Dorset Attractions Guide

Welcome to The Victorian Barn Dorset Attractions Guide! Discover the picturesque County of Dorset with its wealth of attractions, activities, and serene landscapes.

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Here's a glimpse into what Dorset has to offer:

Best of Dorset Attractions

For an overview of all there is to see and do in Dorset, check out ‘The Best of Dorset Attractions’. Dive into history, heritage, family fun, castles, gardens, steam, pottery, crafts, wildlife, and tranquil tea houses. Discover it all here.

Visit Dorset

Plan your visit with inspiration from Visit Dorset where you'll find ideas tailored to your interests. Whatever you’re interested in, you’ll be sure to find it in Dorset.

The variety of attractions on offer will blow you away!

Dorset Beach Guide

With nearly 100 miles of coastline, Dorset offers a variety of beaches and coves. Find your perfect seaside spot here.

National Trust 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.

Dorset Days Out With The Kids

Fun things to do in Dorset for you and the family to discover. What's more, the weather shouldn't be a problem with many indoor attractions too! Finding the right Dorset day out for your family is easy.

Things to do in Dorset

Popular things to do, popular towns to visit, ways to tour Dorset, day trips, nature and wildlife and more on Tripadvisor.

Highlights:

Tower Park Poole

At Tower Park, Poole there's a galaxy of entertainment awaiting you. The leisure park is jam packed with activities for friends and family including Splashdown, multiplex cinema, bowling, kids soft play, bingo and a huge range of restaurants.

The Tank Museum

The Tank Museum is an independently run museum and a registered charity, displaying 300 military machines representing key battles dating back to the First World War. There is also a café and shop to take advantage of during your visit. The Tank Museum is also host to their annual Tankfest event.

Sandworld

Created by world-renowned artists using just sand and water, this unique, all-weather attraction is perfect for a family day out, come rain or shine. Every visit offers something new, with inspiring, larger-than-life creations that will leave you in awe. Get creative together with fun, hands-on workshops for all ages. Whether you’re young or just young at heart, everyone is welcome to have a go at making their own mini masterpiece. With daily workshops, plenty of tools, and buckets of water ready to go, it’s a brilliant chance to turn your imagination into sandy 3D art.

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens & Abbotsbury Swannery

The Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens boasts plentiful free parking and has great facilities including a coffee shop. Approximately 50% of the gardens are accessible to disabled. Why not check out Abbotsbury Swannery during the same visit.

Monkey World

Set amongst the woodland of Dorset lays 65 acres of sanctuary for over 150 primates. Monkey World was set up in 1987 by Jim and Alison Cronin to provide abused Spanish beach chimps with a permanent, stable home. Today Monkey World works in conjunction with foreign governments from all over the world to stop the illegal smuggling of apes out of Africa and Asia. At the park visitors can see more than 150 primates of 15 different species.

Sherborne Castle & Gardens

Visitors from all over the world have been attracted to its outstanding collections of art and furniture, connection to Sir Walter Raleigh and to admire Capability Brown’s landscape. Walk through 400 years of history and discover the ‘Great stories of Sherborne Castle’ and see Nationally important collections of art, porcelain and furniture.

Swanage Railway

Located in the Isle of Purbeck, the rebuilt Swanage Railway is the perfect place to enjoy a great family day out on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast.

Shillingstone Station/ North Dorset Railway and Cafe

North Dorset Railway is a standard gauge heritage railway based at Shillingstone Station, off the A357, in the heart of rural Dorset. The station is on what was the Somerset & Dorset Railway and opened in 1863. It eventually became part of British Railways Southern Region and was closed following the ‘Beeching’ cuts in 1966.

Go Ape and other adventures at Moors Valley

Located between the New Forest and the beautiful south coast beaches, Moors Valley Country Park offers a picturesque setting for an active day out!.

Pevlings Riding Stables

Established in 1985, Pevlings Farm Riding & Livery Stables aims to provide a safe and friendly atmosphere to learn to ride in. Offering riding lessons to people of all ages and abilities. Private or group sessions, jumping, hacking, pony care, holiday activities and lots more! Call for enquiries and bookings 01963 370990.

Minterne Gardens

Discover the tranquil beauty of Minterne Gardens, where you can wander through a mile long trail of beautiful garden landscapes, featuring Himalayan rhododendrons, azaleas, and cascading streams.

Blandford Fashion Museum

Step into the world of fashion history at the Blandford Fashion Museum, where you can explore an extensive collection of costumes and accessories spanning from the 18th century to the late 1970s, housed in a charming Georgian townhouse in Dorset.

