Things to do & places to visit in Dorset, United Kingdom

Dorset #10 destination in United Kingdom 2023. The average rating score is 4.52 based on 79.4k traveler reviews, of 34 attractions. Timezone: Europe/London, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 3:35.

Top things to do (30)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 The Tank Museum (4.899 reviews)
- Worth the money and very interesting
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Military Museums • Speciality Museums • History Museums

The Tank Museum brings history to life, with the world’s best collection of tanks and explosive live displays. Our exhibitions tell the story of armoured warfare spanning over 100 years of history. Exploring ten powerful exhibitions, you will come face to face with almost 300 armoured vehicles. This unique collection includes the world’s first ever tank, the feared German Tiger and the modern Challenger 2. There are special events going on throughout the year at The Tank Museum including TANKFEST, Tiger Day and the Vintage Christmas Festival and Craft Fayre, as well as special activity programmes during the School Holiday. See more..
5.0 Dorset Adventure Park (1.711 reviews)
- Great family fun
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Water Parks

Dorset Adventure Park is a family fun Waterpark and Mud Trail. Featuring 18 acres of woodland and lakes with stunning views of Corfe Castle. Whether you’re looking to get wet or muddy, there is something for everyone to enjoy! The Waterpark is a huge Woodland Water Park spread over two lakes overlooking Corfe Castle. Each lake features different inflatable obstacles for you to tackle. More than 200m of wet inflatable fun for you to challenge your family and friends. Dorset Mud Trail is an outdoor adventure trail for any age and is fantastic fun in any weather; great on a sunny day, but even more fun in the rain. Featuring 50 different muddy obstacles over a 2km trail. Mud washes off, memories last a lifetime! Free parking and Snack Shack offering hot and cold food and drinks. Come and join us for a full of fun day of outdoor adventure for all the family! See more..
5.0 Marvo Mysteries Escape Room Bournemouth (1.172 reviews)
- Great family activity
Monday: 10:30 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games • Mysterious Sites • Game & Entertainment Centers

Marvo Mysteries Award Winning Escape Room experience. You must search for clues, solve the mystery, recover the Artifact and try to escape, all before time runs out. Find out if you have what it takes to become a M.A.R.V.O Agent. See more..
5.0 Fore/Adventure (1.083 reviews)
- Great kayaking experience
Stand Up Paddleboarding • Kayaking & Canoeing

Great 2 hr Kayaking experience with Danni. We were an older couple with no kayaking experience in a group of very fit young men. We had no need to worry. Danni kept it very chilled and interesting, hearing all about Old Harry Rocks among other things and we never felt under pressure. Definitely recommend to anyone that wants to enjoy a couple of hours along the coastline in a kayak with interesting facts along the way. Thank you for looking after us Danni. See more..
5.0 Weymouth Bay Rib Charters (862 reviews)
- Great cruise to Durdle Door
Monday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Boat Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Speed Boats Tours

We came to Wetmouth for a mini holiday and booked tue gentle Durdle Door cruise for whilst we were here. Looked great from the reviews and we really wanted to visit Durdle Door. We were a bit apprehensive at first as we had a big storm on the Friday and wasn’t sure on what the conditions would be like for having our 7 year old with us on the Saturday. I messaged their Facebook page and was given the thumbs up on Saturday morning that all was running as expected. Sun was out, not much wind etc so it was a great day. We had John who was our skipper for the hour and he was really interactive and knew his stuff about the coastline and different points along the way. Although this was a ‘gentle’ cruise, we certainly got a bit of speed up which made it really exciting, especially for my Son. We passed some cruise ships along the way, the Queen Elizabeth was moored up which was a nice sight too! Spotted the 2 resident Dolphins who came close to say hello. It was my Son’s first encounter with Dolphins and he was made up! Great sights of Durdle Door, got really close, loads of opportunity for pictures too; exactly what we wanted! On the way back we went around the cruise ships again and the Dolphins were back and stayed around us for much longer, getting really close and allowing us to take lots of photos. It was a great trip for us and well worth the money. We would definitely recommend! See more..
5.0 The Tunnel Tree Tops (305 reviews)
- Great challenging family fun
Monday: Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks

My two sons 10 and 15 our friends daughters 15 and 13 and both dads throughly enjoyed the tree tops course especially the zip wires. My youngest early on had a panic moment where he thought he just couldn't do it which we weren't expecting as he had done climbing walls in the past and the instructor was amazing and reassured him that he was safe and secure and with his guidance he completed the whole course and was very chuffed with himself that he managed to do it all. 100% coming again and recommending to more friends See more..
5.0 The Tank Museum (4.899 reviews)
- Worth the money and very interesting
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Military Museums • Speciality Museums • History Museums

