attractions l events l area map l 2017 Exploring @DorsetTourism /VisitDorset @visitdorsetofficial Visit Days Out | Things To Do | Events | Map | 2024 www.visit-dorset.com
Get ready to fill your days full of fun and adventure! From the chalk downlands in the north to the rugged beauty of Purbeck in the south, natural harbours in the east to the fossil flecked World Heritage coastline in the west, you will never be short of something to do. Dorset is a county of contrasts offering the very best of countryside, coastline, events, attractions and outstanding natural beauty. This is the landscape that novelist Thomas Hardy used as a backdrop for his tales of love and tragedy, it’s easy to imagine life as it was portrayed in his fictional Wessex hamlets. Each turning leads to a new adventure, a secret hiding place or an atmospheric, mellow-stoned village. Head to a peaceful nature reserve or climb one of Dorset’s prominent Iron Age hill forts for breathtaking views. There are animals to meet and museums, castles, houses, parks and gardens to explore. Vibrant towns offer high street brands, independent shops, unique handcrafted gifts, art and antiques. Feed your appetite at some of the south west’s finest restaurants, cosy pubs or tempting tearooms – you might even find one of the nation’s top chefs in the kitchen! Dorchester, Dorset’s County Town. Bridport Sherborne Hardy’s cottage VIBRANT TOWNS PICTURESQUE JURASSIC COAST NATURAL BEAUTY I I I Old Harry Rocks
Indulge with an abundance of fresh local produce. Sherborne visit-dorset.com #visitdorset a foodie’s haven ... Abbotsbury, Chesil Beach and the Fleet Lagoon. Lyme Regis Poole Harbour, Studland, Sandbanks and Brownsea Island. Turn to the middle to find a useful map to help you plan a great day out in Dorset ... Isle of Portland Sturminster Mill Christchurch Quay Miles of magnificent coastline make Dorset a natural attraction. Sandcastle building, crazy golf and buckets of traditional seaside fun spill along premier coastal resorts from Lyme Regis in the west to Christchurch in the east. Secluded coves invite you to explore rock pools and colourful harbours are perfect for young crabbers. Jet-skis, rib rides, sail boats, fishing boats, kayaks and watersportsof-all-sorts launch from all along the coast. And for divers and snorkellers, there are superb reef and drift dives with diverse marine life to discover. To find your perfect beach or water sport activity see www.visit-dorset.com I STAR ATTRACTIONS VILLAGES I GOLDEN SANDS Bournemouth Swanage Weymouth
www.lulworth.com History Parkland Walks Tearoom Events Playarea & LULWORTH CASTLE PARK C6 www.abbotsburyswannery.co.uk 01305 871858 Book tickets online FREE car parking Visit the Swannery and walk through the heart of a colony of over 600 nesting Mute Swans. Includes Swan Maze, Pedal Go-Karts, Wild Meadow Walk, Gift Shop and Coffee Shop. Open mid March until end of October. Feeding daily at midday & 4pm 1 Advertisements display a grid reference and are shown on the map (not to scale) A B C D 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 KIMMERIDGE l BH20 5PE National Landscapes Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Tourist Information Centre Viewpoint Swimming Pool Train Station Airport www.sherbornecastle.com Tel: 01935 813 182 DORCHESTER SPORTS CENTRE Coburg Road, Dorchester DT1 2HR T 01305 858400 www.1610.org.uk • 25m swimming pool • 50 station gym • Immersive cycle studio • Interactive exercise studio Fun-packed holiday activitiescheck online for details! DISCOVER • EAT • SHOP STAY • CELEBRATE 01308 424116 Bridport, DT6 6HG symondsburyestate.co.uk Weymouth Land Train All aboard! The weymouth land train The best way to discover Weymouth’s seafront, iconic bridge and historic harbour. Circular route every 30 mins. weymouthlandtrain.com Join the Train along the Esplanade NOTHE FORT Weymouth’s Historic Sea Fort nothefort.org.uk BOOK ONLINE & SAVE 10% THE BIGGEST DAY OUT IN