Planning a trip to Dorset, England? You’re in exactly the right place.
This is my comprehensive local’s guide to help you get oriented, plan your visit, and discover the very best of this beautiful county.
Dorset is an incredibly varied corner of the south coast. Think rolling countryside, dramatic Jurassic Coast cliffs, sandy beaches, ancient hillforts, charming market towns, and some of the best seafood in the UK. Whether you’re here for walking, history, food, or a classic seaside escape, there’s a lot waiting for you.
A quick note about my credentials: I’m a born-and-bred Dorset local! I grew up in the beachside town of Weymouth, spent my childhood being whisked on days out all over the county by my parents, and now live in Dorchester. In between travelling the world as a full-time travel blogger, I spend all my free time exploring Dorset.
So consider this your starting point. Below, you’ll find everything you need to plan your trip: when to visit, where to stay, how to get around, and my top recommendations for things to do across the county. If there’s anything I haven’t covered, feel free to get in touch and I’ll see if I can help! Happy travels…
Plan Your Trip
Where to Go in Dorset
Dorset is divided into several distinct areas, each with its own character. Where you should base yourself depends on the kind of trip you’re planning.
For Beach Vibes: For classic seaside holidays, consider the larger coastal towns like Bournemouth and Weymouth. Both offer long sandy beaches, plenty of amenities, and lots of places to eat. They’re both family-friendly and have accommodation options to suit all budgets. If you prefer something quieter and more traditional, the smaller coastal towns are perfect: Lyme Regis, West Bay, and Swanage all have a more relaxed, old‑school charm.
Top Tip: Beaches in West Dorset tend to be shingle or stone, while the eastern coast is where you’ll find the best sandy stretches
For general exploring: For a central base, the historic county town of Dorchester works brilliantly. It’s inland but well‑connected, making it easy to explore both the coast and countryside. If you want to get a little “off the beaten path”, head to north Dorset’s countryside towns like Blandford Forum and Shaftesbury. And if you want the best of everything – dramatic coastline, rolling countryside, and postcard‑perfect villages – the Isle of Purbeck is one of the most beautiful areas in Dorset. It’s a fantastic choice for walkers, nature lovers, and anyone who wants a mix of scenery.
Use the map below to get your bearings and explore Dorset’s main regions and towns.
Read More:
Explore Dorset by Region
A–Z of Dorset Towns & Villages
Where to Stay in Dorset
Dorset has accommodation for every style of trip, from boutique hotels and cosy B&Bs to coastal campsites and countryside glamping spots. If you’re still deciding where to base yourself, my full Where to Stay guide breaks down the best areas and links to all my detailed accommodation round‑ups.
Explore more: Where to Stay in Dorset
Top Hotels in Dorset
- The PIG on the Beach, Studland
- Harbour Hotel & Spa, Christchurch
- Smuggler’s Inn, Osmington Mills
- The Bull Hotel, Bridport
Best Campsites & Glamping Spots
- Eweleaze Campsite, Weymouth (summer only)
- Hook Farm Camping, Lyme Regis
- Swanage Coastal Park, Swanage
- Caalm Camp, Shaftesbury
When to Visit Dorset
There’s really no bad time of year to visit Dorset! Each season has something different to offer. Here’s a quick overview to help you choose the best time for your trip:
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Spring: Mild weather, bluebells and wildflowers, baby animals, and quieter attractions.
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Summer: Best chance of sunshine, ideal beach weather, and lots of festivals – but also the busiest (and priciest) time.
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Autumn: Beautiful golden countryside, fewer crowds, and generally mild weather (but October-November can be wet).
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Winter: Blustery coastal walks, dramatic waves at spots like Portland Bill, and cosy pub evenings.
READ MORE: For a full breakdown of weather, events, and seasonal highlights, see my detailed Best Time to Visit Dorset guide.
