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Visitors at the Badbury Rings at Kingston Lacy, Dorset
Exploring the countryside in Dorset | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Countryside areas in Dorset

Explore outdoor places in Dorset this season and enjoy woodland trails, open countryside and summits with far-reaching views. Spend time with the friends and family for a great day out in the fresh air.

Countryside and woodland areas to visit in Dorset

Step outside and enjoy time with the family this summer

Fontmell and Melbury Downs 

Fontmell and Melbury Downs in Dorset is a landscape for all seasons. Discover the array of wildlife and archaeological features to explore.

A view across the rolling, grassy landscape of Compton Down at Fontmell and Melbury Downs, Dorset

Golden Cap 

The Golden Cap estate has miles of footpaths to explore with plenty of highlights to enjoy along the way. Discover woodlands with coast and countryside views.

Woodland views at Golden Cap, Dorset

Pilsdon Pen 

Ideal for short walks with panoramic distant views towards Somerset and Dartmoor. The hillfort is traversed by the Jubilee Trail, the Monarch’s Way and the Wessex Ridgeway.

Beaminster, Dorset

Walking at Comer Woods, Dudmaston, Shropshire

Lewesdon Hill 

Lewesdon Hill is a fantastic spot for a walk and the National Trust's highest point in Dorset. Climb to the top through woodland for far-reaching countryside views from the summit.

Beaminster, Dorset

Footpath through woodland at Lewesdon Hill, Dorset

Things to see and do at Hambledon Hill 

From panoramic views to ancient landmarks, there’s much to see and do at Hambledon Hill, an Iron Age hillfort that’s now a national nature reserve.

An aerial view of Hambledon Hill and the surrounding countryside, Dorset in winter

Hod Hill 

Dorset's largest hill fort renowned for its downland wildlife

Nr Blandford Forum, Dorset

Roman camp earthworks at Hod Hill, Dorset

Cerne Giant 

Ancient naked figure sculpted into the chalk hillside above Cerne Abbas

Cerne Abbas, Dorset

View of Cerne Abbas chalk giant beyond the trees in autumn in Dorset

Badbury Rings 

An Iron Age hill fort in a chalk grassland habitat, which is home to a wealth of wildlife

Wimborne, Dorset

Fully open today
Visitors walking along the remains of the ramparts and ditches of the iron age hill fort at Badbury Rings, Dorset
An early morning view across Corfe Castle, Dorset in winter

Discover more in Dorset

Home to everything from an island, ancient coasts and hidden gems to a castle and a house inspired by an Italian palace.

Explore Dorset

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