Dorset is brimming with things to do and see.
On a full holiday, a midweek break or a weekend away, you'll never be short of something to do. Dorset boasts a remarkable range of attractions to suit all tastes, and if that's not enough there are indoor and outdoor activities to suit everyone, no matter what the weather!
You can discover our magnificent Jurassic coastline, designated a World Heritage Site! Take a walk through time along our coast and hunt for fossils along the way. For advice on things to see and do in Dorset, why not contact one of the local Tourist Information Centres or pick up a wide range of leaflets from our Tourist Information points at our parks, alternatively visit West Dorset's website for things to do.
Abbotsbury Swannery
See up to 600 friendly mute swans. Walk among the nests as hundreds of eggs hatch at the end of May and during June. Help feed at 12 and 4 pm daily.
Tithe Barn Children's Farm, Abbotsbury
Great for the under 11's. Cuddle the rabbits and guinea pigs, bottle feed the lambs, milk Molly the magic cow, race toy tractors, feed the doves, meet the donkeys and horses.
Brewer's Quay Timewalk, Weymouth
Follow in the footsteps of Ms Paws the brewery cat and her ancestors on an unforgettable voyage through 600 years of history!
Portland Bill Lighthouse Visitor Centre
Climb the 153 steps to the top of Portland Bill Lighthouse on a guided tour with a former lighthouse keeper and enjoy the stunning Portland coastline.
Weymouth Sealife Centre
The Park's unique mix of indoor and outdoor attractions makes it a great family day out.
Llama Trekking, Beaminster
Discover rural Dorset in the company of llamas with personalised guided rambling and walking tours.
Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre, Wareham
Set amongst the woodland of Dorset, a few miles from Poole, lies 45 acres of sanctuary for primates rescued from all around the world.
Wookey Hole Caves, Wells
Enjoy a guided tour through the caverns, tracing 50,000 years of history and legend. An atmospheric light and sound show brings alive the magical Cloister Caves and the awesome Cathedral Cavern, over 100 feet high.
Forde Abbey and Gardens
Forde Abbey is a treasure in an area already known for its outstanding beauty. More than 900 years of history and romance are encapsulated in this elegant former Cistercian monastery and its 30 acres of award winning gardens
Cricket St Thomas WIldlife Park
One of the top Wildlife Parks in the southwest. The Park helps to increase awareness and understanding of the natural world. Like nature, it offers a diversity of habitats - the landscape and wildlife are constantly changing to provide something new to see and enjoy.
Mapperton House and Gardens
Mapperton Gardens is a romantic valley garden deep into a lost Dorset combe among tumbling hills and unspoilt countryside. The gardens descend from the great lawn, through the formal topiary down to the woodland garden.
Athelhampton House and Gardens
Athelhampton House and its estate and gardens have been in private ownership for over five hundred years. The well manicured lawns lead past the Great Court toward the house, where Hygea stands guard.
The Donkey Sanctuary
Visitors are free to spend as much time as they wish meeting the donkeys in the Main Yard where they wander at will. These donkeys live in the main barn with the other residents, some of which are over 40 years of age.
Farmer Palmer's Farm Park
There are so many things to do, varied children's activities here you can stay all day, free parking, easy access and varied activies, from sand play to indoor soft play. Knowledgeable staff oversee these events and ensure the animals are well cared for in a clean environment
Fleet Air Arm Museum
The Museum has the largest collection of Naval aircraft anywhere in Europe together with the first British built Concorde which you can go on-board and visit the cockpit.
Palmers Brewery Tour
During the summer months, Palmers Brewery is open to visitors. For a nominal charge you will be given a guided tour, a glass or two of beer and a special certificate to commemorate your visit.
Pecorama
PECORAMA is home to the famous PECO Model Railway Exhibition and the Beer Heights Light Railway. The Exhibition hall displays wonderful detailed layouts in many different scales, some with push button controls enabling children to operate the trains.
Woodlands Theme Park
Experience family rides, awesome indoor and outdoor fun, playzones for all ages and enchanting attractions for small children. Even spectacular events, live shows and fantastic festivals, falconry displays and the unique Big Fun Farm.