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Rides

Valley to Market Food Trail

Follow the historic footsteps of the valley’s farmers taking their produce to Dorchester’s market.

Dorset Pedal: The Frome Valley

Dorchester DT1 1QX, UK

Following the River Frome and Sydling Water up and down their respective valleys and through water meadows.

Woods, Walks, Wildlife

Thorncombe Wood Local Nature Reserve

A magical pocket of mixed woodland and heath site

Walks, Walks, Jurassic Coast

West Dorset Bus Stop Walks

A series of walks starting from bus stops along the Jurassic Coaster bus route

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.

History & heritage, Walks, Jurassic Coast

Worth Matravers

Picturesque village with stunning views and great walks ...

Walks, Good for walking & families

Lewesdon Hill

An alluring National Trust Hillfort, great for den building, picnics and the fiery hues of autumn.

walks

Okeford Hill

Outstanding views over the Blackmore Vale and beyond. A tranquil place to explore.

Picnic spot

Frampton

Head to the Millennium Green for riverside picnics alongside the River Frome. Wander past the village hall to Harry’s Wood, great for leafy walks and shady picnics.

Frampton

32 Dorchester Rd, Frampton, Dorchester DT2 9NF, UK

Head to the Millennium Green for riverside picnics and duck watching. Wander past the village hall to Harry’s Wood, great for springtime flowers and shady picnics.

Great views

Povington Hill

Lift your spirits with wide sweeping coastal views and some kite flying here

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.

Coast, Great views

South Beach, Studland

Good for rockpooling

South Beach, Studland

South Beach, South West Coast Path, Studland, Swanage, UK

Perfect spot to sunbath, paddle and rockpool with superb views of the Jurassic Coast.

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.

Walks & Wildlife

Purbeck Heaths National Nature Reserve

The Purbeck Heaths National Nature Reserve, declared in 2020, is steeped in natural beauty, bursting with wildlife, full of historic picturesque villages and places to visit

Purbeck Heaths National Nature Reserve

MWJH+4R Wareham, UK

Steeped in natural beauty, bursting with wildlife, full of historic picturesque villages and places to visit

Great views

Swyre Head

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

Panoramic views

Isle of Purbeck Viewpoint, Creech Hill

Stunning panoramic views across Purbeck to the Jurassic Coast

History & heritage

Walk Dorset's History

Explore the history of a place using these easy access walk guides that introduce you to what is unique in Dorset's villages and towns.

Walks, Good for walking & families

Bridport Heritage & Sculpture Trails

Explore the heritage and green spaces around this bustling market town.

Bridport Heritage and Sculpture Trail

Bridport, UK

Explore historic Bridport with 3 heritage trails and a sculpture trail linking the green open spaces around this bustling market town.

Great views, Great views, Good for walking & families, Dog walkers

Woolland Hill

Get away from the coastal crowds and enjoy commanding panoramic views over the Blackmore Vale. Beautiful all year round.

Walking, swimming and views

Ringstead Bay

Escape the crowds at this quiet shingle beach on the Jurassic Coast.

History & heritage, Walks, Jurassic Coast

Spyway Dinosaur Footprints

Get up close to a legacy of the prehistoric past .....

History & heritage, History & heritage, Good for walking & families, Jurassic Coast

Tyneham and Worbarrow Bay

Tyneham Village - where time stopped in 1943 .....

Tyneham Village & Worbarrow Bay

Unnamed Road, Wareham BH20 5DE, UK

Tyneham Village - where time stopped in 1943 ..... Explore the ruins and take a walk down to Worbarrow Bay.

Walks, Jurassic Coast

Lyme Regis and Uplyme

Walk inland from Lyme Regis towards Uplyme following the path of the River Lim. Find beautiful countryside views and peaceful spots away from the hustle and bustle of the seafront.

Hidden 'around the back' of Lyme Regis following the River Lim inland is a beautiful walk away from the hustle and bustle on the seafront. The walk boosts ever changing scenery and treats you to many unexpected delights on route.

Great for walks, good views

Ringmoor and Turnworth Down

A good bluebell wood in a forgotten part of Dorset. Perfect for a leg stretch and plenty of fresh air.

Ringmoor and Turnworth Down

Ringmoor Prehistoric Village (Car Park), Turnworth, Blandford Forum, Dorset, UK

A good bluebell wood in a forgotten part of Dorset. Perfect for a leg stretch and plenty of fresh air.

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.

Walks

Kingcombe Meadows and Centre

A hidden gem for gentle walks around the nature reserve, picnics and a cafe with delicious cake!

Kingcombe Meadows and Centre

Kingcombe Centre, Lower Kingcombe, Toller Porcorum, Dorchester, UK

A hidden gem for gentle walks around the nature reserve, picnics and a cafe with delicious cake!

Walks

Powerstock Common

Gentle walks through the trees and meadows of this Dorset Wildlife Trust reserve.

Powerstock Common

Powerstock Common Nature Reserve, Unnamed Road, Dorchester, UK

A site brimming with wildlife and sense of the wild. Fun for all the family and new sights, sounds and smells to enjoy throughout the year.

History & heritage, Good for walking & families, Friends, Dog walkers

Milton Abbas

Imagine a quintessential storybook village and you'll picture Milton Abbas. This village lies in a wooded valley and is lined by whitewashed cob and thatch cottages.

Great views

Colmer's Hill

An iconic hill in West Dorset, recognisable for its conical shape with a tuft of trees at the top.

Good for walking , Walks

Cerne Valley Way

This circular walk takes in the hamlets and villages of Minterne Magna, Cerne Abbas, Nether Cerne, Godmanstone, Forston and Charminster.

