Things to do in Dorset, England: The Best Sights & Landmarks
Discover the best top things to do in Dorset, United Kingdom including Sherborne Abbey, Jurassic Coast, Jurassic Safari, Christchurch Priory Church, Kingston Lacy, Hardy's Cottage, Red House Museum & Gardens, Athelhampton House and Gardens, Sherborne Castle & Gardens, Corfe Castle.
Restaurants in Dorset
1. Sherborne Abbey
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 704 reviews
Reviewed By sharronw80
Absolutely beautiful I will visit again well cared for and the sense of history is amazing i hope the next generation will uphold this amazing and beautiful building
2. Jurassic Coast
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 220 reviews
We offer professional guided walks, tours and fossil hunts anywhere along the full length of the Jurassic Coast and surrounding areas. There is so much to be discovered within the World Heritage site. Not only is there 95 miles of breathtaking coastline, but delve a little deeper and you can physically 'walk throught time' as it reveals 185 million years of life on earth, showcasing the three Dinosaur periods known as Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous. Let us guide you through time so you can experience the wonders that are to be discovered along the way...... We pride ourselves as being Ambassadors for the Jurassic Coast. Plan your walks with us and get the most from your visit, Learn more about the geology and fossils of this world famous coastline. Walks and tours can be tailored to suit all ages and abilities. They are led by a trained & experienced Coastal Leader. Walks and tours can be arranged for individuals, couples, families or groups.
Reviewed By 997DanielC - Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
If you want to avoid paying for parking you can park your cars higher up the hill and walk down to see the sights of the South English countryside. Once you reach the famous coast you'll see it is filled with rocks, watch your step because you can slip and maybe twist your ankle. Look up at the cliffs next to you and you'll history that dates back 80 million years back when dinosaurs still walked the Earth. You can also see that the cliff is in layers, each one piled on top of each other and showing a different time period. Surprisingly when you touch the stone it feels soft and brittle as it easily breaks off in your hands, sometimes some will rain on your head from above. Keep your eyes open and you may even find some real fossils trapped in huge rocks or in the cliff itself; the fossils are of sea creatures called ammonites.Keep walking out to the sea and you'll be surprised by how far you'll get since the rocks are hidden beneath the water, it almost looks like you're walking on the water. Follow the rocks around the edge of the cliff and you'll find some great photo opportunities suck as large rocks sitting on their own in the water that you can jump over too. Once you've finished here there is usually an ice cream van and a Mexican food van nearby, or you can go to the nearby village and visit a pub. Across the road is a museum all about the dinosaurs that had once lived here which takes about an hour to explore.
3. Jurassic Safari
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 250 reviews
Sit back, relax and enjoy Dorset's spectacular scenery and wildlife on our 'Park Farm ATV Safari', venturing into 52 acres of beautiful countryside. Your guide will share some fascinating local history and a few quirky Dorset tales along the way. Refreshments, including homemade baked goods, are offered on every safari. Our aim is to leave you with unforgettable memories and an experience to talk about.
Reviewed By RF1979 - Kettering, United Kingdom
We did the Park Farm ATV safari as a family in August and it was great. We were a family of 5 - 2 adults and 3 children (6,9 and 11). Gary was a perfect host and made us all feel very welcome and comfortable and involved everyone in the conversation on the way round the tour. His knowledge of the local area and the farmland was brilliant and he definitely made you think about the wonderful wildlife we have in this country. The kids loved it as well. We would like to come back and do one of the Landdrover trips when all in the world is back to normal and we are allowed again. Well done, great experience!
4. 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
5. 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
6. 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
7. Red House Museum & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 140 reviews
A former Georgian workhouse, the Red House is now a museum exploring the story of Christchurch from before the Ice Age to modern times. Find out about the town’s ancient past with our displays about Saxon princes and Iron Age dwellers at Hengistbury Head, then take a glimpse at life in the 19th century in our Victorian bygone gallery. In our family area, you’ll find hands-on activities and dressing-up costumes, as well as quizzes and spotter trails. There are plenty of corners to escape to at the museum, including our charming herb garden and south garden, which holds unexpected dinosaur surprises. The Red House has a charming shop with a wide selection of gifts to browse or buy and the café is the perfect setting for a bite to eat or something to drink, inside or out. Throughout the year, we also run a programme of fun, family-friendly events.
Reviewed By Mike1717 - Christchurch, United Kingdom
Free to enter, this is a lovely place to visit. It’s building is big, in mellow red brick, and in the past has been a workhouse and a fusee factory. A fusee is a small chain used in clock and watchmaking. There is an eclectic mix of exhibits, ranging from the prehistoric to ictorian times. There is a small shop. An exhibition room attracts varying displays of art, photography and crafts. The garden is small, but beautifully maintained by volunteers. An hour will allow you to see everything, after which, cross the road to the exquisite priory church, the longest in England, and then stroll the 200 metres to the town High Street.
8. 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.
9. 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!
10. Corfe Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,838 reviews
Corfe Castle is open for those who have booked a timed slot only. 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.
Reviewed By E7915GUianc - Basingstoke, United Kingdom
We were attending a nearby wedding and stayed over night and decided to incorporate a trip to Corfe castle in the visit, and it added a great deal to the weekend, Lots of history from the civil war era and beyond, a lovely fresh air national trust site, a steam railway runs about 1/2 mile away, which sometimes can give great views. Whilst relatively expensive, it makes taking out the Nat Trust membership even more worthwhile. Generally a great learning experience for bith adults and kids can also have great fun. Worth a trip to be fair
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