In my humble option, you simply can’t go wrong when it comes to UK travel, with a good slice of Dorset, in particular these fantastic days out in the county.
Down in the southwest of England, with some of the most beautiful beaches going, and some of the most wonderful walking along dramatic clifftops, if you’re looking for some quintessential British charm, Dorset is hard to top!
It’s also much closer to London (and easier to access from many cities in the north of the country) compared to Devon and Cornwall, which means if you’re looking for a straightforward seaside sojourn, Dorset is a real winner.
And to celebrate the best of this beautiful county – especially if you’re already down here and looking for some holiday inspiration – is my list of the 7 best Dorset days out.
Aiming to bring together many of the region’s highlights in handy day trip formats, this list also aims to take in the diversity of the county – from history and heritage, through to hiking, fossil hunting, beachy spots and cute-as-can-be villages.
So let’s dig in…
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#1 Heritage & Hiking at Corfe Castle & Swanage
When it comes to top combinations for days out in Dorset, it really is hard to top this gem, which brings together 2 of the county’s best spots, as well as some stunning scenery, excellent hiking, a sandy coastline and a model village to boot… what’s not to love?!
Yes, there’s no question Corfe Castle and Swanage are 2 of the jewels in the Dorset crown that should not be missed while you’re down here!
Start your day by parking at Corfe Castle.
This is a National Trust property, so members can park here for free, as well as enter the castle for nothing.
Top Tip: If you’re not yet an NT member, you may consider becoming one at Corfe Castle (which is exactly what I did!), because even if you only visit this spot, as well as a few others in the year, you’re already saving yourself some serious cash… just an idea!
Anyway, budget tips aside, park at the bottom of the castle’s hill and then follow the trail up to the model village, which is about as picture-postcard perfect as you can get!
Snap the cute cottages, church spire, iconic red phone box and trad pubs to your heart’s content, before moving on to explore the castle itself.
The hike up to the top of the Corfe ruins is quite steep, but well worth it for the views from the top.
And you’re in luck, you can visit the Castle’s keep too here, which has recently reopened for the first time since it was destroyed, in 1646, during the English Civil War.
Wave as the historic steam engine passes by, and take time to learn about the important role in English history this fortification played.
A Corfe Castle visit usually lasts about 1-2 hours, depending on your pace, and once you descend, I recommend heading in for a refreshment at the lovely Greyhound Inn.
A 15th century Purbeck stone manor that serves fresh local produce, it boasts incredible views of the castle and the steam train on the Swanage Rail that rattles past.
Once revived, it’s then time to head to Swanage, which can actually be done on 2 feet, care of the Purbeck Ridgeway – a well-marked trail that will take you straight to this lovely seaside town in just a few hours.
This is a tough 15-20km hike, but well worth it if you can muster the stamina – just make sure you plan accordingly with maps, water, sun protection / rain gear and snacks!
Once at Swanage, enjoy all the sights this town has to offer (you can find my top picks here), before hitting the sand to spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying the wonderful clean beach with an ice cream, or a salty serving of fish and chips.
For those brave enough, a paddle or even a swim would be the perfect addition to this top Dorset day trip, before you head back to your vehicle at Corfe Castle care of Swanage’s historic steam railway.
This Dorset trip is full circular day out that offers a little bit of everything – history, food, walking, views, trains, beaches, and ice cream.
Now that’s what I call a full plate of Dorset’s best!
#2 Stepping Back in Time at Lyme Regis
And next up on my list of the 7 best Dorset days out, it’s time to head to the other end of the county and explore the stunning Victorian charm of Lyme Regis.
Over in the far west of Dorset, Lyme Regis is a lovely coastal spot that sits along the aptly named Jurassic Coast.
Yes, you guessed it, this is fossil hunting heaven, and if you’re travelling as a family, or even as a large group of friends, walking along the coastline here in search of your own ancient artefacts is a really fun day out.
The Lyme Regis Museum is a good place to start, as you can learn exactly why there are so many fossils here, as well as see some of the most impressive ones ever found.
You can also learn about the life and work of Mary Anning – the building is actually on the site of her former family home – who was a famous palaeontologist that really put Lyme Regis on the fossil map!
It’s also useful to know that the museum actually run their own fossil guided walks, which are led by experts and will take you along the nearby beaches to find your own prehistoric remnants.
While you can of course head out to do this unaccompanied too, it really is a much more enjoyable experience if you have some experts in tow.
