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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A group of people walk up the gravel drive towards Kingston Lacy stately home

Place

Kingston Lacy

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

The medieval ruins of Corfe Castle on a hill on a sunny day in Dorset

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

Place

Hardy's Birthplace

Evocative cob and thatch cottage - birthplace of Thomas Hardy

A large detached, red brick Victorian home in summer. The garden is in bloom in the foreground.

Place

Hardy's 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

Two children play with toy swords in front of Corfe Castle in Dorset

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

Between 6 and 15 September 2024, Heritage Open Days returns with a packed programme of events and activities. Many of the places we care for will be offering free entry and events. Plus, you can discover other events hosted by local organisations in your area.

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

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

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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.

Brownsea Island Campsite

An island campsite near the beach, surrounded by thriving habitats in a spot famous for red squirrels.

Whether you’re looking to travel by bus, train, bike or foot, there are many places in Dorset you can visit without a car.

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

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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.

See all events

Event

Heritage Open Days: Free Entry to Kingston Lacy

Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster, Dorset

Enjoy free entry to the stunning gardens and parkland and pick up a free timed entry ticket to the house (subject to availability).

Event

Our journey to net zero – Low Carbon Dorset’s touring climate exhibition

Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster, Dorset

Discover the people and projects cutting emissions and leading the charge to net zero in Dorset.

Event

Castle Critters family quest

Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset

Can you find the castle critters? Explore the ruins to learn more about them and see if you are lucky enough to spot one on your adventure.

Event

Formal Garden Tours

Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster, Dorset

Come along to one of our volunteer-led Formal Garden tours to discover the history, horticulture and highlights of the season.

Event

Mindfulness Walk

Studland Bay, near Swanage, Dorset

Join us for a mindful journey in nature being aware of our senses, walking through woodlands followed by gentle movements in the sand dunes.

Event

Artisan Crafts

Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset

Watch demonstrations of heritage crafts from our friendly artisan volunteers.

Event

Heritage Open Days - Free access

Hardy's House, Max Gate, Dorchester, Dorset

Join us at Hardy's House, Max Gate for free access to the home of Thomas Hardy as part of the Heritage Open Week. Other National Trust properties which will be opening for free in West Dorset are Hardy Monument and Portland House.

Event

Thomas Hardy landscape walk

Hardy's Cottage, near Dorchester, Dorset

Explore the landscape of Thomas Hardy's imagination in this guided walk through Thorncombe Wood.

Explore an area nearby

Visitors exploring the sand dunes and the woodland at Formby, Liverpool

Where will you visit next?

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

Plan a visit