Best Places to Visit in Dorset: Must-Visit Destinations

Set in the southwest of England, Dorset is a one-of-a-kind destination that attracts tourists from all walks of life.

Ancient castles, lush landscapes, serene shores, and some secluded and secret places to visit in Dorset offer an unforgettable experience to everyone. Our goal is to help you craft your itinerary for the upcoming summer vacay. So, feel free to consult our guide, as we are sure you will find more than one inspiring location.

Natural Wonders and Places to Visit in Dorset for Free

Let’s start with something that hikers, campers and lovers of the great outdoors will definitely appreciate. Below are the top 3 natural wonders of this county and they are both beautiful and unusual places to visit in Dorset 

Durdle Door 

Perhaps the most iconic landmark on the Jurassic Coast, Durdle Door is an impressive natural limestone arch formed by the power of the ocean. The beach here offers stunning views and is one of the best places to visit in Dorset for free, as well as one of the most photographed ones. It’s moderately crowded during weekends and more so during the summer holidays, so plan your trip accordingly.

In case you aim to explore Durdle Door and take scenic hikes in this area, then one of the best options to stay is Durdle Door Holiday Park. It’s just a few minutes walk from the limestone arch, on Main Rd, West Lulworth, Wareham BH20 5PU. The park has multiple accommodation options including those that are kid and pet-friendly, and has bars with accessible toilets.  

Bournemouth Beach

Around 8 miles away from the coastal town of Poole, Bournemouth Beach is an ideal summer getaway for those who visit Dorset. Soft golden sands stretching for several miles and France on the other side of the English channel – what’s not to love? Bournemouth Beach provides excellent facilities, including beach huts, cafes, and lifeguards during the summer months. It's popular for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports, and one of the best places to visit in Dorset.

Old Harry Rocks 

Located at the very tip of the Purbeck Peninsula 4 miles north of Swanage, these chalk formations mark the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast. An interesting piece of trivia – the rocks were named after a smuggler who would sail past them every time he left or returned to the port that was nearby. The coastal walks around Old Harry Rocks provide panoramic views of the English Channel and it’s one of the more unusual places to visit in Dorset. 

You can find some lodging options in the nearby village of Studland, and there is even a restaurant there called The Pig - on the beach. They have home grown or locally sourced dishes, so it would be a good place to hit on your way back.   

The Best Historical and Cultural Places to Visit in Dorset

Here are some of the best historical places in Dorset to visit:

Corfe Castle 

Located on The Square, Wareham BH20 5EZ, this iconic ruin offers a glimpse into 1,000 years of history. The castle's dramatic ruins stand on a natural hill guarding the principal route through the Purbeck Hills. It was destroyed in the English Civil War, which adds another layer to its poignant history. It’s definitely one of the best places to visit in Dorset, UK. You can get there by foot, following the Purbeck Way from Swanage or Wareham, or by car, though be aware that the parking fills up fairly quickly on the weekends. 

The Tank Museum 

One of the top 10 places to visit in Dorset if you’re a history buff. It is within Bovington and the full address is - R A C Tank Museum, Linsay Rd, Bovington, Wareham BH20 6JG. The Tank Museum houses the world's best collection of tanks and has been involved in historical tank and military vehicle restoration. The exhibitions detail the history of these machines and their impact on modern warfare. The standard adult ticket is £19.35, but you can get a 10% discount if you book the tickets online. 

The Roman Town House 

Located in Dorchester (DT1 1XE), this is the only example of a fully exposed Roman townhouse in England. The site provides a fascinating look at Roman domestic life, with well-preserved mosaics and architecture. The grounds are free to visit, and you can get a tour by paying a small fee. 

Maiden Castle

Maiden Castle is one of the largest and most complex Iron Age hillforts in Europe, located just outside Dorchester (1.6 miles away from the town centre - Maiden Castle Rd, Dorchester DT2 9PP). This ancient site is a window into Britain’s prehistoric past. It is typically visited by history buffs, hikers and lovers of an active vacation, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t wheelchair-accessible. So it’s available for everyone. 

Sherborne Abbey and Sherborne Old Castle 

Sherborne Abbey, with its stunning architecture, has been a site of worship since AD 705. Nearby are the ruins of Sherborne Old Castle (Sherborne DT9 3SA), built by Roger de Caen, Bishop of Salisbury, in the 12th century and later besieged by Cromwell during the Civil War. The ticket prices for the castle are as follows: 

• Adult:  £6.50
• Child:  £3.50
• Family 2 Adults + up to 3 children:  £16.50
• Family 1 Adult + up to 3 children:  £10.00

You can save 15% by booking ahead, until 8:45 the day of the visit.

Kingston Lacy

To find the stunning manor go 3 miles northwest of Wimborne, at Kingston Lacy, Wimborne BH21 4EA. This elegant Italian-style country mansion and estate, managed by the National Trust, showcases an extensive collection of art and antiques. The beautifully landscaped gardens and the estate’s historical significance make it a cultural gem and one of the nice places to visit in Dorset in winter, when the beaches are off-limits. 

Top Casinos and Gambling Entertainment in Dorset

For those who like to add a bit of thrill to an otherwise relaxing vacation, here are the two very best places in Dorset to visit if you like a game of luck.

