Autumn and Winter Days Out in Dorset

Tuesday, 1 November 2022

Yippee! You've booked your break at The Victorian Barn this autumn or winter and now the planning can start for your days out in Dorset.

We’re here to help with inspiration for things to do and days out in Dorset this autumn and winter.

Whether you're a couple, family, solo traveller or group there’s lots to keep everyone entertained!

Walking and Cycling

The North Dorset Trailway is an easy and safe route for walkers and a good cycling route for beginners. Starting at Sturminster Newton, approximately 4 miles from The Victorian Barn.

This is a 14 mile linear route which can be split into smaller sections.

Great for new cyclists and families, you can cycle as much or as little as you want along the North Dorset Trailway. The section from Sturminster Newton to Shillingstone and back again is about 6 miles. The section from Blandford Forum to Shillingstone and back again is about 12 miles in total.

The Trailway is mainly flat, with a tarmac or fine gravel track and there are places to have a break and to stop along the way.

In Sturminster Newton there is real gem of a café called Stur of the Moment with fresh cakes, bakes, breakfasts and lunches – not to be missed.

Another fantastic walk is Hambledon Hill one of the best preserved and most notable Iron Age hill forts in Great Britain and one of the best preserved Neolithic landscapes in Europe.

From the summit of the hillfort you can see across three counties - Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire.

Days out in Dorset

Everything from an island, ancient coasts and hidden gems to a castle, cottages and an Italian inspired palace, there are plenty of things to do in Dorset, so start planning your day out.

Kingston Lacy

The seven acre Japanese Garden takes centre stage at Kingston Lacy at this time of year with over 40 varieties of Acer changing colour with the season.

If you want to explore a little further, there is a Woodland Trail so you can enjoy the best of autumn as the Beech trees turn a burnt orange and the Oak trees a deep russet red. For mini adventurers, stop by the Shepherd’s Hut at the start of the Woodland Trail to collect everything you need to begin your wild wander - have a go at wild weaving, stick sculptures, and pebble poetry.

Stourhead Autumn in the garden

The fiery reds and shimmering yellows that frame the lake and classical buildings are an unmissable treat during autumn.

The after-dark illuminated trail through the garden at Stourhead returns, discover this world-famous landscape in a new light this festive season.

Castle Gardens Annual Christmas Display is now open.

For the more adventurous adults there are daily sea swimming sessions all along the coast at Weymouth and Weymouth has an active and very welcoming sea swimming community.

For the Kids

Crazy monsters and cafe - North Dorset’s largest soft play area, three tier adventure play zone.

Tower Park At Tower Park, Poole there's a galaxy of entertainment awaiting you. The leisure park is jam packed with activities for friends and family and comes with Splashdown Waterpark, multiplex Cinema, Tenpin bowling, kids soft play, bingo and a range of restaurants, there's enough to keep you busy whatever the weather.

Plaza Cinema Dorchester - for an awesome deal on watching films.

Borough Gardens - beautiful gardens with children’s play area and outdoor gym.

Dorchester Skate Park - It is an all concrete transitions bowl park with a plaza style street section at the bottom. It holds something for everyone of all ability hosting a decent set of obstacles.

Something for Everyone!

The sun Inn - a 17th century pub in lovely Dorset countryside with home cooked food and delicious carvery.

Go Ape Moors Valley for an awesome climbing adventure.

Haynes International Motor Museum

Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Museum

With four exhibition halls, over ninety aircraft and over 2 million records and 30 thousand artefacts the Museum is Europe's largest naval aviation Museum. In addition it houses the first British Concorde which you can go on board, view the cockpit and visit the award winning Aircraft Carrier Experience.

And of course you have all the facilities at The Victorian Barn including an indoor heated pool and sauna, Activity Suite, Games Room, three Coarse Fishing Lakes and hot tubs to relax and unwind in at the end of a fun packed adventurous day.

Don't forget, we also have an abundance of footpaths and walks on your doorstep at The Victorian Barn.

So whether you have booked a relaxed or fulfilled break you can be sure to return to comfortable, clean, cosy accommodation at The Victorian Barn.