Lulworth Cove
Beaches
Don't forget to bring surf shoes so you can paddle (they sell them in the local shop). Great coffee shop on the beach and a lobster shack. UNESCO world heritage site. There is no signal on the cove so if you walk down separately, make sure to bear that in mind.
383 locals recommend
Lulworth Cove
Don't forget to bring surf shoes so you can paddle (they sell them in the local shop). Great coffee shop on the beach and a lobster shack. UNESCO world heritage site. There is no signal on the cove so if you walk down separately, make sure to bear that in mind.
Most photographed and iconic landmark in UK. 20-minute walk down a steep incline from the paying car park, plus a further 143 steps to the beach. Trainers or walking boots advised. Pebble and shingle beach, bathing is possible though the currents are strong (no lifeguard). NB you can walk here from the cottage
403 locals recommend
Durdle Door
Most photographed and iconic landmark in UK. 20-minute walk down a steep incline from the paying car park, plus a further 143 steps to the beach. Trainers or walking boots advised. Pebble and shingle beach, bathing is possible though the currents are strong (no lifeguard). NB you can walk here from the cottage
Four miles of beautiful beach line the sheltered waters. Ideal for beach games, sandcastles, water sports or simply relaxing. Cafe, parking and facilities by Knoll beach.
51 locals recommend
Knoll Beach Studland
Four miles of beautiful beach line the sheltered waters. Ideal for beach games, sandcastles, water sports or simply relaxing. Cafe, parking and facilities by Knoll beach.
Sandy and clear waters with a delightful promenade with play areas and amusements. Beach Huts can be booked online. Toilets/showers, water sports available. Fairly easy parking particularly if you get a spot on the waterfront.
70 locals recommend
Swanage Beachfront
Shore RoadSandy and clear waters with a delightful promenade with play areas and amusements. Beach Huts can be booked online. Toilets/showers, water sports available. Fairly easy parking particularly if you get a spot on the waterfront.
Award-winning sandy beach overlooked by magnificent Georgian seafront. Swimming, Punch and Judy, donkey-rides, water sports, pedalos available.
109 locals recommend
Weymouth Beach
EsplanadeAward-winning sandy beach overlooked by magnificent Georgian seafront. Swimming, Punch and Judy, donkey-rides, water sports, pedalos available.
Sandbanks is a small peninsula or spit crossing the mouth of Poole Harbour. It is considered one of Britain's best beaches and has been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag for over 30 years.
210 locals recommend
Sandbanks
Sandbanks is a small peninsula or spit crossing the mouth of Poole Harbour. It is considered one of Britain's best beaches and has been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag for over 30 years.
Picturesque and historic seaside town set in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Beaches a mix of sand and pebbles. Organised fossil walks in the area.
81 locals recommend
Lyme Regis Beach
Picturesque and historic seaside town set in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Beaches a mix of sand and pebbles. Organised fossil walks in the area.
Sheltered rock bay. Marine Special Area of Conservation and has the best rock pooling and safest snorkelling site in Dorset. Surfing and windsurfing also available.
120 locals recommend
Kimmeridge Bay
Sheltered rock bay. Marine Special Area of Conservation and has the best rock pooling and safest snorkelling site in Dorset. Surfing and windsurfing also available.