They will also be well-briefed in keeping you safe, because cliffside rockfalls, changeable tide levels, and weather all need to be considered on this day out.
Book your fossil walking tour through the Lyme Regis Museum website – it’s definitely one of the most unique Dorset days out going!
Once your tour is done, it’s then time to head down to the beach for lunch.
There are several casual eateries here, all well versed in cooking fresh sea food the way the locals like it.
I don’t know about you, but eating out in the open sea air, just screams holiday to me!
Up for an after-lunch stroll?
Then head out to walk the Cobb – Lyme Regis’ famous harbour wall – with its great views of the port, and claim to fame as a key location in Jane Austen’s Persuasion.
If you want to continue, you can then head out to the Golden Cap.
A short and moderate hike to the highest point on the south coast, 191m may not seem like much, but Golden Cap towers over tens of miles of coastline here and the views are breathtaking.
For an evening treat, check out the Marine Theatre.
Small, but with plenty of seaside town charm, it was originally opened as a sea water bath in 1806.
These days however, you can drop in on plays, comedy nights, or even live music evenings depending on the schedule.
#3 Visiting Churches & Abbeys in Abbotsbury
And sticking with the history theme, although moving slightly further along the timeline to a more recent era, there’s no question one of the best Dorset days out is to discover many of the wonderful heritage villages and monuments in this county.
And, to be honest, it doesn’t get better than the fabulous village of Abbotsbury over in west Dorset.
About as pretty as things get, this cute-as-a-button village is still very much inhabited, and you can admire the stunning thatched cottages here, complete with rose-studded facades, as well as some gorgeous independent local shops.
It feels like stepping back in time – in all the good ways!
After you’ve snapped, ooh-ed and ahh-ed to your heart’s content, it’s then time to walk just slightly out of the village for your next historic fix – Abbotsbury Abbey.
Run by English Heritage and free to enter for everyone, this Abbey originally dates back to 1044, and there’s still some impressive ruins you can wander, which have been traced back to the 13th and 14th centuries.
But the fun doesn’t end there, because just a short (if not steep) stroll away is the magnificent St Catherine’s Chapel.
Set on a hilltop with incredible views over Chesil Beach, all the way down to the Isle of Portland, this 14th century gem was actually built by the monks of the Abbotsbury Abbey as a place of retreat.
Still harnessing a wonderful sense of isolation, with its incredible views and elevated position, there’s certainly a very magical atmosphere here that you shouldn’t miss experiencing.
Especially as entry to the chapel is free for all!
Having taken in the history, it’s then time for another unique Abbotsbury experience – a visit to the Swannery.
The only managed colony of mute swans in the world, visit during feeding times for the most fun or, better yet, schedule your visit in May / June so you get to see the cygnets hatching.
Once you’ve taken in the fauna. it’s then time for the flora part of the trip, with a visit to the Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens.
This 20 acre area is filled with rare and exotic plants that are carefully grown along intricate pathways, with some great views once you reach the coast.
As with the Swannery, the best time to visit these gardens is spring, when most of the elusive flowers are in full bloom.
And of course, Chesil Beach, one of the most famous and unique beaches along the Jurassic Coast, is just not far away either.
This 18 mile long shingle barrier beach is quite the sight and a must for literary fans.
Afterwards, grab a great feed at The Ilchester Arms– the perfect place to also bed down for the night if you want the full small town Dorset experience!
#4 Bucket List Ticking at Durdle Door & Lulworth Cove
And from one gem to another, the next top-rated day out in Dorset you shouldn’t miss is an absolute classic!
This suggestion is all about ticking some of Dorset’s top bucket list icons off your list, and if this is your first time to the country, then it’s a day out you can’t miss!
The iconic arch of Durdle Door is the first natural structure in the UK to have been awarded UNESCO status, and it’s really not hard to see why!
A giant rock formation looming out of the turquoise water, and backed by a dramatic curved bay and soaring white cliffs, it really looks like something out of a film set.
Top Tip: See the arch from a different perspective by renting a kayak or paddle board. You can rent equipment or join a guided tour here.
And then, just down the road – or a short hike away – is the stunning fisherman spot of Lulworth Cove.
Seemingly perfectly formed, the rounded sweep of this bay and collection of fishing boats, cottages and pebbly charm, make it a firm favourite with the photographers.
For the best shots however, I actually recommend snapping the bay from above via the Southwest Coastal Path.
