Dorset

40 Places to propose

Some ideas for those considering getting down on one knee. Some would be perfect for Valentine's Day, others are great all year round.

Places to Go Hannah Denby

Holidays for next year

The hottest places to stay for your 2021 holiday. Bookings for next year are now live!

News & Offers Dominique Adams

50 things to do in May Half Term

50 ideas to keep you busy during school holidays, ranging from fruit picking to wild swimming. There's plenty of ideas to kick start your holiday planning.

Things to do Kayleigh Hardy

Best Swimming Beaches in the South West

If you’re coming to the South West and can’t wait to get into the water, this is the list for you. We’ve compiled a list of the best beaches to go swimming so you can get straight into the action.

Places to Go Lizzie Heather

Things to do in Salisbury

Set in the heart of Wiltshire and boasting a wealth of history, Salisbury is the perfect stop off point, either to explore nearby Dorset and Hampshire, or to spend a couple of days soaking up some culture before heading further on down the country to your holiday destination.

Things to do Becky Bye

Holidays on the Isle of Purbeck

Abundant wildlife, clifftop walks and breath-taking seascapes make Purbeck one of our favourite places to visit in Dorset.

Places to Go Liz Arnell

Family day at Stourhead Gardens

A family day out to Stourhead, exploring the gardens, having a picnic and generally having a magical adventure.

Visitors' Book Emma L

Dorset Gardens

We've compiled a list of the four best places to visit in Dorset in the spring. Of course these are some of the finest gardens you'll ever see...

Places to Go Becky Bye

Things to do at Easter

New-fangled ideas and old school fun for Easter in the South and West.

Things to do Katie Chown

Top Walks in the West Country

Whether to wear out the kids, or to rediscover alone time together, here are a few of our favourite walks in the South West.

Places to Go Katie Chown

Unusual holiday cottages

From a tin tabernacle to a Victorian-inspired lodge these are our unique holiday cottages with quirky interiors.

News & Offers Kayleigh Hardy

Gardens of the South and West

Tiptoe through the tulips or run by the roses at these top gardens in the South and West.

Places to Go Kayleigh Hardy

Properties on the Jurassic Coast

Join Lynne from our owner support team for a tour along the Jurassic Coast and a few suggestions of where to stay on the way.

News & Offers Lynne James

Top four Dorset Christmas markets

Get into the festive spirit in Dorset this Christmas with our top four Christmas markets from across the county.

Things to do Kayleigh Hardy

Longleat house and gardens

Step behind the luxurious doors of the Longleat mansion and take a peek at what life was like for the family who used to live here.

Places to Go Becky Bye

5 reasons to stay in a safari tent

Looking to try a new place to go on holiday? Take a look at our safari tents for your next staycation adventure with the family.

News & Offers Kayleigh Hardy

Things to do in Tolpuddle

This ancient Dorset town is so tranquil and laid back, R&R is practically guaranteed so you can kick back and zone out. But if you like to occupy your time away, there are plenty of things to do in Tolpuddle.

Things to do Katie Chown

Poole beach review

There's so much more to Poole beach than simply sand and sea. Join our writer, Becky, on an adventure around this Dorset holiday hot spot.

Places to Go Becky Bye

Stonehenge

Learn Stonehenge facts by visiting Stonehenge Visitor Centre and marvel in the ancient history of the English landscape.

Places to Go Becky Bye

Dorset festivals 2018

Yet another reason to make sure that at least part of your summer holiday is spent in Dorset, there are festivals a-plenty to add excitement to your visit.

Places to Go Becky Bye

The ultimate summer barbecue guide

Nothing says summer more than the sizzle of a barbecue in the summer sunshine. We’ve put together our top tips to make your next barbecue the best one yet.

Classic Fodder Kayleigh Hardy

Lyme Regis beach review

Follow Becky's fond memories of growing up by the sea in Lyme Regis as we explore this popular Dorset beach.

Places to Go Becky Bye

Studland beach review

Surrounding a national nature reserve stretching from Old Harry Rocks to Poole Harbour, this stretch of coast is perfect for those who love spending time on the water.

Places to Go Becky Bye

How to Spot a Rip Current

It’s best to familiarise yourself with the dangers that come with swimming in the sea so that you can stay safe and happy - how to spot a rip current is important.

Visitors' Book Lizzie Heather

An evening of theatre in Dorset

A short break in Dorset deserves a night at the theatre - a great date night for the grownups. Around Dorset the theatres and venues are packed with some really big names throughout the year.

Things to do Becky Bye

Weight watching with Dorset walks

Whether you started your resolutions and then lapsed, or never actually got round to starting, there is no time like the present - or no time like when you're on holiday in Dorset, to walk off the weight, with or without the dog as motivation.

