What to do and see in Dorset, England: The Best Things to do Good for Big Groups

May 2, 2022 Terina Blouin

Discover the best top things to do in Dorset, United Kingdom including Jurassic Coast, Palmers Brewery, Monkey World, Christchurch Priory Church, Swanage Railway, Kingston Lacy, Bournemouth Beach, Brownsea Island, Corfe Castle, Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum.
Restaurants in Dorset

1. Jurassic Coast

DT11 0JG England +44 1305 224132 [email protected] http://footscape.co.uk/contact
Excellent
85%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
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0%
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0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 220 reviews

Jurassic Coast

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.

2. Palmers Brewery

Old Brewery West Bay Road, Bridport DT6 4JA England +44 1308 427500 [email protected] http://www.palmersbrewery.com
Excellent
80%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 130 reviews

Palmers Brewery

After a short break we are delighted to be opening again for Brewery Tours from 21st June 2021. Our draught ales win awards. Beer drinkers love them. They love the distinctive taste and delicious character. And the refreshing, thirst-quenching qualities of Palmers’ traditional ales. They love the fact we’re among the UK’s very best small independent brewers – and that we’ve been brewing fine ales non-stop since 1794. The original Old Brewery at Bridport in West Dorset is where we still work to traditional methods with the finest ingredients. Methods and ingredients that have built our reputation over 200 years. Today, we skilfully blend these best brewing rules with scientific systems, to create five quality ales for the 21st century.

Reviewed By DerekP_9

Booked the brewery tour having read the reviews on trip advisor. My husband I weren’t disappointed. Very interesting tour and nice to sample the beer and a whisky and or gin at the end in a very well stocked shop. Guide and staff in shop very friendly.

3. Monkey World

Longhorns, Wareham BH20 6HH England +44 1929 462537 [email protected] http://www.monkeyworld.org
Excellent
73%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5,807 reviews

Monkey World

Reviewed By davey19672015 - Carlisle, United Kingdom

My wife and I enjoyed a wonderful afternoon at Monkey World in Dorset during our stay in Bournemouth. There is good parking space with plenty of room for children and family on arrival. The layout of the park is excellent with good walkways , very good for disabled people.The very spacious rescue centre houses monkeys from all over the world with amazing real life stories displayed of how each was rescued from an awful life of hardship. The Orang-utans were happy and playful, interacting with each other in a mischievous way. It was incredible to watch Monkeys grooming each other and imitating our actions, giving a feeling of connection.The staff give informative talks at set times which add to the experience. There are indoor and outdoor cafes providing hot drinks and snacks.Entrance fee is £14 per adult with family group prices which are very reasonable. All in all the more we can give to help these wonderful animals and the hard work at Monkey world the better. A very enjoyable experience.

4. Christchurch Priory Church

Quay Road, Christchurch BH23 1BU England +44 1202 488645 http://www.christchurchpriory.org/
Excellent
70%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 936 reviews

Christchurch Priory Church

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. Swanage Railway

Excellent
72%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
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4.5 based on 3,035 reviews

Swanage Railway

The Swanage Railway provides an ideal way to get to the beach without the need to park in Swanage. Simply leave your car at Purbeck Park, next to Norden station, which is conveniently located just off the A351 north of Corfe Castle, and start your holiday early!

6. Kingston Lacy

Kingston Lacy House Kingston Lacy House, Wimborne Minster BH21 4EA England +44 1202 883402 http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kingston-lacy/
Excellent
61%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,816 reviews

Kingston Lacy

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

7. Bournemouth Beach

Bournemouth England
Excellent
67%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 8,703 reviews

Bournemouth Beach

Reviewed By Scottishlynne - Wimborne Minster, United Kingdom

Lovely golden sands and great walks along the seafront, plenty of photo opportunities with surfers and cruise ships.

8. Brownsea Island

Poole BH13 7EE England +44 1202 707744 [email protected] http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/brownsea-island
Excellent
72%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,407 reviews

Brownsea Island

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. Corfe Castle

The Square, Corfe Castle BH20 5EZ England +44 1929 481294 [email protected] http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/corfe-castle
Excellent
59%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,838 reviews

Corfe Castle

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

Promenade East Cliff, Bournemouth BH1 3AA England +44 1202 451858 [email protected] http://russellcotes.com
Excellent
71%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,118 reviews

Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum

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

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