Dorset - 90 Attractions You Must Visit

A wownderful 11 acres of garden set in the heart of Cranborne Chase. created by General Pitt Rivers in 1880 is an extraordinary example of Victorian extravagance and vision, the perfect country wedding venue. The gardens hold a unique collection of ornate buildings, ranging from the spectacular Singing Theatre to the magical Roman Temple. The magical garden welcomes guests to wander through hidden walkways, unwind on the lawns, and discover the unique charm of this beautiful setting.

A majestic castle was Built in the 17th century. Originally built as a hunting lodge to entertain aristocracy and royalty, it was for centuries the family seat of the Weld family, the current owners of the Lulworth Estate. Inside the castle is a wealth of fascinating history; walk in the footsteps of King and Queens as you follow the story of the Weld family’s fate and fortune and explore the basement rooms and memorabilia collections. Children can enjoy hunting for the 10 bats hidden around th

Lulworth Cove is world-famous for its unique geology and landforms including the Lulworth Crumple and Stair Hole. The pebble beach and blue waters of Lulworth Cove make it an extremely popular destination. The Cove and surrounding countryside are hugely popular with walkers. You can walk to the cove along the South West Coast Path national trail.

The Lulworth Estate extends over 12,000 acres of the south Dorset countryside, including 5 miles of the Jurassic Coast and internationally renowned landmarks such as Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. The fairy tale Lulworth Castle is a great day out for all the family, from the fascinating exhibits in the basement cellars to the incredible views from the tower. The estate is predominantly owned by the Weld family, who have lived there for several generations.

Lyme Regis Museum houses some fantastic fossils and is a great place to learn about the long history of fossil collecting in the area. It is built on the site of the birthplace and home of the fossil hunter Mary Anning. The Anning family also ran a shop here.

One of the largest and most complex Iron Age hillforts in Europe. Its huge multiple ramparts, mostly built in the 1st century BC, once protected hundreds of residents. When it was first built, the gleaming white chalk ramparts would have towered over the surrounding landscape. It is situated just 2 miles south of Dorchester in Dorset. It is truly an amazing place: even after more than 2000 years, the earthworks are immense, some ramparts rising to a height of 6 meters.

Mapperton is a glorious sandstone manor house and romantic valley garden deep in a lost Dorset combe among tumbling hills and unspoiled countryside. It hosts several events each year, including charity plant fairs, classical concerts, easter trails, creepy crawly shows, food shows and halloween fun days. The house is open by guided tour only, which run at set times each day.

Max Gate was the house which Thomas Hardy designed and his father and brother built, between 1883 and 1885. Contains several pieces of Hardy's furniture. Here he wrote Tess of the D'Urbervilles, Jude the Obscure and The Mayor of Casterbridge. Visitors to the house can view the hall, dining room, drawing room and garden as well as the room where Hardy wrote his most provocative novel.

Monkey World was set up in 1987 by Jim Cronin to provide a permanent, stable home for abused Spanish beach chimpanzees. The 65-acre park is home to the stars of TV’s ‘Monkey Life’ and ‘Monkey Business, and provides sanctuary for rescued and endangered primates from around the world. Monkey World features the largest group of chimpanzees outside of Africa which are housed in four different social groups.

Monmouth Beach is a pebble and rock beach which was located just outside the town of Lyme Regis, and stretches from the famous Cobb for about one mile, to Pinhey Beach. This beach is so named because the Duke of Monmouth landed here in 1685 in an attempt to wrest the crown from King James II. One of the family-friendly beach and is apt for a swim and bath.

Moors Valley is a Country Park with Play Trail, narrow-gauge steam railway, Go Ape treetop adventure, golf course, country shop, restaurant and more. A ranger service provides a wide range of events and an educational program. A park run event takes place every Saturday morning at 9am on the park.

Mudeford Quay is situated at the entrance of Christchurch Harbour and South of Mudeford village center. The Quay comprises of The Haven Inn public house, a number of ex-fishermans' cottages, and a large car park, it is still used by local fishing boats as well as being a base for many water sports. A short walk from Mudeford Quay is the family-friendly, sandy beaches of Gundimore, Avon Beach, and Friars Cliff. There are beachside cafes, toilets, and beach huts for hire.

Located in the heart of the beautiful market town of Wimborne, visitors can discover the story of East Dorset with stunning Roman wall paintings, the fascinating childhood gallery, and a unique Victorian Valentine card collection. Explore period rooms from a 17th-century hall to the working Victorian kitchen, finding out how life and work have changed in this historic townhouse.

Corfe Castle stand on a natural hill guarding the principal route through the Purbeck Hills. As you can see it guards the gap between the south of Purbeck, where Purbeck marble was once quarried, and the rest of England. Nothing could pass in or out without going past the Castle. The castle dates to the 11th century and commands a gap in the Purbeck Hills on the route between Wareham and Swanage. It is protected as a Grade I listed building and a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

An elegant country mansion set in attractive formal gardens and extensive parkland. Discover the Spanish Room with its gilded leather and gilded ceiling brought from the Contarini Palace in Venice and don’t miss the interactive digital tour of Kingston Lacy in the Egyptian Room where you can take control of the camera to delve into all the nooks and crannies of the house. The Kingston Lacy Estate stretches for 8,500 acres and takes in Holt Heath National Nature Reserve and Badbury Rings.

Nothe Fort, a three-tiered fortification on a raised promontory next to Weymouth Harbour, is an unmistakable landmark in the region. Learn about military history and World War II in its museum, which is mostly set in a labyrinth of subterranean passageways. Enjoy the stunning views of the Jurassic Coast from the picnic areas on the ramparts and newly-opened terrace, or go underground and explore the many tunnels and secret passageways beneath the fort, including the spooky ghost tunnel.

One of the iconic attractions in Dorset which takes you on an underwater adventure through some of the world's most amazing waters. Home to hundreds of awesome creatures, come face to face with stunning sharks, curious green sea turtles, colorful clownfish, and the very cute, Oriental small-clawed otter family. The Bournemouth Oceanarium also boasts the world's first virtual interactive dive cage and an interactive global meltdown to explore the effects of climate change.

A spectacular cliff formation Standing tall on Handfast Point at the southern end of Studland Bay is one of the most famous landmarks on the South Coast – Old Harry. They are part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and are managed by the National Trust. One of the iconic location where you can spend some nice time.

Poole is Europe's largest natural harbor and a stunning location for all types of watersports fringed with unspoilt woodland and coastal walks. It is made up of many different habitats, which in turn provides a stunning variety of birdlife throughout the entire year. It is one of several which lay claim to the title of "second largest natural harbour in the world".