Places to Go Becky Bye

2018 Theatre productions in Dorset

In order to tempt you to cast aside the traditional evenings of channel hopping the box or going to the pub, here is a preview set list of what is coming up in Dorset theatres in 2018.

Places to Go Becky Bye

5 Family Easter Days out

Wherever you end up in the South West this Easter there are things to do that will entertain all.

Things to do Becky Bye

Dorset bucket list

Our ultimate guide to the things to see and do in Dorset on your next holiday (or two).

Things to do Kayleigh Hardy

Dorset pantomimes are not just for Christmas

In some of the smaller towns around Dorset, there is often incredible talent that is overlooked but throughout the summer there are often live outdoor performances that you won’t find anywhere else, so if you’re holidaying in Dorset this year, treat yourself to something really special.

Things to do Becky Bye

Moors Valley Country Park

I cannot recommend Moors Valley Country Park highly enough, in fact I've already sent a number of friends and family along and hope to go back again myself soon.

Things to do Faye

2017-2018 Gallery Exhibitions in Dorset

If you’re searching for something to do with your significant other this winter, then look no further than the exhibitions that Dorset and Wiltshire have to offer this season. You can enjoy time being culture vultures whilst enjoying some peace and quiet without children.

Places to Go Becky Bye

Dorset escapes

With the children back at school it is safe for the parents and grandparents to get out into the world unhindered; this might be the perfect time for a romantic getaway, just the two of you on a Dorset escape.

Places to Go Becky Bye

Things to do in Poole

One not-so-touristy spot on the coast of Dorset which has a quaint charm worth spending a few days getting to know, is Poole.

Things to do Becky Bye

New Year in Dorset

Explore Dorset during your down time over Christmas and New Year. A much better use of your holiday time than staying in and watching TV - that's what catch up is for.

Things to do Kayleigh Hardy

Favourite places to eat in Salisbury

Stop off on your way west, or have a day trip when on holiday in Dorset - there's lots of lovely places to eat in Salisbury to keep you satisfied as you explore.

Classic Fodder Becky Bye

Things to do in Bournemouth

There is so much to see and do that I have narrowed down the selection to my top two places to visit, which can both be seen in one day if you’re on a short visit, or equally spread out over several days if you’re on a longer holiday in Bournemouth.

Things to do Becky Bye

Film locations near Dorset

A TV and film location pilgrimage might be the perfect weekend of escapism for you and your other half. Wiltshire, Hampshire and Dorset are littered with both well-known and not so well-known film sets, with their period buildings and rolling countryside providing the perfect cinema backdrop.

Places to Go Becky Bye

Best Dorset Woodland Dog Walking

Take a dog or two, an area of woodland and a picnic basket and enjoy some Dorset woodland dog walking. There are one or two dog-friendly pubs to discover along the way.

Places to Go Becky Bye

Things to do in Beer

Beer may be small but there are lots of things to do to keep everyone entertained. From beach days to places to eat and entertainment, it makes a great day out in Dorset or Devon.

Things to do Becky Bye

UK Island hopping escapes in the South and West

Island hopping can be a beautifully British pastime. In this case, it’s all about the transport, as recommended by our staff, travelling on alternative modes of transport and escaping to an island in the South and West.

Places to Go Katie Chown

Things to do in Wareham

Wareham is a beautiful old town with literary connections and a great place to stop to break up a long journey, or spend a few days if you are heading down towards the coast.

Things to do Becky Bye

5 family friendly watersports to try instead of surfing

If you've tried surfing and found it's just not for you, take a look at our alternatives. You can still get in the water while you're on holiday, try a new activity and get all the family involved.

Things to do Kayleigh Hardy

Things to do in Beaminster

Dorset walks, places to eat and things to see and do in the unassuming but very pretty little market town of Beaminster, north of Bridport. It's worth a quick visit when you're on holiday in Dorset.

Things to do Katie Chown

West Bay, Dorset

A winning day out with all the family, West Bay in Dorset has golden cliffs, beautiful beaches, award-worthy play areas and even a harbour for crabbing.

Places to Go Katie Chown

Crabbing in West Bay

We swooped in and took over a vast expanse of sea wall with multiple seawater buckets, miles of tangled string, and a stinking bag of bacon, dried whitebait and squid. West Bay is a family favourite for crabbing competitions.

Things to do Emma L

Things to do in Lulworth Cove

If you’re after a coastal day out in Dorset, but fancy something a little more adventurous than Lyme Regis or Swanage, then Lulworth Cove is for you.

Things to do Becky Bye

Things to do on Portland

On a day out in Dorset, Portland peninsula, which dangles off the south coast, has a surprising amount to do, so if you want to avoid the summer beach crowds in Weymouth, then head over to Portland for something a little different.

