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10 Nature & Parks in Dorset That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Dorset, United Kingdom including Jurassic Coast, Sculpture by the Lakes, Monkey World, Athelhampton House and Gardens, Sherborne Castle & Gardens, Bournemouth Beach, The Lulworth Cove, Brownsea Island, Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, Durlston Country Park.
Restaurants in Dorset
1. Jurassic Coast
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 220 reviews
We offer professional guided walks, tours and fossil hunts anywhere along the full length of the Jurassic Coast and surrounding areas. There is so much to be discovered within the World Heritage site. Not only is there 95 miles of breathtaking coastline, but delve a little deeper and you can physically 'walk throught time' as it reveals 185 million years of life on earth, showcasing the three Dinosaur periods known as Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous. Let us guide you through time so you can experience the wonders that are to be discovered along the way...... We pride ourselves as being Ambassadors for the Jurassic Coast. Plan your walks with us and get the most from your visit, Learn more about the geology and fossils of this world famous coastline. Walks and tours can be tailored to suit all ages and abilities. They are led by a trained & experienced Coastal Leader. Walks and tours can be arranged for individuals, couples, families or groups.
Reviewed By 997DanielC - Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
If you want to avoid paying for parking you can park your cars higher up the hill and walk down to see the sights of the South English countryside. Once you reach the famous coast you'll see it is filled with rocks, watch your step because you can slip and maybe twist your ankle. Look up at the cliffs next to you and you'll history that dates back 80 million years back when dinosaurs still walked the Earth. You can also see that the cliff is in layers, each one piled on top of each other and showing a different time period. Surprisingly when you touch the stone it feels soft and brittle as it easily breaks off in your hands, sometimes some will rain on your head from above. Keep your eyes open and you may even find some real fossils trapped in huge rocks or in the cliff itself; the fossils are of sea creatures called ammonites.Keep walking out to the sea and you'll be surprised by how far you'll get since the rocks are hidden beneath the water, it almost looks like you're walking on the water. Follow the rocks around the edge of the cliff and you'll find some great photo opportunities suck as large rocks sitting on their own in the water that you can jump over too. Once you've finished here there is usually an ice cream van and a Mexican food van nearby, or you can go to the nearby village and visit a pub. Across the road is a museum all about the dinosaurs that had once lived here which takes about an hour to explore.
2. Sculpture by the Lakes
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,366 reviews
Beautiful 26 acre Sculpture Park & Gardens, with Gallery cafe. Due to deep water NO CHILDREN UNDER 14 years of age (including babies) and NO DOGS are allowed. Open Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm, hut bookings are from 10am to 4.45pm. Entry is £12.50 per person. The Gallery Cafe is now open serving tea, coffee, light meals, delicious cakes, cream tea's, ice creams etc., visitors can choose to eat inside, outside (at the newly created seating area), or take it out into the Sculpture Park using one of the picnic baskets provided, complete with rug. Visitors are able to enjoy the Gallery & Gallery Cafe without entry to the Sculpture Park. Described as one of the most beautiful & unique sculpture parks in the United Kingdom, Sculpture by the Lakes marries the soft beauty of nature's wild river landscape with the more formal presentation of monumental outdoor sculpture. It is that combination of art and landscape that inspires Sculpture by the Lakes.
Reviewed By matttJ1645KV
So so Tranquil.easy to find on Sat Nav.some beautifully thought out by some very friendly and approachable staff.going to go again as soon as.Alot of thought and sensitivity about and how each sculpture is placed.i highly recommend this venue for sculpture newbies.
3. Monkey World
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,807 reviews
Reviewed By davey19672015 - Carlisle, United Kingdom
My wife and I enjoyed a wonderful afternoon at Monkey World in Dorset during our stay in Bournemouth. There is good parking space with plenty of room for children and family on arrival. The layout of the park is excellent with good walkways , very good for disabled people.The very spacious rescue centre houses monkeys from all over the world with amazing real life stories displayed of how each was rescued from an awful life of hardship. The Orang-utans were happy and playful, interacting with each other in a mischievous way. It was incredible to watch Monkeys grooming each other and imitating our actions, giving a feeling of connection.The staff give informative talks at set times which add to the experience. There are indoor and outdoor cafes providing hot drinks and snacks.Entrance fee is £14 per adult with family group prices which are very reasonable. All in all the more we can give to help these wonderful animals and the hard work at Monkey world the better. A very enjoyable experience.
4. Athelhampton House and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 755 reviews
Athelhampton House is one of England's finest Tudor Manor Houses. Dating from 1485, the Great Hall is a fine example of domestic Tudor architecture, the house has many interesting rooms, filled with antique furnishings and art. The Gardens remodelled in 1891 surround the House, with many 'compartments' built with Ham stone, each with a different style or theme, each with a water feature of a pond or fountain. The Great Court features the 12 world famous giant yew tree pyramids. The House and Gardens are protected by a Grade 1 listing, and are well maintained to protect for future generations. An excellent visitor centre with restaurant, tea room, gift shop and plant sales area complete the attraction. Enjoy a great Lunch or afternoon tea. See our website for special offers.
