Things To Do in Dorset
Not sure of what to do during your visit to Dorset? Whether you are visiting for the day or staying for a week, you will find many great things to do, it will make your visit live long in the memory. The varied attractions on offer in Dorset will surprise and entertain.
Whatever you’re interested in you’ll be sure to find it in Dorset, from fantastically fun attractions to intriguing museums and some of the most stunning houses and gardens to be found anywhere.
Visit the world’s best collection of armoured vehicles at the Tank Museum, where the history of the tank is brought to life!. Learn more of the tank story, experience life in the trenches or join a battle group in Afghanistan
Looking for things to do in Dorset for the kids? Why not have a day of monkeying around at Monkey World – home to over 250 rescued and endangered monkeys and apes. Once you have learned more about our closest living relatives, let the kids unleash their inner chimp by swinging and climbing on the south of England’s largest play area
Things to do in Dorset for everyone to enjoy!
Dorset is the perfect playground for you to explore with mile upon mile of thrilling cycle routes and some of the finest walking trails to be found anywhere with scenery to die for!
Cast your line off of one of Dorset’s stunning beaches and land your own monster from the deep or sit back and relax alongside one of the tranquil fishing lakes and watch the world go by.
Cycling Routes Dorset
Dorset offers many cycle routes exploring the diverse collection of landscapes we have here. Pedal power is a great way to explore the wildlife rich heathland, windswept chalk downland, fertile valleys and the ever changing coast. There are several routes you can download from this page to give you some routes of varying distances and difficulties.
West Dorset Pedal
Cycle in style with the West Dorset Pedal, a collection of beautiful routes with artists’ studios and local eateries where you can stop for food and inspiration! There are 5 routes varying from 11 to 17 miles, each with the routes clearly marked on maps. Choose from a leisurely tour round the Marshwood Vale, two routes taking in West Dorset’s finest hillforts, a pedal along the Frome Valley and a tour of the top of the lesser known Bride Valley. Contact the Dorset AONB team for a paper copy or download the individual routes here.
- Bridports Market Garden (cover): A 15 mile loop, around Bridport & Netherbury (map)
- Eggardon Hillfort (cover): A choice of a 11 or 14 mile loop around Loders & Powerstock (map)
- Hillforts & The Vale (cover): A 12 mile loop + a 2mile detour, around Charmouth & Marshwood (map)
- The Frome Valley (cover): A 17 mile route around Dorchester & Maiden Newton, with a detour up to Cerne Abbas as an option (map)
- Valley of the Stones (cover): Either a 11 or 16 mile loop around the area of Abbotsbury and the The Bride Valley (map)
You can also use the National Cycle Network Routes to explore West Dorset, a selection of routes mainly on quiet country lanes which take you into the heart of West Dorset – definitely off the beaten track!
Explore Purbeck
Purbeck also provides good on and off road cycling through woodland, heathland and downs. Purbeck District Council have some good information for cyclists on the Dorset for you website. Interesting cycle routes include the Rempstone Ride, the Castle Ride and the East Lulworth Ride but there are lots more to choose from.
Explore North Dorset
To the north of the Dorset AONB, you will find the North Dorset Trailway, which takes you through picturesque villages of the Blackmore Vale. A leaflet is available to download. North Dorset Trailway 460.88 Kb . You can also explore the high ground of North Dorset on the newly renovated Wessex Ridgeway which has large sections of its route open to cyclists. More information can be found in the Guide to the Wessex Ridgeway.
