Things to do in Dorset, England: The Best Shopping

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.

A contemporary purpose built art gallery that exhibits modern art and crafts. The emphasis is on displaying work as a gallery should with room to breathe and no other distractions. Showcasing the very best of local talent and internationally known artists. Exhibitions change on a monthly basis, worth checking the website for details. The space can be hired on a monthly basis.

We are a new emporium just opened in the brewers quay building in weymouth harbour side offering a varied range of diffrent traders selling a wide range of items from antiques to crafts to toys and so much more

Artwave West, with its stylish open plan viewing space, specialist museum lighting and crisp uncluttered décor provides a superb place to enjoy looking at and contemplating artworks. The gallery has established itself as one of the principal independent contemporary art venues in the Southwest, by carefully selecting artists and attracting professional practitioners with impressive national and international exhibiting profiles. A number of regular Artwave West artists are frequently nominated for prestigious exhibitions and awards in cultural capitals such as London, New York and Venice. A lively programme of frequently changing exhibitions together with a large stock of additional artwork guarantees there is always something new to view. This year has seen the addition of a teaching Academy next to the gallery where a wide selection of Art Courses take place run by Exhibiting Artists and professional tutors.

Art gallery selling pictures, ceramics, glassware, jewellery and hand designed and made fabric creations. All made or designed by local artists. The owner is one of the artists and some of the other artists also work behind the counter.

This hidden treasure trove is a must see of local talent! Two floors of local businesses selling beautiful items in a fascinating rustic old building tucked away in the heart of Wareham. You will find original artworks, unique furniture, jewellery, quirky gifts, sculpture, clothing- it's an Aladdin's cave of ever changing stock! Come and have a browse and meet one of the Artisans. Open every day.

An antiques centre with something for everyone old and young at reasonable prices, the third largest shop in Swanage, 8 rooms plus a salvage yard / garden. Tea and coffee available. Dogs welcome , w.c. upstairs.

Sladers Yard is one of the most ambitious art galleries in the South West, showing contemporary British art, handmade furniture and designer craft. Housed in an historic Georgian rope warehouse, with pillared galleries and flower-filled courtyard, it is five minutes walk from the beach and harbour in West Bay, Dorset. Sladers Yard has an acclaimed cafe which is open every day serving coffees, lunches and teas. It has its own Tripadvisor entry under Sladers Yard Cafe. Please review the cafe there! Many thanks.

For nearly 300 years a lighthouse has stood on Portland Bill to guide vessels heading for Portland and Weymouth and acting as a waymark for vessels navigating in the English Channel. A red sector light warns mariners of the hazardous Shambles Bank lying three miles offshore. Tours of Portland Bill Lighthouse are organised by AMH Support Services under licence from the Corporation of Trinity House.