Campsites in Dorset

The Jurassic Coast

Dorset is home to part of the famous Jurassic Coast, England’s first and only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 95-mile stretch runs from Old Harry Rocks in Dorset to Exmouth in East Devon, highlighting 185 million years of Earth’s history. Tall cliffs, wide bays, and unusual rock formations make it a great place for walking, fossil hunting, and exploring nature.

The South West Coast Path follows the whole coastline, giving walkers amazing views and access to quiet coves. You can see landmarks like Durdle Door, the famous natural limestone arch at Lulworth Cove, and the long pebble ridge of Chesil Beach, which shelters a lagoon behind it. Another highlight is Golden Cap, the highest point on England’s south coast at 191 metres, offering views over Lyme Bay and a fantastic challenge for walkers.

There are also lots of beaches to enjoy. Swanage has a sandy Blue Flag beach and a family-friendly promenade. Studland is four miles long, with calm waters, sand dunes, and nature reserves. Lyme Regis is famous for fossil hunting and the historic Cobb harbour. West Bay has tall sandstone cliffs, often seen on TV in series like Broadchurch.

Weymouth is great for long sandy beaches, while Kimmeridge Bay is popular with snorkellers and rock-poolers thanks to its clear waters and wildlife. Out on the peninsula, Portland is known for its lighthouse, dramatic cliffs, and stone quarries.

The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre is perfect for anyone interested in fossils. You can see real specimens, join guided walks, and learn how to find your own. There are also many walking routes along cliffs, beaches, and heathland, making the Jurassic Coast one of the best places in the UK to combine natural beauty, history, and outdoor adventure.

Seaside towns and villages

Dorset’s seaside towns and villages are full of charm, from bustling harbours to quiet coves. Each has its own character, making the county a great place to explore beyond its beaches.

Lyme Regis is famous for its historic Cobb harbour, colourful houses, and fossil-rich beaches. Visitors can explore the Dinosaurland Fossil Museum or take a walk along the Cobb and enjoy an ice cream or spot local wildlife. Just along the coast, Charmouth has a quieter vibe but is well-known for fossil hunting.

Weymouth is a classic Victorian seaside resort with a long, sandy promenade, a family-friendly beach, and traditional piers. Attractions include the Sea Life Centre and the historic Weymouth Pavilion, while the harbour area offers cafés, shops, and water-based activities. Nearby, Sandbanks is a small, exclusive peninsula known for luxury homes and calm waters, ideal for sailing and yacht spotting. Or, head to the small fishing village of Mudeford with its traditional harbour views, cosy cafés, and calm waters.

On the Isle of Purbeck, Swanage combines a traditional seaside atmosphere with views of the Purbeck Hills. The town has a long promenade, the heritage Swanage Steam Railway, and plenty of pubs to enjoy after a day by the sea. Just across the bay, Studland offers quieter beaches and nature reserves, with walking trails through dunes and heathland. Further along the coast, Poole is known for its busy harbour, one of the largest natural harbours in Europe. Explore the historic quays, take a boat trip to nearby islands, or wander around the Old Town’s cobbled streets.

Other highlights include Boscombe, a lively suburb of Bournemouth with a popular pier and beachside attractions, and West Bay, a dramatic cliffside village with instantly recognisable sandstone cliffs and a small harbour. Bournemouth itself is bustling and lively, with a long beach, Victorian architecture, and attractions like the Oceanarium and the Lower Gardens. Its nightlife is a big draw, with bars, restaurants, and clubs keeping the town buzzing long after the sun sets.

Countryside escapes

Dorset’s countryside is full of charming towns and villages. Away from the coast, there are hills, rivers, and farmland to explore, perfect for a quiet walk, bike ride, or just soaking up the scenery.

Dorchester is the county town and has a long history going back to Roman times. Visit the Roman Town House or Dorset County Museum, and stroll along streets lined with old buildings. Nearby, Maumbury Rings, an ancient henge, is a great place for a picnic or a walk.

Corfe Castle is a village with a huge ruined castle at its heart. You can explore the castle, walk the nearby Purbeck Hills, and enjoy the local shops and tearooms. Shaftesbury is one of England’s oldest and highest towns. From here, you get amazing views over the Blackmore Vale, and you might recognise its famous steep Gold Hill from the 1973 Hovis bread advert.

Sherborne is known for its beautiful abbey and Sherborne Castle. The market square and gardens are perfect for a wander. Abbotsbury is famous for its Swannery, with 600 mute swans on the site of an 11th-century monastery, and Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens.

