Dorset

Everything from an island, ancient coasts and hidden gems, to a castle, cottages and a home inspired by an Italian palace, there are plenty of things to do in Dorset.

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Sun shining on the house at Kingston Lacy, leaves on a tree in the foreground are starting to change colour and drop on the lawn

Place

Kingston Lacy

A lavish family home re-imagined as a Venetian Palace in the rural Dorset countryside.

The medieval ruins of Corfe Castle on a hill on a sunny day in Dorset

Place

Corfe Castle

Thousand-year-old royal castle shaped by warfare.

Old Harry Rocks seen from the South West Coast Path in Studland Bay, Dorset

Place

Studland Bay

Vast area of sandy beaches and heathland.

A view of the bridge and lake at Stourhead in autumn with red and green trees either side of the water and the domed Temple of Apollo in the background

Place

Stourhead

Just over the border - A Palladian house and world-famous landscape garden with a magnificent lake reflecting classical temples, a mystical grotto and rare and exotic trees.

Two children play with toy swords in front of Corfe Castle in Dorset

Family-friendly places in Dorset

The Saloon at Kingston Lacy with a high coved ceiling, fireplace, carved wood doors, framed paintings and furniture around the room

Houses and buildings in Dorset

A garden with trees in autumn colours of orange, purple, yellow and green

Brownsea Island

Famous for red squirrels, wildlife and Scouting

Place

Clouds Hill

The rural retreat of T. E. Lawrence

Place

Hardy's Birthplace

Evocative cob and thatch cottage - birthplace of Thomas Hardy

Large wooden desk with bookshelves and red walls behind it

Place

Hardy's House, Max Gate

Atmospheric Victorian home designed by Thomas Hardy

A vintage carousel in front of Kingston Lacy

Christmas in Dorset

Plan your festive day out at places around Dorset. From illuminated trails, festive walks to Christmas traditions at houses and gardens, there's something for the whole family to enjoy.

Making new friends, working in amazing places, and knowing that you're helping a great cause - just three great reasons to volunteer with the National Trust in Dorset.

Search volunteering opportunities in Dorset

A volunteer clearing bracken in the woods at Studland Bay, Dorset

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Volunteering opportunities at Studland Bay

Volunteers play a big part in caring for habitats and helping visitors across Purbeck and we are always looking for friendly and passionate people to join our teams.

Volunteers planting trees as part of the Parkland Project at Oxburgh Hall

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Volunteering at White Mill

Find out all you need to know about joining the volunteer team at White Mill, from the kind of work our volunteers help with and how to get in touch.

A volunteer talks to visitors at Kingston Lacy, Dorset

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Volunteering at Kingston Lacy

There are numerous ways that you can volunteer with the National Trust at Kingston Lacy. Find out how to join our team.

Two volunteers in National Trust jackets sit at a picnic table on Studland Beach, sharing drinks and cake

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Supporter groups in Dorset

Whether you want to get hands on helping with conservation work in the great outdoors, or enjoy special talks and visits to properties and gardens, find a group for you.

Stay at a National Trust holiday cottage, or campsite, in Dorset and discover more above this special county.

South Shore Lodge, Brownsea

Perfectly placed for sea views and island adventures.

Westwood Farm House

New. A rustic farmhouse close to Corfe Castle and the South West Coast Path.

The Cheese House

Discover golden beaches, ruined castles and rolling countryside from this cosy, rural escape at the heart of the Jurassic coast.

The exterior of 524 Pamphill Green, Dorset

524 Pamphill Green Cottage

An eye-catching thatched cottage on the Kingston Lacy estate, where you’ll find miles of footpaths through lush rolling countryside waiting to be explored.

Greenlands

At the edge of Poole Harbour, with green fields all around this 1940s cottage has views to Brownsea Island.

Groom's Cottage

In the shadow of Corfe Castle, this former groom’s cottage is a quirky retreat in a historic village.

Portland House

Get a spectacular taste of 1930’s glamour in this stunning Art-Deco, Hollywood -Spanish inspired style villa on the Dorset coast.

Middlebere Farmhouse

A picture-perfect thatch cottage with modern rustic interiors, close to Poole Harbour.

Weston Farm Motorhome Site

Five sea-view pitches in the grounds of an old dairy farm, with walks inland to the Purbeck hills or to Chapman’s Pool on the Jurassic Coast.

Kingston Lacy Motorhome Site

A peaceful site surrounded by grassland and ancient trees on the Kingston Lacy estate, a short stroll from the house and gardens.

Weston Farm Campsite

A meadow campsite just off the South West Coast Path, with walks inland to the Purbeck hills or to Chapman’s Pool on the Jurassic Coast.

Brownsea Island Campsite

An island campsite near the beach, surrounded by thriving habitats in a spot famous for red squirrels.

Whether you’re looking to travel by bus, train, bike or foot, there are many places in Dorset you can visit without a car.

A female walker on the coast path near Burton Bradstock on a sunny day in early April

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Places you can visit in Dorset without a car

Whether you’re looking to travel by bus, train, bike or foot, there are many places that we care for in Dorset that you can visit without a car. Here’s a little more information that can help you plan your a car-free day out.

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Event

Studland Bay Photo Calendar Competition

Studland Bay, near Swanage, Dorset

Take up the challenge of snapping an image of Studland that fits a monthly theme. Novembers theme is fungi!

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Castle Critters family quest

Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset

Can you find the castle critters? Explore the ruins to learn more about them and see if you are lucky enough to spot one on your adventure.

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Conservation in Action: Winter house tours

Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster, Dorset

Ever wondered what it takes to care for Kingston Lacy? Learn more about the conservation work that goes into looking after this beautiful place on a special guided tour.

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Nature Tots

Studland Bay, near Swanage, Dorset

Explore the outdoors with your little ones at our weekly Nature Tots group

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Guided castle tours

Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset

Join our knowledgeable tour guide for an insight into the 1000 year history of Corfe Castle.

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Nordic wellness walk: every Tuesday at 10am

Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster, Dorset

Would you like to try a gentle Nordic walk in the beautiful surroundings of Kingston Lacy? Dorset Council run weekly walks every Tuesday at 10am that last an hour. A Nordic Wellness Walk may incorporate mobility exercises to help with...

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November Brownsea historical guided walk with cream tea in Brownsea Castle

Brownsea Island, Poole, Dorset

Listen to fascinating tales of Brownsea's past on this guided walk that takes in the island and the castle grounds. Enjoy exclusive access into the castle for a cream tea before heading back on the boat.

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Kingston Lacy Health Cycle Rides: every Thursday at 10am

Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster, Dorset

Would you like to take up cycling again, have lost confidence, or would just like to ride with other people using traffic-free trails or quiet country lanes? These rides are led by trained volunteers from Dorset Council's Health and Activity...

Explore an area nearby

Man holding a child up in the air as they both smile, in the grounds at Powis Castle, Powys

Where will you visit next?

Discover lots of gardens, historic houses, days out at the coast and more.

Plan a visit