensure we are a covid secure place to visit. Please note, tickets are ONLY be bookable through the Splashdown website.…
Boat Trip
Lyme Regis
Now open and taking bookings. Lyme RIB Rides is the newest water attraction in Lyme Bay. We offer fast and slower paced boat trips, suitable for the whole family, along the beautiful Jurassic Coastline. See the historic scenery up close while…
Animal Collection
Dorchester
Badger Watch Dorset has now re-opened - booking essential. From our hides, thrill at the sight of badgers emerging from their setts and foraging for food. The area is floodlit for perfect vision and visits from other wildlife such as owls, foxes,…
Watersports Centre
CORFE CASTLE
*LATEST UPDATE* Dorset Adventure Park will be closed for 2020. A huge inflatable woodland waterpark and 2km mud trail with 50 obstacles, all overlooking Corfe Castle. Come and tackle the slides, trampolines, gladiator rings, jumps, hurdles, rollers,…
Vineyard
Bridport
Vineyard Tours are taking place twice a day on Thursday, Friday and Saturday for small groups - booking required. Shop open Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 11am until 3pm. Their online shop is also offering delivery to your door.
Museum
Wareham
The Museum has now re-opened. The finest single collection of Late Jurassic age fossils in Britain, housed in a purpose built, brand new immersive museum in the village of Kimmeridge, Dorset. Discovered and collected by just one man, Dr Steve…
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