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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 group of people walk up the gravel drive towards Kingston Lacy stately home
Place
Place

Kingston Lacy 

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

Wimborne Minster, Dorset

Fully 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

Fully 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

Fully open today
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

Partially open today
The Bookroom at Clouds Hill, Dorset
Place
Place

Clouds Hill 

The rural retreat of T. E. Lawrence

near Wareham, Dorset

Closed now
Hardy's Cottage in Autumn
Place
Place

Hardy's Birthplace 

Evocative cob and thatch cottage - birthplace of Thomas Hardy

near Dorchester, Dorset

Closed now
A large detached, red brick Victorian home in summer. The garden is in bloom in the foreground.
Place
Place

Hardy's House, Max Gate 

Atmospheric Victorian home designed by Thomas Hardy

Dorchester, Dorset

Closed now
White Mill on the River Stour, on the Kingston Lacy estate, Dorset
Place
Place

White Mill 

Corn mill with original wooden machinery in a peaceful riverside setting

near Wimborne Minster, Dorset

Closed now

October half term and planning for Christmas in Dorset

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

Half-term family fun in Dorset 

There's all sorts to do in Dorset with the family, including discovering places to explore in gardens, parks, the countryside and on the beach.

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.

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. Come along to our Purbeck volunteer recruitment event on Saturday 20 January to learn more.

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
Article
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

Calling all leaf crunchers: Autumn half-term fun 

Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster, Dorset

Celebrate the colourful autumn season at Kingston Lacy this half-term with creativity fun through the gardens and woodland.

Event summary

on
28 Oct to 3 Nov 2024
at
09:30 to 16:00
+ 6 other dates or times
Event

Studland's Wicked Wildlife Trail 

Studland Bay, near Swanage, Dorset

Check out our Wicked Wildlife Trail this October half-term. Can you balance round the spider's web? Who's in the box? Will you take the welly walk?

Event summary

on
28 Oct to 3 Nov 2024
at
10:00 to 15:30
+ 6 other dates or times
Event

October half term 

Brownsea Island, Poole, Dorset

Leap, scamper, and climb, get nutty about red squirrels this October half term on Brownsea Island.

Event summary

on
28 Oct to 3 Nov 2024
at
10:00 to 16:30
+ 6 other dates or times
Event

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.

Event summary

on
28 Oct to 22 Nov 2024
at
10:00 to 16:30
+ 25 other dates or times
Event

October Half Term 

Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset

Get involved this October with a new family quest and the return of the teddy bear zip-wire!

Event summary

on
28 Oct to 3 Nov 2024
at
10:00 to 16:30
+ 6 other dates or times
Event

Daily guided red squirrel walks 

Brownsea Island, Poole, Dorset

Brownsea is one of the last remaining strongholds in the south for the native red squirrels and autumn is the perfect time to catch sight of one of these elusive animals.

Event summary

on
28 Oct to 3 Nov 2024
at
10:45 to 11:45
+ 13 other dates or times
Event

Guided castle tours 

Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset

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

Event summary

on
28 Oct to 14 Nov 2024
at
11:00 to 12:30
+ 27 other dates or times
Event

Apple pressing in the Kitchen Garden 

Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster, Dorset

Slurp your way into autumn at Kingston Lacy. Visit the Kitchen Garden to see our apple press in action and taste apple juice made with apples from Kingston Lacy's orchards.

Event summary

on
28 Oct 2024
at
11:30 to 15:00
A group of four women along a path, in the background, down a hill is a reservoir

Where will you visit next?

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