Bridport is a lively market town surrounded by Dorset countryside. It is famous for its rope-making history, which you can explore at the Ropery Museum, and for its busy local market that runs several days a week. There are plenty of cafés, independent shops, and galleries to explore, and it’s close to the countryside and beaches like West Bay.

Beaminster is smaller but surrounded by farmland, great for walks or cycling. Wareham has old Saxon walls, a historic quay, and riverside walks. Christchurch is set on a river, with medieval streets and the impressive Christchurch Priory.

Outdoor adventures

Dorset is a playground for outdoor lovers, offering a huge variety of ways to explore its landscapes, from rolling countryside to dramatic coastline. With over 3,000 miles of signposted footpaths, walkers can discover everything from quiet village trails to challenging cliff-top routes.

The South West Coast Path runs the length of the Dorset coast, providing sea views and access to hidden coves and beaches, whilst inland, trails around Badbury Rings, an ancient Iron Age hill fort, offer a glimpse into history. A visit to the famous Cerne Abbas Giant, a huge chalk figure carved into the hillside, combines a rewarding walk with one of Dorset’s most unique landmarks.

Cyclists can enjoy routes for all abilities, from gentle rides through the Blackmore Vale and along quiet country lanes to more challenging climbs across the rolling hills. The Purbeck Way and trails around Wareham Forest are particularly popular for families and keen mountain bikers alike. Moors Valley Country Park, with its cycle hire, forest trails, treetop walks, and play areas, is another favourite spot.

Water-based adventures are a big draw, too. Kayaking and paddleboarding are great ways to explore rivers, estuaries, and the coastline, while coasteering and swimming through hidden caves give thrill-seekers an unforgettable experience. Dorset’s beaches and cliffs, including areas near Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove, are popular for coasteering, fossil hunting, and exploring rock pools. Scuba diving is also popular along Dorset’s coastline, giving adventurers a chance to explore shipwrecks, marine life, and underwater cliffs.

Boat trips are another way to see the county from the water. From scenic harbour cruises around Swanage to wildlife tours spotting seals and seabirds, or even mackerel fishing trips from Lyme Regis and West Bay, there’s something for everyone. For another fun day out, the Dorset Adventure Park near Corfe Castle offers two large lakes with giant inflatable obstacle courses, as well as muddy trails to run, climb, and slide through - perfect for high-energy fun.

Seafood, cider and sweet treats

Dorset has a proud food culture, with local ingredients and traditional recipes that make it a county full of flavour. By the coast, fresh seafood is always on the menu. From crab landed at Portland to fish and chips enjoyed on the harbour at Weymouth or Lyme Regis, the county’s seaside towns are the perfect place to tuck into the catch of the day. Oysters from Poole Harbour are also well known, and plenty of restaurants serve them fresh with a squeeze of lemon.

The county also has its fair share of unique specialities. Dorset Knob biscuits are one of the quirkiest — hard, crunchy biscuits traditionally eaten with cheese, celebrated at the annual Dorset Knob Throwing Festival. Another classic is Blue Vinny cheese, a strong, crumbly blue cheese made in Dorset for centuries.

The county is also home to Black Cow Vodka, made from rich local milk, with the distillery also producing delicious cheeses that pair perfectly with crackers or bread. For something sweeter, Dorset Apple Cake is a favourite in tea rooms, often served warm with clotted cream or custard, while Purbeck Ice Cream is made on a family farm with flavours inspired by local produce.

In contrast, Dorset is home to the Dorset Naga chilli, once one of the hottest chillis in the world, adding heat to chutneys, sauces, and curries. For something lighter, Dorset Cereals, the popular breakfast muesli and granola brand, was also born here.

For drinks, Dorset has a long tradition of producing cider from its apple orchards, ideal for enjoying in a village pub garden. Local vineyards produce award-winning sparkling and still wines. Dorset is also known for its peppery watercress, grown in clear chalk streams and often used in salads and soups across the region.

Literary connections

Dorset has inspired some of the greatest writers in English literature. Thomas Hardy was born in Higher Bockhampton in 1840 and set many of his novels here, calling Dorset “Wessex” in books like Far from the Madding Crowd and Tess of the d'Urbervilles. You can visit his birthplace and also Max Gate, the house he designed in Dorchester.

Jane Austen visited Lyme Regis in the early 1800s and set a famous scene from her novel Persuasion on the Cobb, the town’s harbour wall. Fans still walk there today to follow in her footsteps.

For younger readers, Enid Blyton holidayed in Dorset for over 20 years. The coastline and countryside inspired many of her Famous Five adventures, with places like Corfe Castle and Brownsea Island featuring in the stories.

