Things to do in Dorset, England: The Best Visitor Centers
Discover the best top things to do in Dorset, United Kingdom including West Bay Discovery Centre, 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, Weymouth Information Centre.
Restaurants in Dorset
1. West Bay Discovery Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 33 reviews
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!
2. Chesil Beach Visitor Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 217 reviews
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
3. Swanage Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
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
4. Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 235 reviews
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.
5. Dorchester Tourist Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
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.
6. Bournemouth Tourist Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 103 reviews
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
7. Kingfisher Barn Visitor Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
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.
8. Highcliffe Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 661 reviews
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.
