Dorset Attractions

Things to see and do in and around Dorset

Situated just seven miles from the glorious South Coast of England, Dorchester sits in the heart of Wessex and boasts a wealth of history. Perhaps it is literary connections that make it so popular.

Below is a list of just some of the attractions and great places you can visit in Dorset whilst you visit Dorchester.

Dorset Tourism

Official Dorset Tourism website of local attractions and holiday information.
www.dorsetforyou.com/index.jsp?articleid=2201

West Dorset Tourism

West Dorset District Council's official tourism website.
www.westdorset.com

Rural Dorset

The official tourist information site for North Dorset. Places to stay, things to do, and areas to visit.
www.ruraldorset.com

Dorset & New Forest

Visit Dorset and discover 150km of breathtaking coastline - most of which comprises the Jurassic Coast, England's only UNESCO natural World Heritage Site - , the ancient hunting ground of the National Park of The New Forest, and some of the country's finest rural countryside, a large part of which is officially designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
www.dorset-newforest.com

Jurassic Coast

A great website dedicated to the World Heritage Jurassic Coast. Explore the Dorset coastline with information about walks and things to look out for. Lots of information for the budding fossil hunter and explorer!
www.jurassiccoast.com

Abbotsbury Swannery

Off the main A35 on the B3157 between Weymouth & Bridport.
01305 871858.
www.abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk

Dorset’s World Famous Sanctuary. See over 600 swans, baby swans hatching mid-May to June end. Mass feeding 12 noon and 4pm daily.
The New Giant Swan Maze (opens May half term). Lunches served in the licensed coffee shop by the swinging nest children’s play area.

OPEN: 17 March - 28 October daily 10am - 5pm/6pm.

Adventure Wonderland

Opposite Bournemouth Airport.
01202 483 444.
www.adventurewonderland.co.uk

Whatever the Weather…this award winning park offers a full days fun whatever the weather - combining the outside Wonderland with the indoor Aztec adventure, Wild Thing! Now with over
25 family rides and attractions, including new Snappy Croc, Montyzoomers Gold Trail and all inclusive
Wonderland Shows. Birthday parties, Group visits, Season tickets.

OPEN: Adventure Wonderland (including Wild Thing!) daily. 17 Mar - 16 Sept & then every weekend up to 14 Oct & half term week 20 - 28 Oct. Wild Thing! only, on other dates.

Athelhampton House & Gardens

5 miles east of Dorchester off A35(T) at Puddletown Northbrook Junction.
www.athelhampton.co.uk

Visit one of the finest manor houses in England dating from the 15th Century. Explore the glorious Grade 1 gardens, containing the world famous topiary
pyramids, fountains and the River Piddle. Enjoy lunch or a cream tea in the Restaurant. Children under 16 admission Free.

OPEN: Mar - Oct daily, 10.30 - 17.00 (except Fri & Sat) Open Good Friday. Nov - Feb: Sun only 10.30am - Dusk. Please note CLOSED from 2nd July - 28th July 2007.

Bennetts Water Gardens

Putton Lane, Chickerell, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 4AF
01305 785150
www.waterlily.co.uk

8 acres of beautiful water gardens in natural surroundings with native trees, weeping willows, palms, wild flowers and plants. Renowned for it’s replica ‘Monet’ Japanese Bridge and world famous national collection
of water lilies. Tropical house - Museum - Family Nature Trail - Tearooms - Shop - Plant Centre - Parking. Disabled access. Sorry no dogs.
Group visits, Season tickets.

OPEN: Mid March to Mid October 10am 5pm (Except Mon & Sat) Open Bank Holidays.

Blue Pool

Signposted off the A351 south of Wareham.
Furzebrook, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5AT.
01929 551408.
www.bluepooluk.com

The pool is famous for the ever changing kaleidoscopic of colours. Sandy paths climb to views of Purbeck Hills and steps down to the waters edge. Teahouse open daily offers delicious lunches and cream teas with freshly baked scones served all day. Some facilities for disabled. Dogs on leads welcome.

OPEN: Grounds open 9.30 from March 1st - Nov 30th. Teahouse Shop & Museum 10am April 1st - October 31st. Closing times vary.

