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Explore Dorset National Landscape

Autumn has arrived!

Although it is often sad to say good-bye to the languid days of summer, there’s much to enjoy in October as nature calls “All Change” and the spectacle of autumn begins.

Head outside into the Dorset National Landscape and enjoy the new season in all its colourful glory. We’ve compiled over 60 suggestions of beautiful places to go and we think there’s something for everyone!

So whether you want to see the sea or explore wildlife inland, hike to the top of a hill or have a peaceful woodland wander, we hope you’ll find just the place to suit you this autumn.

Explore area

Experience

Great for

Good chance of seeing deer, Walks, Wildlife

Arne Nature Reserve

Situated on Poole Harbour, a stunning landscape consisting of dramatic heathland and ancient oak woodland.

Arne Nature Reserve

Arne, Wareham BH20 5BJ, UK

Situated on Poole Harbour and within the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it's a stunning landscape which consists of dramatic open heathland and ancient oak woodland.

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, Walks

St Catherine's Chapel, Abbotsbury

A short steep walk gives outstanding views across the Jurassic Coast and South Dorset Ridgeway

St Catherine's Chapel, Abbotsbury

S W Coast Path, Weymouth DT3, UK

A short steep walk gives outstanding views across the Jurassic Coast and South Dorset Ridgeway.

Coast, Great views

Peveril Point & Swanage Downs

Strolls, picnics and tiptop views!

Peveril Point and Swanage Downs

Swanage BH19 2AY, UK

Away from the bustling town, past the pretty Victorian pier, you can stroll across the Swanage Downs to Peveril Point. Take a picnic and soak up the tiptop coastal views.

Great for walks & picnics, Easy access

Allington Hill & Coopers Wood

Wooded hill in Bridport, great for wearing out the kids - or the dog! - picnics and peace.

Amazing coastal walks and wildlife, Good for walking & families, Wildlife

Knoll Beach, Studland

Not just a beautiful beach backed by the wilderness of dunes, it's also easy to explore Purbeck's special heathland from here too.

Knoll Beach, Studland

Knoll Beach Studland, United Kingdom

A vast stretch of golden, sandy beach, backed by sand dunes, with plenty of trails onto waymarked heathland walks.

Woods, Walks, Wildlife

Thorncombe Wood Local Nature Reserve

A magical pocket of mixed woodland and heath site

Great for a day out

Durlston Country Park

Whether you love the coast, meadows or woodland best - Durlston is the place for you! Sit and enjoy the panoramic views or follow one of the trails to get…

Durlston Country Park

Durlston Castle, Lighthouse Rd, Swanage BH19 2JL, UK

Great for walks, picnics and finding out more about the geology and wildlife of the area.

Great views

Langdon Hill

Easy woodland walks and play trail make this a good place all year round for a stretch, play and picnic. If you're feeling like a longer walk, follow the paths…

Langdon Hill

Langdon Hill National Trust Car Park, Chideock, Bridport, UK

Easy woodland walks and play trail make this a good place all year round for a stretch, play and picnic. If you're feeling like a longer walk, follow the paths to Golden Cap, the highest point on the south coast.

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.