HISTORY Award-winning soft play | Tower Park, Poole, BH12 4NY t: 01202 740500 | e: play@lemurlandings.co.uk Book online at www.lemurlandings.co.uk ADVE NT UR E 4AL L EST. 2014 CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE WWW.ADVENTURE4ALL.CO.UK PADDLEBOARDING ROCK CLIMBING COASTEERING kayaking 10% OFF! FOR ONLINE BOOKINGS Fitness and wellbeing for everyone For swimming fun, racket sports, delicious food, kids activities and more. Visit us to find out what's in store. Open every day, find us in Wareham, BH20 4PH 01929 500 000 dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/purbecksportscentre FLUMIN’ GOOD FUN FOR EVERYONE! www.splashdownwaterparks.co.uk tel: 01202 716000 | Tower Park, Poole, Dorset BH12 4NY Open Daily 1st April - 31 Oct 10am-4pm FREE ADMISSION The excavated foundations of Shaftesbury Abbey lie in a peaceful walled herb garden; the museum tells its fascinating story. Shop & Refreshments www.shaftesburyabbey.org.uk 01747 852910 Explore Dorset’s sights on one of our Award Winning Cruises Book online to receive a 10% discount off following sightseeing cruises by entering ‘Visit10’ in coupon section on checkout: Jurassic Cruises, Poole / Swanage Sightseeing, Harbour & Island Cruise, Harbour Lights Cruise www.citycruisespoole.com DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE FOR GROUPS OF 20+ Jurassic Jaunts the ONLY Total Jurassic Experience Specialists Tours, Walks and Holiday Planning Services 07790 474 478 www.jurassicjaunts.co.uk info@jurassicjaunts.co.uk Andy Pedrick LASERGUYS LASER TAG PREMIER OUTDOOR LASER TAG VENUE IN BLANDFORD FORUM Laugh, Learn Ideal for ages 8 and under, create memories to last a lifetime, your children will love it! Experience, Explore A great day out for all the family... GARDEN INFORMATION GIFT SHOP MUSEUM BOOK SHOP TEA ROOM www.museumofeastdorset.co.uk Tel: 01202 882533 BURNGATE PURBECK STONE CENTRE Stone Carving Courses in the heart of Purbeck for all ages and abilities. Kingston Road, Langton Matravers, Swanage BH19 3BE 01929 439405 info@burngatestonecentre.co.uk WWW.BURNGATESTONECENTRE.CO.UK Our Have A Go class is a favourite activity for the whole family. Rothesay Drive, Highcliffe, Dorset, BH23 4LE 01202 093377 | enquiries@highcliffecastle.co.uk Once a lavish home to the rich and prominent, including the likes of the Selfridge family. Now partially restored after two devastating fires in the 1960s, the Castle offers a fascinating visitor experience telling the story of its past, present and future. The most unique Castle by the sea... For enquiries please visit highcliffecastle.co.uk Explore the Isle of Purbeck by steam train swanagerailway.co.uk 2023 Dorset Days Out.indd 1 24/01/2023 16:4 BOOK ONLINE • Meet our Heavy Horses and farm animals • Carriage, pony and tractor rides • Daily shows and exhibits of days gone by • Extensive play areas and Smokey Joe’s Café www.dorset-heavy-horse-centre.co.uk An award-winning day out for all! DORSET HEAVY HORSE FARM PARK Tel: 01202 824040 Come and enjoy one of our rib rides, sightseeing cruises, bespoke skippered charters or watersports packages. We offer an experience to suit everyone - visit our website to find the one for you! lymebayribcharter.co.uk 07971 258515 To book your trip call: or book online at: C3 WEST BAY DISCOVERY CENTRE Multi-award winning visitor centre www.westbaydiscoverycentre.org.uk Free Entry C3 C3 C2 Visit a historic market town in rural Dorset. Lots for all ages to see,do and learn. DT8 3NB 01308 863623 Open:Tues,Thurs, Sat, Sun www.beaminstermuseum.co.uk B3 www.bridportleisure.com info@bridportleisure.com (01308) 427464 25m Swimming Pool Fitness Suite Squash Courts Fitness Classes C3 www.abbotsburygardens.co.uk 01305 871387 Book tickets online FREE car parking Nestled alongside the Fleet Lagoon, within its own micro-climate, feature rare and choice plants. Open daily year round. Includes Coffee Shop, Gift Shop and Plant Centre. Dogs are welcome on