Genting Casino 

A big-brand casino might not be one of the free places to visit in Dorset, but it sure is fun. The address is 9 Yelverton Rd, Bournemouth BH1 1DA  which is practically in the heart of Bournemouth. It has everything you’d expect in terms of table games including American Roulette, Blackjack, and Three Card Poker. As far as slot machines go there are Amazon's Diamonds, Wild Inca and Lucky Bay. The establishment also features a latte bar, where you can relax after an exciting game. 

If you want to get loose and enjoy a pint of Corona at a lower price then make sure you visit in the period between 21st March 2024 and 21st May 2024 as there is an ongoing event by the name Hoppy Days. You can get 2 pints for £7.50.  In case you need to park your car there are spots outside on Yelverton Road but council restrictions apply here. There is another paid parking lot close by on Exeter Park Road. 

Grosvenor Casino

Another casino that is located in Bournemouth - 48 Westover Rd, Bournemouth BH1 2BZ.  This is a bar restaurant, sportsbook and casino all in one. So, you can swing by even if you don’t feel like gambling, because food is delicious here. Of course roulette, poker, blackjack and slots are up to industry standards, as well. You can find parking spots at Metro car park (Hinton Road) or use Pavilion Theatre parking lots, both are in the near vicinity of the casino.   

The great thing about this establishment is that casino experience is included in their night-out bundles. 

• The All In Experience (£60) - Includes a welcome cocktail, Lanson champagne (half a bottle), £30 as bonus cash for any casino game, one lucky number roulette bet, and a 30-minute private table gaming session.  
• The Game On Experience (£30) - Includes a welcome drink, £15 as bonus cash for any casino game, a gift you can spend on your next visit, and a 30-minute private tuition session. 
• Fan Zone Experience  (£25) - Includes a welcome drink, a reserved spot in a seating area, £15 as bonus cash for any casino game, one lucky number roulette bet, and a £5 free bet for their online casino. 
• Poker Hand Experience  (£25) - Includes a welcome drink, entry to a 2-hour private poker tournament, £15 as bonus cash for any casino game, one lucky number roulette bet, and access to free-to-play poker tournament online.

In case you cannot enter these casinos because you are under self-exclusion through Gamstop, then do not worry, there is a workaround. You can still play slots not on Gamstop on sites that are not monitored by UKGC. These might not have a UK licence, but still accept UK players and are a safe choice, what’s more, you don’t even need to spend that much as there are many active bonuses out for grabs. 

Top Food and Drinks Places in Dorset

Thanks to its unique geographical position, Dorset offers a delightful culinary experience, characterized by its use of fresh local ingredients from both the sea and the land. 

The Jetty Restaurant

On our list of top places to visit in Dorset and have a gastronomical adventure is The Jetty Restaurant. The address is 95 Mudeford, Christchurch BH23 3NT, in close proximity to Christchurch Hotel. It offers top-tier seafood specialities, but it can accommodate vegans and vegetarians as well. Other guests and regulars recommend amuse bouche and the restaurant’s tasting menu. 

It is run by Alex Aitken, one of the most respected chefs in the UK. Thanks to him Jetty has received a lot of praise as well as official rewards like:

• Square Meals Top 100 restaurants in the UK (this is the only Dorset restaurant that was featured in one of their top 100 lists)
• Dorset Tourism Awards 2019 for the restaurant of the year
• The Times Award for best seafood restaurant in 2018
• Bournemouth & Poole Tourism Awards 2018 for best dining specialist 
• The Caterer and Seafish Award 2015 - This was Catere’s first Restaurant of the Year competition

So don’t miss out on Alex’s culinary marvels when you are vacationing through Dorset.   

Whole Hog Lyme Bay

If you’re craving some exceptional street food, head over to this budget-friendly hole in the wall option. It’s on the 6a Broad St, Lyme Regis DT7 3QD, near the coast. The prices range from $4 – $10 and the menu features the British pub classics. Although their speciality is in the name, many users on TripAdvisors have praised their doughnuts.  

Shopping and Local Crafts

There’s no better way to feel the soul of a place quite like going to the local markets and losing yourself in the hubbub of the mass. Here are some great places of interest in Dorset to visit on your trip.

Bridport Market

Held on Wednesdays and Saturdays, this vibrant market features a mix of antiques, crafts, food, and textiles. It's a great place to get souvenirs as the merch consists of local produce and unique handcrafted items. It takes place in Bridport’s 3 main streets – East Street, West Street, and South Street – from 8 A.M to the afternoon. 

Sherborne Artisan Market 

This is the place where over 150 local artisans sell everything from homemade food and drinks to crafts, artworks, antiques, and more. This is a monthly market hosted every third Saturday, from 10 A.M to 3 P.M, and it takes place next to the Library on Hound Street in Sherborne. To make your planning easier here is the list of all the dates in 2024 when you can visit the market:

• April 21st
• May 19th
• June 16th
• July 21st
• August 18th
• September 15th
• October 20th
• November 17th
• December 15th  

Poole Pottery 

This is a lovely and renowned ceramics studio where you can get beautifully crafted pottery and even watch potters at work. It’s located in Unit D2-D5, Dolphin Quays in Poole. It’s quite pricey, though, with prices ranging from £60 up to £200 for vases. 

The reason behind the pricing is that these are some of the most sought-after clay collectables throughout the world. The shop opened back in 1873 near the clay deposits of Dorset. The clay here is known for its purity, and when you pair that with hand-painting artisans at Poole Pottery you get truly rare and beautiful home accessories. The name Poole Pottery quickly spread throughout Europe and it beckoned designers and ceramicists seeking business partnerships.