The Tank Museum brings history to life, with the world’s best collection of tanks and explosive live displays. Our exhibitions tell the story of armoured warfare spanning over 100 years of history. Exploring ten powerful exhibitions, you will come face to face with almost 300 armoured vehicles. This unique collection includes the world’s first ever tank, the feared German Tiger and the modern Challenger 2. There are special events going on throughout the year at The Tank Museum including TANKFEST, Tiger Day and the Vintage Christmas Festival and Craft Fayre, as well as special activity programmes during the School Holiday. See more..
4.5 Bournemouth Beach (8.888 reviews)
- Lovely Early Morning Walks On The Beach
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Beaches

Had friends visiting so took them for an early morning walk on the beach. There are boat rides out for day trips and it’s £1.50 if you want to walk to the pier! Free clean toilets near the pier and lovely soft sandy beach where we saw bird’s footprints before it got all messed up by human ones when they day got busy. Worth a visit, vibrant and lively. See more..
4.5 Monkey World (6.091 reviews)
- First Visit
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

We made our first visit after following viewing a TV series about the attraction on Pick TV. As we live about 100 miles from the attraction (roughly 2 hours’ drive each way) we were hoping to just drive to the attraction and pay on arrival with the website showing two entry tariffs one for paying at the gate and one for booking online but in one area of the website suggested that we would need to prebook. Because of the contradiction of information on the website I decided to try phoning the attraction and got a recorded message saying that it's open on a pre-book basis only so we decided to book online before setting out from home. On arrival we joined a fairly lengthy queue due to there being only one kiosk open which appeared to be people being allowed to pay on arrival! As it was the case that people can pay on arrival, I would expect a ticket only entry kiosk. We spent about 4 hours in the park and enjoyed our visit although it proved difficult to see some of the monkey’s due plants and other obstacles. I’ve only rated the experience at the attraction 4 because of the ticketing issues otherwise it would have been 5. See more..
4.5 Weymouth Beach (5.955 reviews)
- One of the great English seaside beaches.
Beaches

Weymouth beach is the perfect place for young children, The sand is the best for making sand castles in the UK. It is fine and almost white. The sea is always calm and slopes gently. No dangerous drops or holes. The traditional, infamous Punch and Judy show is wonderful, if not 'Politically Correct' by today's woke standards. Children, parents and grandparents have been laughing at it for generations. In the Summer months there is a fun fair at one end. I have been coming here since 1953 and never grow tired of it. I really miss the donkeys. See more..
4.5 Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door (4.181 reviews)
- Don't take loads of stuff
Geologic Formations

First time at durdle door, we travel with etherything ... the walk down to the stairs is steep 40 degree angle...then the steps are challenging. Walking back to the carpark was a massive effort. The location is excellent and idyllic. The beach is shingle and the sea depth reaches 6ft, 3m from the water edge. Overall very nice but be sure not to overload your self's with objects to carry. The parking was cheap for a day on a beach £10 , be sure to get what you need from the cafe and shop as its a long way to walk to Ince ypur on beach. Don't know why there is disabled spaces in the car park, if you need to be that close then don't bother going as ypu won't make it to the beach and definitely won't make it back to the car Great to experience the beach and scenery but won't be going back because of accessibility. Enjoy See more..
4.5 Corfe Castle (2.985 reviews)
- Such an amazing visit
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Castles

Uncover the secrets of Dorset's iconic medieval castle. A favourite haunt for adults and children alike, you can't fail to be captivated by these romantic castle ruins with breathtaking views.Castle - Discover 1000 years of the castle's history as a royal palace and fortress. With fallen walls and secret places, there are tales of treachery and treason around every corner. Spot the 'murder holes' and count the arrow loops. Feel history come to life and see the wildlife which has set up home in these facinating castle ruins.Shop - In the village square, our shop offers a range of products from pocket money treats to luxury locally made gifts.Tea Rooms - Indulge in a homemade Dorset cream tea in our delightful 18th centry tea rooms. Enjoy the summer garden with unrivalled castle views or the glowing open log fire in winter. See more..
4.5 Weymouth Harbour (2.549 reviews)
- A lovely place to explore
Points of Interest & Landmarks

The harbour is a lovely place to explore. We enjoyed seeing all the pretty buildings and looking at the boats. Despite being the Bank Holiday weekend it was easy to pick up a boat trip on the day rather than needing to prebook. A very enjoyable experience! See more..
4.5 Brownsea Island (2.512 reviews)
- Good day out
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Islands • Nature & Wildlife Areas

