Top Things to do in Dorset - With Visitors Itineary
Posted on 01-10-25By: Claire S. | 6 minute read
Dreaming of a coastal escape where rolling hills meet dramatic cliffs and golden beaches? Dorset is the perfect spot for a short break, and staying in one of our many Dorset holiday cottages makes it even more special. With their cosy charm and home-from-home comforts, our self-catering Dorest cottages provide the ideal base to explore this breathtaking county.
In this blog, we’ll share a 3-night itinerary designed to help you discover Dorset’s best bits, from wandering the Jurassic Coast and exploring historic towns, to enjoying countryside walks and seaside adventures. You’ll also find practical tips on when to visit, how to get there with ease, and plenty of free things to do so you can make the most of your stay. Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a romantic retreat, or a group trip with friends, why not treat yourself to a Dorset holiday cottage with a hot tub, offering the perfect backdrop for a memorable break.
When to Go to Dorset
Dorset is a destination that offers something special in every season, so the best time to visit really depends on the experience you’re after.
🌸 Spring (March–May):
The countryside comes alive with bluebells, daffodils, and fresh greenery. It’s a wonderful time for walks along the South West Coast Path or visiting gardens like Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens. Look out for the Swanage Railway Steam Gala and Sherborne Abbey Festival, perfect for music and culture lovers.
☀️ Summer (June–August):
This is peak holiday season, with long days made for beaches, fossil hunting, and family adventures. Seaside towns buzz with life, and you can enjoy events like the Bournemouth Air Festival, Camp Bestival at Lulworth Castle, and Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week. Book your Dorset holiday cottages early, as summer is the most popular time.
🍂 Autumn (September–November):
A favourite for walkers and foodies. The Jurassic Coast is quieter but still stunning, and countryside walks are framed by rich autumn colours. Don’t miss the Dorset Food & Arts Festival or Bridport Literary Festival, both celebrating local culture and flavours.
❄️ Winter (December–February):
For a slower pace, winter is the time for cosy cottage stays with log fires and hearty pub meals. Towns sparkle with festive lights, and events like Bournemouth’s Christmas Tree Wonderland and Sherborne’s Festive Shopping Day add seasonal cheer. Hardy souls can even join the Lyme Regis Christmas Day Swim for a bracing tradition!
Free Things to Do in Dorset
Exploring Dorset doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Alongside the comfort of your Dorset holiday cottage, there are plenty of free activities to enjoy that showcase the county’s natural beauty and charm.
Discover the Jurassic Coast: Walk along Dorset’s UNESCO World Heritage coastline, famous for its fossils and dramatic cliffs. Popular spots include Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, and the sweeping Chesil Beach.
Beach Days: From family-friendly sands at Weymouth to the quieter, wilder Studland Bay, Dorset offers plenty of beautiful beaches where you can swim, picnic, or simply soak up the sea air.
Scenic Walks: Explore the South West Coast Path, wander across the rolling Purbeck Hills, or climb Golden Cap, the highest point on the south coast, for breathtaking views.
Historic Market Towns: Stroll through places like Sherborne, Bridport, and Shaftesbury (famous for Gold Hill), where window shopping, local markets, and heritage charm are all free to enjoy.
Wildlife and Nature: Spot birdlife at RSPB Arne, or enjoy the peaceful countryside and woodland trails across Dorset’s many nature reserves.
Accessibility in Dorset
Dorset is working hard to make its stunning coastline, historic sites, and countryside experiences as accessible as possible, so everyone can enjoy a memorable holiday. Many of the county’s main attractions have facilities and services in place for visitors with mobility needs, families with pushchairs, and those requiring extra support.
Coastal Attractions: Popular spots like Weymouth Beach are known for being accessible, with level promenades, beach wheelchairs available for hire, and good transport links. Parts of the Jurassic Coast, such as Lulworth Cove, have accessible paths and visitor centres, though more rugged areas like Durdle Door can be challenging.
Heritage & Gardens: Locations such as Sherborne Abbey, Kingston Lacy (National Trust), and Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens provide step-free access in many areas, along with accessible toilets and mobility scooter hire.
Towns & Countryside: Market towns like Dorchester and Bridport are relatively flat and easy to explore, while nature reserves such as RSPB Arne offer accessible trails with viewing platforms.
Tip: Always check attraction websites in advance, as accessibility can vary depending on weather conditions, terrain, and season.
3 Nights / 4 Days Dorset Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Coastal Icons | Morning/Afternoon: Arrive at your Dorset holiday cottage and settle in. Head straight to the Jurassic Coast, beginning with the iconic Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. These world-famous landmarks are must-sees, offering dramatic cliffs, crystal waters, and brilliant photo opportunities. Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner in nearby Wareham or bring back supplies for a cosy meal in your cottage. Hidden Gem: Pop into the Etches Collection Museum of Jurassic Marine Life in Kimmeridge, a quirky fossil museum created from one man’s extraordinary collection. |
Day 2: Countryside, Castles & Quirky Stops | Morning: Explore Corfe Castle, a dramatic ruin steeped in history with incredible views across Purbeck. Lunch: Take a steam train ride on the Swanage Railway for a nostalgic journey through the countryside. Afternoon: Discover Studland Bay for sandy beaches and nature trails. Evening: Return to your cottage for a home-cooked meal, or head to a traditional Dorset pub. Hidden Gem: Visit the Blue Pool Nature Reserve, a magical lake where the water changes colour depending on the light. |
Day 3: Coastal Towns & Local Flavours | Morning: Head west to Lyme Regis, a charming seaside town known for fossil hunting and its historic harbour, The Cobb. Afternoon: Stroll through Bridport, famed for its artsy vibe and vintage markets. If it’s Saturday, the market is full of quirky finds. Evening: Enjoy fresh seafood in Lyme Regis or return to your cottage for a relaxed night in. Hidden Gem: Stop at Mapperton House & Gardens, a beautifully tucked-away stately home often described as Dorset’s “finest manor house.” |
Day 4: Dorset’s Views & Departure | Morning: Before heading home, take in the panoramic views from Golden Cap, the highest point on the south coast. It’s a bracing but rewarding walk. Quirky Stop: On your way out, swing by Athelhampton House, where alongside Tudor history you might spot the resident peacocks strutting around the grounds. Depart with memories of stunning coastlines, cosy Dorset holiday cottages, and a few hidden treasures most visitors miss. |
Dorset is the perfect destination for a short break, offering a mix of world-famous attractions and hidden gems that make every day an adventure. From the dramatic cliffs of the Jurassic Coast and the historic ruins of Corfe Castle, to the charm of seaside towns like Lyme Regis and Bridport, there’s something here for everyone. Wander nature trails, hunt for fossils, soak up golden sunsets on the beach, or explore quirky finds like the Blue Pool and Mapperton Gardens. Whether you’re visiting in spring for wildflowers, summer for seaside fun, autumn for foodie festivals, or winter for cosy fireside escapes, Dorset delivers year-round magic.
The best way to enjoy it all? Base yourself in one of our hand-picked Dorset holiday cottages, offering comfort, character, and the perfect home-from-home. Start planning your getaway today and book your ideal cottage with cottages.com for an unforgettable Dorset adventure.
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