Things to do in Dorset
Browse a few of the things to do within 20 miles of Dorset.
The Great Outdoors in Dorset
The great outdoors within 20 miles of Dorset.
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Greenhill Down | Dorset Wildlife Trust
A reserve with a mix of different habitats, attracting a wide variety insects and birds

Haydon Hill | Dorset Wildlife Trust
A chalk grassland on a steep north facing slope

Brooklands Farm (Dorset Wildlife Trust HQ) | Dorset Wildlife Trust
It’s amazing how much wildlife can be supported by one small hay-meadow site, as the reserve at our Dorset Wildlife Trust Headquarters at Brooklands Farm proves.

Hendover Coppice | Dorset Wildlife Trust
A peaceful woodland site once used as a place for reflection by monks from the Hillfield Friary

Broadoak Orchard | Dorset Wildlife Trust
A charming pocket of old orchard - sit a while in the dappled shade of an apple tree and watch the insects buzz by.

Higher Hyde Heath | Dorset Wildlife Trust
An internationally important area of dry & wet lowland heathland & woodland

Tadnoll & Winfrith Heath | Dorset Wildlife Trust
A large tract of lowland heath, dissected by wet meadows

Girdlers Coppice | Dorset Wildlife Trust
A fine example of oak woodland and hazel coppice with a very rich ground flora

Mill Ham Island | Dorset Wildlife Trust
This little visited area offers a retreat for otters

Nunnery Mead | Dorset Wildlife Trust
Former water meadows on the River Frome; the site of a Roman Villa and medieval village

Ashley Wood | Dorset Wildlife Trust
Ancient hazel and ash coppice which is carpeted in bluebells in the Spring
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History and Heritage in Dorset
History and heritage within 20 miles of Dorset.
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Athelhampton House | A Great Day Out | Dorchester Dorset
Athelhampton House & Gardens, Tudor House Visitor Attraction set in the heart of Dorset, enjoy the historic house, explore the gardens and enjoy a cream tea in the Coach House restaurant.

Fiddleford Manor | English Heritage
The principal parts of a small stone manor house, probably begun about 1370 for William Latimer, Sheriff of Somerset and Dorset. The hall and solar chamber display outstandingly fine timber roofs.

The Nine Stones | English Heritage
Now in a wooded glade, this small prehistoric circle of nine standing stones was constructed around 4,000 years ago and is surrounded by a mysterious air. Winterbourne Poor Lot Barrows are nearby.

Sherborne Old Castle | English Heritage
Sherborne Old Castle is a romantic 12th century ruin set in beautiful grounds next to New Sherborne Castle.

Kingston Russell Stone Circle | English Heritage
A late Neolithic or early Bronze Age circle of 18 fallen stones, on a hilltop overlooking Abbotsbury and the sea.

Abbotsbury Abbey Remains | English Heritage
Part of a monastic building, perhaps the abbot’s lodging, of Benedictine Abbotsbury Abbey, Henry VIII ordered its destruction during the Dissolution in 1538. St Catherine's Chapel is nearby.

Abbotsbury, St Catherine's Chapel | English Heritage
Set high on a hilltop overlooking Abbotsbury Abbey, this sturdily buttressed and barrel-vaulted 14th-century chapel was built by monks as a place of pilgrimage and retreat.

Portland Castle | English Heritage
Built by Henry VIII to defend England, the castle also played a part in the First and Second World Wars. Attractions include the Tudor kitchen, great hall, gardens, sea views, tearooms and audio tour.

Knowlton Church and Earthworks | English Heritage
The siting of this ruined medieval church at the centre of a Neolithic ritual henge earthwork symbolises the transition from pagan to Christian worship and creates an atmospheric scene.

Old Wardour Castle | English Heritage
Set in landscaped grounds beside a lake in peaceful Wiltshire countryside, these 14th century ruins provide a relaxed, romantic day out for couples, families and budding historians alike.
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The Arts in Dorset
The arts within 20 miles of Dorset.
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The Tutankhamun Exhibition
The Tutankhamun Exhibition, A spectacular recreation of the tomb and treasures of King Tutankhamun in Dorchester.

Dinosaur Museum
The Dinosaur Museum in Dorchester, close to Dorset's Jurrassic Coast is the only museum in the UK solely devoted to dinosaurs and their fascinating world.

Blandford Town Museum

Sherborne Museum
Welcome to Sherborne Museum where stories ignite the imagination. Our large collection of artefacts and collections are suitable for all ages.

Gold Hill Museum
Shaftesbury's local history museum at the top of Gold Hill with a cottage garden and wonderful views. Ancient and Roman archaeology, Saxon roots, agricultural and market heritage, local traditions, domestic life, cottage industries, politics etc

The Cygnet
The Cygnet Gallery offers local artists the opportunity to exhibit their work - unique and varied pieces from fine art to silversmithing, from glass work to textiles, to photography and ceramics, calligraphy and sculpture - there is always something new t

Poole Waterfront Museum
The best place to find information, support and services as a Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole resident, business, partner or visitor.

Bridport Museum
Explore our Museum based in one of the town's oldest buildings with modern & interactive displays. Voted Best Small Museum 2019 - Visitor.

