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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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

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.

Place

Golden Cap

Stunning coastline overlooking the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site

Place

Hambledon Hill

Iron Age hill fort with far reaching views and spectacular wildflowers

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

Place

Badbury Rings

Iron Age hillfort home to protected wildlife

Family by the Christmas tree at Scotney Castle, Kent

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

Brownsea Island

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

Place

Clouds Hill

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

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

Place

White Mill

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

Place

Hardy's Cottage

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

Place

Max Gate

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

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

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

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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.

A volunteer talks to visitors at Kingston Lacy, Dorset

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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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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

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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

Winter Lights

Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset

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

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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.

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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.

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Christmas Festivities at Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset

Marshmallows, firepits and festivities at Corfe Castle this Winter.

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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.

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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.

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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

Nature Tots

Studland Bay, near Swanage, Dorset

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

Explore an area nearby

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.

Plan a visit