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Discover lots of gardens, historic houses, days out at the coast and more.
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
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Kingston Lacy
A lavish family home re-imagined as a Venetian Palace in the rural Dorset countryside.
Place
Hardy's Cottage
Evocative cob and thatch cottage - the birthplace of Thomas Hardy. Re-opens 18 March 2025.
Place
Hardy's House, Max Gate
Atmospheric Victorian home designed and lived in by Thomas Hardy. Re-opens 18 March 2025.
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.
Top things to do in Dorset
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Places to stay in Dorset
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.
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.
Places to camp in 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
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.
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.
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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.
Upcoming events
Event
Henrietta's Garden
Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster, DorsetJoin us this year in celebrating the 20th anniversary of the restoration of Henrietta Bankes’ vision of the Japanese Garden, filled with cherry blossom, bamboo and acers.
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Easter Egg Hunt at Kingston Lacy
Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster, DorsetJoin in the Easter fun this spring. Put on your bunny ears, complete the ten amazing activities around the the Easter adventure field before claiming your tasty prize. Normal admission applies.
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Easter egg hunt at Hive Beach
Hive Beach, Burton Bradstock, DorsetAre you ready for some Easter fun at Hive Beach this April?
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Studland's Easter Adventure
Studland Bay, near Swanage, DorsetJoin us for a nature themed Easter trail. Explore the beach, dunes and woodland of Studland and learn about the wonderful wildlife with whom we share this special place.
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Easter adventures at Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle, Wareham, DorsetThis spring, treat the whole family to a world of adventure at Corfe Castle over the Easter holiday period.
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Easter egg hunt at Brownsea Island
Brownsea Island, Poole, DorsetCelebrate Easter with an exciting woodland adventure at Brownsea Island! Embark on our fun, interactive trail to discover the amazing lives of birds. And don’t forget, there’s a tasty chocolate prize waiting for you at the finish!
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Artisan Crafts
Corfe Castle, Wareham, DorsetWatch demonstrations of heritage crafts from our friendly artisan volunteers.
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Way of the wild - Bushcraft taster sessions
Brownsea Island, Poole, DorsetDive into the wild and master survival skills at the birthplace of the scouting movement. Join Joe Peartree, our expert bushcraft specialist, for a unique, hands-on experience.
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