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.

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A family enjoying a picnic in front of a mansion house

Place

Kingston Lacy

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

The medieval ruins of Corfe Castle on a hill on a sunny day in Dorset

Place

Corfe Castle

Thousand-year-old royal castle shaped by warfare. Non-member? Visit after 2.30pm to receive 20% off usual entry price from 19 July - 31 August.

View between dunes to turquoise sea and white cliffs beyond

Place

Studland Bay

Vast area of sandy beaches and heathland.

An aerial view of Brownsea Island, Dorset. Brownsea Island sits in the middle of Poole Harbour.

Place

Brownsea Island

Famous for red squirrels, wildlife and Scouting. Re-opens 15 March 2025.

A family walk through waist-high summer flowers and greenery in front of the thatched Hardy’s Cottage

Place

Hardy's Cottage

Evocative cob and thatch cottage - the birthplace of Thomas Hardy. Re-opens 18 March 2025.

Sunny view of the lawn, shrubs and red brick house at Max Gate. There is a white bench on the lawn.

Place

Hardy's House, Max Gate

Atmospheric Victorian home designed and lived in by Thomas Hardy. Re-opens 18 March 2025.

The view from inside the Book Room with the window at the end at Clouds Hill, Dorset

Place

Clouds Hill

The rural retreat of T E Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia). Re-opens 19 March 2025.

A flowering rhododendron with the Pantheon overlooking the lake in the background at Stourhead, Wiltshire

Place

Stourhead

Just over the border - A Palladian house and world-famous landscape garden with a magnificent lake reflecting classical temples, a mystical grotto and rare and exotic trees.

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

Family-friendly places in Dorset

The Saloon at Kingston Lacy with a high coved ceiling, fireplace, carved wood doors, framed paintings and furniture around the room

Houses and buildings in Dorset

A sea of ox-eye daisies in front of a mansion house

Ready for a fun-filled summer? Take part in Summer of Play throughout the school holidays, sponsored by Starling Bank, and whether you’re an archaeological amateur or the next Indiana Jones, get stuck into our Festival of archeology celebrations. There's plenty of outdoor entertainment on offer too.

Summer of play

Sponsored by Starling Bank, the National Trust’s Summer of Play invites families to enjoy fun-filled activities at the places we look after. Set in stunning gardens and historic houses, expect a festival vibe with games, creative play, sports, and outdoor adventures - perfect for sparking imaginations and making summer memories.

Festival of Archaeology

The Festival of Archaeology is the biggest archaeological celebration in the UK and is organised by the Council for British Archaeology. Whether you’re an archaeological amateur or the next Indiana Jones, there are plenty of opportunities to discover more about the places in our care, taking place during July.

Performers and visitors at an outdoor theatre show at Cliveden, Buckinghamshire

Outdoor entertainment in Dorset

Find events including outdoor theatre, cinema and concerts to enjoy at National Trust places in Dorset.

Children look through a telescope in the West Wing at Seaton Delaval Hall, Northumberland

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Explorer Pass

Not a National Trust member? If you're planning a trip to Dorset this year, buy a National Trust Explorer Pass to enjoy unlimited entry to most of the places in our care. With 4, 8 and 14-day options available, the pass can be tailored to fit your trip. Discover where you can visit with the Explorer Pass and how to buy yours.

Project

Beavers at Little Sea, Studland

Find out more about the beavers that have been released into the wild at Little Sea, Studland, and how they can benefit woodland, wildlife and water quality.

Project

Dynamic Dunescapes at Studland Bay

Discover how the Dynamic Dunescapes project will help to restore the habitats across the dunes, increasing biodiversity and wildlife at Studland Bay in Dorset.

Project

Caring for Corfe Castle

Looking after Corfe Castle is a vast and complex task with access being one of the most significant challenges. A three year, £2m conservation project is well under way with a dedicated team working throughout the seasons to ensure the castle endures for future generations.

Project

Our work on the estate at Kingston Lacy

Discover how Kingston Lacy is encouraging biodiverse, resilient habitats for nature, yet with opportunities for people to explore the landscape.

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The Lookout on Brownsea Island

Find out about The Lookout a new wildlife observatory on Brownsea Island with stunning views across the lagoon.

Project

Brownsea Island Countryside Stewardship project

This is one of the largest conservation projects in Brownsea Island’s history, to create better conditions for nature to thrive and provide a sustainable future for the conservation of species dependent on Brownsea's varied habitat.

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.

Search volunteering opportunities in Dorset

A volunteer clearing bracken in the woods at Studland Bay, Dorset

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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.

Volunteers planting trees as part of the Parkland Project at Oxburgh Hall

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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.

Three people in a light-filled space, with big windows overlooking a garden

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Volunteering and community work 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

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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.

Stay at a National Trust holiday cottage, or campsite, in Dorset and discover more above this special county.

South Shore Lodge, Brownsea

Perfectly placed for sea views and island adventures.

Westwood Farm House

A rustic farmhouse close to Corfe Castle and the South West Coast Path.

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.

Greenlands

At the edge of Poole Harbour, with green fields all around this 1940s cottage has views to Brownsea Island.

Groom's Cottage

In the shadow of Corfe Castle, this former groom’s cottage is a quirky retreat in a historic village.

Portland House

Get a spectacular taste of 1930’s glamour in this stunning Art-Deco, Hollywood -Spanish inspired style villa on the Dorset coast.

Middlebere Farmhouse

A picture-perfect thatch cottage with modern rustic interiors, close to Poole Harbour.

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

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

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.

Brownsea Island Campsite

An island campsite near the beach, surrounded by thriving habitats in a spot famous for red squirrels.

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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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.

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Event

Henrietta's Garden

Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster, Dorset

Join us this year in celebrating the 20th anniversary of the restoration of Henrietta Bankes’ vision of the Japanese Garden, filled with cherry blossom, bamboo and acers.

Event

All-Terrain Vehicle Nature Tour

Studland Bay, near Swanage, Dorset

Enjoy the unique experience of a ranger guided nature tour around our beach and dunes in one of our all terrain vehicles (ATVs). A single ticket purchased will be for up to three people inside the vehicle.

Event

Reconnect with nature: Forest bathing experience

Brownsea Island, Poole, Dorset

Experience the calming embrace of nature with our forest bathing sessions on Brownsea Island. Guided through calming woodlands, you'll find peace and rejuvenation in this natural sanctuary.

Event

Ancient Technology Centre Medieval Sword Weekend

Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset

Learn about all things swords with the Ancient Technology Centre

Event

Flight of the Castle family quest with Nosy Crow

Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset

Can you take flight to discover the birds that call Corfe Castle home as you explore the ruins? Hunt for the quest boards around the castle each featuring illustrations from the book, A Story of the Seasons.

Event

Kings' view experience

Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset

For the first time since 1646, you can ascend the Kings Tower at Corfe Castle to experience rare historical features and panoramic views - once only reserved for royalty.