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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

Sun shining on the house at Kingston Lacy, leaves on a tree in the foreground are starting to change colour and drop on the lawn
Place
Place

Kingston Lacy 

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

Wimborne Minster, Dorset

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

Corfe Castle 

Thousand-year-old royal castle shaped by warfare.

Wareham, Dorset

Fully open today
Old Harry Rocks seen from the South West Coast Path in Studland Bay, Dorset
Place
Place

Studland Bay 

Vast area of sandy beaches and heathland.

near Swanage, Dorset

Fully open today
View from the top of Golden Cap
Place
Place

Golden Cap 

Stunning coastline overlooking the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site

Bridport, Dorset

Fully open today
Hambledon Hill, Dorset
Place
Place

Hambledon Hill 

Iron Age hill fort with far reaching views and spectacular wildflowers

Dorset

Fully open today
Visitors walking along the remains of the ramparts and ditches of the iron age hill fort at Badbury Rings, Dorset
Place
Place

Badbury Rings 

Iron Age hillfort home to protected wildlife

Reopening in 2024

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

Brownsea Island 

Famous for scouting, wildlife, birds and red squirrels. Brownsea Island will reopen in spring 2024.

Poole, Dorset

Closed now
autumn leaves
Place
Place

Clouds Hill 

The rural retreat of T E Lawrence. Reopens in spring 2024.

near Wareham, Dorset

Closed now
White Mill on the River Stour, on the Kingston Lacy estate, Dorset
Place
Place

White Mill 

A corn mill with wooden equipment in a riverside setting. Reopens in spring 2024.

near Wimborne Minster, Dorset

Closed now
Hardy's Cottage in Autumn
Place
Place

Hardy's Cottage 

Hardy's Cottage is now closed, but will re-open on 19 March 2024.

near Dorchester, Dorset

Closed now
autumn leaves
Place
Place

Max Gate 

Hardy's House, Max Gate is now closed but will re-open on 20 March 2024.

Dorchester, Dorset

Closed now

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.

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

Volunteering opportunities at Studland Bay 

Studland Bay is always looking for friendly and passionate volunteers to join the team. Volunteers play a big part in caring for habitats and helping visitors across Purbeck.

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

Places to stay in Dorset

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

The exterior of South Shore Lodge, Brownsea Island

South Shore Lodge, Brownsea 

Perfectly placed for sea views and island adventures.

The exterior of Westwood Farm, Dorset

Westwood Farm House 

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

The loggia at The Cheese House on Westwood Farm, Dorset

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.

The exterior of Greenlands, Studland, Dorset

Greenlands 

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

The exterior of Groom's Cottage, Corfe Castle, Dorset

Groom's Cottage 

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

The exterior of Portland House Portland House, Weymouth, Dorset

Portland House 

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

The exterior of Middlebere Farmhouse, Dorset

Middlebere Farmhouse 

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

Places to camp in Dorset

The area surrounding Weston Farm Motorhome Site, 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, Dorset

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, Dorset

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.

Sustainable travel

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
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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.

Upcoming events

Event

Winter Lights 

Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset

Experience the magic of exploring Corfe Castle at night under the stars

Event summary

on
2 Dec 2023
at
16:00 to 19:30
Event

Once Upon a Time... Christmas in the Courtyard 

Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster, Dorset

Join us for tasty treats, seasonal shopping and a magical atmosphere in Kingston Lacy's Courtyard this Winter.

Event summary

on
3 Dec to 31 Dec 2023
at
09:30 to 17:00
+ 28 other dates or times
Event

Storytelling with Santa 

Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster, Dorset

This festive season, join us on an adventure to find Santa in his hidden storybook nook for a cosy Christmas tale, an early gift and a chance to take a photo with the man himself! Pre-book your tickets here. Normal property admission applies.

Event summary

on
3 Dec to 22 Dec 2023
at
10:00 to 11:00
+ 49 other dates or times
Event

Christmas Festivities at Corfe Castle 

Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset

Marshmallows, firepits and festivities at Corfe Castle this Winter.

Event summary

on
3 Dec 2023 to 1 Jan 2024
at
10:00 to 15:00
+ 16 other dates or times
Event

Corfe Castle's Rather Curious Christmas 

Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset

Join our festive storyteller on a tour of tales from Corfe Castle's Rather Curious Christmas.

Event summary

on
3 Dec 2023 to 1 Jan 2024
at
10:00 to 15:30
+ 16 other dates or times
Event

Monty Mouse's Hunt for a Festive Feast - family quest 

Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset

Explore the castle this festive season, following the family quest as it winds up through the ruins.

Event summary

on
3 Dec 2023 to 7 Jan 2024
at
10:00 to 15:30
+ 35 other dates or times
Event

Once Upon a Time... The House at Christmas 

Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster, Dorset

Christmas folklore from across the world comes to Kingston Lacy house this winter, with beautiful decorations and stories for the whole family to discover.

Event summary

on
3 Dec 2023 to 1 Jan 2024
at
10:30 to 16:00
+ 27 other dates or times
Event

Nature Tots 

Studland Bay, near Swanage, Dorset

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

Event summary

on
4 Dec to 11 Dec 2023
at
10:00 to 11:30
+ 1 other date or time
Visitors at the Christmas market at Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire

Where will you visit next?

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