Festivals & Events
There’s always something happening in Dorset, from big summer music festivals to quirky local traditions and seasonal events. These guides will help you find the ones that fit your trip:
Top Festivals in Dorset
- Dorset Spring Show: 9-10 May 2026
- Lyme Regis Fossil Festival: 13-14 June 2026
- Dorset Seafood Festival: 4-5 July 2026
- Camp Bestival: 30 July – 2 August 2026
- Dorset County Show: 5-6 September 2026
- Swanage Folk Festival: 11-13 September 2026
Getting Around Dorset
Dorset is fairly easy to navigate, with good road links, regular buses between major towns, and several train stations connecting the county to London and the South West. In summer, “hop on, hop off” buses like the Jurassic Coaster and Purbeck Breezer connect most of the major tourist attractions.
More transport guides are coming soon, but these posts will help you get started:
Top things to do in Dorset
Beaches
Dorset has some of the most beautiful beaches in England, from long sandy stretches to dramatic shingle bays backed by towering cliffs. Whether you want classic seaside fun, quiet coves, or scenic coastal walks, there’s a beach to suit every taste here!
Explore more in my full Dorset Beaches guide.
Top Beaches in Dorset
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Durdle Door: Famous for its rock arch, this shingle beach at the foot of a cliff is one of the most visited on Dorset’s coast!
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Weymouth: A sheltered bay with calm waters for swimming, golden sands, and loads of traditional British seaside charm!
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Bournemouth: A 7-mile stretch of soft, white sand packed with amenities, with a lovely Victorian pier. Very lively, with lots to do and a buzzing strip of cafes, restaurants, and other attractions. It can get really busy on peak days.
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Sandbanks, Poole: A spit of golden sand stretching from Bournemouth to Poole across the mouth of Poole Harbour. It’s known as the most expensive seaside in Britain thanks to the crazy-high house prices.
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Studland: Soft golden sand and rolling grass-topped dunes make this one of the most ruggedly beautiful beaches in Dorset. It’s also adjacent to the beautiful Studland Heath.
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West Bay: Recognisable from the ITV show Broadchurch, West Bay is a shingle and sand beach overlooked by some impressively tall golden cliffs.
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Swanage Beach: Flanked by chalk headlands on either side, the sheltered bay is lined by clean white sands. Closer to the pier is a smaller beach that’s usually a bit quieter!
Jurassic Coast Highlights
The Jurassic Coast is a 96-mile-long stretch of stunning, rugged coastline along the south of England. It starts in Exmouth, Devon and runs all the way across Dorset to Studland Bay. A World Heritage Site, this section of the coastline is famed for the 185 million years of history recorded in its rocks. Not only is the area important from a geological standpoint, but it’s also full of impressive – sometimes unique – geographical structures. Check out my in-depth guides below to learn more…
Top Sights on the Dorset Coast
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Durdle Door: This natural limestone arch over the sea is the most iconic sight in Dorset, and possibly the most famous stone arch in the world!
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Lulworth Cove: An almost circular cove, ringed in by limestone rocks and overlooked by white chalk cliffs.
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Golden Cap: The highest point on the south coast of Britain, at an impressive 191 metres. Can also be viewed from nearby Charmouth Beach.
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Old Harry Rocks: Three chalk stacks leading out into the sea in a line from the tip of Handfast Point on the Isle of Purbeck.
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Chesil Beach and Fleet Lagoon: Chesil Beach is an 18-mile-long barrier beach running from the Isle of Portland to West Bay. Along the way, it encloses The Fleet, a shallow tidal lagoon.
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Portland Bill: The rocky tip of the Isle of Portland, home to the stunning Pulpit Rock – as well as the historic red-and-white lighthouse. On windy days, the waves crashing against Portland Bill are a sight to behold!
Attractions and Days Out
Whether you’re travelling with kids, seeking adventure, or looking for something unique, Dorset has plenty of brilliant attractions to discover. Think historic houses, gardens, museums, animal encounters, and more! Check out my Things to Do in Dorset guide for more info.
Top Attractions in Dorset
- Brownsea Island
- Corfe Castle
- Swanage Railway
- Monkey World
- Abbotsbury Swannery
- Lulworth Castle
- Tyneham
- Nothe Fort
Nature & Wildlife
Dorset is home to some incredible natural landscapes, from heathlands and wetlands to dramatic coastal habitats. It’s a brilliant place for wildlife lovers, with chances to spot everything from rare birds and butterflies to seals, dolphins, and basking sharks.
