The 10 Best Traveler Resources in Dorset, England

November 11, 2021 Harland Bartelt

Discover the best top things to do in Dorset, United Kingdom including The Exchange, West Bay Discovery Centre, The Minster Church of St Cuthburga, Chesil Beach Visitor Centre, Swanage Information Centre, Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre, Dorchester Tourist Information Centre, Bournemouth Tourist Information Centre, Kingfisher Barn Visitor Centre, Highcliffe Castle.
Restaurants in Dorset

1. The Exchange

Office 1 The Exchange Old Market Hill, Sturminster Newton DT10 1FH England +44 1258 475137 [email protected] https://www.list.co.uk/place/52507-the-exchange/
Excellent
89%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 36 reviews

The Exchange

Reviewed By MrsWYN-R - Somerset, United Kingdom

First time at The Exchange to see Cloudbusting, Kate Bush tribute band in the main hall. First time at The Exchange, excellent venue with great facilities and just up the road from home. Good to support a local venue. Seating was well laid out and able to see the stage easily, sound and lighting was also great. Staff on duty were very helpful and worked hard on the night showing people to their seats etc. Thanks, a great night. Booked for a concert later in the year. Think we will be regulars here.

2. West Bay Discovery Centre

Chapel on the Beach, West Bay, Bridport DT6 4EN England +44 1308 427288 [email protected] http://www.westbaydiscoverycentre.org.uk
Excellent
79%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 33 reviews

West Bay Discovery Centre

A treasure trove of information about West Bay in a beautifully restored Methodist Chapel on the beach. There is something to interest all ages and the interactive activities are particularly popular with families. A fun way to learn about the Jurassic coast, forces of nature, shipbuilding, tourism, local industry, trails and walks and information about the filming of Broadchurch. We have a range of visitor information and a small gift shop that includes quality local products. We are operated by a local charity and mainly run by volunteers, admission is free but donations are invited to help with our running costs. PLEASE CHECK OUR WEBSITE/FACEBOOK FOR WINTER OPENING HOURS

Reviewed By Noo473

Visited here this morning for the first time and was very impressed by everything in there. Although only a small building, it is well set out and full of interesting artefacts, pieces of local history and wonderful old photographs all creating a snapshot of West Bay and it’s past. It brought back memories of monthly visits made, as children, to visit a Great-Aunt who lived in The Old Shipyard. Very friendly and approachable staff which all added to the ambience. Thank you very much; have already recommended it to friends!

3. The Minster Church of St Cuthburga

22 High Street, Wimborne Minster BH21 1EB England +44 1202 884753 http://www.wimborneminster.org.uk
Excellent
66%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 383 reviews

The Minster Church of St Cuthburga

This building has been a center of prayer since its establishment as a Benedictine nunnery in 705AD. It contains the Chained Library, which is one of the UK's first lending libraries.

Reviewed By keeponwalkingon - Dorset, United Kingdom

what can I say this is a place of worship, all are welcome, freindly and welcoming, quiet areas for private pracyer, always people on hane, facinating chain library, dog friendly

4. Chesil Beach Visitor Centre

Beach Road, DT4 9XE England +44 1305 206191 [email protected] http://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/chesilbeach.html
Excellent
47%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 217 reviews

Chesil Beach Visitor Centre

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS FOR THE DWT CENTRE AND NOT THE TASTE CAFE. Family-Friendly Visitor centre with information about Chesil Beach and its wildlife. Bird watching, views under the sea, gifts, boardwalk to the beach and lots more... The centre is run by friendly, knowledgeable, local volunteers and is open 7 days a week, from 10am-4pm before Easter and 10am-5pm after Easter. The Fine Foundation Centre is halfway along the causeway between Weymouth ans Portland on the A354 (Portland Beach road - DT4 9XE) There is a pay and display council owned carpark.

Reviewed By 286barryg - Yeovil, United Kingdom

Visited centre whilst staying at Chesil Vista holiday park. Right next to Chesil beach itself with ample parking. Contains restaurant shop for souvenirs and interesting exhibits about Chesil formation and adjacent wildlife. Visitors come from all over the world to see this area. They can then walk along Chesil complete with dogs if required and enjoy the abundant wildlife. Cant wait to go back

5. Swanage Information Centre

Shore Road The White House, Swanage BH19 1LB England +44 1929 766018 [email protected] http://www.visit-dorset.com
Excellent
66%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
6%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 99 reviews

Swanage Information Centre

Swanage Information Centre is located on the stunning seafront in a quaint old fisherman's cottage. The centre offers a wide range of services for visitors and locals, and can offer accommodation searches, National Express bookings, Beach Hut hire and tickets for various local events (some of which we help co ordinate). We have a wide range of leaflets for local attractions, holiday guides, activities, walks, and historical trails. We also stock postcards, maps, books, local produce and souvenirs. Here at Swanage Information Centre we try our very best to make sure that your holiday/visit is the most memorable experience regardless of your age or abilities.