Montacute TV Radio & Toy Museum
Montacute TV Radio Toy Museum Amazing Nostalgic Fun!
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Food and Drink in Dorset
Food and drink within 20 miles of Dorset.
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Coffee #1 | Dorchester
With large windows that extend around the shop, Coffee#1 Dorchester has an inside/outside feel with plenty of light and big open spaces. Situated at the end of the bustling High Street, it’s worth the extra few steps to grab a coffee and treat. It’s the perfect place to rest those weary legs or catch up with friends.

THE TROUGH | Restaurant | Cafe | Shop | Yeovil
Family run destination with Restaurant, Cafe & Gift Shop situated on the edge of Yeovil & surrounded by stunning views. Freshly made dishes, coffee, & cakes. Fully licensed. The Trough, Stone Lane, Yeovil, Somerset BA21 4NU.
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Sport in Dorset
Sport within 20 miles of Dorset.
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Came Down Golf Club

The Dorset Golf & Country Club & Resort
The Dorset Golf Resort is the perfect destination for a Golf Break. 5 Star Log Homes with 27 Holes of Championship Golf rate in the TOP 150 in England.

Weymouth Golf Club
Visitors Use the BRS Golf Tee Booking System to book online. Book now Latest News View our latest news, events and more. News Membership View our various Membership offers. more info Latest Results View the latest results from our competitions Results Powered by European Golf Tech

Hollywood Bowl
Hollywood Bowl Yeovil is part of The Hollywood Bowl Group; the UKs best ten pin bowling alley packed with bowling fun, arcades, food, drink and activities!
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Thrill Seeking in Dorset
Thrill seeking within 20 miles of Dorset.
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Fantasy Island Fun Park
We have a whole host of rides and activities to suit all ages. We're sure your family will love it.

Sandworld
See amazing sand sculptures created by talented artists from around the world at Sandworld – Weymouth's sand sculpture festival.
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Wildlife in Dorset
Wildlife within 20 miles of Dorset.
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Lorton Meadows | Dorset Wildlife Trust
A haven of peaceful green meadows, hedgerows and woodland, this reserve offers a chance to experience some fabulous wildlife right in the middle of town.

Kingcombe Meadows | Dorset Wildlife Trust
Gateway to the Kingcombe National Nature Reserve (KNNR), Kingcombe Meadows offers the opportunity to step back in time on a traditional working farm complete with flower rich grassland, ancient hedgerows, rough pasture and wet woodlands. The hedgerows, fields and hay meadows are almost untouched by artificial fertilisers and pesticides. As a result they are home to a huge array of wildlife, some common and easy to see, others rare elsewhere in the UK. At the heart of the nature reserve lies the Kingcombe Visitor Centre - find out more information about the centre on our Visitor Centre page.

Kingcombe Visitor Centre | Dorset Wildlife Trust
Set amidst winding country lanes, delightful rivers and superb, unspoilt countryside, Kingcombe Visitor Centre is a place to relax and be inspired. Spend some time exploring our wildlife-friendly gardens, orchards, bird hide and the boardwalk along the edge of the tranquil River Hooke. Visit the Kitchen at Kingcombe (open Wednesday - Sunday 10am - 4pm) for refreshments , cake or a light lunch or enjoy your picnic anywhere in the visitor centre grounds.
Kingcombe Visitor Centre is the gateway to the stunning Kingcombe National Nature Reserve, incorporating Kingcombe Meadows and Powerstock Common nature reserves, where you can enjoy exploring the unspoilt countryside and ancient woodland.

Collyer's Brook | Dorset Wildlife Trust
A peaceful place to take a time out.

Powerstock Common | Dorset Wildlife Trust
A site brimming with wildlife and a sense of the wild.

Corfe Mullen Meadows | Dorset Wildlife Trust
A traditional hay meadow with an abundance of wildflower species.

Hibbitts Woods | Dorset Wildlife Trust
Two attractive areas of ancient woodland, including a small flower-rich meadow at Adam's Green

Fontmell Down | Dorset Wildlife Trust
A rare chance to see stunning displays of chalk downland flowers and butterflies with stunning views over the Blackmore Vale.

Lytchett Bay | Dorset Wildlife Trust
Internationally important area of Poole Harbour managed in partnership with Amphibian and Reptile Conservation; part of The Great Heath Living Landscape.

Happy Bottom | Dorset Wildlife Trust
Happy Bottom Nature Reserve is a safe environment where wildlife can thrive, with a rich and varied history, spanning Roman roads, nearby ancient barrows, Victorian railways and 20th century farming. It forms part of the Corfe Barrows Nature Park.

Holway Woods | Dorset Wildlife Trust
A mixture of mature woodland, offering superb views of South Somerset
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Craft in Dorset
Craft within 20 miles of Dorset.
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Wimborne Model Town | Explore our Vintage Miniature World
Explore our Vintage Miniature World. Wimborne Model Town is open every day for 10am to 5pm with loads of attractions for all ages.
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Music in Dorset
Music within 20 miles of Dorset.
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Shake Boat Party
3.5hrs at sea, with the best underground music, fully stocked bar and great people.
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