Mupe Bay Beach
Secluded quiet beach
Activities
Kayak, foraging, fishing, feasting, coasteering, bushcaft or paddle boarding tours. Where to begin!? https://www.foreadventure.co.uk
10 locals recommend
Fore/Adventure
Beach RoadKayak, foraging, fishing, feasting, coasteering, bushcaft or paddle boarding tours. Where to begin!? https://www.foreadventure.co.uk
From Swanage or Poole. Journey through 185 million years’ worth of history through Poole Harbour, along the eastern tip of the Jurassic Coastline into Swanage and back. https://www.stuartlinecruises.co.uk/jurassic-coast-cruise/
Jurassic coast cruises
Custom House QuayFrom Swanage or Poole. Journey through 185 million years’ worth of history through Poole Harbour, along the eastern tip of the Jurassic Coastline into Swanage and back. https://www.stuartlinecruises.co.uk/jurassic-coast-cruise/
Heritage railway attraction operating full-size steam and diesel passenger trains along the five and a half miles of line from Norden to Corfe Castle and down to the Victoria seaside town of Swanage. Do check times! https://www.swanagerailway.co.uk
18 locals recommend
Swanage Railway
Heritage railway attraction operating full-size steam and diesel passenger trains along the five and a half miles of line from Norden to Corfe Castle and down to the Victoria seaside town of Swanage. Do check times! https://www.swanagerailway.co.uk
Hire bikes and explore the area on two wheels. Three routes nearby recommended. https://www.cyclex.co.uk/hire-dorset
10 locals recommend
Cyclexperience Bike Hire
A351Hire bikes and explore the area on two wheels. Three routes nearby recommended. https://www.cyclex.co.uk/hire-dorset
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
Bullers WayHistoric
Saxon Stronghold well worth a visit. Cafe’s, restaurants and information centre located nearby. Can get very busy with lots of traffic. Recommended to go early.
425 locals recommend
Corfe Castle
Saxon Stronghold well worth a visit. Cafe’s, restaurants and information centre located nearby. Can get very busy with lots of traffic. Recommended to go early.
17th century former hunting lodge built to house the King and Court. It stands at the heart of a 12000-acre estate, which dates back to the 11th Century. The estate boasts beautiful walks, impressive 15th Century church, children’s playground and cafe.
56 locals recommend
Lulworth Castle Wareham
17th century former hunting lodge built to house the King and Court. It stands at the heart of a 12000-acre estate, which dates back to the 11th Century. The estate boasts beautiful walks, impressive 15th Century church, children’s playground and cafe.
Three chalk formations at the most eastern point of the Jurassic Coast. Named after a smuggler who would sail past the rocks every time he left or returned to the nearby port. Beautiful views and walks.
152 locals recommend
Old Harry Rocks
Three chalk formations at the most eastern point of the Jurassic Coast. Named after a smuggler who would sail past the rocks every time he left or returned to the nearby port. Beautiful views and walks.
Dorset's famous 'lost' village. Visitors can stroll through the quiet surroundings and enter many of the historical buildings including cottages, a church, rectory, post-office and school, all of which were deserted by order of Churchill. Today the village is part of the Ministry of Defence Lulworth Ranges, accessible to the public only at specified times.
28 locals recommend
Tyneham
Dorset's famous 'lost' village. Visitors can stroll through the quiet surroundings and enter many of the historical buildings including cottages, a church, rectory, post-office and school, all of which were deserted by order of Churchill. Today the village is part of the Ministry of Defence Lulworth Ranges, accessible to the public only at specified times.
The world's finest collection of tanks. It is well worth a visit on a rainy day with loads to see and great for families. Book in advance and leave at least 2 hours to wonder around. There is also a soft play in the middle (although it was closed when we last went due to Covid).
247 locals recommend
The Tank Museum
Linsay RoadThe world's finest collection of tanks. It is well worth a visit on a rainy day with loads to see and great for families. Book in advance and leave at least 2 hours to wonder around. There is also a soft play in the middle (although it was closed when we last went due to Covid).
