Dorset is a beautiful county situated on the English Channel coast. It is an amazing tourist attraction with many wonderful places.
We are here to help you discover some of the best places to visit in Dorset. It will help you enjoy your vacation and have an unforgettable experience visiting this place.
1. What is Dorset Famous for
Each place is unique, and we cannot compare their beauty. Similarly, Dorset is also blessed with some amazing spots that will make you love this place.
Dorset is famous for its Jurassic coast, natural limestone arch, sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, green valleys, wooded hills, rock pools, hiking trails, and iconic sights.
The quality of life lived by the people here is very high. It has a deeply rooted history and mind-blowing architecture that attracts visitors.
2. Most Wonderful Places to Visit in Dorset
This article highlights the most wonderful places to visit in Dorset. You can also call them the gems in Dorset. Have a look:
2.1. Jurassic Coast
The famous Jurassic Coast is one of the most beautiful places to visit. It is located on the English Channel coast of southern England and stretches from East Devon to Studland Bay.
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The beautiful rock formations, fossils, and landforms make it worth watching.
Be it fossil hunting, visiting museums, or watching its amazing views and cliffs, there are never-ending options on the Jurassic Coast.
It is one of Europe’s finest coastlines, including a series of stunning beaches, coastal villages, and natural rock formations. You will be mesmerized by its amazing coastline and several other attractions.
2.2. Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle is an iconic site of a ruined castle. It is known to be standing over a gap of Purbeck hills between Wareham and Swanage.
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Several events are organized all year round here. People remain engaged in several exciting things at this amazing spot, including hunting for clues on the Easter trail, medieval festivals, historical reenactments, and watching falconry displays.
You can see the replica of this Corfe castle in the Corfe Museum in Townhall, which was created before the Castle was destroyed.
You will also spot the murder holes, picturesque archways, and arrow slits. These famous ruins of the Castle are the survivors of the English Civil War.
2.3. Poole Harbour
Poole Harbour is one of the largest harbors in Dorset, southern England, with Poole’s town on its shores.
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You can enjoy all types of water sports there, along with unspoiled woodland and coastal walks, or soak up in the sunshine during summers on this nature spot.
It protects and conserves wildlife and marine life. It is home to more than 360 marine species and has more than ten different types of habitats.
Poole Harbour is a perfect place to learn windsurfing and kiteboarding safely, as the water is very shallow around the sandbanks.
Besides this, you can enjoy several water sports and adventurous activities there, including kayaking, paddle boarding, and sailing.
There are numerous lovely boats, ferries, and benches to relax on.
2.4. Dorset’s West Bay
Dorset’s West Bay is a small harbor area and a resort in Dorset, England, on the English Channel coast. It is originally known as Bridport Harbour.
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This area is also part of the Jurassic coast and is considered its primary gateway or the Golden Gateway.
West Bay is a wonderful seaside location and one of the places families can visit in Dorset. Experience fishing, fossil hunting, scuba diving, paragliding, river boating, golfing, and several such activities in the golden sands of this bay.
West Bay is one of the kids’ favourite holiday destinations as it offers play areas, swimming pools with slides, and amusement arcades that they love to enjoy.
Not only kids but even adults are fascinated with its outstanding beaches and the leisure complex in Bridport.
Bridport’s vibrant market town has several art and craft shops, street markets, supermarkets, and street stores.
You will also find some excellent places to eat and relax. Have the best seafood and drinks in the amazing restaurants, cafe shops, tea rooms, ice-cream parlours, and pubs near West Bay.
Enjoy this pretty harbour and beautiful sandy beach area with lovely little kiosks.
2.5. Weymouth Harbour
Weymouth Harbour is a very old and beautiful harbour in the seaside town of Weymouth in Dorset, on the South coast of England.
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It is one of the most delightful Dorset attractions that offers its tourists several interesting activities to do.
Fishing fleets, private motor cruisers, and multi-sized yachts make you enjoy sailing.
Anyone would love to sit and quietly observe the mesmerizing beauty of the beautiful water spot.
Get indulged in some shopping at the bustling stalls there, which mostly sell local produce. Also, enjoy the delicious and mouth-watering seafood with chutneys and Thai curries.
2.6. Gold Hill
Gold Hill is an ancient, steep, cobbled street located in the town of Shaftesbury in Dorset.
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Gold Hill is one of the most visited spots in Dorset, with stone cottages. It offers several amazing views of the countryside.
This hill has also been featured in several films and television programs, but it became popular after being featured in a 1970s TV advert for Hovis Bread.
Enjoy the panoramic view of the town from the top of this hill.
2.7. Lyme Regis
If you are in Dorset, you cannot miss Lyme Regis, a famous town in west Dorset, England. It is situated 25 miles from Dorchester, the historic county town, and east of Exeter.
The town is also known as the ‘Pearl Of Dorset.’ This coastal town is famous for its beaches, shops, sidewalks, resorts, and harbours.