leads. Under 5 year olds FREE Travel the world in 30 acres C4 CLAY PIGEON FUN SPORT FOR ALL MORE INFORMATION CALL US 07914 918395 SHOOTING Beginner or Experienced, we cater for you, clay targets to teach or test you. great fun! for all, we arrange clay Shooting for individuals or groups call now and start the fun! VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.AASHOOTINGSCHOOL.COM Safely guided throughout all equipment provided A5 D7 D7 OPEN DAILY 10am - 6pm February to November. Café on the Terrace April to October. Weddings, Special Events and House Tours by appointment. B4 C4 C4 A4 D4 D4 C6 Lewell Mill Lane, Lewell, Dorchester, DT2 8AN www.dorsetfalconrypark.co.uk | 01305 250710 Tea room Daily displays Owls, Hawks, Eagles Falcons, & Vultures Dorset Falconry Park C5 Pre-book tickets today! haynesmuseum.org Save 10% Online A3 C7 B8 C4 C4 D4 C5 Award winning activities for couples and families in Dorset Archery . Axe Throwing . Crossbow Shooting . Bushcraft Call: 07752302010 SATNAV: DT27HB www.insightactivities.co.uk * Pre-Booking is essential * A6 C6 C6 C7 C7 C8 B8 C4 C4 D4 PREHISTORIC ADVENTURES! A modern museum of amazing fossils. Learn about Life and Death in the Kimmeridgian Seas during the age of the Dinosaurs... KIMMERIDGE l BH20 5PE w. theetchescollection.org 01929 270000 D6 C4 D4 D4 B6 C6 D7 C8 B7 Have you found Nesting Ospreys Berlin Wall Exhibit Discover a 3.5-acre tranquil oasis hidden amongst the rolling hills of the Isle of Purbeck. A place where nature & history intertwine. Visitors are invited to embark on a journey of discovery and reconnection. Our mission is to cultivate a beautiful space that provides an allin-one destination for environmental stewardship and regeneration. Free Parking, Coffee Shop, Ethical Fragrances & Giftware OPEN FOR VISITS | TOURS | COURSES Book online: www.careyssecretgarden.co.uk Wareham, Dorset C6
For up to date information on everything to see and do in Dorset visit: visit-dorset.com Dorset has miles of coastal and country walks to roam. Climb to the highest point on the South Coast – Golden Cap, where the views are breathtaking. Explore the stunning Jurassic Coastline on a 25 mile hike, part of the South West Coast Path, take a guided town trail, or, for something completely different, try trekking FOSSIL HUNT: Hire the right equipment and get advice from the wardens at Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre. FERTILE GROUND: The Cerne Abbas Giant has been attracting visitors for centuries. A real Dorset is famous for its Jurassic Coast – a stunning stretch of 200 million-year-old shoreline that has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The loose material on the beaches between Lyme Regis and Charmouth are the best places to look for fossils, or, you can join a guided fossil hunt walk from Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre or Lyme Regis Museum. Always check the Fossil Collecting Code of Conduct before setting out. Visit www.charmouth.org for details. At the centre of the Jurassic Coast lies Chesil Beach, an 18 mile pebble beach separated from the mainland by the Fleet Lagoon Nature Reserve. Drop in at the Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre run by Dorset Wildlife Trust to find out more. Jurassic World The Great Outdoors Bournemouth hosts the country’s largest free Air Festival each year. Portland North Dorset Trailway Old Harry Rocks Moors Valley Country Park & Forest Sandsfoot Castle with donkeys or llamas. Cycle routes take bikers into wooded vales, over windswept plains and through honey-hued villages en route to some of the UK’s loveliest pubs. Horse riders can enjoy an excellent choice of riding centres, stables and bridleways and golfers have superb courses on which to play a round. You will find plenty of opportunities to fish both inland and off the coast. For the family there’s leisure centres, swimming pools, softplay areas and sport activities such as archery, rock