Kids
Fantastic aquarium with lots to see and do. Recommended for families. Book online. https://www.visitsealife.com/weymouth/
81 locals recommend
SEA LIFE Centre Weymouth
Fantastic aquarium with lots to see and do. Recommended for families. Book online. https://www.visitsealife.com/weymouth/
Here your little ones won’t be turned down because they’re too small, as it tends to happen in the larger parks. There’re 13 rides with suitability ranging from tots to teens. Give the Thrilling Ghost Train a go but beware - it’s one of the scariest in the UK! https://fantasyislandweymouth.co.uk
16 locals recommend
Fantasy Island Fun Park
Bowleaze CovewayHere your little ones won’t be turned down because they’re too small, as it tends to happen in the larger parks. There’re 13 rides with suitability ranging from tots to teens. Give the Thrilling Ghost Train a go but beware - it’s one of the scariest in the UK! https://fantasyislandweymouth.co.uk
Wet and wild Amusement Park featuring an outdoor Wibit Water Park and a fun challenging Mud Trail, a multi obstacle assault course suitable for both adults and children. https://www.dorsetadventurepark.com
44 locals recommend
Dorset Adventure Park
Wet and wild Amusement Park featuring an outdoor Wibit Water Park and a fun challenging Mud Trail, a multi obstacle assault course suitable for both adults and children. https://www.dorsetadventurepark.com
65-acre ape and monkey sanctuary and rescue centre near Wool. Home to many of our closest relatives this is well worth visiting with activities for kids and guided tours available. https://monkeyworld.org
319 locals recommend
Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre
Longthorns65-acre ape and monkey sanctuary and rescue centre near Wool. Home to many of our closest relatives this is well worth visiting with activities for kids and guided tours available. https://monkeyworld.org
Moreton Gardens it is stunning it has lots of art work within the gardens, a water fountain, a kids park, cafe, and a mini farm (would highly recommend this). It’s in Wool and is free. https://walledgardenmoreton.co.uk
15 locals recommend
Moreton Walled Garden
Moreton Gardens it is stunning it has lots of art work within the gardens, a water fountain, a kids park, cafe, and a mini farm (would highly recommend this). It’s in Wool and is free. https://walledgardenmoreton.co.uk
A little gem - they do 'big bird' flights in the morning and afternoon which are really informative and fun. There is also a quirky cider museum nearby which may be worth popping into.
9 locals recommend
Xtreme Falconry at Dorset Falconry Park
A little gem - they do 'big bird' flights in the morning and afternoon which are really informative and fun. There is also a quirky cider museum nearby which may be worth popping into.
This is a MUST for a rainy day. High class museum with interesting interactive exhibits.
35 locals recommend
Dorset County Museum
High West StreetThis is a MUST for a rainy day. High class museum with interesting interactive exhibits.
This small but packed museum is interesting for kids as well as adults. Older kids will get more out it than little twinks as its pretty informative. Lots of very like life replica mummies to oogle over.
20 locals recommend
Tutankhamun Exhibition
25 High W StThis small but packed museum is interesting for kids as well as adults. Older kids will get more out it than little twinks as its pretty informative. Lots of very like life replica mummies to oogle over.
Recent discovery for us. It’s free to go, in a beautiful setting and has an animal farm, outdoor playground and a cheeky little soft play.
17 locals recommend
Kingston Maurward Park and Gardens
Recent discovery for us. It’s free to go, in a beautiful setting and has an animal farm, outdoor playground and a cheeky little soft play.
Hidden gems
Burial place of Lawrence of Arabia. Woodland walk nearby and set in a quiet, quintessential Dorset village. Tea room worth a visit as well. http://www.stnicholasmoreton.org.uk
7 locals recommend
Saint Nicholas Church
Burial place of Lawrence of Arabia. Woodland walk nearby and set in a quiet, quintessential Dorset village. Tea room worth a visit as well. http://www.stnicholasmoreton.org.uk
Rural retreat of T.E Lawrence where you can explore the atmospheric cottage rooms and surroundings of where he lived. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/clouds-hill
32 locals recommend
Clouds Hill
King George V RoadRural retreat of T.E Lawrence where you can explore the atmospheric cottage rooms and surroundings of where he lived. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/clouds-hill
One of Dorset’s prettiest villages. https://www.visit-dorset.com/explore/villages/milton-abbas
12 locals recommend
Milton Abbas
One of Dorset’s prettiest villages. https://www.visit-dorset.com/explore/villages/milton-abbas
The colour phenomenon of its waters (caused by light diffracting from minuscule particles of clay suspended in its still depths) is steeped in history and is now a Site of Special Scientific Interest.https://bluepooltearooms.co.uk
67 locals recommend
The Blue Pool
Furzebrook RoadThe colour phenomenon of its waters (caused by light diffracting from minuscule particles of clay suspended in its still depths) is steeped in history and is now a Site of Special Scientific Interest.https://bluepooltearooms.co.uk
We sometimes take a picnic up on the hill or a sundowner and look out onto the cove. It was lovely and peaceful and you will have some resident wild horses to keep you company.