Owned by the National Trust, Brownsea Island is dramatically located in Poole Harbour, with spectacular views across to the Purbeck Hills. Thriving natural habitats - including woodland, heathland and a lagoon - create a unique haven for wildlife, such as the rare red squirrel and a wide variety of birds, including dunlin, kingfishers, common and sandwich terns and oystercatchers. The Outdoor Centre invites you to come and follow in the footsteps of Lord Baden-Powell and the very first Scouts who camped here in 1907. Spend a night under the stars at the historic campsite and live life like a true Scout whilst you take advantage of the peace and tranquillity of the island when all other visitors have gone home. The perfect day's adventure - this island wildlife sanctuary is easy to get to but feels like another world from the moment you step ashore. See more..
4.5 Hengistbury Head Beach (2.317 reviews)
- Beautiful!!
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Beaches • Nature & Wildlife Areas

Spent a short time wandering along this stunning beach after enjoying a journey on a cute land train to get there. We would have walked if we had more time and the paths through the woods and alongside the water were beautiful. The beach huts that lined the beach were very popular with plenty people using them for the day or for a longer stay. The beach was very clean and there were eateries to suit all tastes. The train costs £2.30 per person each way and there is plenty of parking at the other end. Would definitely recommend a visit. See more..
4.5 Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum (2.211 reviews)
- Majestic House
Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Art Museums

Private home of extensive travelers Sir Merton Russell-Cotes and his wife Lady Annie was one of the last Victorian manor houses ever built. See more..
4.5 Lower Gardens (2.083 reviews)
- Really Happy
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 1-2 hours Parks • Gardens

Upper, Central and Lower Gardens have all been Green Flag winners since 1999 and run from Bournemouth pier to the boundary with Poole. The gardens are 3 kilometres long. They are all part of the Bourne Valley Greenway and are Listed Grade II in the English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens. There are lots of activities and events taking place, or you can simply enjoy the scenery. Find out more about the history of the gardens here. The Lower Gardens This section of the gardens is quite short, it runs from the pier to the town centre, but there is always lots going on. Year-round attractions include Classic mini golf, a bandstand, refreshment kiosks and Street food corner site, an aviary, and art exhibition. Seasonal events in this section of the gardens attract thousands of visitors. In 2018 the gardens became the main setting for the Christmas Tree Wonderland. See more..
4.5 Poole Harbour (2.040 reviews)
- Better than we expected
Bodies of Water

Having never visited Poole before we have been pleasantly surprised. The harbour area is lovely lined with bars and restaurants, plenty of boat trips at very good prices too. Lovely walking walking around the harbour seeing how the other half life with the amazing boats you can see See more..
4.5 Nothe Fort (2.012 reviews)
- Fantasic Views
Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites

Nothe Fort is now open every weekend until 1st April, when we shall then be open daily. Nothe Fort is Weymouth’s No. 1 heritage attraction, offering fantastic 360 degree views across Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. Discover a maze of underground tunnels, nuclear shelter, a museum, parade ground, and large guns positioned high on the ramparts, We host a wonderful cafe and offer fun trails to keep the children busy. We pride ourselves on our top quality visitor experience, with friendly volunteers on hand to help you get the most out of your visit. See more..
4.5 Kingston Lacy (1.942 reviews)
- Stunning house and gardens
Monday: 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM Historic Sites

A beautiful house and gardens, well worth booking I'm advance especially with covid at the moment. The flowers were lovely and the inside the house is a must to see. I would recommend heading to the house first to book a slot to look inside the house with current restrictions it's recommended by the staff there. The paintings are beautiful especially. It's dog friendly, apart from you can't take them inside the house or into the formal gardens. There are lots of lovely flowers in the formal gardens. The only downside I would say is that there is a lack of signs telling you how to find the Japanese gardens and the tea gardens. It's well worth getting a national trust membership as this is quite costly, plus if you are on holiday here it works out cheaper as its a one off fee for the year if you pay annually. WiFi signal is very poor here though. See more..
4.5 Sandbanks Beach (1.874 reviews)
- Lovely golden sand
Spent More than 3 hours Beaches

Naturally beautiful, with its golden sand, Sandbanks Beach has been designated by the European Commission as one of the few areas in the United Kingdom which has achieved the highest standard of cleanliness. Sandbanks has held the highly coveted international Blue Flag for the past 30 years. Equipment is available to hire from the beach office. Activities at Sandbanks include crazy golf, a children's play area and the Sandbanks Beach Cafe. BBQs can take place from 6 pm-10.30 pm only The number 50 Wilts and Dorset bus from Bournemouth Station to Swanage stops near to the beach (generally every half hour in the summer). There is a car park next to the beach that holds 550 cars, 5 for disabled use. See more..
4.5 Portland Bill Lighthouse (1.599 reviews)
- Beware the wasps.
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lighthouses

For nearly 300 years a lighthouse has stood on Portland Bill to guide vessels heading for Portland and Weymouth and acting as a waymark for vessels navigating in the English Channel. A red sector light warns mariners of the hazardous Shambles Bank lying three miles offshore. Tours of Portland Bill Lighthouse are organised by AMH Support Services under licence from the Corporation of Trinity House. Currently the Heritage Centre and gift shop is open for visitors See more..
4.5 Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium (1.504 reviews)
- Great aquarium
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Aquariums

