Father's Day in Dorset

Father’s Day is fast approaching (16 June 2024), along with the age-old question – what do you buy your Dad for Father's Day? So this year, why not treat your Dad to a special day out in Dorset.  

There’s plenty of options for days out on or around Father’s Day. Here are some ideas for activities you can enjoy together this Father’s Day, as well as great gift ideas. 

Outdoor adventurers

If your Dad is a fan of the great outdoors, why not treat him to a day out with a difference. Fore Adventure offers various foraging courses on the beautiful Studland coastline, followed by cooking and feasting on what you’ve found. There is even a Kayaking, Foraging, Fishing and Feasting course, for those who want even more adventure.

For those with a head for heights, test Dad's skills on a high ropes challenge at Go Ape. Located in the scenic Moors Valley Country Park and Forest, this is a fantastic activity to share with young adults and teenagers. After your activity you could have lunch in the café, enjoy a picnic by the lake or explore the miles of walking and cycling trails.

For the wildlife explorer

If your Dad is a nature lover, explore one of Dorset's nature reserves together and get some fresh air whilst admiring the beautiful views over the Dorset countryside.

Many nature reserves welcome dogs, so the whole family can join in and spend the day reconnecting with nature. Remember to pack a picnic so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.

Take a boat trip 

Treat your Dad to some time sailing a classic gaff-rigged cutter, Tall Ship Moonfleet. 

Moonfleet Adventure Sailing offers the opportunity for both novice and experienced sailors to try your hand at classic tall ship sailing around Southern England’s stunning Jurassic coastline.

If you prefer not to get involved and enjoy the ride, then you can relax and take in the sights and sounds of sailing Dorset’s beautiful coastline.

For the foodies

Treat your loved one to a Champagne Afternoon Tea or Prosecco Cream Tea on the Swanage Railway. Enjoy a sweet treat and a glass of fizz as you travel through the glorious Purbeck countryside, passing the majestic ruins of Corfe Castle along the way.

Not only does Dorset have a fabulous range of pubs, restaurants and cafés to enjoy a tasty Father's Day meal, but there are three food filled events taking place over the weekend.

Bridport Food and Beer Festival is a weekend of foodie events taking place on Friday 14 and Saturday 16 June.

Down on the coast, Swanage Fish and Food Festival is a 2 day event celebrating all things 'fishy'.  The festival will be filled with delicious foods, locally produced drinks, fishing and fun.

On the outskirts of Poole, the Upton House Food and Music Festival is a three day event. It will have street food traders celebrating food from around the world and local real ales, ciders, craft beers, gins, spirits, wine and cocktails. The music line-up features great tributes as well as local bands and there's a kids stage too.

Dorset drinks

Give the gift of your dad's favourite tipple. From award-winning wines to local breweries and vodka made with milk (yes milk!), there is something for all tastes made here in Dorset. 

There are various vineyards across the county offering tasting and tours as well as cellar door shops. Furleigh Estate, Langham WineEnglish Oak Vineyard, Bride Valley and Little Waddon Vineyard all have shops offering a selection of red, white, rosé or sparkling wines. So spoil him with a bottle of something special this Father's Day. 

Or delight your Dad with a selection of beers delivered directly to his door from Dorset. 

Hall & Woodhouse offer selections of mixed beers and merchandise on their online shop, there is a great range on offer including limited edition beers. 

Palmers Brewery has bottled as well as draught ales and ciders available for purchase online. Surprise your Dad this year with some of his favourite ale, cider or wine.

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Golf

Dorset has everything a golf enthusiast could ever want to make their golfing break one to remember.

Pubs & Bars

Dorset has many traditional inns and family friendly pubs serving delicious dishes to try.

Food & Drink Experiences

Visit a vineyard, book a brewery tour, fish for your dinner or learn new skills at a cookery school.

What does your Dorset look like? Adventures on our epic coastline? Visiting attractions with family? A walk through the beautiful countryside? Or perhaps a chilled out evening eating and drinking with friends? Discover a sample of your #VisitDorset images below and share your love for Dorset using the hashtag on Instagram.