From classic novels to childhood favourites, Dorset’s landscapes have shaped tales that readers still love today.

Top things to do

• Visit Durdle Door – See Dorset’s most iconic natural arch, a must for photos and coastal walks.
• Walk along Chesil Beach – This 18-mile shingle stretch is one of England’s most striking coastal locations.
• Discover the Jurassic Coast – Explore 185 million years of history, from fossil hunting at Charmouth to dramatic cliffs at West Bay.
• Hunt for fossils at Lyme Regis – Visit the famous beaches or drop into the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre.
• Explore Weymouth – A classic seaside town with sandy beaches, a bustling harbour, and family attractions.
• Visit Swanage – Ride the heritage steam railway, relax on the beach, or explore nearby Studland Bay.
• Take in the views from Old Harry Rocks – A striking chalk formation at the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast.
• Enjoy Bournemouth's buzzy atmosphere – Golden sands by day, with busy restaurants and nightlife when the sun goes down.
• Step back in time at Corfe Castle – Dramatic castle ruins with a history stretching back over 1,000 years. Located next to Swanage Steam Railway!
• Stroll Gold Hill in Shaftesbury – Famous from the 1973 Hovis bread advert and one of England’s oldest, highest towns.
• Visit Dorchester – Dorset’s county town with Roman remains, Thomas Hardy connections, and the Dorset County Museum.
• Explore Sherborne Abbey and Castle – A town rich in history with two castles and a stunning abbey.
• Head to Abbotsbury Swannery – The only place in the world where you can walk through a colony of nesting mute swans.
• Explore Studland Bay – A National Trust site with sandy beaches, heathland walks, and views across to Old Harry Rocks.
• Wander around Poole Harbour – One of the largest natural harbours in the world, great for boat trips and watersports.
• Cross to Brownsea Island – Home to red squirrels, wildlife, and the birthplace of the scouts.
• Sample seafood in West Bay – This small harbour town is also famous as the filming location for Broadchurch.
• Take a boat trip – Head out from Lyme Regis, Weymouth, or Poole for fishing, sightseeing, or wildlife spotting.
• Explore Badbury Rings – An ancient Iron Age hillfort with lovely walking trails.
• Try coasteering or kayaking – The Jurassic Coast is perfect for adventure sports on the water.
• Taste local Dorset treats – From Blue Vinny cheese to Dorset apple cake, there are plenty of local delights to try.
• Visit Monkey World – A famous ape rescue centre home to orangutans, chimpanzees, and other primates, offering educational talks and up-close encounters.
• Farmer Palmer's Farm Park – A family-friendly farm with animals, play areas, and outdoor activities for children of all ages.
• Other family attractions – Places like Adventure Wonderland offer rides, shows, and outdoor fun.
• Visit Bovington Tank Museum – Explore military history and see tanks from across the centuries.
• National Trust – Kingston Lacy and Stourhead – Stunning houses with gardens, walking trails, and beautiful scenery for all ages.

Dorset's hidden gems

Dorset is full of hidden gems for those who want to explore away from the crowds. Chapman's Pool is a small, quiet cove surrounded by cliffs, reachable only via a steep coastal path. The walk is well worth it, with amazing views and opportunities to spot seabirds.

On the Isle of Portland, Church Ope Cove sits below St Andrew's Church. Accessible by a short but steep walk, this secluded pebble beach is ideal for a calm day by the sea. Eype Beach is a quiet stretch of shingle and sand popular with walkers and fossil hunters. Often overlooked by tourists, it is a great place to go swimming, and seals can sometimes be seen offshore.

RSPB Arne Nature Reserve is a wildlife haven. This reserve combines heathland, woodland, and wetlands. Visitors may spot deer, otters, marsh harriers, and rare birds. The peaceful paths make it perfect for hiking or birdwatching in a natural setting.

Sandsfoot Castle and Gardens in Weymouth is often missed by visitors. The castle ruins overlook the water, while the surrounding gardens are full of colourful flowers and attract butterflies and bees. The castle's position offers great views of the bay and a quieter alternative to Weymouth’s main beaches. In Purbeck, the Blue Pool is a former clay pit filled with turquoise water. Surrounded by woodland, the pool is best explored on foot along nature trails.

For dramatic coastal scenery, Worbarrow Bay is a secluded beach reached only on foot from nearby Lulworth. Its rugged cliffs and rolling waves are home to nesting seabirds, and the bay’s isolated nature makes it perfect for hikers looking for a quiet day by the sea.