Bournemouth Aviation Museum

Bournmouth International Airport, Main Terminal Entrance ( follow road around) BH23 6SE.
01202 580858
www.aviation-museum.co.uk

24 ex-military and civilian aircraft, some which still fly, are on view and eight cockpits are open to the public as well a large display of models and aircraft engines. See the worlds last flying Sea Vixen, the romantic 1934 Dragon Rapide, Hunters, Venom, Buccaneer, Meteor and BAC 111. Free Parking.

OPEN: 10am - 4pm

Brewers Quay

Hope Square
Weymouth
Dorset
DT4 8TR
http://www.brewers-quay.co.uk

Redeveloped Victorian Brewery at the heart of Weymouth's picturesque Old Harbour, now offering the very best in speciality shopping, entertainment and eating out. Perfect for browsing, the undercover Shopping Village features over 20 specialist shops offering a superb choice of goods, from fine goods and handmade chocolates, to local crafts, home furnishings and a wide variety of giftware to suit all ages and occasions. Other attractions include The Weymouth Museum, Discovery science centre and Bowlingo, plus Courtyard Restaurant and Excise House pub. Full programme of free events and festivals.

Open all year seven days a week 10.00am - 5.30pm. Late nights Monday - Friday during the school summer holidays. Last admission to the Timewalk 4.30pm. The complex (except the Excise House) is closed annually on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and during the last two weeks of January for routine maintenance.

 

Corfe Castle

(National Trust)
The Square
Corfe Castle
Wareham
Dorset
BH21 4EE
Tel: +44 (0)1929 481 294

One of Britain's most majestic ruins, this 1,000 year old castle dominates the skyline of the Isle of Purbeck. The castle has an eventful history, being an important stronghold since the time of William the Conqueror. Learn more about the fascinating lives of the castle's past residents at Castle View family exhibition centre, a short walk from the castle. Also nearby is ancient Corfe Common and Creech Grange Arch, a folly with spectacular views.

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-corfecastle

Compton Acres

164 Canford Cliffs, Poole, Dorset. BH13 7ES.
01202 700 778.
www.comptonacres.co.uk

Take a journey through 10 acres of themed gardens – open 365 days of the year.

There’s always something for all the family to enjoy at Compton Acres in Poole. Set in 10 acres, each of the themed gardens captivates and inspires young and old alike. A visit to Compton Acres promises you surprise and delight at every turn.

Compton Acres is open 12 months of the year 7 days of the week at the following times:

Summer Season
9 - 6pm 1 March - 31 October (last entry 5pm - shops close 6pm)
Winter Season
10 - 4pm 1 November - 28 February (last entry 3pm - shops close 5pm)

The Compton Acres Gardens are open to the public seven days a week. Closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

 

Dinosaur Museum

Icen Way, Dorchester.
01305 269880
www.thedinosaurmuseum.com

The only museum on mainland Britain dedicated to dinosaurs, the award-winning Dinosaur Museum is a treat, especially for children. The museum combines
life-sized dinosaur reconstructions with fossils, skeletons and interactive displays to create an exciting hands-on experience. It’s great fun for all ages and part of the Jurassic Coast experience.

Open: All year daily 9.30am-5.30pm (Nov-Mar 10am- 4.30pm).

Dorset County Museum

High West Street, Dorchester DT1 1XA.
01305 262735
www.dorsetcountymuseum.org

New Jurassic Coast Geology Gallery. Victorian Hall and Dorchester Gallery, Writers' Gallery including Thomas Hardy's Study. Archaeology Gallery with
Maiden Castle presentation. Natural and Social History and Roman Dorchester. Roman Mosaic floors.

Interactives and activities for children, free audio guides.

The Dinosaur museum is open: all year daily, including Sundays, from 9.30am to 5.30pm (10am to 4.30pm from November to March). Closed 24-26 December inclusive

Dorset Teddy Bear Museum

Eastgate, Corner of High Street and Salisbury St. Dorchester.
01305 266 040
www.teddybearmuseum.co.uk

See the museum's all new displays in a unique and delightful setting. Enter the enchanting world of the teddy bear in this wonderful family museum.