Things to do Becky Bye

Arts cinemas in the South and West

Cinemas are everywhere. And can be a great way to dodge a rainy day while you’re on holiday. But if you like places with a dash of character and plenty of good films to go around, you might want to plan a special trip to one of these.

Things to do Kayleigh Hardy

Things to do in Swanage

A day out in Dorset would be far from complete without a trip to the seaside. Swanage is the best town on the Jurassic Coast for scenery.

Things to do Becky Bye

A last minute local staycation

Holidays don't have to be two weeks. A break for a few days can sometimes be enough to relax and refresh you, ready to get back to the office on Monday.

Places to Go Anna H

Places to picnic around Somerset

Look no further than the amazing picnicking backdrop of the South. From Dorset to Wiltshire and Somerset to Hampshire, English Heritage and National Trust places to picnic which boast the most beautiful gardens and have their gates open wide for families and dogs.

Classic Fodder Becky Bye

Things to do in Wimborne Minster

Little known Dorset town Wimborne Minster has a lot of activities to offer, whether you are after a family day out, or a quiet relaxing weekend for two.

Things to do Becky Bye

Best Dog Friendly Places in Dorset

One of the best things about holidaying in Dorset is long walks that end up in a cosy pub – and it’s just not the same if you don’t take your four-legged friend with you. Luckily we have some of the best dog-friendly cottages in Dorset.

Places to Go Amanda Tomlin

Things to do in Dorchester

For anyone who is a bit of a history buff and likes a bite of traditional English lunch, then Dorchester is a much needed mark on your Dorset map.

Things to do Becky Bye

How to take great holiday photos

Follow our simple hints and tips on how to capture your holiday memories. Including composition ideas, group photos and how to snap that all important sunset shot, we’ve got you covered on it all.

Visitors' Book Kayleigh Hardy

Things to do in Weymouth

I wonder if Weymouth is actually rather overlooked and under-rated, with visitors flocking more to other Dorset locations such as Bournemouth, but Weymouth has some brilliant hidden gems that I want to share with you.

Things to do Becky Bye

Things to do in Lyme Regis

Lyme Regis is the perfect seaside destination for a weekend break, come rain or shine. Almost bordering on Devon, Lyme Regis is tucked away on the edge of Dorset, along the Jurassic Coast and has lots to do, whether you’re an active family, or a quiet couple.

Things to do Becky Bye

5 top tips for holidays with dogs

Dogs are man's best friend and who wouldn't want to take their best friend on holiday? Choose one of our dog friendly cottages for a great stay with your four legged friend.

News & Offers Kayleigh Hardy

The Times Top 3 winter walks

Check out things to do and where to stay if you fancy following one of The Times' winter walks to celebrate all things outdoors.

News & Offers Kayleigh Hardy

Valentines in Dorset

The 14th February first became associated with romantic love within Geoffrey Chaucer’s circle in the 14th Century, when the tradition of courtly love flourished and was incredibly fashionable.

Visitors' Book Becky Bye

Colourful autumn walks in Dorset

Dorset and Wiltshire have an impressive array of autumn colours to tempt you to wrap up in your warmest layers and head out with the dog to earn a nice hot toddy.

Visitors' Book Becky Bye

Blood Moons and Dark Sky Tourism

When on holiday, consider a slightly different point of view. Grab a blanket, a bottle of wine and come and check out the latest in night-time activities.

Things to do Lizzie Heather

The best of the best places to eat in Dorset

Starting in my home town of Shaftesbury in north Dorset, we are incredibly lucky to boast no fewer than nine cafes and at least six great places for a wonderful dinner. There are however two which for me stand out above the rest and are worth travelling down to this part of Dorset especially for.

Classic Fodder Becky Bye

Walking in Dorset

Some of the more rural country walks in North Dorset suggest themselves as more of a waterproof coat and wellington boot alternative, though there are plenty of coastal walks for the slightly more adventurous types with hiking boots and walking sticks. However, these are my particular favourites;

Things to do Becky Bye

Sampling the River Cottage Food Festival

Itʼs not what you would call a ʻhugeʼ festival, but itʼs all the more special because of that. If anything it feels like a huge family garden party, if only I had that garden!

Things to do James Chubb

Fossil hunting in Lyme Regis

Even my twelve-year-old son was soon bashing away at rocks with his hammer and proudly announcing his discovery of belemnites, crinoid stems and an ammonite

Things to do Amanda Tomlin

Occasion Locations

The best places through Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset to hold a special occasion with friends and family. We're thinking wedding party venues, but any special occasion is worthy of such a location.

News & Offers Katie Chown