10 Things to do for Honeymoon in Dorset That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Dorset, United Kingdom including Sculpture by the Lakes, Christchurch Priory Church, Kingston Lacy, Hardy's Cottage, Athelhampton House and Gardens, Sherborne Castle & Gardens, Bournemouth Beach, Brownsea Island, Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door.
Restaurants in Dorset
1. Sculpture by the Lakes
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,366 reviews
Beautiful 26 acre Sculpture Park & Gardens, with Gallery cafe. Due to deep water NO CHILDREN UNDER 14 years of age (including babies) and NO DOGS are allowed. Open Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm, hut bookings are from 10am to 4.45pm. Entry is £12.50 per person. The Gallery Cafe is now open serving tea, coffee, light meals, delicious cakes, cream tea's, ice creams etc., visitors can choose to eat inside, outside (at the newly created seating area), or take it out into the Sculpture Park using one of the picnic baskets provided, complete with rug. Visitors are able to enjoy the Gallery & Gallery Cafe without entry to the Sculpture Park. Described as one of the most beautiful & unique sculpture parks in the United Kingdom, Sculpture by the Lakes marries the soft beauty of nature's wild river landscape with the more formal presentation of monumental outdoor sculpture. It is that combination of art and landscape that inspires Sculpture by the Lakes.
Reviewed By matttJ1645KV
So so Tranquil.easy to find on Sat Nav.some beautifully thought out by some very friendly and approachable staff.going to go again as soon as.Alot of thought and sensitivity about and how each sculpture is placed.i highly recommend this venue for sculpture newbies.
2. Christchurch Priory Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 936 reviews
Reviewed By trudyh51 - Maesteg, United Kingdom
Always make a visit to the priory it’s a beautiful building with fine architecture and historical interest. Kids are fascinated with the tombs inside and the graves in the floor. You’d expect teenagers to grumble but they loved it
3. Kingston Lacy
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,816 reviews
Reviewed By ForestGrumpy - Poole, United Kingdom
Enjoyed a lovely walk through the grounds (Don't miss the jJapanese and the kitchen garden) then a brief look at the extensive rooms Great little cafe and nicely served light lunch
4. Hardy's Cottage
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 561 reviews
Reviewed By Alan0566 - Wiltshire, United Kingdom
Had a lovely trip around hardy’s cottage this week it starts with a nice stroll though the woods from the visitor centre to the cottage we then walk through the garden to get into the cottage from there the knowledgeable staff give a fascinating insight to hardy’s early life in mid 1800’s Dorset
5. Athelhampton House and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 755 reviews
Athelhampton House is one of England's finest Tudor Manor Houses. Dating from 1485, the Great Hall is a fine example of domestic Tudor architecture, the house has many interesting rooms, filled with antique furnishings and art. The Gardens remodelled in 1891 surround the House, with many 'compartments' built with Ham stone, each with a different style or theme, each with a water feature of a pond or fountain. The Great Court features the 12 world famous giant yew tree pyramids. The House and Gardens are protected by a Grade 1 listing, and are well maintained to protect for future generations. An excellent visitor centre with restaurant, tea room, gift shop and plant sales area complete the attraction. Enjoy a great Lunch or afternoon tea. See our website for special offers.
Reviewed By Li33iet
We had a fantastic day out at Athelhampton House & Gardens. The house was a complete joy to explore and still retains a lived in feel with masses of history. The visit was very relaxed, we were able to come and go as we pleased , breaking off for a superb lunch in the restaurant before returning to the house. The gardens were beautiful, a delight to explore with plenty of places to sit and rest or take in the views. All staff were very friendly and welcoming and knowledgeable about the property and it’s history. Little touches such as being able to borrow a guide book while touring the house and gardens and being invited to sit on the chairs while exploring the house were exceptional. Returning to the restaurant for superb tea and cake rounded off a perfect day. Would happily revisit when next in the area.
6. Sherborne Castle & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 538 reviews
Sherborne Castle & Gardens is a wonderful day out. Visit our historic castle and walk through 400 years of history, explore 42 acres of “capability” Brown landscape gardens and take time to enjoy a delicious cream tea in our tea room. Why not browse in the gift shop & pick up a bottle of our very own Sherborne Castle Wine to take home to drink with your supper!
Reviewed By GrahamP1518
We visited this amazing castle that was built for Sir Walter Raleigh, what a treat beautiful castle and gardens by Capability Brown. Lots of history here and great views over the gardens and old castle. Very much enjoyed our day!
7. Bournemouth Beach
8. Brownsea Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,407 reviews
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. Scout and Guide Groups can camp and get stuck in with activities such as archery and low ropes and we also offer Eco Adventure Camping as an opportunity for the general public to come and experience the great outdoors. 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.
Reviewed By martinsomers32 - Bristol, United Kingdom
Excellent visit to a hidden gem on the South coast after a pleasant boat trip the island was a good p!ace to walk and explore with a good place to see rare red squirrels with peasants peacocks and wild deer good views on a clear day.
9. Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,118 reviews
Private home of extensive travelers Sir Merton Russell-Cotes and his wife Lady Annie was one of the last Victorian manor houses ever built.
Reviewed By nigelcymru - Conwy, United Kingdom
Excellent museum especially for lovers of Victoriana Good collection of Victorian and pre raphaelite paintings Quirky building with an encyclopaedic collection of architectural styles I would recommend a visit
10. Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,014 reviews
Reviewed By joeandstacey2015 - Greater London, United Kingdom
The walk due to social distancing is about 20 minutes over undulating terrain The walk was lovely and scenic and the view when you arrive at the costal path is well worth it The walk along the cliff top was excellent with stunning views over the sea towards Bournemouth The famous Durdle Dor was simply stunning and beautiful Man o war bay on the northern side is beautiful also We recommend early morning start to avoid the busy period and the endless stream of people heading down to the beaches It’s no wonder this place is one of the most photographed place in the UK! Well worth the effort to go.
