Explore the area

Dorset is a stunning place to explore, offering the best of countryside, coastline, events and attractions perfect for families and couples alike. Discover local landmarks, historic buildings, museums and galleries as well as places to eat, drink and relax.

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Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

Buller’s Way, Abbotsbury, Dorset, DT3 4LA

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With over 30 acres, the Subtropical Gardens are home to over 6000 species from across the world. Described as a ‘Plantman’s Garden’, this world renowned paradise is unique and nestled on the edge of the Dorset Jurassic Coast.

Nothe Fort

Barrack Rd, Weymouth DT4 8UF

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Nothe Fort is a fort in Weymouth, Dorset, England, situated at the end of the Nothe Peninsula, which juts eastwards from the town of Weymouth, and Weymouth Harbour, into the sea to the north of the ex-military Portland Harbour.

Athelhampton House & Gardens

Puddletown, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7LG

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Athelhampton House & Gardens is a Tudor House with fabulous gardens set in the heart of Dorset.

Dorset Museum & Art Gallery

High West Street, Dorchester, DT1 1XA

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The Museum’s nationally and internationally recognised collections unlock the secrets of Dorset’s natural world, archaeology, history, art and culture.

EBIKE Cafe

9A Custom House Quay, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8BG

Our philosophy at the EBIKE Cafe is all about ‘Health & Wellbeing’.
You can join us inside at the EBIKE Cafe or outside in our seating area overlooking Weymouth’s picturesque old harbour or you can takeaway, the decision is yours.

 

Forde Abbey & Gardens

Forde Abbey, Chard, Somerset, TA20 4LU

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Forde Abbey and Gardens

Forde Abbey is a popular destination for families, garden lovers and historians alike.
Set within thirty acres of award-winning gardens, you’ll find something of interest all year round.

Langham Wine Estate

Langham Wine Estate, Crawthorne, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 7NG

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As winegrowers, we pride ourselves in crafting terroir-driven sparkling wines using grapes only grown on our Dorset vineyard.

Minterne House & Gardens

Minterne House, Minterne Magna, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7AU

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We welcome you to visit the Himalayan gardens and let the tranquillity provide that perfect antidote to life’s stresses.
Advanced booking for the gardens is not required.
The house is not open to the public.

Portland Bill Lighthouse & Visitor Centre

The Lighthouse, Portland Bill, Portland, Dorset, DT5 2JT

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You can take a guided tour to the Top of the lighthouse and into the lantern room with spectacular views of the Jurassic coast and the whole of ‘Portland Bill’
For those who do not wish to ascend the 155 steps to the very top of the Lantern Room, we have our informative Visitor Centre and charming shop where you’ll find interesting and unusual gifts for all pockets and ages.

The Tank Museum

The Tank Museum, Bovington, Dorset, BH20 6JG

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The Tank Museum holds the world’s best collection of tanks, covering the period from the First World War to the present day.

Coastline Cruises

Coastline Cruises Kiosk, Brewers Quay, Weymouth, DT4 8TJ 

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Experience stunning coastal views and unforgettable memories with Coastline Cruises. Explore hidden gems, enjoy tranquil waters, and indulge in exceptional service on an unforgettable boat trip.

Mapperton House, Gardens & Wildlands

Mapperton, Beaminster, DT8 3NR

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Mapperton House, the home of the Earl of Sandwich, is a magnificent Jacobean Manor House with an award-winning Italianate Garden. The house and gardens form the centre of a working rural estate of around 1,800 acres of grassland, ancient woodland and Mapperton’s Wildlands, Dorset’s most spectacular rewilding project.

Marlboro Restaurant

46 St Thomas Street, Weymouth, DT4 8AW

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Come visit us at the Marlboro Restaurant. The very best in sustainable fish and chips to take away or eat in our restaurant. Our friendly and helpful staff cannot wait to welcome you!

