A young child tucks into a hot chocolate sat outside — A young visitor enjoys a hot chocolate at Studland Bay | © National Trust Images/Trevor Ray Hart

Places to eat in Dorset

Find places to eat in Dorset for snacks, lunches or a refreshing cup of tea. There's a wide variety of food and drink to keep the whole family satisfied this autumn.

Family visitors eating outside a café at Kingston Lacy, Dorset

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Kingston Lacy

Sample the delicious menu at the Stables Café or visit the National Trust shop to browse a wide range of gifts, souvenirs and local produce. There's also a second-hand book store stocking a huge selection of titles, old and new.

Outside the tea-room at Corfe Castle, Dorset in summer

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Corfe Castle

Situated in an 18th century former cottage, the Tea-room at Corfe Castle serves a delicious menu of hot and cold food, drinks, cakes and bakes. Afterwards, stop off at the Shop to discover beautiful collections of homewares, gifts and locally made ranges to take home with you. The second-hand book shop located in Castle View is also filled with literary treasures.

A family sat enjoying drinks and snacks outside the café and visitor centre at Hardy's Cottage, Dorset

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Hardy's Cottage

Visit the dog-friendly café at Hardy's Birthplace Visitor Centre, an independent family-run business that prides itself on using local produce for its varied menu.

Hands cupping a full bowl of squash soup

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Studland Bay

Need some refreshments during your visit? Find out more about Knoll Beach Café, along with its sister shop, which sells a wide range of seasonal beach equipment, accessories and gift ideas.

The autumn air may be getting cooler, but when you wrap up warm, there's still time for a perfect picnic.

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

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Kingston Lacy

Kingston Lacy is full of spots to take a rest and enjoy a picnic. Head to the copper beech field with its great views of the house, or spread out a blanket on the lawns.

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Corfe Castle

The castle terraces and West Bailey at Corfe Castle offer unbeatable vistas over the picturesque village and the beautiful countryside of the Isle of Purbeck beyond.

View between dunes to turquoise sea and white cliffs beyond

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Studland Bay

With four miles of golden sandy beach it's perfect for the little ones to run around and picnics all make for a blissful trip to Studland Bay.

Waves crashing onto a rocky ledge, moody sunrise sky

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Dancing Ledge near Spyway

It’s a bit of a scramble but well worth it – this rocky amphitheatre offers magnificent sea views. Seabirds, rock climbers and coasteering adventurers provide the entertainment as you eat.