I’ll be adding a full Nature & Wildlife guide soon, but here are a few of the best places to start:
- RSPB Arne
- Durlston Country Park
- Brownsea Island
- The Blue Pool
- Hengistbury Head
- Abbotsbury Swannery (visit in May-June to see baby swans hatching!)
Walks & Hiking
Walking is one of the best ways to experience Dorset’s landscapes, with everything from gentle countryside rambles to rugged Jurassic Coast hikes. There are routes for all abilities, and many come with incredible views or fascinating history.
Find more inspiration in my Dorset Walks guide.
Best Walks in Dorset
Adventure activities
I’m currently working on a full guide to Dorset’s adventure activities, but in the meantime, here’s a quick list to get started:
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Coasteering – Climb cliffs, jump off rocks, and venture into caves as you explore the coast from a whole new perspective. I can personally recommend Lulworth Outdoors for this, but there are plenty of other companies along the Dorset coast.
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Climbing – Dorset’s Isle of Portland is considered one of the UK’s best climbing locations. There are more than 4,000 routes to discover, so it’s perfect for climbers of all abilities.
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Kayaking – From unusual rock formations and dramatic cliffs, to idyllic bays, it’s hard to imagine a more perfect setting for a kayaking trip than Dorset. Rent a kayak and explore solo, or book yourself onto one of the numerous kayaking tours along Dorset’s Jurassic Coast.
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SUP – Stand Up Paddleboarding is another of the best things to do on the Dorset Coast. Especially in the quieter bays, or the manmade Portland Harbour. Naturally protected by Portland to the south, Chesil Beach to the west and mainland Dorset to the north, the calm waters of the harbour make a fantastic spot for paddleboarding.
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Dorset Water Park – set within the stunning Purbeck countryside, the Dorset Water Park is a floating obstacle course.
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Rib Boat Rides – a fast-paced RIB boat will take you on an adrenaline-pumping tour of the Jurassic Coast. Weymouth Bay RIB Charters depart from Weymouth Harbour and offer several coastal tours.
History & Heritage
Dorset has a rich history and played a significant role in many important events, including the English Civil War, the two World Wars, and the rebuilding of London after the Great Fire. Explore ancient hillforts, Roman towns, literary landmarks, and vast local fossil collections!
I’m currently working on a full Dorset history guide, but in the meantime, the guides below are the best place to start:
Historical Highlights in Dorset
- Thomas Hardy’s Cottage: National Trust-owned woodland cottage where the author wrote his early works.
- Hardy’s Monument: Hilltop tower commemorating the Vice Admiral Sir Thomas Hardy – with incredible countryside views.
- Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum: Learn about the group of men who founded an early workers’ rights union – and were sentenced to transportation for the crime.
- Sturminster Newton Mill: A fully working flour mill with roots back to 1016.
- Russel Coates Museum: A Grade II* listed building filled with an impressive collection of art and artefacts!
- Kingston Lacy: Italianate country mansion with an incredible collection, managed by the National Trust.
- Maiden Castle: One of Europe’s largest Iron Age hillforts.
- Lyme Regis Museum: Explore a large collection of local fossil finds.
Towns and Villages
Dorset’s towns and villages each have their own charm, whether you’re after seaside bustle, market‑town history, or quiet countryside escapes. They make great bases for exploring or lovely day trips in their own right. Use the guides below to learn more:
Prettiest Towns and Villages to Visit
- Gold Hill, Shaftesbury – regularly voted as one of the prettiest streets in Britain, Shaftesbury’s Gold Hill appeared in the famous Hovis advert of the 1970s!
- Abbotsbury – one of my personal favourites, Abbotsbury is filled with pretty thatched-roof cottages.
- Corfe – a picturesque village of white-painted cottages, overlooked by the iconic Corfe Castle.
- Cranborne – a charming village of red brick and cob houses, which featured in Thomas Hardy’s novels as ‘Chaseborough’. The nearby Cranborne Manor is a Grade I listed country house.
- Evershot – another village that featured frequently in Hardy’s literature, particularly in Tess of the d’Urbervilles. The neat little hilltop village is also the source of the River Frome*.
*(Fun fact, the river is pronounced fr-oo-m to rhyme with room, and not to rhyme with home like you might think!)