If you park at the top of Durdle Door, you can then enjoy a lovely jaunt along the clifftops to get down to Lulworth Cove, which gives stunning elevated views before the descent.
At Lulworth Cove, grab a delicious vegan sorbet and enjoy a paddle, before making the big uphill journey back to Durdle Door.
Once here, descend steeply to this stunning sandy beach (or the adjoining Man O’ War Beach), for an idyllic afternoon swimming, sunbathing and relaxing with one of England’s most recognisable backdrops setting the scene perfectly!
While there are no food stalls on the beach, this creates the perfect opportunity to pack a light picnic and enjoy it right there on the sand – a budget travel dream!
Come nightfall, I highly recommend camping out to enjoy sunset and sunrise without the crowds at this amazing spot.
Durdle Door Holiday Park offers camping, glamping and lodges with beautiful sea views, and the best night view of all – a clear starry sky!
In fact, it’s been designated a Dark Sky reserve because of its minimal light pollution.
If you’re one for quieter, longer hikes, then give the path from Durdle Door to White Nothe a try in the morning.
#5 Walking and Beaching in Studland
And if hiking and hitting the beach sounds like the ideal combination to you, then this next Dorset day out is likely to be a winner as well!
Just slightly further east from Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove, is the gorgeous peninsula of Studland, which has plenty to offer those looking for a coastal Dorset day trip.
Choose from one of the 3 beaches to park at here (they are all National Trust owned, so members can park for free!), and then set off along the Southwest Coastal Path to reach the wonderful Old Harry Rocks.
Again showcasing some of the county’s most dramatic scenery – you can’t get better than the bright, white limestone cliffs set against a backdrop of green fields and sparkling turquoise sea imo – this is another top spot for some snaps.
The drama is also pretty on point here, with a real sense of having reached the end of the earth, as you gaze out across Old Harry Rocks and the ocean, with the wildness of the wind and the water all around.
Also close by is Agglestone Rock, aptly nicknamed the Devil’s Anvil, as it really looks like something an out-of-this world creature threw down on Earth and just happened to land!
A massive sandstone rock, estimated to weigh about 400 tons, it’s just a short hike away with great views of Poole Harbour.
After taking it all in, it’s time to retrace your steps slightly, and then turn off to the village of Studland, where Studland Stables offer guided horseback rides on the beach and heathlands for all levels – beginners to experienced riders.
After all that, it’s time to grab a lovely post-hike/ride pint in the Bankes Arms, a historic pub with its unbeatable sea views and extensive selection of local ales.
Or, for something more bouji, hit up Pig on the Beach – reservations are a good idea here!
Finally, it’s time to head back to your car, but not before enjoying a lovely sea swim, sunbathe or stroll on some of Studland’s stunning beaches – Knoll Beach is my pick of the bunch.
#6 Combine City & Country with Weymouth & Portland
From remote Dorset, we now come back to one of its biggest towns for this day out, which I think takes in the best of the more built-up, as well as the more natural elements, of the county.
Get your “city” (although it’s not a city, you know what I mean) and country fix, with this Dorset day out combo of Weymouth and the Isle of Portland.
A great one for families, Weymouth sits on the coast and provides lots of attractions and entertainment for all ages, including water sports, safe swimming, good restaurants, swing boats, ice creams and the quintessential donkey rides.
As with most southern coastal towns, there are also remains of wartime defences, and in Weymouth you can find them at Nothe Fort & Gardens.
A Cictorian coastal fortress, where you can walk through tunnels and underground passages, don’t miss the cannons with their spectacular coastal backdrop.
Open from 10.30am to 4pm, March to November, check ahead if you want to visit off season.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the Sea Life Aquarium!
Another great hit for families, kids can never get enough of the penguins and sharks here – and neither can I to be honest!
Be sure to get your tickets 1-2 days in advance at £19, as buying them on the spot will cost you £24.
Weymouth also boasts a harbour, Punch and Judy shows (hmmmm?!) and some yummy fish and chips to be had too of course.
Yes, this is English seaside kitsch charm at its best.
Oh, and why not try crabbing along the harbour walls, or take a boat tour of a fishing trip too – all good fun for all ages.
Once you’ve had your fill, you then have the opportunity to escape by heading to the Isle of Portland.
Easily accessible from Weymouth, but feeling a lot more like a natural reserve, this quiet spot is filled with birdlife, beautiful wildflowers and some gorgeous coastal views.
