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Discover lots of gardens, historic houses, days out at the coast and more.
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.
Places to visit
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Top places to visit in Dorset
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Kingston Lacy
A lavish family home re-imagined as a Venetian Palace in the rural Dorset countryside.
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.
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Hardy's Cottage
Evocative cob and thatch cottage - the birthplace of Thomas Hardy. Re-opens 18 March 2025.
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Hardy's House, Max Gate
Atmospheric Victorian home designed and lived in by Thomas Hardy. Re-opens 18 March 2025.
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.
Top things to do in Dorset
What's on this summer in Dorset
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.
Outdoor entertainment in Dorset
Find events including outdoor theatre, cinema and concerts to enjoy at National Trust places in Dorset.
Explorer Pass
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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.
Our Work
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Volunteering in Dorset
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Places to stay in Dorset
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.
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.
Places to camp in Dorset
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.
Places to visit in Dorset car-free
Whether you’re looking to travel by bus, train, bike or foot, there are many places in Dorset you can visit without a car.
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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.
Upcoming events
Event
Wakey, Wakey, Paddle and Brekkie
Studland Bay, near Swanage, DorsetEnjoy a guided group kayak out to Old Harry Rocks on a summer's morning with time allowed to explore the bottom of the rocks. The kayaking is followed by freshly made full English breakfast at Knoll Beach café.
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Yoga in the Dunes and Sauna by the Sea
Studland Bay, near Swanage, DorsetRejuvenate yourself with a unique yoga session in Studland's dunes followed by an hour in the Studland Watersports sauna.
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Henrietta's Garden
Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster, DorsetJoin 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.
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Food & Drink Festival at Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle, Wareham, DorsetDiscover the delights of local food and drink producers, and fresh food, from across the local area.
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Flight of the Castle family quest with Nosy Crow
Corfe Castle, Wareham, DorsetCan 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.
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Hardy literary landscape walk
Hardy's Cottage, near Dorchester, DorsetFollow in the footsteps of Hardy's childhood in this guided walk through Thorncombe Wood and Rainbarrows.
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Kings' view experience
Corfe Castle, Wareham, DorsetFor 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.
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Brownsea bliss: Yoga and meditation experience
Brownsea Island, Poole, DorsetEscape to the beauty of Brownsea Island for a rejuvenating yoga and meditation experience. The sessions will take place under tree canopy with stunning views of the Purbecks, suitable for all levels.
Explore an area nearby