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Explore Dorset National Landscape

Step into Summer!

If you’re looking to get some fresh air and summer sunshine, we’ve compiled over 60 places to go across the Dorset National Landscape.

Whether you want to see the sea or explore wildlife inland, to let off steam with the kids or prefer a quiet ramble on your own, we hope you’ll find just the place to suit you!

Explore area

Experience

Great for

Meadows, Walks, Wildlife

Hogchester Meadows

Explore 50 acres of wildflower meadows between mid May to the end July.

Hogchester meadows

HOGCHESTER FARM - Conservation site with wildflower meadows, Charmouth, UK

Explore 50 acres of wildflower meadows, woodland and rewilding.

Good for walking and families, Family with young ones, Culture, Easy access

North Dorset Trailway

Walk, Bike or Ride along this splendid path which follows the line of the old Somerset & Dorset railway line and takes you through some of the picturesque villages of…

The North Dorset Trailway (c) Graham Rains

N Dorset Trailway, Blandford Forum DT11 0QL, UK

Walk, Bike or Ride along this splendid path which follows the line of the old Somerset & Dorset railway line and takes you through some of the picturesque villages of the Blackmore Vale.

Amazing coastal views, Good for walking & families

Ballard Down & Old Harry

Iconic feature of the Jurassic Coast, this chalk headland boasts giant rock stacks and dramatic cliffs. Wander further along Ballard Down for fantastic views of the Dorset heaths, Poole Harbour…

Ballard Down and Old Harry Rocks

Ballard Down, Studland, Swanage, UK

Iconic feature of the Jurassic Coast, this chalk headland boasts giant rock stacks and dramatic cliffs. Wander further along Ballard Down for fantastic views.

Great for walks, wildflowers and wildlife, Walks, Dog walkers, Family with young ones

Milldown Nature Reserve

A pretty patch of countryside with areas of woodland and species-rich chalk grassland.

Milldown Nature Reserve, Jubilee Way, Blandford Forum

N Dorset Trailway, Blandford Forum DT11 7SH, UK

A hidden gem, on the outskirts of Blandford Forum. Ideal for picnics, exercise, wildlife or simply enjoying the superb views.

Great views

Swyre Head

Staggering views across Purbeck to the Jurassic Coast - well worth the walk.

Wonderful wildlife

Abbotsbury Swannery & Chesil Beach and the Fleet lagoon

Sanctuary for mute swans originally established by Benedictine monks in the fourteenth century, an ancient site sheltered by Chesil Beach and The Fleet.

Abbotsbury Swannery & Chesil Beach

Abbotsbury Swannery, New Barn Road, Abbotsbury, UK

Sanctuary for mute swans originally established by Benedictine monks in the fourteenth century, an ancient site sheltered by Chesil Beach.

Thorncombe Wood Local Nature Reserve

Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre

Right on the Jurassic Coast World Heritage site, this centre is big on fossils, geology and wildlife. Beyond the centre there is a lovely beach good for swimming and beautiful walks. A great day out for all the family.

Maiden Castle

Explore Dorset National Landscape

Hogchester Meadows

Hogchester meadows

North Dorset Trailway

The North Dorset Trailway (c) Graham Rains

Ballard Down & Old Harry

Ballard Down and Old Harry Rocks

Milldown Nature Reserve

Milldown Nature Reserve, Jubilee Way, Blandford Forum

Swyre Head

View from Swyre Head

Abbotsbury Swannery & Chesil Beach and the Fleet lagoon

Abbotsbury Swannery & Chesil Beach

Thorncombe Wood Local Nature Reserve

Thornecombe Wood Local Nature Reserve

Durlston Country Park

Durlston Country Park

Exploring the South Dorset Ridgeway

Valley of Stones National Nature Reserve

Purbeck Heaths National Nature Reserve

Purbeck Heaths National Nature Reserve

Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre

Stonebarrow

Maiden Castle

Maiden Castle