2.8. Lulworth Castle
Lulworth Castle is located at East Lulworth, Wareham BH20 5QS, United Kingdom.
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It is a 17th-century building that has witnessed many fascinating events. It was more like a stately home than a fortress.
Bestival, one of England’s most famous family-friendly festivals, has always been held at this castle, which is a major attraction for visitors. The festival presents fairground rides, fireworks, several comedians, and kid’s TV presenters.
You will be fascinated with the Castle’s history while visiting it from the inside. Learn more about the kings’ and queens’ fate stories and explore the basement rooms and their unique collections.
Enjoy a picnic with your family or a walk with your dog in the extensive parkland and wooden walk area of the Castle. There is a children’s playground for kids to play and spacious grounds for visitors.
The castle tearoom serves you with some light refreshments and souvenirs.
2.9. Swanage
Located in the southeast of Dorset, Swanage is a popular coastal town.
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Swanage has the most beautiful beaches and fascinating sandy beaches, making it an ultimate tourist destination.
There are several stunning beaches, busy markets, hikes and trails, and much more to make your perfect day in this seaside town.
2.10. Wimborne Minster
Wimborne Minster is a popular market town in Dorset in southwest England, and there is an English church in the same town.
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It is on the River Stour and has an interesting library of theological books. It is also home to a 14th-century astronomical clock.
Around the River Stour, you will see many birds, including mute swans, herons, egrets, warblers, and ducks. Several fishes and butterflies can also be spotted there in the summer, adding to the beauty of the river surroundings.
There are some nice walking areas around and water meadows supporting the wildlife.
Also, stroll the markets, modern shopping centres, antiques, curios, and several individual shops in the town.
2.11. Bournemouth Beach
Bournemouth Beach in Dorset is the next jewel that adds to our list of best places to visit in Dorset.
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The beach is stretched over seven miles and is covered by white sand. There is a 10-mile-long promenade from Sandbanks to Hengistbury, which is a perfect place for a long stroll and excellent for cycling.
It is also among the safest beaches in the UK, with the availability of safeguards.
You can also use the barbecues at the beach during permitted hours on your own.
Almost all amenities are available on the beach, including parking areas, accessible toilets, babysitting rooms, and changing rooms.
Also, have some refreshments at the nearby cafes or buy some gifts for your loved ones from the nearby shows. Enjoy the IMAX cinema and oceanarium that are at a very close distance from the beach.
Bournemouth Beach is so popular among tourists that it gets heavily crowded in peak seasons, mainly in the summer.
2.12. Blue Pool
The Blue Pool is a beautiful natural lake at Furzebrook Road, North Wareham, Dorset BH20 5AR.
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The main highlight of Blue Pool is that the water there changes its colour, which seems quite magical. But the reason behind it is the fine clay particles suspended in water that diffract light in many ways, resulting in the change of colour (blue, green, or turquoise).
It is an incredibly beautiful and peaceful location where visitors can spend some relaxing moments.
A 1.9-mile-long trail around Blue Pool is perfect for walking, hiking, and running.
2.13. Portland Harbour
Portland Harbour is on the south coast of England, located beside the Isle of Portland, Dorset.
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It is among one of the largest manufactured harbours in the world and is a centre of attraction for all tourists visiting Dorset.
You will spot a beautiful Portland Bill lighthouse at one end and Chesil Beach at the other. Anyone can get mesmerized by the fascinating views of the marina, the Fort, and beyond.
Enjoy all kinds of water sports at this large harbour, try your hand at fishing, or watch the windsurfers there.
And yes, don’t forget to walk along the Castletown and get a chance to step back into time.
2.14. Old Harry Rocks
Old Harry Rocks are located at Handfast Point, on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset.
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The Old Harry Rocks are amazing chalk-white arches, including a stack and a stump extending out into the sea from the tip of Handfast Point on the Isle of Purbeck, which is perfectly lined with the Needles on the Isle of White.
These rocks are very popular among hikers and explorers. Visitors love to spot unique epic views from the rocks, as you can’t get such views from any other place in Dorset.
Enjoy the guided kayaking tours and boat trips along these rock formations. There is also a grassy area where you can enjoy a picnic with your family.
2.15. Sherborne Castle
Sherborne Castle is located southeast of Sherborne, Dorset, England.
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It is an old 16th-century Tudor mansion standing in a 1,200-acre park.
This historic house reflects the decorative styles of English history of more than 400 years. Seeing the exquisite furniture, paintings, and porcelain collection will amuse you.
Adding to the beauty of the Castle is its magnificent English Landscape garden.
Several special events are hosted in the Castle throughout the year, including falconry displays, Jousting tournaments, Archery, jester workshops, and many other events.
Closing Remarks
This magnificent and varied county offers a lot, so it’s everyone’s favourite holiday spot. The few best places to visit in Dorset have been elaborated above. Make sure to visit these places once you are in Dorset.
Last Updated on July 10, 2024 by Sathi Chakraborty