Climb to the top of its most famous landmark, the Portland Bill Lighthouse, for panoramic views of the entire Jurassic Coast, and a stop at their Visitor Centre for tales of old shipwrecks and maritime history.
Then have a nice walk thought the Tout Quarry Sculpture Park.
Yes, the name says it all!
An 18th century abandoned quarry that is now home to over 70 sculptures and even stone carving courses during high season.
Bet you didn’t think you’d learn how to carve stone on your summer holiday!
History lovers shouldn’t miss Portland Castle either – a Tudor fortress built by Henry VIII, with lots of cool information about Portland’s naval history.
Wild and rugged, you can’t miss checking out the small villages here either, along with the century-old tales of pirates and smugglers, for a real sense of getting away from it all.
#7 Get Arty & Inspired at Bridport & West Bay
And last but not least on this list of the best days out in Dorset, we come to an arty favourite, as we head to the charming historic market town of Bridport.
With a delightful thriving community, this warm and lively town is filled with a sense of community, and from antique shops to vintage markets, galleries, quirky cafes and bustling lanes, it’s a treat if you want to pick up a sense of the “real” Dorset – a part that’s definitely populated more by locals than tourists.
Almost every weekend there’s a market or a fayre happening in Bridport, with a real focus on the cultural and artisanal.
This makes for a lovely morning excursion, especially if you can enjoy breakfast outside in the sunshine while you’re at it!
Don’t miss The Electric Palace, an art deco cinema from the 1920s. where you can catch a film, a comedy hour or live music gigs.
Want to get out of the city for a bit?
Explore Symondsbury Estate, a beautiful countryside estate with shops, cafe and easy relaxed walking trails.
Or, back in Bridport, go visit one of the oldest independent breweries in the UK.
Palmer’s Brewery, operating since 1794, offers tours the old brewery and, of course, a chance to sample their traditional Dorset ales!
Then, because this is Dorset, it’s only fair that you should do as the locals do, and head down to the beach in the afternoon.
West Bay is the nearest location and you can actually walk here from Bridport along a easy trail that will take around an hour.
Famous as the filming location of the great UK TV drama Broadstairs, even the beach near Bridport has a creative connection, and you’ll instantly recognise the golden cliffs featured in many of the scenes.
Walk along the harbour, or see it from the sea by renting a kayak or a paddle board – a great idea to work up an appetite, before sampling as many of their fresh seafood kiosks as you can!
If you just want to relax on the beach, then East Beach is right under the cliffs with stunning views but stronger currents, while West Beach is a bit more sheltered, and a better fit if you’re visiting with children.
For a quick stop for coffee, I recommend Cafe Sladers in Sladers Yard – a quirky exhibit space that sells contemporary art, furniture and crafts in a reconditioned old Georgian rope house.
It’s been hailed as one of the most ambitions art galleries in the southwest, and the coffee is great!
If you’re then looking for another great spot in the area, why not try Hive Beach with its amazing café or the cute village of Burton Bradstock for more dreamy Dorset-ness.
Where To Head After Dorset…
If Dorset has wet your appetite to explore more of the south of the UK (and who can blame you?!), then you’ll be glad to know it’s just a hop, skip and a jump to several other stunning areas around.
To the south, the wonderful Isle of Wight can easily be accessed by ferry and offers more great walking and glamping opportunities.
Learn more in this list of the top things to do on the Isle of Wight.
Otherwise, to the west, you have Devon and all the coastal hiking wonders this county provides.
Alternatively, to the east, the magnificent New Forest provides loads of great walks and cycling opps, as well as some fab pubs too!
Or finally, to the north, the county of Somerset with the magnificent Cheddar Gorge and historic icons of Glastonbury and Wells shouldn’t be missed.
Check out my list of the top 10 things to do in Somerset for more ideas.
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Mini Travel Guide to Dorset
When to Visit Dorset?
There’s no question the best time to visit Dorset in my opinion is between the months of June and September when the weather is at its driest, sunniest and warmest.
Not only does this make for a more pleasant travel experience, but the better weather at this time of year will also allow you to enjoy more of the region’s beautiful landscapes too – whether that’s walking, cycling or hitting up the coast.
Within the summer months, do remember that the school holidays and sunny weekends will be by far the busiest months down here, so if you want to get the best prices or the thinnest crowds, it’s probably best to avoid these times!
As an FYI, I visited Dorset in mid-April and experienced idyllic weather that saw me hiking, beaching and sightseeing under brilliant blue skies every day, but this isn’t a given!