Reviewed By Li33iet
We had a fantastic day out at Athelhampton House & Gardens. The house was a complete joy to explore and still retains a lived in feel with masses of history. The visit was very relaxed, we were able to come and go as we pleased , breaking off for a superb lunch in the restaurant before returning to the house. The gardens were beautiful, a delight to explore with plenty of places to sit and rest or take in the views. All staff were very friendly and welcoming and knowledgeable about the property and it’s history. Little touches such as being able to borrow a guide book while touring the house and gardens and being invited to sit on the chairs while exploring the house were exceptional. Returning to the restaurant for superb tea and cake rounded off a perfect day. Would happily revisit when next in the area.
5. Sherborne Castle & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 538 reviews
Sherborne Castle & Gardens is a wonderful day out. Visit our historic castle and walk through 400 years of history, explore 42 acres of “capability” Brown landscape gardens and take time to enjoy a delicious cream tea in our tea room. Why not browse in the gift shop & pick up a bottle of our very own Sherborne Castle Wine to take home to drink with your supper!
Reviewed By GrahamP1518
We visited this amazing castle that was built for Sir Walter Raleigh, what a treat beautiful castle and gardens by Capability Brown. Lots of history here and great views over the gardens and old castle. Very much enjoyed our day!
6. Bournemouth Beach
7. The Lulworth Cove
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
This 5-mile section of coast from White Nothe to Warbarrow Bay contains beaches, ecology, geology and beautiful walks.
Reviewed By ClaireAdamMoss - Ilfracombe, United Kingdom
We stayed in our campervan at Durdle Door to see the sights. Not knowing or having researched the area at all I am so very glad we took the walk to Lulworth Cove. Fantastic walk over the hills and down into the village below.Such stunning scenery, you really can not fail to be blown away by the beauty. We were pretty lucky that we had a relatively nice day and the visibility was good. We walked over to the Stair hole area and looked at the fascinating geological marvels of this coastline. The variety of rock formations and how nature has carved it's beauty in such wonderful ways. It has such diverse rock formations and as you carry on towards the headland the beauty of Lulworth cove becomes more evident with each step! Such beautiful views and we wish we had more hours in the day so we could have explored the fossil forest but will have to return to discover more. The village itself is lovely and extremely picturesque with a lovely little mill pond, leading to a stream, leading to the beach. Plenty of places to eat and drink and a lovely welcoming little place. So glad we made the visit!
8. Brownsea Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,407 reviews
Owned by the National Trust, Brownsea Island is dramatically located in Poole Harbour, with spectacular views across to the Purbeck Hills. Thriving natural habitats - including woodland, heathland and a lagoon - create a unique haven for wildlife, such as the rare red squirrel and a wide variety of birds, including dunlin, kingfishers, common and sandwich terns and oystercatchers. The Outdoor Centre invites you to come and follow in the footsteps of Lord Baden-Powell and the very first Scouts who camped here in 1907. Scout and Guide Groups can camp and get stuck in with activities such as archery and low ropes and we also offer Eco Adventure Camping as an opportunity for the general public to come and experience the great outdoors. The perfect day's adventure - this island wildlife sanctuary is easy to get to but feels like another world from the moment you step ashore.
Reviewed By martinsomers32 - Bristol, United Kingdom
Excellent visit to a hidden gem on the South coast after a pleasant boat trip the island was a good p!ace to walk and explore with a good place to see rare red squirrels with peasants peacocks and wild deer good views on a clear day.
9. Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,014 reviews
Reviewed By joeandstacey2015 - Greater London, United Kingdom
The walk due to social distancing is about 20 minutes over undulating terrain The walk was lovely and scenic and the view when you arrive at the costal path is well worth it The walk along the cliff top was excellent with stunning views over the sea towards Bournemouth The famous Durdle Dor was simply stunning and beautiful Man o war bay on the northern side is beautiful also We recommend early morning start to avoid the busy period and the endless stream of people heading down to the beaches It’s no wonder this place is one of the most photographed place in the UK! Well worth the effort to go.
10. Durlston Country Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,145 reviews
Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve is the perfect place to start exploring Dorset’s Jurassic coast. Acres of wildflower meadows, sea cliffs, woodland, superb coastal walking and spectacular views await you. Durlston Castle also offers gallery exhibitions, the Seventhwave Café and visitor’s shop. A ranger is always on hand to help you get the most out of your day. Owned and managed by Dorset Council.
Reviewed By johnwF5100AB - Haversham, United Kingdom
Durston Country Park is situated on the cliffs with stunning views over Swanage Bay to Old Harry Rocks with Bournemouth & the Isle of Wight beyond. For the price of a car park ticket you can stroll around the beautiful grounds & enjoy dramatic sea views and a large variety of birds, insects, animals, plants flowers & trees making it a great experience for all. The Castle has a shop, restaurant/cafe with inside & outside seating, permanent as well as varying exhibitions of local art & photography and interesting educational features for kids of all ages. On this year's holiday we had breakfast there four times as it really is such a special place. Due to pesky Covid restrictions access to the lavatories is currently quite convoluted and although acccess for all has been improved this year the walks are hilly in places. Small prices to pay for such a special experience, take a camera and binoculars if you have them and you definitely won't regret it.