Bindon Hill
We sometimes take a picnic up on the hill or a sundowner and look out onto the cove. It was lovely and peaceful and you will have some resident wild horses to keep you company.
Food scene
Recommended local, 5 min walk from cottage. Good food and drinks and great atmosphere. Beautiful garden behind the pub. https://butcombe.com/the-castle-inn-dorset/
26 locals recommend
The Castle Inn
63 East StRecommended local, 5 min walk from cottage. Good food and drinks and great atmosphere. Beautiful garden behind the pub. https://butcombe.com/the-castle-inn-dorset/
Nearest the Cove and also in walking distance, and serving pub-fare food and drinks. Outside seating available. https://www.lulworth-coveinn.co.uk
383 locals recommend
Lulworth Cove
Nearest the Cove and also in walking distance, and serving pub-fare food and drinks. Outside seating available. https://www.lulworth-coveinn.co.uk
Rudds - Hidden gem overlooking Lulworth Cove. Beautiful swimming pool with outside bar (they let you use the pool if you buy a drink) - you will see it on your way down to the cove.
BH20 5RQ
Main RoadRudds - Hidden gem overlooking Lulworth Cove. Beautiful swimming pool with outside bar (they let you use the pool if you buy a drink) - you will see it on your way down to the cove.
A few guests have recommended this pub as the food is great. Apparently you can walk there but we haven't ventured it yet. Only a short drive away though.
13 locals recommend
The Weld Arms
A few guests have recommended this pub as the food is great. Apparently you can walk there but we haven't ventured it yet. Only a short drive away though.
Serving fresh, locally and ethically sourced produce, focusing on fish and seafood right on the sea front. Book in advance or first come first served. Gets busy so head over early! https://www.hivebeachcafe.co.uk
148 locals recommend
Hive Beach Cafe Burton Bradstock
Beach RoadServing fresh, locally and ethically sourced produce, focusing on fish and seafood right on the sea front. Book in advance or first come first served. Gets busy so head over early! https://www.hivebeachcafe.co.uk
Outstanding location on the cliff overlooking the beach. Great food and large grassy area to lounge and have drinks. Often very busy so worth booking well in advance.
165 locals recommend
The Pig on the Beach
Manor RoadOutstanding location on the cliff overlooking the beach. Great food and large grassy area to lounge and have drinks. Often very busy so worth booking well in advance.
Situated on the cliff tops of the South West Coast Path, just outside the village of Osmington https://www.smugglersinnosmingtonmills.co.uk
47 locals recommend
Smugglers Inn
Situated on the cliff tops of the South West Coast Path, just outside the village of Osmington https://www.smugglersinnosmingtonmills.co.uk
Top of Knoll beach. Excellent seafood. Always worth checking availability. https://shellbay.net
92 locals recommend
Shell Bay Seafood Restaurant
Ferry RoadTop of Knoll beach. Excellent seafood. Always worth checking availability. https://shellbay.net
Ancient pub in the pretty village of Worth Matravers. Pie and a pint (no other food - just pies!). Live music, excellent cider. Walk to Winspit recommended. https://www.squareandcompasspub.co.uk
92 locals recommend
The Square and Compass
Worth MatraversAncient pub in the pretty village of Worth Matravers. Pie and a pint (no other food - just pies!). Live music, excellent cider. Walk to Winspit recommended. https://www.squareandcompasspub.co.uk
Boat Shed Cafe
Lulworth CoveEarly morning pit-stop coffee right by Lulworth Cove.