How to Get to Dorset?
Situated in the south of England, Dorset’s main town is Bournemouth and this place has the most regular train connections from London, along with frequent services from the nearby coastal cities of Southampton and Portsmouth.
Otherwise, the larger Dorset towns of Dorchester, Lyme Regis, Poole, Weymouth and Swanage also boast train stations, and you can choose between them depending on where you are coming from and where you are based.
Regardless of which station you choose to arrive at, my top tip is to use Trainline to find the cheapest deals on rail tickets across the UK, as these guys use split-fare technology to get you the best prices.
Booking in advance with Trainline can throw up some surprisingly cheap fares, especially as this site also allows you to easily compare routes and journey times.
Alternatively, you can drive to Dorset – this will grant you the most flexibility when you are down in this rural county, especially if you are planning to hike and sightsee off the beaten track.
If you don’t have a car, you may consider renting one and I highly recommend Discover Cars for the job, as they offer some super deals on short-term hires and are very reputable.
Learn more about how to score a great deal when renting a car in the UK using these handy top 12 hire car tips!
How to Get Around Dorset?
There’s no doubt that the easiest way to explore Dorset is via 4 wheels, however there are several good bus services (especially in the summer) that can help you get around if you don’t have a vehicle.
The Jurassic Coaster and Purbeck Breezer buses are probably the most useful for beach go-ers, especially those who want to enjoy parts of the Southwest Coastal Path.
These tourist-friendly routes are also ideal for those who just plan to sightsee, as sitting on their top deck sure does give some epic views!
Learn more about the Purbeck Breezer here.
If you don’t want to catch public transport, then cycling is also an option for getting around Dorset.
Although there are some designated trails, as well as calm and quiet country roads to enjoy, do beware there’s A LOT of hills here too!
Where to Stay in Dorset?
Bournemouth, Weymouth and Lyme Regis all have a heap of accommodation options.
However, Swanage would be my pick when it comes to a quieter coastal place to base yourself.
It’s just so beautiful there, and so near to many of Dorset’s best beaches and attractions, that it’s hard to pass up!
When it comes to accommodation in Swanage, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better deal than the YHA Swanage, which has both private rooms and dorms.
For something more suited to groups looking for some self-catering accommodation, this Shepherd’s House, also in Swanage, is a top-rated 2 bedroom house that gets regular rave reviews thanks to its excellent comfort, cleanliness and location.
Just down the road, The Bear Hotel, in Wareham offers lovely double and family rooms with an onsite bar, restaurant and a charming boutique feel.
Otherwise, over in West Dorset, the wonderful Pumpkin View Cottage is the perfect Airbnb spot for 1-2 travellers near Dorcester.
The owners are delightful and the property is beautifully peaceful and clean.
Packing Essentials for Dorset
#1 Walking Shoes
You can’t come to enjoy Dorset and not come equipped with walking shoes!
As such, I highly recommend these lightweight and comfortable ones from North Face, which are perfect for the job, with a great level of support for those clifftop ascents!
#2 Waterproof, Windproof Jacket
Look, as paradisical as I’ve made Dorset sound (and it is), this is also England!
And that green around isn’t green for nothing!
So bringing a good waterproof and windproof jacket with you, no matter what time of year you’re coming, is just plain sensible!
#3 Swimwear & Towel
You can’t go to all the amazing Dorset beaches and not enjoy some time in the sun while you’re at it!
Which is why I thoroughly recommend taking swimwear and a travel towel with you, especially if you’re coming in the summer!
#4 Camera
Having an excellent camera to snap Dorset in all her glory and preserve the memories is an absolute given.
I love my Sony A6000, which never leaves my side during my travel adventures.
I also enjoyed having a GoPro when I was in the Dorset to capture all the hiking and beachside action.
#5 Portable Charger
There’s no denying power can be an issue when in Dorset if you’re out snapping and hiking all day.
Even with power in your accommodation, remembering to charge stuff up and constantly rotate electronics can be tiresome.
My solution: Come armed with 2 fully charged Anker portable chargers, so you can fire up your phone, camera or other devices whenever and wherever you need.
Travel Insurance
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Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.
Travel Money
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And there you have it, my list of the top 7 days out in Dorset.
I hope you enjoyed my recommendations and that they help you make the most of your time in this stunning part of the UK.
Tell me, have you tried any of these Dorset day trips?
Which was your favourite?
Have more to add?
Then please drop them into the comments box below and let me know about them…
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