From the earliest teddies to today's TV favourites, they're all waiting to meet you at this unmissable family museum. Don't miss Edward Bear & his human-size family of teddy bears in Teddy Bear House.

Open 7 days a week all year round.
10am-5pm.
Nov - Mar 10am - 4:30pm
Closed 25 & 26th December

Falmer Palmers - Children Farm Theme Park

4 miles from Poole in Organford near Holton Heath. Clearly signposted from the A35 and A351.
01202 622022
www.falmerpalmers.co.uk

The Countryside’s own National Award Winning Theme Park!! Perfect for the under 8’s

National Farm Attraction of the Year. The attention to detail is obvious. Family run & designed for children 8yrs and under there are “Hands-on” animal events, many
play facilities and fresh farmhouse fayre in the large “child friendly” restaurant - your children will have a fun day whatever the weather!
GTBS 2007 Bronze Award
Bournecoast 'Best Children's Attraction' - Platinum Award 2007
Enjoy England Quality Assured Visitor Atrraction 2007

OPEN: Feb - Mar - 10am - 4pm. Mar - Oct - 10am - 5.30pm. 25th Oct - 20th Dec - 10am - 4pm. Closed 21st Dec - 5th Feb 2010.

Ford Abbey - Nr Chard

4 miles south east of Chard, 7 miles west of Crewkerne.
01460 221290.
www.fordeabbey.co.uk

South West Tourism Small Attraction of the Year 2006/7 Gold Award

Enjoy Forde Abbey’s beautiful 30 acre garden including the Centenary Fountain, the highest powered fountain in England, against the backdrop of the outstanding
850 year old home complete with the ornate Mortlake tapestries amongst other treasures. Delicious homemade lunches and cakes available with gift shop, plant centre and pottery exhibition.

The House is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays from 12noon - 4pm until the 30th October.
The Gardens are open every day throughout the year from 10am. Last admission is at 4.30pm and they close at 6.30pm

The tearoom, gift shop and plant centre are also open daily until the 31st October. The shop and plant centre open at 10am and the tearoom at 11am.

Go Ape !

Go Ape! Moors Valley, Moors Valley Country Park, Horton Road, Ashley Heath,
Nr Ringwood. BH24 2ET.
www.goape.co.uk

Take to the trees and experience an exhilarating course of rope bridges, Tarzan Swings and zip slides up to 35 feet above the ground. Share approximately three memorable hours of fun and adventure, which you’ll be talking about for days. Book online and watch people Go Ape! at www.goape.co.uk.

Highcliffe Castle

Highcliffe Castle, Rothesay Drive, Highcliffe, Dorset. BH23 4LE
Tel: 01425 278807
www.highcliffecastle.co.uk

Highcliffe Castle is a Grade 1 listed building set in beautiful cliff-top grounds. The castle is a perfect venue for exhibitions, events and concerts. This year view the ongoing project to restore the dining room to its original use.
Adults £2.60. Accompanied Children U16 Free. Gift Shop, Tea Rooms and a Civil Wedding Venue.

The castle is open daily from 1st February- 23rd December, inside the Castle there are 5 partially restored staterooms housing a gift shop, visitor centre and galleries featuring a changing programme of exhibitions. Guided tours* of the un-restored parts of the building run at 2pm every Sunday and Tuesday.

The Keep Military Museum Dorchester

Bridport Road, Dorchester at 'Top o' the Town'.
01305 264066
www.keepmilitarymuseum.org

A gateway to History - Rooftop views of Dorchester. A modern military museum at Top o' Town, Dorchester. Computers and creative displays tell the
stories of the courage, humour, tradition and sacrifice of those who served in the Regiments of Devon and Dorset for over 300 years. Car Park. Shop. Disabled Friendly. Splendid rooftop views of Dorchester.

OPEN: Summer (April to September) Monday - Saturday 10:00am - 5:00pm. Last admission is 4:00pm

Winter (October to March) Tuesday - Saturday 10:00am - 4:30pm. Last admission is 3:30pm

The Museum is closed on Sundays throughout the year

Kingston Maurward Gardens & Animal Park

Kingston Maurward is signposted from the roundabout at the Eastern end of the Dorchester bypass.
01305 215003.