Rustic seaside hut near Weymouth. Some of the best seafood around! https://crabhousecafe.co.uk
113 locals recommend
Crab House Café
Portland RoadRustic seaside hut near Weymouth. Some of the best seafood around! https://crabhousecafe.co.uk
Indiana
2 Windsor CloseIndian takeaway in Bovington. They should be able to deliver. https://www.indianabovi.com
Stone baked Pizza’s in Wareham, 15-minute drive. No delivery. TEL: 01929 550066
15 locals recommend
The Italian Kitchen
37 South StStone baked Pizza’s in Wareham, 15-minute drive. No delivery. TEL: 01929 550066
Finleys Fish & Chips
Lulworth CoveBased near Lulworth Cove car park. Closes at 5pm. http://www.finleyscafe.co.uk
The Lulworth Stores
Church Road5-minute walk away. Essentials - milk, bread, bacon, beer, wine!
Sainsbury's
South StreetBoots
4 North StOne of our guests recommended this pub. Apparently it has a great and 'different' menu. About 10-15min drive but also walkable if daylight!
28 locals recommend
Sailor's Return
One of our guests recommended this pub. Apparently it has a great and 'different' menu. About 10-15min drive but also walkable if daylight!
Garden lovers
Pioneering world-class gallery and multi-purpose arts center which acts as a destination for experiencing art, architecture, and the remarkable Somerset landscape through new and innovative exhibitions of contemporary art. Bit further afield but definitely worth it if heading that way or if you are a keen gardener. https://www.hauserwirth.com/locations/10068-hauser-wirth-somerset
272 locals recommend
Hauser & Wirth Somerset
Dropping LanePioneering world-class gallery and multi-purpose arts center which acts as a destination for experiencing art, architecture, and the remarkable Somerset landscape through new and innovative exhibitions of contemporary art. Bit further afield but definitely worth it if heading that way or if you are a keen gardener. https://www.hauserwirth.com/locations/10068-hauser-wirth-somerset
Home to the Earl and Countess of Sandwich, Mapperton is a glorious sandstone manor house and romantic valley garden. 2020 winner of the Historic Houses 'Garden of the Year' award and voted 'Nation's Finest Manor House' by Country Life. Both Mapperton Gardens and The Coach House Café are open Sundays to Thursdays, 11am to 5pm.
37 locals recommend
Mapperton House & Gardens
Home to the Earl and Countess of Sandwich, Mapperton is a glorious sandstone manor house and romantic valley garden. 2020 winner of the Historic Houses 'Garden of the Year' award and voted 'Nation's Finest Manor House' by Country Life. Both Mapperton Gardens and The Coach House Café are open Sundays to Thursdays, 11am to 5pm.
Thirty acres of beautiful gardens, surrounding one of the oldest inhabited houses in England that is open to the public
Forde Abbey
Thirty acres of beautiful gardens, surrounding one of the oldest inhabited houses in England that is open to the public
18th-century garden with rare plants and notable magnolia and camellia blooms, plus a restaurant
128 locals recommend
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
Bullers Way18th-century garden with rare plants and notable magnolia and camellia blooms, plus a restaurant
Nursery with some interesting gardens attached. The basic layout is strongly influenced by gardens such as Hidcote Manor and The Laskett in that the garden is made up of distinct ‘rooms’ separated by hedges. https://www.holmeforgardens.co.uk/gardens-at-holme
8 locals recommend
Holme for Gardens
Nursery with some interesting gardens attached. The basic layout is strongly influenced by gardens such as Hidcote Manor and The Laskett in that the garden is made up of distinct ‘rooms’ separated by hedges. https://www.holmeforgardens.co.uk/gardens-at-holme