7 Fun Things to Do When You Visit Dorset
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Dorset is a county with a lot of character. It’s filled with beautiful spots, quirky villages and historic landmarks. The county also has plenty of fun activities which you can enjoy when you visit. This southwest English county has much to offer visitors who are looking for something to do besides visiting the same old sights that they see in every other English county. From the natural beauty of Lulworth Cove and the Isle of Purbeck, to the unashamedly artificial attractions like Holcombe arboretum and the amazing Thomas Hardy houses, there’s a lot to keep you entertained in Dorset. This is one place that everyone should add to their bucket list if they want to tick off all the things to do in Dorset. Let’s take a look at some activities that will make your day trip or weekend break more exciting when you visit Dorset.
Visit the Thomas Hardy Houses
Dorset is home to not one but two houses that were once inhabited by the great novelist, poet and artist Thomas Hardy. The two houses that you can visit are Max Gate in Dorchester and The Hardy’s House in Higher Bockhampton. Max Gate is the more accessible of the two houses, as it’s located in the center of the city of Dorchester. It’s a small but perfectly formed museum dedicated to the life and works of Thomas Hardy. The house also hosts frequent events, so you can enjoy a more interactive experience there. The Hardy’s House is located in the village of Bockhampton. It’s a lot less accessible than Max Gate, as it’s situated in the middle of nowhere and there’s no public transport to the village. But it’s definitely worth the trip if you are a big fan of Thomas Hardy.
Visit Lulworth Cove
Lulworth Cove is a picturesque beach that lies just outside the village of Lulworth, which is also worth a visit if you have the time. The cove is surrounded by limestone cliffs that are rich in fossils, so keep your eyes peeled if you’re into rocks and fossils. The beach is also home to the Lulworth Skimming Stones, a tradition that dates back to the 15th century. The stones are believed to be the remains of a nearby Roman temple. They’re located just behind the beach, so keep an eye out for them as you walk along the sand.
The village itself is home to a number of shops, cafes and restaurants, so it’s worth taking a stroll through the village and enjoying the views of the cove. The cove is also a great place for a day out with children. There is a rock pool where you can see a variety of sea life such as crabs, starfish and anemones.
Go on a harbour cruise in Weymouth
Weymouth is one of the busiest and most popular towns in Dorset, so it’s definitely worth a visit. The town is best known for its sandy beaches, with the West Beach being the most popular. There is also an East Beach which is great if you want to avoid the crowds. Weymouth is also home to the Olympic sailing venue, so it’s worth visiting if you want to indulge in a little Olympic nostalgia. A great way to see the main highlights of Weymouth is to take a harbour cruise. The cruise will take you around the harbour, past the Olympic sailing venue and out to the red warning buoy. You’ll also get to see Portland Harbour and the famous Chesil Beach from the water. The cruise is a great way to see the highlights of Weymouth and enjoy a little seaside nostalgia.
Take an excursion to Bournemouth
Bournemouth is the biggest city in Dorset and is a great place for a weekend break away. The city has plenty of seaside charm, but it also has plenty of urban attractions, so it’s a great all-rounder. One place that you must visit in Bournemouth is the Bournemouth Pier. The pier is a Victorian seaside attraction that is a great place to visit all year round. You can go and stroll along the pier to admire the views, go for a ride on the ferris wheel, visit the aquarium or go to one of the many bars and restaurants that are located on the pier. The pier is also home to the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, so you can enjoy a classical concert while admiring the views of the sea. This is a wonderful place to head to when you visit Dorset.
Go swimming with seals in the summer
If you visit the beach at Abbotsbury, you can swim with the seals. Abbotsbury is a small village that’s famous for its gardens. There are also a few sandy beaches nearby, and one of these, East Beach, is the place where you can go seal spotting. The seal colony is best seen between May and September, so if you don’t visit during the summer months you won’t see any seals. There is a charge to go and see the seals, but it’s a very small fee of £3 for an adult. The seals are very tame and unafraid of people, so don’t be surprised if one decides to give you a nudge with its flipper.
Wander around the Roman ruins in Dorchester
Dorchester is the county town of Dorset, so it’s definitely worth a visit if you want to get a true sense of the county. Dorchester is most famous for its Roman heritage, so it’s a great place to go if you are interested in the history of England. There are a number of Roman ruins in the town, so it’s a great place to go if you want to see some ancient history. There is also a museum that is dedicated to the history of the Romans in Dorset. It’s a great place to learn about the history of the county and see some amazing artifacts.
Check out the views from Bovington’s Tank Museum
Dorset is home to Bovington’s Tank Museum. It’s one of the best museums of its kind in the country. The museum is home to many different tanks, including the fully restored World War II Sherman Tank. There are also plenty of other vehicles at the museum, such as trucks and helicopters. It’s really worth a visit if you are interested in vehicles of any kind. It’s also a great place for families and for people who don’t have a huge interest in military vehicles. The museum also hosts a number of activities, such as battle tank driving experiences and tank firing demonstrations, so it’s a very hands-on museum.
Places to stay
It’s so important to have a lovely place to stay when you’re travelling away. Dorset has some absolutely lovely places all over the county. To get you started, here are our top 5 recommendations of places to stay when you visit Dorset:
- Gresham Guest House – A gorgeous modern hotel, right on the picturesque seafront in Weymouth.
- Plumber Manor Hotel – Set in a timeless old countryside hotel, this one comes complete with tennis and croquet courts.
- Derby Manor – An elegant and luxurious hotel based in Boscombe, a short distance from the tourist hotspot of Bournemouth.
- Bear of Burton – A cosy and uniquely designed hotel based in the historic old town of Christchurch.
- The Pilot Boat – Cosy and quirky rooms in the wonderful location of Lyme Regis.
Places to eat
Dorset is also full of absolutely fantastic places to eat. Sample the local cuisine by checking out one of our top picks for places to eat in Dorset.
- Millside – A delicious and luxurious seafood restaurant in Lyme Regis, perfect for trying local cuisine.
- The Whole Hog – This is a wonderful budget option, specialising in pulled pork. burgers and delicious doughnuts.
- Robin Wylde – A Michelin-star restaurant in Lyme Regis with only 8 tables – so make sure you book ahead.
- The Bay Tree – A lovely and welcoming cafe, perfect for if you want a full meal or just a coffee and a cake.
- The Jetty – A stunning seafood restaurant, with stunning views over the sea in Christchurch
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
There are many interesting places to visit in Dorset and the county is packed with history and culture. Dorset is also famous for its beautiful coastline which makes it a perfect place for a seaside holiday. And with so many things to do in Dorset, you can make your holiday as active or as laid back as you want.
Thank you so much for reading and I hope to see you back here again soon.
Ta-ta for now! x