climbing, abseiling, paragliding and the heart-pumping, thrills of coasteering, quad biking, paintballing and dirt buggy riding. FOOD FESTIVALS: From cheese and chillies to seafood and organic gin, food festivals are very popular across Dorset. Enjoy the hustle and bustle of market day. You will find one somewhere in the county each day of the week. Regular Farmers’ Markets also offer fresh local produce directly from the producers. For details see: www.visit-dorset.com Market days ... Lulworth Castle Athelhampton House and Gardens What’s on ? Festivals, fairs and fireworks, shows, regattas and carnivals, Dorset is buzzing with events all year round. Art centres and theatres across the county provide a full programme of shows, concerts and exhibitions. Below is just a taster of what’s happening in 2024, you will find a full, regularly updated list online at www.visit-dorset.com. AUGUST CONTINUED... 3 Dorset Food & Arts Festival, Poundbury 3 & 4 Great Dorset Chilli Festival, Sturminster Newton 10 - 11 Christchurch Carnival 10 - 18 Swanage Lifeboat Week 14 & 15 Gillingham & Shaftesbury Agricultural Show 15 - 18 Purbeck Valley Folk Festival 15 - 18 We Out Here Festival, Wimborne St. Giles 17 Dorchester Cider Festival 17 & 18 Bridport Carnival & Torchlight Procession 17 - 31 Purbeck Film Festival Summer Open Air Cinema 22 Melplash Show, West Bay 23 - 26 Lyme Regis Folk Weekend 24 & 25 The Oak Fair, Sturminster Newton 26 Anonymous Festival, Dorchester 29 - 31 Bournemouth Air Festival 31 - 8 Sep B-Side Festival Fringe, Portland SEPTEMBER 5 - 8 B-Side Festival, Portland 6 - 8 Swanage Folk Festival 6 - 8 Swanage Railway Classic and Steam Vehicle Show 7 Bridport Hat Festival 7 & 8 Dorset County Show, Dorchester 7 & 8 Dorset Seafood Festival, Weymouth 8 Portland Parade 14 & 15 Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival 15 Weymouth Ironman 70.3 22 Wessex Heavy Horse Show, Gillingham 27 - 29 Arts By The Sea Festival, Bournemouth 28 Shaftesbury Carnival 29 - 5 Oct Gillingham Carnival Week OCTOBER 3 - 6 Swanage Blues Festival 12 - 19 Dorchester Literary Festival 14 Pack Monday Fair, Sherborne 18 - 2 Nov Purbeck Film Festival 26 & 27 Sherborne Castle Autumn Colours Weekend Late Oct Halloween events in Dorset NOVEMBER Early Nov Bonfire and fireworks events in Dorset 3 - 9 Bridport Literary Festival 9 - 10 Dorset Food & Drink Winter Fair, Athelhampton Mid Nov - Christmas Tree Wonderland, Early Jan Bournemouth 22 - 4 Jan Illuminate at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens 23 - 8 Dec Town Christmas lights switch-ons 30 Nov - Artisans On The Beach, Swanage early Jan DECEMBER 25 Weymouth Christmas Day Harbour Swim 26 Swanage Boxing Day Dip Across Dorset during December there are Christmas markets, carols by candlelight, ice skating, pantomimes, festive shopping events and lots more. APRIL 20 & 21 Spring Countryside Show, Gillingham 24 - 28 Bridport Film Festival From Page To Screen 26 - 28 Bournemouth Writing Festival 27 Tank Museum Tiger Day, Bovington 27 & 28 Dorset Spring Show, Dorchester MAY 2 - 9 Sherborne Abbey Music Festival 3 - 5 Teddy Rocks Festival, Blandford Forum 4 Plein Air, Wimborne Minster 5 Shaftesbury Feastival 10 - 12 Swanage Railway Heritage Diesel Gala 12 Lulworth Castle Motor Show Mid May Baby swans at Abbotsbury Swannery - end June 18 & 19 Christchurch Cheese & Chilli Festival 18 & 19 Jurassic Coast Challenge 24 - 26 Bournemouth 7s Festival 24 - 26 Cursus Music & Cider Festival, Blandford 25 & 26 Abbotsbury Swannery Food & Craft Fair 25 & 26 Swanage Pirate Festival 25 - 27 Christchurch Food Festival 25 - 9 Jun Dorset Art Weeks 25 - 9 Jun Purbeck Art Weeks 27 Sherborne Castle Country Fair 31 - 1 Jun Swanage Fairy Festival JUNE 1 & 2 Family Fest, Wimborne Minster 1 & 2 Wessex Folk Festival, Weymouth 7 - 9 Wimborne Minster Folk Festival 8 & 9 Highcliffe Food & Arts Festival 8 & 9 Lyme Regis Fossil Festival, Lyme Regis 14 & 15 Bridport Food and Beer Festival 