Food and Drink
Dorset has a fantastic food scene, with fresh seafood, cosy pubs, farm shops, and brilliant local producers. Whether you’re after a special meal or a casual bite, you’ll find plenty to enjoy.
Discover more in my Dorset Food & Drink Guide.
Dishes Unique to Dorset
Dorset Apple Cake – a sweet cake made with apple and cinnamon, and always served with a hearty dollop of clotted cream. Although apple cake is pretty universal, this recipe is unique to Dorset and was even named the county’s “national dish”.
Knob Biscuits / Dorset Knob – I can’t help smirking whenever I read this name! These are hard, crumbly little bread dough balls, often eaten with cheese. They’re definitely unique to Dorset.
Dorset Blue Vinney – a strong blue cheese made following a 300-year-old family recipe!
Dorset in Books, TV & Film
From classic literature to modern crime dramas and blockbuster films, Dorset has inspired countless stories. If you love exploring destinations through the books you read or the shows you watch, these highlights are a great place to start.
Books
Dorset has a rich literary heritage, most famously as the home and inspiration of Thomas Hardy.
Explore the full list in my Books Set in Dorset guide.
Top picks:
- Far From the Madding Crowd, Thomas Hardy – the author lived near Dorchester and set most of his novels in and around Dorset.
- Moonfleet, J Meade Falkner – a swashbuckling tale of smugglers and treasure set around The Fleet. Based partly in truth!
- Persuasion, Jane Austen – partly set in Lyme Regis.
- On Chesil Beach, Ian McEwan – a short novel about the fraught relationship between a newlywed couple on their honeymoon.
TV
A few well‑known series have used Dorset’s landscapes and towns as their backdrop.
Top picks:
- Broadchurch – ITV’s serial crime drama series starring David Tennant and Olivia Colman was shot in and around West Bay.
- Howards End – The BBC’s four-part mini-series, starring Hayley Atwell and Matthew MacFadyen. Scenes outside of London were filmed around Swanage Pier and Ballard Down.
Films
Dorset’s coastline and countryside often appear on the big screen, from period dramas to modern thrillers.
Top picks:
- On Chesil Beach (Chesil Beach)
- Dunkirk (Weymouth Harbour and Swanage Railway)
- Ammonite (Lyme Regis)
- Far From the Madding Crowd (Several locations, including Mapperton House, Sherborne Abbey, Castleton Church, and Abbey Close)
More TV and film guides are coming soon!
I hope this guide helps you get your bearings and start planning an amazing trip to Dorset. There’s so much to explore here, and this page is just the beginning! Click on the guides above that interest you most and start crafting your perfect itinerary.
Ready to explore the county in more detail? Head to my Destinations page to discover Dorset’s towns, villages, and regions.
Booking Your Trip
Airports Guide – An in-depth guide to the best airports for Dorset, including travel info for each one.
Booking.com – The best booking site for all types of accommodation. It usually has the lowest prices and the widest range. I highly recommend downloading the app to manage your bookings and search on-the-go (app prices are sometimes slightly cheaper, too).
Get Your Guide – Find and book tours and attraction tickets for your trip.
Discover Cars – Easily search for and book car hire for your Dorset trip.
Airalo – If you’re coming from overseas, buy a pre-paid eSIM for the UK to get online without roaming fees. Use code EMILY9237 to get £2.50 off your first purchase.
I have lived in beautiful Dorset all of my life, and wherever I’ve been in the world, I’m always happy to come home. Really appreciate Dorset and the UK the more we travel.
Same here. I’ve been living in Hampshire for the last couple of years but am currently in the process of moving back. Nowhere really beats Dorset, and I want that to be the place I come home to in between trips!
I am an American who has traveled quite a bit around England. Dorset is my favorite county. I love Hardy, and I think Athelhampton is one of the loveliest houses I’ve ever seen. Chesil Beach is also a favorite. You all are so very lucky to live there!
Hi Martha! Thanks so much for commenting – and for loving my county so much. I never appreciated it growing up but Dorset really is special isn’t it? So much history, as well as that amazing coastline. Hope you get to visit again soon, you’ll be very welcome 🙂