Explore the formal Edwardian Garden with a stunning ornamental lake in front of the 18th Century Mansion House. The Animal Park has a collection of miniature Shetland ponies, donkeys, rabbits and Guinea pigs. Light refreshments are available, Play area, Shop and plant sales. Special events throughout the year.

The Garden and Animal Park is open daily from 10am to 5.30pm - 5th January 2009 to 22nd December 2009 and will reopen after the Christmas break in early January 2010.

http://prince.kmc.ac.uk/gardens/index.htm

Lulworth Castle Park

5 miles west of Wareham. Follow brown signs from A352
01929 400352.
www.lulworth.com

Walk in the footsteps of Kings and Queens!

Explore the stunning landscape & 17th century castle, unrivalled views from the castle tower, enjoy the children’s indoor activity room, discover the fascinating
history, woodland walks, adventure play area & pitch & putt, beautiful 18th century chapel, meeting the residents of the summer animal farm, licensed stable cafe & courtyard shop. Free parking and Under 4’s Free entry.

OPEN: 1st January - 27th March - 10.30am - 4pm / 29th March - 25th September - 10.30am - 6pm / 27th September - 31st December - 10.30am - 4pm
CLOSED SATURDAYS (Except Easter Saturday and some special event days) and 4th - 17th January inclusive / 24th and 25th December

Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium and Cobb History

The Cobb
Lyme Regis
Dorset
DT7 3JJ
Tel: +44 (0) 1297 444230

Discover living Lyme Bay sea creatures, maritime history, fishing artefacts, wreckage, displays and a gift shop.

Monkey World

Wareham
Dorset
BH20 6HH
Tel: 0871 716 2137
Calls cost no more than 10p a minute

Monkey World rescues primates from all over the world. Living at the park is the largest group of chimpanzees outside Africa, orangutans, gibbons, and many more primates in spacious enclosures amongst a natural woodland setting.

An outdoor play area, woodland walk, pets encounter, a soft play area and Big Al's Adventure with many amusements keep kids busy all day. There is also a café, a gift shop, education centre, picnic area and free parking.

Open All year (exc Xmas) 10am - 5pm
(6pm July and August) Last admission 1 hour before closing

We are open every day of the year except Christmas Day from 10am until 5pm (10am until 6pm during July and August).

http://www.monkeyworld.co.uk

Nine Stones

Winterbourne Abbas
Dorchester
Dorset

A collection of stone circles constructed about 4,000 years ago. The circle and nearby barrows may have flanked a prehistoric trackway now followed by the modern road. The circle may have been used for secular and religious ceremonies.

Portland Castle

Portland, Dorset DT5 1AZ.
01305 820539
www.english-heritage.org.uk/portland

A ‘must’ visit whatever the weather. One of King Henry VIII’s finest fortifications. 450 years of history, from Tudor stronghold to World War II signals base
and D-Day embarkation point. Our audio tour tells the castle’s long and chequered history. Lots to discover, explore the contemporary ‘Govenors’ garden and relax in our tea-room.

OPEN: April to October, daily 10:00 - 17:00 (July & August 18:00, October 16:00).

CLOSED: 2nd November - 31 March

Sherborne Castle

Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3PY.
01935 813 182.
www.sherbornecastle.com

Visit the famous castle built by Sir Walter Raleigh 1594, stately home to the Digby family since 1617; rich interiors and splendid collections of art, furniture and porcelain. Explore 30-acres of beautiful Lakeside Gardens and grounds landscaped around Capability Brown's 50-acre lake. Great for picnics; dogs
welcome. Historic Sherborne close by.

OPEN: Castle, Gardens, Gift Shop & Tearoom 1 Apr - 31 Oct, Daily except Mon & Fri (open Bank Holiday Mondays).

Stapehill Abbey Crafts & Gardens

276 Wimborne Road West, Stapehill, Nr Wimborne, Dorset. BH21 2EB.
01202 861686.

See magnificent award winning gardens, 19th century buildings with nuns chapel and cloister garden. Working crafts people and a 12,000 sq.ft. museum depicting life in bygone days. Licensed coffee shop, Gift shop, and plant sales. Free parking, plus lots more!