Brownsea Island

Experience the natural beauty of Brownsea Island, a serene haven in Dorset's Poole Harbour, where you can spot red squirrels, explore rich wildlife habitats, and enjoy historical tours around one of the last remaining castles on the island.

Athelhampton House

Immerse yourself in history at Athelhampton House, a stunning Tudor manor in Dorset, renowned for its exquisite gardens, the majestic Great Hall with its original hammer-beam roof, and a rich tapestry of stories from its 500 years of existence.

Mapperton House

Visit Mapperton House, voted Britain's Finest Manor House by Country Life, tucked away in Dorset's rolling hills, where you can explore a historic Jacobean manor, stroll through award-winning gardens, and enjoy the tranquility of this family estate.

Wimborne Model Village

Discover the charm of 1950s Wimborne at the Wimborne Model Village, where you can explore over 100 detailed shop fronts and homes, interactive elements like a ringing telephone box, and enjoy the beauty of its award-winning gardens.

Weymouth Sealife Adventure Park

Dive into the underwater world at the Weymouth SEA LIFE Centre, where you can encounter sharks, rays, and a plethora of marine life, including the chance to walk through the immersive Ocean Tunnel and learn about conservation efforts.

Bennetts Water Gardens

Discover the tranquil beauty of Bennetts Water Gardens in Dorset, home to the National Plant Collection of Water Lilies, where you can wander over acres of serene lakes, admire a Monet-inspired Japanese bridge, and explore lush woodland walks.

Dorset Falconry Park

Experience the thrill of falconry at Dorset Falconry Park, where you can witness the majesty of birds of prey in flight, learn about their conservation, and even participate in hands-on hawk walks in the scenic Dorset countryside.

The Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park

Step back in time at the Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park, where you can meet majestic, rare breed heavy horses, enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, and engage in a day full of educational fun for all ages.

Kingston Mauward Animal Park

Visit Kingston Maurward Animal Park for an educational day out, where you can interact with a wide variety of animals, from alpacas to wallabies, set within the beautiful grounds of a historic agricultural college in Dorset.

Putlake Adventure Park

Enjoy a family day out at Putlake Adventure Farm in Dorset, where kids can interact with farm animals, race around on pedal go-karts, and let off steam in one of the largest indoor soft play areas in the region.

Hope Farm Alpaca Rescue Centre

Experience the charm of alpacas at Hope Farm Alpaca Rescue Centre in Dorset, where you can walk these gentle creatures, learn about their care, and support a rescue dedicated to their well-being.

Nothe Fort

Explore the rich military history of Nothe Fort in Weymouth, where you can delve into underground tunnels, view panoramic scenes of the Jurassic Coast, and engage with interactive exhibits tracing the fort's role from the Victorian era through two world wars.

Lyme Bay RIB Charter

Embark on an exhilarating adventure with Lyme Bay RIB Charter, offering high-speed RIB rides along Dorset's stunning Jurassic Coast, ideal for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.

Coastal Cruises

Enjoy the scenic beauty of Dorset's coastline with Coastal Cruises Dorset, offering relaxing boat tours where you can witness the majesty of the Jurassic Coast, spot wildlife, and perhaps even see some of its famous landmarks from the sea.

Jurassic Jet Ski Tours

Experience the thrill of the Jurassic Coast like never before with Jurassic Jet Ski Tours, where you can jet ski along England’s first natural World Heritage Site, exploring iconic landmarks such as Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door.

Swanage Sea Fishing

Set sail for adventure with Swanage Sea Fishing, offering trips for all skill levels where you can catch mackerel, bass, and more along the stunning Jurassic Coast.

Sea Kayaking

Glide through the crystal-clear waters of Dorset with Sea Kayaking adventures, discovering hidden caves, majestic cliffs, and the serene beauty of the coastline.

Dorset Adventure Water Park

Get your adrenaline pumping at the Dorset Adventure Water Park, where you can tackle inflatable obstacles, slides, and challenges set against the picturesque backdrop of Corfe Castle.

Entertainment and Equipment Hire

Laser Tag by The Laser Guys

Enjoy Laser Tag either onsite or at their Blandford Forum venue.

Gorcombe Extreme Sports

Offers over 70 vehicles and 10+ activities, open 7 days a week with trained staff.

Electric Mountain Bike Hire

E-Bike Escapes: Bespoke bike rental with nationwide drop-off and collection.

Weymouth Pavillion

Superb entertainment venue, Weymouth Pavilion is the town’s premier venue for live theatre, music, arts, events and more with a packed programme featuring world class comedians, live music, opera, ballet, musicals, drama and tribute acts.

Would you like to know more about our accommodation? Explore our options. To check availability and book your stay with ease, view our calendar.

(Header imagery courtesy of Sherborne Castle and Abbostbury Subtropical Gardens)