The county of Dorset in southwest England is well-known for its Jurassic Coast, a long stretch on the English Channel where the cliffs contain fossils and rock formations that show us millions of years of history. Dorset’s two most famous natural landmarks are the Durdle Door, an ancient stone arch, and the layered cliffs nearby Lulworth Cove. The towns of Poole, Weymouth and Swanage are very popular for their fantastic sandy beaches, attractions and some of the best heritage in the UK; you’ll not be short of free things to see and do in Dorset.
Here are just a few of the free things to do in Dorset:
Cerne Abbas Giant
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/cerne-giant
Cerne Abbas, Dorchester DT2 7AL
The Cerne Abbas Giant is a huge 180 ft ancient naked figure sculpted into the hillside. He is Britain’s largest chalk hill figure. The giant is best viewed from the viewing car park. You are also able to walk on the hill or in the valley, follow the footpath up from the free car park, but be sure to wear walking boots as it’s a steep climb.
Please visit the website for further details
The Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove
The Durdle Door is a natural limestone arch on the Jurassic Coast and is one of Dorset’s most photographed places. The formation stands at the foot of a steep path followed by a set of wooden steps. It is accessible from above via a car park and the South West Coast Path. At the bottom of this path are two shingle beaches – Durdle Door to the West and Man o’ War Cove to the East. The stretch of footpath between Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove is the busiest in the southwest but worth visiting.
Roman Town House
Dorchester DT1 1XE
The Roman Town House in Dorchester is the only example of a fully exposed Roman Town House in the UK. You can visit the grounds for free, or you can have a tour inside for a small fee. You can learn all about the excavation and conservation of the Roman Town House as well as life in the Town House during the Roman period.
Wild Chesil Centre
https://www.jurassiccoast.org/things-to-do/the-fine-foundation-wild-chesil-centre-p31 57573
Portland DT4 9XE
At The Fine Foundation Wild Chesil Centre, you can learn more about the formation of the huge barrier beach and its wildlife and history. A bridge from the Centre across the Fleet Lagoon to the beach is there. The ‘Fleet Explorer’ runs daily boat trips on the Fleet Lagoon in the summer months, weather permitting.
Please visit the website for further details
Durlston Country Park
Swanage BH19 2JL
A day at Durlston has something for everyone, there are flower-filled meadows, and you can explore the Victorian Pleasure Grounds and historic Great Globe. Kids can have fun on the wild play trail; there are many events to join in with throughout the year.
Bournemouth Beach
https://www.bournemouth.co.uk/things-to-do/bournemouth-beach-p1242373
Bournemouth, Dorset BH2 5AA
Bournemouth has seven miles of award-winning beaches. The beach is nestled beneath a cliff line, and the bay has some of the warmest sea temperatures in the UK and stunning views of the Isle of Wight and the Purbecks.
Please visit the website for further details
Weymouth Harbour
https://www.weymouth-harbour.co.uk/
Weymouth Harbour lies at the Heart of the Heritage Coast World Natural Heritage site. It provides a great base for crossing the channel, and Weymouth provides a unique opportunity to view areas of outstanding beauty along the Jurassic Coast, such as Worbarrow Bay and Lulworth Cove; the town centre always has plenty of things to see and do.
Please visit the website for further details
Charmouth Heritage Centre
Charmouth, Bridport DT6 6LL
For those that would like to learn more about fossils, the Charmouth Heritage Centre provides help, advice, displays and even guided fossil hunting on the beach. The beach between Charmouth and Lyme Regis was the only UK entry in National Geographic’s ’21 Best Beaches In The World 2017′
Please visit the website for further details
Sherborne Abbey
Sherborne DT9 3LQ
Sherborne Abbey has developed from a Saxon cathedral to one of England’s most beautiful parish churches. For many, it is still the ‘cathedral of Dorset’, and the Benedictine heritage lives on in the daily offering of prayer and praise.
Please visit the website for further details
Poole Park
https://www.pooletourism.com/things-to-do/poole-park-p2419323
Poole BH15 1TU
Poole Park is an ideal spot for some relaxation. Bordering Poole town’s harbour, Poole Park features 110 acres of parkland, large play parks, a saltwater lagoon and lakes. It has been awarded one of 23 Green Flags in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area, recognising and rewarding well-managed parks and green spaces.
Please visit the website for further details
So there you have it! As you can see, there are plenty of free things to do in Dorset if you plan a trip to Dorset soon. Do you have any favourite places that you would recommend? Feel free to leave us a comment.