Things to do in Dorset

Explore some of the most scenic areas in southern England on a bus trip from Bournemouth. Travel along the famous Jurassic Coast, via Poole Harbour and Sandbanks, to experience the nation's only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. First, visit the natural limestone arch of Durdle Door and receive information booklets so you can explore independently. Throughout the tour, benefit from the knowledge and expertise of your guide. Enjoy a light nature walk from Durdle Door over the hill and experience the magnificent views from Hambury Tout. Head to Lulworth Cove if you prefer to give your legs a rest and enjoy a beautiful view of the arch. Consult the map that highlights the main features, or feel free to follow your own path. Find a nice cafe or restaurant in the village of West Lulworth or avail of the small shop in the holiday park at Durdle Door, before heading back to Bournemouth.

The ocean has so many different sides to it. From the Humboldt current of Peru where the perky penguins thrive to the balmy waters of Key West teeming with fish of every colour. Then there’s the mysterious Amazon, where the fish have teeth, and the dark depths of the Abyss, a place where humans are the aliens. Discover all our fascinating displays and uncover some of the mysteries of the other half of our planet. Explore a variety of sea life as you venture through Shark Reef Tunnel including nine black tip reef sharks, moray eels, a stunning Loggerhead Turtle and more!

Experience the quintessential British tradition of afternoon tea surrounded by the period's opulent decor and a curated selection of Jane Austen's most beloved works. The Regency Tea Rooms provide a unique experience, inviting visitors to partake in the refined tradition of afternoon tea within the enchanting backdrop of the Regency era. From historically accurate details to all the period elements that encourage engagement, this is a delightful and educational retreat for all who seek to relish the timeless charm of Jane Austen's world.

Feel the thrill of flying through the air and over waves with this entrance ticket to the PierZip ride in Bournemouth. The PierZip is the world’s first pier to shore zip wire, boasting a 250-meter dual zip wire. Challenge your friends and family on the dual zip, riding alongside them to race to shore. Launch from the Zip Tower platform 25 meters above the sea, and race out and “zip surf” 250 meters over the top of the waves to land on the beach. Embark on a truly unique and unforgettable experience, and a wonderful way to experience the amazing, panoramic view of Bournemouth and its stunning coast line.

Experience the beautiful British coastline with the Bournemouth hop-on hop-off tour. Ride an open-top double-decker tour bus on a 1.5-hour loop through the Dorset coastline to discover the beautiful seaside towns of Bournemouth and Poole. Stop at Poole Quay and explore the variety of shops, parks, restaurants, and theatres, as well as buzzing nightlife. The onboard commentary points out the main sights and attractions of each city, all accessible from the 22 conveniently located stops along the bus route. There are plenty of things to do in Bournemouth and Poole. A double-decker bus is a perfect way to explore the picturesque British seaside and the phenomenal beaches, parks, and shops of Bournemouth and Poole are all easily accessible from the tour route's wandering path down the coastline. Bournemouth Tour Stops: A. Bournemouth Station - Stand K A. East Overcliff Drive 1. Bournemouth Pier - Behind Hot Rocks 2. Bournemouth Square - Gervis Place Stand X 3. West Cliff Savoy Hotel 4. Westbourne - Camden Bar 5. Branksome Chine 6. Canford Cliffs - Loch Fyne 7. Sandbanks Beach: Shore Road 8. Sandbanks Beach: Pavilion 9. Sandbanks Peninsular: Ferry Approach 10. Sandbanks Beach: opposite Pavilion 11. Sandbanks Beach: opposite Shore Road 12. Lilliput Village: Lilliput Square 13. Whitecliff Recreation Ground 14. Poole Park: Park Gates East 15. Poole Quay & Old Town: Thistle Hotel 16. Baiter Park 17. Poole Park 18. Ashley Cross: Parkstone Railway Station 19. Penn Hill 20. Westbourne 21. The Triangle 22. Bournemouth Square (Stand LL)

Catch the early morning ferry across to the Isle of Purbeck. View Old Harry Rocks, the starting point of the Jurassic Coast, England’s only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take in breath-taking views across Poole Harbour and towards Brownsea Island. By mid morning you will arrive at Durlston Country Park. Visit the brand new Jurassic Coast visitor center housed in the recently refurbished Durlston Castle. There’s time for a morning coffee stop overlooking the famous Great Globe and a chance to take the cliff top walk along to Tilly Whim Caves and the Anvil Point Lighthouse. For every visitor brought to Durlston Country Park, a contribution towards a bursary that helps to support their volunteer programme is made. Heading west drive through some of the tiny lanes and villages that give Purbeck its unique character. Take lunch in the village of Corfe Castle, dominated by the ruins that give it its name. Entrance to the castle itself not included (Free to NT members). After lunch take a gentle drive along the coast taking in more stunning scenery as you head for an afternoon at Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. Walk down to Man o’ War Rocks and view the magnificent rock arch of Durdle Door, hewn from the Portland limestone beds. Finally, head down to Lulworth Cove and see the famous Lulworth Crumple rock formation in Stair Hole.

