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.

0

A mansion house seen at a distance across parkland

Place

Kingston Lacy

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

View of the ruins of Corfe Castle, lit in golden autumn sunlight, with a hill in the background

Place

Corfe Castle

Thousand-year-old royal castle shaped by warfare.

Old Harry Rocks seen from the South West Coast Path in Studland Bay, Dorset

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

Place

Clouds Hill

The rural retreat of T. E. Lawrence

View of Hardy's Cottage and the surrounding gardens from Thorncombe Woods, Dorset

Place

Hardy's Birthplace

Evocative cob and thatch cottage - birthplace of Thomas Hardy

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

Place

Hardy' House, Max Gate

Atmospheric Victorian home designed by Thomas Hardy

White Mill on the River Stour, on the Kingston Lacy estate, Dorset

Place

White Mill

Corn mill with original wooden machinery in a peaceful riverside setting

A mother pushing a buggy with a small child alongside walk along a path lined with bluebells

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 garden with trees in autumn colours of orange, purple, yellow and green

Outdoor activities 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.

Search volunteering opportunities in Dorset

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

Article

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. Come along to our Purbeck volunteer recruitment event on Saturday 20 January to learn more.

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

Article

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.

A volunteer talks to visitors at Kingston Lacy, Dorset

Article

Volunteering 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

Article

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

New. 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.

Camping at Brownsea Island Campsite, Dorset

Camping on Brownsea Island

An island campsite that feels a world away from the nearby mainland, surrounded by thriving habitats for rare species, trails and views of the Purbeck Hills.

Looking for greener travel options to the places in our care in Dorset? Find out how you can travel by train, bus, bike or on foot.

A female walker on the coast path near Burton Bradstock on a sunny day in early April

Article

Sustainable travel in Dorset

There are a number of sustainable options for travelling to and from the places in our care in Devon, whether you’re looking to travel by train, bus, bike or foot. Here’s a little more information that can help you plan your visit.

See all events

Event

Early bird walk and breakfast

Brownsea Island, Poole, Dorset

Dorset Wildlife Trust and the National Trust have partnered to offer you an opportunity to enjoy the island and its wildlife before the crowds arrive.

Event

Festival of Blossom at Kingston Lacy

Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster, Dorset

Celebrate beautiful blossom and the start of spring at Kingston Lacy.

Event

Hardy Monument Tour

Hardy Monument, Portesham, Dorset

Climb the 120 steps to the top of Hardy Monument and enjoy the panoramic view, open weekends from Easter to September

Event

Rooted in the ruins family quest

Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset

Discover the plants that call Corfe Castle home with this new family quest.

Event

Nature Tots

Studland Bay, near Swanage, Dorset

Explore the outdoors with your little ones at our weekly Nature Tots group

Event

Medieval Tile Workshop

Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset

Join our friendly artisan volunteers as they demonstrate the medieval craft of tile making in our 15th style timber frame workshop.

Event

Beach Yoga with Leah

Hive Beach, Burton Bradstock, Dorset

Conscious connection, beach yoga at Hive Beach, Burton Bradstock.

Event

Nordic walking workout: every Tuesday at 10am

Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster, Dorset

Would you like to try Nordic walking in the beautiful surroundings of Kingston Lacy? Dorset Council run weekly walks every Tuesday at 10am that last an hour. These one-hour walks are designed to help you improve your fitness levels and get...

Explore an area nearby

Visitors walking among daffodils at Dora's Field, Ambleside, Cumbria

Where will you visit next?

Discover lots of gardens, historic houses, days out at the coast and more.

Plan a visit