OPEN: daily from 10am to 5pm Easter to end of September. Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm October to Easter. Closed Christmas Holidays to the end of January.

Swanage Railway

Swanage Railway Co. Ltd, Station House, Swanage, Dorset BH19 1HB.
01929 425800.
www.swanagerailway.co.uk

Travel on Dorset’s award winning steam railway and make the most of the Jurassic Coast.

Make the most of the Jurassic Coast by taking a trip on the Swanage Railway - the most convenient way to visit Corfe Castle and the seaside. Avoid the
hassle of parking by travelling from Norden Park & Ride off the A351.

OPEN: Most weekends throughout the year and DAILY April to October.

Tank Museum

Bovington, Wool, Dorset.
01929 405096
www.tankmuseum.co.uk

Make Tracks to the Tank Museum – The world’s best collection of tanks!

The world’s best collection of tanks, displayed in 5 large halls. From the world’s first tank to the modern Challenger 2, we house over 250 vehicles from across
the globe. Full disabled access and free parking. For information about special events and live action displays, see our website.

OPEN: All year daily 10.00am - 5.00pm.
Christmas closure dates: The Tank Museum will be closed on the Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.

Terraccotta Warriors

Eastgate, Corner of High Street and Salisbury St. Dorchester.
01305 266040.
www.terracottawarriors.co.uk

China's 8th Wonder of the Ancient World

The only museum outside China dedicated to the amazing Terracotta Warriors the eighth wonder of the ancient world. Unique life size museum replicas from China, costumes, armour, multi media displays and more.

OPEN: All year daily, including Sundays, from 10.00am to 5.00pm (10.00am to 4.30pm November to March). Closed 24-26 December inclusive.

Admission Charges:
Adult £5.75; Seniors £5.00; Student £5.00; Children £4.00; Family £18.00 (2ad+2ch); Children under 5 - Free.

Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum

Tolpuddle
Dorchester
Dorset
DT2 7EH
www.tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk

One dawn, in the bitter February of 1834, six Tolpuddle farm labourers were arrested after forming a trade union. A frightened Squire's trumped up charge triggered one of the most celebrated stories in the history of human rights. That dawn arrest created the Tolpuddle Martyrs, who were punished with transportation as convicts to Australia. Packed with illustrative displays, this new state-of-the-art interactive exhibition tells the Tolpuddle Martyrs story.

Every summer, the weekend of the third Sunday in July, the museum holds the Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival. The weekend combines celebration with tradition, offering traditional and contemporary music, speeches as well as many other attractions.

OPEN: April - October : Tues - Sat 10.00am - 5.00pm / Sun 11.00am - 5.00pm / Open Bank Holidays
Admission free

OPEN: November - March: Thurs - Sat 10.00am - 4.00pm / Sunday 11.00am - 4.00pm / Open Bank Holidays / Closed over Christmas from 16th Dec - 3rd Jan (incl)
Admission free

Tutankhamun Exhibition

High West Street, Dorchester.
01305 269571.
www.tutankhamun-exhibition.co.uk

The World Renowned Tutankhamun Exhibition.

The world’s greatest discovery of ancient treasure - Tutankhamun’s tomb, treasures and mummy are superbly recreated in this internationally renowned
exhibition - extensively featured on TV. The only exhibition of its kind outside Egypt. Not to be missed.

OPEN: All year, daily, 9.30am - 5.30pm (November-March Weekdays 9.30am - 5.00pm Weekends 10.00am - 5.00pm)
Closed 24-26 December

Weymouth Sealife Centre

Lodmoor Country Park, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 7SX.
01305 788 255.
www.sealifeeurope.com

A unique mix of indoor and outdoor attractions, the park provides you with close encounters with sharks, otters, seals, penguins and so much more. Come face
to face with stunning giant green sea turtles in our spectacular ocean display, a unique and breathtaking experience. A fantastic day out whatever the weather.

New for 2009: Crocidile Creek.

OPEN: Spring and Summer months (March - Sep) we are open from 10am until 6pm daily, with last admittance at 5pm. The Park will close earlier during the Autumn and Winter months (Oct - Feb), so please ring the park for more details during this time. The Park will not be open Christmas Day.