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The 10 Best Nature & Wildlife Areas in Dorset, England
Discover the best top things to do in Dorset, United Kingdom including Golden Cap Estate, Xtreme Falconry at Dorset Falconry Park, Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Hogchester, Birds of Poole Harbour, Monkey World, Brownsea Island, Durlston Country Park, Abbotsbury Swannery, Hengistbury Head Beach.
Restaurants in Dorset
1. Golden Cap Estate
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 345 reviews
Reviewed By Bear_Tiger - Bromley, United Kingdom
We walked up to Golden Cap from Seatown, it’s about a mile up from the car park in Seatown. A fair climb, but this is the highest point on the south coast! We carried on past Golden Cap and turned right towards St Gabriel’s Wood, and right again back round past Langdon Hill where we did a circuit of the wood and then back down to Seatown. The entire walk was 4.5 miles and took us 1 hour 45 minutes.
2. Xtreme Falconry at Dorset Falconry Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 130 reviews
We are a bird of prey collection with over 100 birds in the collection ranging from owls, hawk, falcons to vultures and eagles. We have two daily shows free flying some of the team and a tea room for you to relax and enjoy the quiet and tranquility of the site. Come and see conservation in action in our butterfly garden or bring a picnic.
Reviewed By AndyB822
We had an absolutely fantastic day out at Xtreme Falconry - it's a relatively new family run falconry centre with so many birds. The owner Martin and his side kick Pete are both extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the birds. There is even time for his daughters to help bring the birds out and do some training themselves. We experienced a flying training session and a bird show which was delivered superbly with plenty of time to ask questions during and after the sessions. Definitely recommend this truly wonderful day out
3. Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is the perfect place to explore a quintessential English countryside in southern central England. Enjoy this nationally protected landscape steeped in history, offering a wealth of wildlife, dark night skies, tranquillity & an extensive network of routes to explore. This deeply rural 380 square miles is heaven for those seeking relaxation.
4. Hogchester
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Hogchester is a beautiful 60 acre site in the Dorset countryside. The rolling hills, meadows, streams and small woodland areas are a haven for wildlife. Some of the fields are undergoing wildflower meadow restoration and conservation work takes place across all areas of the site. Please visit the website for details of open days and events or to enquire about renting the onsite holiday cottage.
Reviewed By kas20280 - London, United Kingdom
We had been looking forward to staying here for so long - and it did not disappoint. The cottage was stylish and spotless, with fabulous comfy beds, and lots of games, toys, books and dvds for the whole family. The family are perfect hosts. It's a spectacular setting, and we spent the majority of each day on the farm, walking in the fields, meeting the animals, adventuring, and generally relaxing. Listening to the owls set off on their hunts at night as the last light disappeared over the sea in the distance ended each day perfectly. Lyme and Charmouth are only 5 minutes away, so there's loads to do on the doorstep - if you can be persuaded to leave the farm!
5. Birds of Poole Harbour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Birds of Poole Harbour is a registered UK based charity that seeks to boost the profile of bird conservation, preservation and observation in and around the Poole Harbour area through numerous people engagement activities including specialised harbour boat tours, guided walks, tours and wildlife encounters.
Reviewed By 382heathere - Nottingham, United Kingdom
We visit Poole once or twice a year and stay with family. We always visit the Birds of Poole harbour 'shop' on the quay to find out what birds are around and this summer we were lucky enough to be able to go on one of their Osprey cruises. The cruise was very informative with experts talking about the Osprey project and other birds and the environment. We saw Ospreys and learned about lots of other exciting projects. A really great trip.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Abbotsbury Swannery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,346 reviews
Reviewed By Lilacwheaty - Nottingham, United Kingdom
We arrived 30 minutes before the 12 noon feed time (they feed at 12.00 and 16,00) which was lucky, as gave us enough time for a quick read of intro info and a 400m walk down to the feeding area. Hundreds of Mute swans were ready for their first feed and they co-operate well, whilst keeping all the migrating Canada geese at bay. The Swanherd team appeared to love their jobs and giving us all information about the life of swan and the sites 500 year plus history. In Mya and June the cygnets appear, adding to the delight of a visit. There is lots of information and kids activities also, so plenty to do in-between feeding times Combining the tickets with other Abbotsbury estate attractions and the village itself makes for good value also, and a full day out
10. Hengistbury Head Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,283 reviews
Reviewed By BillS3851 - Swindon, United Kingdom
Must go here, amazing coastal view and amazing walk, land train that my granddaughter loved , when we come to Bournemouth next will be making a trip back here
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