Reviewed By cherriesfan_9 - Cheltenham, United Kingdom

Even as they were closing up the TIC were exceptionally helpful to us, and we were able to find some suitable attractions and places to visit. The staff were helpful, offered some advice re walks etc. Lots of interesting things to purchase as well

6. Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre

Barn Cottage Hengistbury Head Broadway, Bournemouth BH6 4EW England +44 1202 451618 [email protected] http://visithengistburyhead.com
Excellent
72%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 235 reviews

Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre

Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre is owned and run by Bournemouth Borough Council. It is the perfect place to learn about the historic Hengistbury Head, find out more about the wildlife and discover the many events held throughout the year for people of all ages.

Reviewed By Craig_Tapper - Sydney, Australia

It's an easy walk on well formed paths, many of which are paved and all of which are accessible for just about any fitness level (although at least one place involved stairs so wheelchairs may have to bypass a couple of spots or plan ahead). The walk itself is great with undulations to get the heart pumping - but nothing too tough. The scenery is really beautiful with coastal and estuarine heathland and some wooded areas - the vistas off to Bournemouth and Christchurch are really stunning. and there is a great visitors centre to help you plan and a nice Cafe to have a break at the end. I highly recommend this place - its not testing for serious hikers, but really accessible and worthwhile for everyone - but you'd better like dogs because there are hundreds of them, clearly a highlight for most local dog owners wanting to get a walk for them and their friend.

7. Dorchester Tourist Information Centre

Charles Street Dorchester Library and Learning Centre, Dorchester DT1 1EE England +44 1305 267992 https://www.visit-dorset.com/visitor-information/dorchester-tourist-information-centre-p472833
Excellent
79%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 19 reviews

Dorchester Tourist Information Centre

Reviewed By cherriesfan_9 - Cheltenham, United Kingdom

One of the most helpful and enthusiastic TIC I have ever come across.Keen to show (even in the winter months) just how much Dorchester has to offer the visitor. I certainly recommend visiting the TIC (it is in part of the Library), before looking around - ity gives a great insight into the Roman / Ancient Briton sites and Hardy's Casterbridge.

8. Bournemouth Tourist Information Centre

Pier Approach, Bournemouth BH2 5AA England +44 1202 451734 http://bournemouth.co.uk/
Excellent
59%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
5%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 103 reviews

Bournemouth Tourist Information Centre

Reviewed By Ursulam650 - London, United Kingdom

a lovely modern airy place with tasteful gifts and good staff who were helpful near the front and the gardens

9. Kingfisher Barn Visitor Centre

Granby Road, Bournemouth BH9 3NZ England +44 1202 451548 [email protected] http://www.visitstourvalley.co.uk/Home.aspx
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 8 reviews

Kingfisher Barn Visitor Centre

The Stour Valley within Bournemouth offers some delightful and unexpected countryside experiences for residents and visitors alike. Stretching from Hengistbury Head through to Millhams Mead there is a range of sites, walks and trails all in close proximity to the river. The startling and colourful sight of the local Kingfisher is worth waiting for as is the chance to see the secretive Otter.

Reviewed By amandahH9674FP - Bournemouth, United Kingdom

My favourite escape from sand and waves - to this delightful, lazy river filled with Nature both in and out. Get your walking shoes on and enjoy lovely, easy paths for as many miles as you fancy. The Centre itself is a wonderful starting or finishing point with all the information you need and beautifully-kept surroundings.

10. Highcliffe Castle

Highcliffe Castle Rothesay Drive, Highcliffe, Christchurch BH23 4LE England +44 1202 093377 [email protected] http://www.highcliffecastle.co.uk/
Excellent
44%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
5%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 661 reviews

Highcliffe Castle

The Castle is closed until further notice. Whilst we are closed please visit our website and explore the Castle from the comfort of your own home. Every castle has a history, but ours is as colourful as the Jesse stained glass window in the Great Hall. In the 1830s, a rather extravagant (some say egotistic) lord envisioned his dream home. Throughout the years the Castle has changed ownership and has been ravaged by two fires, but it still remains standing. Today, our Grade 1 listed Castle is magnificent and charming in its own unique way. And while it doesn’t possess all the grandeur and opulence it had in 1836, it has inherited something equally as impressive along the way – fascinating stories that will be brought to life on your visit.

Reviewed By marionvmfr - Sudbury, United Kingdom

We were looking for a property to visit while staying in the New Forest. So lucky to find it. Friendly staff with a wealth of knowledge and a pride in the castle that they were working in. Need to return when more is refurbished. Wonderful view of the Solent and Isle of Wight fromthe gardens overlooking the beach.

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