14 - 16 Upton House Food & Music Festival 15 Harry Paye Day, Poole 15 & 16 Swanage Fish Festival 20 - 22 Chesil Rocks, Weymouth 22 & 23 Shake & Stir, Southbourne 22 - 24 Weymouth Armed Forces Celebrations 23 - 30 Beaminster Festival 28 & 29 DorsetFest, Blandford Forum 28 - 30 Roads to Rail Swanage Railway 28 - 30 TankFest at the Tank Museum 30 Swanage Triathlon Festival JULY 7 & 8 Poole Sand Polo 12 - 14 Cerne Abbas Music Festival 12 - 14 Swanage Jazz Festival 12 - 14 Jurassic Fields Music Festival, Bridport 18 - 21 Wilkswood Reggae Festival, Swanage 19 - 21 Christchurch Music Festival 19 - 21 Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival, Tolpuddle 19 - 21 Wareham Carnival 20 - 27 Lyme Regis RNLI Lifeboat Week 21 Sherborne Classic & Supercars Show 25 - 28 Camp Bestival, Lulworth Castle 26 & 27 Proms In The Park, Bournemouth 26 - 28 Bridport Folk Festival 26 - 28 Poole Harbour Festival 27 & 28 Mudeford Arts Festival 27 & 28 Weymouth Food & Family Festival 27 - 3 Aug Swanage Regatta & Carnival AUGUST 2 - 10 Lyme Regis Regatta & Carnival 3 Stompin On The Quomps, Christchurch Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre
© Published by Visit Dorset. Permission must be requested in writing before any part of this leaflet is reproduced in any form. Whilst every effort has been taken to ensure that the information in this leaflet is correct at the time of going to print, Dorset Council does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information given or imply any recommendation by the inclusion of any advertisement. Photography: James Loveridge. www.marmaladephotos.co.uk. Daniel Rushall. Neil Barnes. Visit Britain Rod Edwards. Mark Simons. www.dawnpotter.co.uk. Julien Lightfoot. Lyme Bay Rib Charter. Simon Emmett Photography. Camp Bestival. Graham Rains. Brewery Square. Saeed Rashid. Stephen Bath. www.lymeregismackerelfishing.com. BCP Council. Wimborne Model Town and Gardens, Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum and Folio Creative. Sherborne Town Council. © Monkey World. Robert Westwood. National Trust. Harbour Media. For details e: tourism@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk Design: Creative Studios e: neil@creative-studios.com PEFC Certified. This product is from sustainably managed forests and controlled sources. For Tourist Information Centres in Dorset see www.visit-dorset.com @visit_dorset /VisitDorset @visitdorsetofficial OfficialVisitDorset Download brochures, itinerary ideas, videos, maps and travel information. Sign up to our e-newsletter on visit-dorset.com for exclusive offers, competitions and inspiring ideas! Follow us ... visit-dorset.com/sherborne SHERBORNE It’s yours to discover A magnificent Abbey | Two Castles | Museum Specialist shops and boutiques | Cafes, pubs & restaurants Markets | Festivals & events One of the most beautiful towns in the South West Sherborne Town Council Hire Form for Digby Hall (Multiple Booking) Hound Street, Sherborne, DT9 3AA To book contact Sherborne Town Council - 01935 812807 (office hours 9.30am – 12.30pm) or visit our website – www.sherbornetown.com Caretaker – 07870 621097 (emergency out of office hours) Organisation Reg. charity no. (if appl) Date of hire Event Hirer’s details Invoice details Name: Name: Address: Address: Postcode: Postcode: Phone: Phone: Email: Email: Excl use Main Hall Kitchen Stage Dressing Room Bar Small Hall Wingfield Date Access times Date Access times Date Access times Date Access times Data Protection: Sherborne Town Council complies with the Data Protection Act 1998. The information provided on this form will be used to process your request and to provide you with any relevant further information. Please complete both sides of this form. Start planning your visit today at visit-dorset.com/lyme-regis Heart of the Jurassic Coast Discover fossils • World-famous Cobb Packed programme of events C2 A4
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