Lulworth Castle & Park

The Estate Office, East Lulworth, Wareham, BH20 5QN

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Built in the 17th century as a hunting lodge it was, for centuries the home of the Weld family. Destroyed by fire in 1929, it has been partly restored and is open to view.

The Fine Foundation Wild Chesil Centre

Portland Beach Road, Portland, DT4 9XE

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Situated alongside the iconic Chesil Beach, the family-friendly visitor centre features interactive displays and exhibits about diverse wildlife and remarkable geology of Chesil and the Fleet Lagoon.

Adventure 4 All

Portland Marina, Osprey Quay, Portland, DT5 1JE

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Have an unforgettable adventure! We offer coasteering, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and rock-climbing experiences. We proudly cater to families and groups of all sizes, ensuring everyone finds their perfect adventure.

Revive Wild Sauna

Portland Marina, Osprey Quay, Portland, DT5 1DX

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Escape. Unwind. Recharge. Our stunning saunas are the perfect place to sit back and slow down. Soak in the views, bathe in the warmth, and reinvigorate with sea dips.

Corfe Castle

The Square, Corfe Castle, Wareham, BH20 5EZ

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Feel 1,000 years of history come to life at one of Britain’s more iconic and evocative ruined castles, with secret places and tales of treachery and treason around every corner.

Came Down Golf Club

Higher Came, Dorchester, DT2 8NR

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Came Down Golf Club boasts a scenic downland course with stunning views over Weymouth and Dorchester, a welcoming atmosphere, and rich heritage. Book 7 days ahead or contact for earlier bookings.

Dorset Adventure Park

Arfleet Mill Lakes, Studland Road, Corfe Castle, BH20 5JG

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Europe’s best waterpark across two lakes and the Mud Trail. Set in 18 acres of woodland with views of Corfe Castle, with food, axe throwing and animals.

Sherborne Castle & Gardens

New Road, Sherborne, DT9 5NR

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Explore Sherborne castle. Built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1592 and home of the Digby Family since 1617. Enjoy 42 acres of a “Capability” Brown Landscape garden.

Uncover the incredible story of one of the world’s most famous places. This must-see monument is a powerful testament to human ingenuity, imagination, and creativity.

The Priory Hotel

Church Green, Wareham, BH20 4ND

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The Priory, Wareham – a tranquil riverside retreat where heritage meets modern elegance. Fine dining, timeless charm, and heartfelt hospitality create an experience that feels beautifully English, effortlessly refined, and quietly unforgettable.

Fleet Explorer boat trip

Ferryman’s Way, Weymouth, DT4 9YU

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Enjoy a one-hour boat trip on Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Fleet Explorer. Find out about the iconic Chesil Beach, learn about local history and discover the wildlife of the Fleet Lagoon.

The Lobster Pot

Portland Bill, Dorset, DT5 2JT

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Situated on the cliff at Portland Bill, the family owned Lobster Pot has the best views of Dorset’s stunning World Heritage Jurassic coast. Open every day from 9:30am.

Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre

Longhorns, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 6HH

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Visit Monkey World to see over 250 endangered monkeys and apes. Rescuing and rehabilitating primates to groups of their own kind since 1987, Monkey World is a great day out!

Palmers Brewery

West Bay Road, Bridport, DT6 4JA

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A tour of Palmers Brewery; an increasingly rare opportunity to see the age old process of English brewing and gain an insight into one of Britain’s oldest family run breweries.

Roman Town House

7 Northernhay, Dorchester, DT1 1XN

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The Roman Town House in Dorchester is the only fully exposed example of its kind in the entire country. This well-preserved archaeological site features mosaics and evidence of underfloor heating.

Sculpture by the Lakes

Pallington Lakes, Dorchester, DT2 8QU

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Sculpture by the Lakes is a beautiful 26-acre botanic garden and art venue featuring more than 100 sculptures, with many created by owner and leading contemporary sculptor, Simon Gudgeon.