Really great trip to the aquarium. Kids and adults loved feeding the fish by hand and holding a starfish. It was a bit pricey for a fairly short visit but we thought it was worth it as really unique and fun. Very helpful friendly chap running it too. See more..
4.5 Sculpture By The Lakes (1.487 reviews)
- Tranquility and fantastic sculptures
Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Art Galleries • Gardens

Nestled in 26 acres of glorious countryside, Sculpture by the Lakes is a perfectly curated oasis, that breaks down barriers between you and your surroundings. DUE TO FAST FLOWING AND DEEP WATER THERE ARE NO CHILDREN (UNDER AGE 14) OR DOGS ARE ALLOWED ON SITE. Renowned contemporary sculptor Simon Gudgeon and his team of makers, invite you to explore the seamless symmetry between art, nature and relaxation. This isn’t an experience to be rushed. Lose time and unwind in The Sculpture Park and discover something special in The Makers Yard – enjoy delicious homemade food in The Kitchen, fresh local produce in The Pantry, find unique gifts and goodies in The Store and curated exhibition pieces in The Gallery. Take time, switch off and immerse yourself in your own day. See more..
4.5 Abbotsbury Swannery (1.416 reviews)
- What a superb place
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

We took the option of booking this as well as the nearby sub tropical gardens thereby enjoying a discount. The Swannery was sublime, great to see the all of the different 'natural pens' in which pairs of Mute swans can raise their cygnets safely. Plenty of information boards and easy to get very close allowing you to see them in all their finery. I'd suggest visiting on a good weather day so allowing you so sit and watch but also go early, it does get busy and the amount of people could become an annoyance. Brilliant place and one I will revisit. See more..
4.5 Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens (1.392 reviews)
- Very impressed
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Gardens

Voted the Historic Houses Association /Christie's Garden of the Year 2012. Acclaimed by Alan Titchmarsh as "one of the finest Gardens I have ever visited." Regularly featured on TV, most recently for a BBC Gardeners' World feature on camellias, with the excellent Carol Klein and expert Jennifer Trehane, and in James Wong's outstanding episode of the BBC's Great British Garden Revival series, on tropical gardens. Established in 1765. See more..
4.5 West Bay Harbour (1.378 reviews)
- Hidden gem
Bodies of Water

We really didn't know what to expect when we arrived after a visit to nearby Bridport but we were very pleasantly surprised with what we found. A pretty harbour, beach area and a marina together with lovely little kiosks, cafes and shops - something for everyone to enjoy. More upmarket restaurants and pubs as well made this a great all round destination. See more..
4.5 Farmer Palmer's Farm Park (1.355 reviews)
- A great family day out
Monday: 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Farms

Award winning Family-run visitor attraction near Poole in Dorset, the Palmer's have designed everything for children 8 years and under! Open daily from 9.30am, Online Pre-Booking Essential. Whatever the weather, indoor and outdoor play to keep children busy. Animal experiences to delight. A family experience focused on your little VIP’s. Great day out, with amazing entertaining events throughout the year. The World of Dinosaur Roar Discovery Trail is a must for any young dinosaur fans. The fantastic Hen House Restaurant is open each day and ready to refuel you with delicious homemade meals and tasty cakes and snacks! Opened in 1998 the attention to detail and happy, friendly staff make all the difference to delivering great customer service. Full details on the "News Page" on our Website. Sign up for our Newsletter via the Farmer Palmer's website for the latest updates. Please check current opening times and prices on the Farmer Palmer website. See more..
4.5 Mudeford Quay (1.331 reviews)
- Day visitor
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Nature & Wildlife Areas

Mudeford Quay is a small beautiful corner of the Borough of Christchurch in Dorset, England. Situated at the entrance of Christchurch Harbour, Mudeford Quay benefits from spectacular views along the coast, over to the Needles on the Isle of Wight & back to Christchurch town. Mudeford Quay is made up of two areas, the Quay itself and Mudeford Spit, a natural sandbank which leads to Hengisbury Head all the way to Boscombe & Bournemouth. The Quay is a hub of activity with beautiful beaches, the lush grassed area ideal for picnics and enjoying the beautiful scenery and the Quayside itself which has a small shops, a pub, a fish stall and plenty of vantage points to watch the world go by. See more..
4.5 Durlston Country Park (1.200 reviews)
- Breathtaking views and lovely trails
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve is the perfect place to start exploring Dorset’s Jurassic coast. Acres of wildflower meadows, sea cliffs, woodland, superb coastal walking and spectacular views await you. Durlston Castle also offers gallery exhibitions, the Seventhwave Café and visitor’s shop. A ranger is always on hand to help you get the most out of your day. Owned and managed by Dorset Council. See more..