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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.

Places to visit

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Top places to visit in Dorset

A vintage carousel in front of Kingston Lacy
Place
Place

Kingston Lacy 

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

Wimborne Minster, Dorset

Partially open today
The medieval ruins of Corfe Castle on a hill on a sunny day in Dorset
Place
Place

Corfe Castle 

Thousand-year-old royal castle shaped by warfare.

Wareham, Dorset

Partially open today
Old Harry Rocks seen from the South West Coast Path in Studland Bay, Dorset
Place
Place

Studland Bay 

Vast area of sandy beaches and heathland.

near Swanage, Dorset

Partially open today
An autumn view of the Pantheon and the Palladian Bridge at Stourhead.
Place
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.

near Mere, Wiltshire

Closed now

Christmas in Dorset

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.

Reopening in spring 2025

An aerial view of Brownsea Island, Dorset. Brownsea Island sits in the middle of Poole Harbour.
Place
Place

Brownsea Island 

Famous for red squirrels, wildlife and Scouting

Poole, Dorset

Closed now
The cottage at Clouds Hill, Dorset covered in snow at winter
Place
Place

Clouds Hill 

The rural retreat of T. E. Lawrence

near Wareham, Dorset

Closed now
View of a thatched cottage and the garden running out in front of it, covered in a light dusting of snow
Place
Place

Hardy's Birthplace 

Evocative cob and thatch cottage - birthplace of Thomas Hardy

near Dorchester, Dorset

Closed now
A desk in the Study at Max Gate, Dorset
Place
Place

Hardy's House, Max Gate 

Atmospheric Victorian home designed by Thomas Hardy

Dorchester, Dorset

Closed now

Volunteering in Dorset

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.

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

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
Article
Article

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
Article
Article

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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Article

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.

Places to stay in Dorset

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

The exterior of South Shore Lodge, Brownsea Island

South Shore Lodge, Brownsea 

Perfectly placed for sea views and island adventures.

The exterior of Westwood Farm, Dorset

Westwood Farm House 

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

The loggia at The Cheese House on Westwood Farm, Dorset

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.

The exterior and garden of Greenlands, Dorset

Greenlands 

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

The exterior of Groom's Cottage, Corfe Castle, Dorset

Groom's Cottage 

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

An aerial view of Portland House including the ground floor and first floor terraces, Dorset

Portland House 

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

The exterior of Middlebere Farmhouse, Dorset

Middlebere Farmhouse 

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

Places to camp in Dorset

The area surrounding Weston Farm Motorhome Site, Dorset

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, Dorset

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, Dorset

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.

Camping at Brownsea Island Campsite, Dorset

Brownsea Island Campsite 

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

Places to visit in Dorset car-free

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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Article

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.

Upcoming events

Event

Quizmas Trail 

Studland Bay, near Swanage, Dorset

Coming to Studland for a Winter walk? Why not follow our free 'Quizmas Trail'!

Event summary

on
25 Dec 2024 to 2 Jan 2025
at
09:00 to 15:30
+ 8 other dates or times
Event

Join the search for Christmas wishes 

Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster, Dorset

There's been a problem at the wish sorting office, and the Kingston Lacy Wish Makers are going to need help from the whole family to find all the escaped wishes before Christmas.

Event summary

on
26 Dec 2024 to 5 Jan 2025
at
10:00 to 15:00
+ 10 other dates or times
Event

Christmas carousel 

Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster, Dorset

Join the festive fun with a magical ride on a children's vintage carousel. Running weekends in December and daily from 18 December - 5 January.

Event summary

on
26 Dec 2024 to 5 Jan 2025
at
11:30 to 15:30
+ 10 other dates or times
Event

Christmas Festivities at Corfe Castle 

Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset

Marshmallows, firepits and festivities at Corfe Castle this Winter.

Event summary

on
27 Dec 2024 to 5 Jan 2025
at
10:00 to 15:30
+ 9 other dates or times
Event

Lord of Misrule Storytelling tours 

Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset

Join a storytelling tour with Corfe Castle's ‘Lord of Misrule’.

Event summary

on
27 Dec 2024 to 5 Jan 2025
at
10:00 to 15:30
+ 9 other dates or times
Event

Monty and Matilda's Castle Christmas - family quest 

Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset

Explore the castle this festive season, following the family quest as it winds up through the ruins.

Event summary

on
27 Dec 2024 to 12 Jan 2025
at
10:00 to 15:30
+ 16 other dates or times
Event

A house full of wishes at Christmas 

Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster, Dorset

What do you wish for at Christmas? Kingston Lacy house has been transformed with beautiful decorations to fulfil every Christmas wish ready for the whole family to discover.

Event summary

on
27 Dec 2024 to 5 Jan 2025
at
10:30 to 15:00
+ 9 other dates or times
Event

Kings' view experience 

Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset

For the first time since 1646, you can ascend the Kings Tower at Corfe Castle to experience rare historical features and panoramic views - once only reserved for royalty.

Event summary

on
28 Dec 2024 to 26 Feb 2025
at
10:00 to 15:30
+ 26 other dates or times
Two visitors laughing at each other whilst admiring the Dining Room at Christmas at Lanhydrock, Cornwall

Where will you visit next?

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