Salisbury Cathedral and Magna Carta

Salisbury Cathedral, SP1 2EF

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Discover a medieval masterpiece and one of England’s ‘must-see’ historical attractions, with Britain’s tallest spire, largest cloisters, and biggest Cathedral Close, as well as an original 1215 Magna Carta.

Chesil Beach Café

Bullers Way, Abbotsbury, DT3 4LA

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Serving breakfast, seafood lunches, coffee and fresh artisan bakes. Dine in alfresco or takeaway. One of the few access points to the iconic Jurassic Chesil beach coastline.

Portland Castle

Liberty Road, Castletown, Portland, DT5 1AZ

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Portland Castle is one of Henry VIII’s coastal artillery forts, built to defend Portland harbour. Its squat rounded seaward form was designed to deflect an incoming cannon shot.

The Blue Pool Nature Reserve & Tearooms

Furzebrook Road, Wareham, BH20 5AR

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Explore one of Dorset’s must-visit spots on the beautiful Isle of Purbeck. Wander woodland trails with wildlife spotting and the UK’s longest rope bridge, enjoy treats in the art-deco tearooms, and discover seasonal events!

Bennetts Fish and Chips

14 Trinity Road, Weymouth, DT4 8TJ

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British fish and chips, hand filleted fish and fresh cut chips all prepared daily onsite. Family owned and family run for 37 years.

The View Café & Bar

Heights Hotel, Portland, DT5 2EN

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The View Café and Bar open daily from 9:00 am for breakfast, lunch and snacks. Sit down, relax and enjoy the panoramic views.

Salt at Portland Marina

7 Hamm Beach Road, Portland, DT5 1DX

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Salt offers stunning panoramic marina views from our stylish restaurant and sunny terrace, fresh Dorset produce, and something for everyone – from tea and cake to fish and chips or à la carte dining.

 

Haynes Motor Museum

Sparkford, Yeovil, BA22 7LH

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Haynes Motor Museum is the UK’s largest collection of cars and motorcycles, with 15 incredible exhibitions, hands-on interactives and family activities. A must-visit for any car enthusiasts, families or museum lovers.

Swanage Railway

Station Approach, Swanage, BH19 1HB

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Award-winning heritage steam railway through the Isle of Purbeck, travelling between Swanage, Corfe Castle and Norden. Enjoy stunning scenery, historic locomotives and nostalgic family-friendly days out.

Shire Hall Museum

High West Street, Dorchester, DT1 1UY

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Explore the underground cells and historic courtroom and uncover 200 years of powerful stories of justice and injustice. We also have an airy mezzanine cafe, serving home made and locally sourced food.

Dorset Nectar Cider Farm, Tour and Tastings

Strong Orchard, Pineapple Lane, Waytown, Bridport, DT6 5FT

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Cider farm shop and tasting room open 7 days a week from 9:00am, with sculpture filled cider garden. Live music and food every Saturday, April to October from 5:00pm onwards. Cider farm tour and tastings every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Coastal Vibes Cruises

Weymouth Pavilion Car Park, Weymouth, DT4 8DZ

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Coastal Vibes cruises offers unforgettable Jurassic Coast cruises from Weymouth, combining stunning coastal scenery, live entertainment, themed events, and relaxing onboard experiences for families, couples and groups.

Brewery Square

Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1GH

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Discover Dorchester’s outdoor shopping and leisure destination, home to 25+ independent shops, well-loved restaurants and cafés, hair and beauty, fountains, and a cinema, all set within an historic brewery site.

A triumphant farewell for all our visitors

And when the time comes to depart our beautiful shores be sure to keep your eyes on the quayside. Portland Port prides itself on providing a memorable send off with a musical “Bon Voyage” and a 3 shot salute from the Nothe Fort Victorian Artillery Brigade.

Nothe Fort Garrison are a popular and integral part of cruise departures at Portland Port, firing three shots from their canon on departure of every cruise ship.

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