Challenge yourself to 25 unique Clip ‘n Climb walls at the RockReef Activity Center in Bournemouth with your Clip n' Climb tickets. Take the Stairway to Heaven climbing challenge that provides varying degrees of exciting challenges to suit every age and ability from 4 to 94. Upon arrival at the center, receive safety training with an induction of up to 30 minutes. Enjoy copious amounts of fun whilst pushing and testing your agility, confidence, climbing, and problem-solving skills. Choose from a range of indoor climbing walls, with each wall creating a different challenge  – whether it be testing your speed, deciding on the quickest or hardest route to navigate, or deciding how to grip the hold and distribute your body weight. If you’re feeling competitive, race your friends on the "Speed Climb" with nothing but 2 identical walls, a clock, and your climbing skills between you. Try to get on the leaderboard by being the fastest climber of the day.

Board a full-size steam train and travel along the rebuilt Swanage Railway, which runs for 5.5 miles (8.85 km) from Norden to Corfe Castle. Stop off at Corfe Castle, Harman's Cross, and Herston stations to buy refreshments or have a picnic at the tables. Buy snacks at Norde or Swanage. Shop for souvenirs in the station shop, including DVD, railway books, model railways, clothing, and much more. Visit Purbeck Mining Museum to learn about Purbeck ball clay mining and industrial narrow gauge railways. Check out Corfe Castle Railway Museum as well, and visit the beach.

Day 1 You begin your journey down into the south-west of England. You’ll stop in at cute villages and enjoy a scenic drive through Exmoor National Park, a beautiful mix of moorland, woodland, coast and rivers. We like to keep things flexible this morning, so your driver-guide will touch base with you throughout the day. Next stop is Dunster; this medieval village is dominated by its Norman Castle, which you can view as you wander the village. You will visit the incredible ruins of Tintagel Castle. Sitting snug on the clifftops of North Cornwall, this historic 13th-century castle is believed to be the birthplace of King Arthur. The time is yours to explore this wonderful site. We depart Tintagel and head for the coastal city of Falmouth, our overnight base for the next two nights. Day 2 The day begins with a visit to one of Cornwall’s most loved destinations: the fishing town of St Ives. Get in touch with your inner seaside dweller as you wander this idyllic harbour town. Your next destination is a must in our opinion. Land’s End is a legendary spot that has inspired people since ancient Greek times when it was referred to as ‘Belerion’, or ‘Place of the Sun’. We head for a lunch break to an open-air theatre perched atop rugged cliffs. Yes, we’re talking about the incredible *Minack Theatre. *Please note that due to availability, we may be unable to visit this theatre. Your guide will let you know as you go. The last stop of the day is in Marazion, where you’ll get a chance for a photo of the jaw-dropping St Michael’s Mount. This rocky island is home to a medieval church and castle, and is England’s very own Mont Saint-Michel. Day 3 This morning we keep things flexible, with possible stops as we start heading north again. You then arrive in Tavistock, an ancient stannary (tin-mining district) and market town. You have free time to explore the only town in Devon to hold world heritage status. Your journey continues east into Dartmoor National Park, a stunningly craggy landscape filled with forests, rivers, wetlands and tors. You’ll stop in the picturesque village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor, where the folk song of “Widecombe Fair” has been immortalized. Your adventure in Dartmoor National Park continues with a visit to the rocky granite outcrops of Haytor before you head to Exeter for the evening. Day 4 The last day of your tour stops at Durdle Door, one of Dorset’s most photographed landmarks, and the uniqueness of Lulworth Cove. Then you head to the iconic and mind-boggling Stonehenge. It’s been around for around 5,000 years and to this day, people still flock to it in wonder. You among them? There are plenty of legends surrounding these massive stones and how they ended in such a formation. Some believe aliens were involved, while others imagine the likes of the wizard Merlin having something to do with it. Whatever you believe, you’re sure to be in awe. Your adventure ends with a lovely drive back towards Bristol, where you arrive that evening.

We know what you’re thinking. You’re already in beautiful Bath, how can it possibly get much better? That’s what we love about England’s countryside... there are so many hamlets to discover. And one of those is our first stop of the tour today: the historic city of Salisbury. At the heart of this picturesque destination is Salisbury Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was built between the 12th and 13th centuries and just so happens to have a claim to fame. With an elegant spire that rises to 404 feet, this is the tallest spire in the United Kingdom. Inside this stunning cathedral are intricate medieval stonework, wondrous stained-glass windows... and the Magna Carta (or the ‘great charter’ in Latin). Ever heard of it? It’s one of the most important legal documents in English history, and now is your time to see it for yourself. Back on the bus, we head along the Jurassic Coast in Dorset to our next destination... one that’s been waiting for you for millions of years. The stone arch known as Durdle Door might just be one of the most famous in the world. Boasting its own beautiful beach and stunning sea views, this really takes the cake for ‘breathtaking’. You may even recognize it from productions such as Nanny McPhee and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Our next stop is just down the road, and kind of looks like a scallop seashell come to life. Lulworth Cove’s horseshoe-shaped bay is a true natural beauty. Surrounded by cliffs of limestone and chalk, the clear blue waters actually sparkle on a sunny day and create a tranquil atmosphere no matter the weather. So, keep your cameras ready as we cruise along the Jurassic Coast stopping for photos at these iconic locations. Along this route, we’ll also stop for a lunch break. You’ve likely heard of Glastonbury already. The Glastonbury Festival is an iconic celebration that many wait years to finally attend. However, when the music stops, and the city grows quiet... you’ll hear something else whispering around its streets. Myths, legends, history, spirituality... that’s the heart of Glastonbury. We’re just dipping our toes in with a quick visit, but you’ll discover pretty quickly how special this place is. Enjoy a little wander and take in the quaint shops before we head back to Bath.