Good for walking , Walks

Frome Valley Trail

Starting at Evershot, the second highest village in Dorset, this walk meanders close to the River Frome towards Poole Harbour.

Jurassic Coast

West Bay

An easy to reach part of the Jurassic coast with great cliffs (head for the pier to see them in full glory), working harbour and Discovery Centre.

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.

Jurassic Coast

Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre

Learn all about the Jurassic Coast and the popular pastime of fossil hunting!

Stonebarrow

Charmouth Beach, Bridport, UK

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.

Great views, Good for walking & families

Stonebarrow

Beautiful countryside and stunning coastal views, with great open spaces to picnic and potter. The smugglers trail will keep the kids entertained.

Great views

Langdon Hill

Easy going woodland walks and space to make dens make this a good place all year round for a stretch, play and picnic. If you're feeling like a longer walk,…

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.

Great views

Coney's Castle

One of the smaller hillforts looked after by the National Trust. A tranquil place to walk, ideal for a short circular walk with views across the Marshwood Vale to the…

Coney's Castle

Coney's Castle, Long Lane, Bridport, UK

A tranquil place to walk, ideal for a short circular walk with views across the Marshwood Vale to the East, and Devon to the West.

History & Heritage, Walks, History & heritage, Great views

Hambledon and Hod Hills

With stunning views across the Blackmore Vale from these big and small Iron Age hillforts.

Hambledon and Hod Hills

Child Okeford, Blandford Forum DT11 8EE, UK

Iron Age Hill Fort with sweeping views across the Blackmore Vale and spectacular wildflowers.

Great views

Bind Barrow and Hive Beach

A short steep walk gives outstanding views across the Jurassic Coast, with the reward of a dip in the sea or cream tea close by.

Bind Barrow and Hive Beach, Burton Bradstock

S W Coast Path, Bridport, UK

A short walk from Hive Beach at Burton Bradstock, Bind Barrow offers great views across the Jurassic Coast and Lyme Bay.

Great views, Good for walking & families, West Dorset

Lambert's Castle

Iron Age hillfort with sweeping views across the Marshwood Vale and out to sea.

Great views, Good for walking & families

Pilsdon Pen

Iron age hillfort with panoramic views across the Marshwood Vale

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.

Rides

Dorset Pedal: Hillforts and the Vale

Start off with seaside and fossils at Charmouth, explore the heights of the ancient hillforts of Coney’s and Lambert’s Castles.

Dorset Pedal: Hillforts and the Vale

River Way, Charmouth, Bridport DT6 6LS, UK

A hilly ride from Charmouth into the Marshwood Vale and up to the hillforts.

Rides

Dorset Pedal: The Frome Valley

Following the River Frome and Sydling Water up and down their respective valleys and through water meadows.

Dorset Pedal: The Frome Valley

Dorchester DT1 1QX, UK

Following the River Frome and Sydling Water up and down their respective valleys and through water meadows.

Rides

Dorset Pedal: Bridport and Netherbury

Stock up for a picnic in Bridport then wind your way through the Dorset lanes through the Marshwood Vale to Pilsdon Pen.

Dorset Pedal: Bridport and Netherbury

17 Church St, Bridport DT6 3PS, UK

An undulating ride from Bridport following the River Brit and beyond into the Marshwood Vale.

Rides

Dorset Pedal: Corfe Castle and the Purbeck Ridge

Pedal around Purbeck to the Jurassic Coast and make the most of the local farm shops and village stores to stock up on supplies.

Dorset Pedal: Wareham and Studland

1 West St, Wareham BH20 4JS, UK

If miles of golden sands sound appealing, flanked by a massive National Nature Reserve and outstanding views across one of the largest natural harbours in the UK, you need to take a gentle cycle around Rempstone.

Rides

Dorset Pedal: Studland and Wareham Ride

A gentle cycle around the heathland of Purbeck, starting at Wareham or Studland.

Dorset Pedal: Wareham and Studland

1 West St, Wareham BH20 4JS, UK

If miles of golden sands sound appealing, flanked by a massive National Nature Reserve and outstanding views across one of the largest natural harbours in the UK, you need to take a gentle cycle around Rempstone.

History & heritage, History & heritage, Good for walking & families, Dog walkers

Valley of Stones

This National Nature Reserve has an unusual train of sarsen stones – boulders strewn across the valley, tumbled down from the ridge during the last Ice Age.

History & heritage, South Dorset Ridgeway

Exploring the South Dorset Ridgeway

Hidden in the hills between Dorchester and Weymouth lies a remarkable landscape just waiting to be discovered.

History & heritage

Jurassic Coast

The Jurassic Coast is England’s only natural World Heritage Site. It stretches 95 miles, from Orcombe Point near Exmouth to Old Harry Rocks near Swanage.

History & heritage, fossil hunting, South Dorset Ridgeway, Walks, Great views

Osmington Mills & close by White Horse

A seaside hamlet with a fascinating geology & close by iconic chalk figure cut into the hillside.

Great for history, Good for walking & families

Maiden Castle

Iron age hill fort with stunning views across West Dorset

Great for sealife & geology, Good for walking & families, Wildlife, Great views

Kimmeridge Bay Wild Seas Centre

Gentle walks along the coast or follow the South West Coast Path National Trail for a longer leg stretch and appreciation of the Jurassic Coast.

Great for geology, Good for walking & families, History & heritage, Great views

Lulworth Cove & Durdle Door

Gentle walks along the coast or follow the South West Coast Path National Trail for a longer stretch and appreciation of the Jurassic Coast.

Great for walks, South Dorset Ridgeway

Kingston Russell Stone Circle

4000 year old stone circle, part of the South Dorset Ridgeway ancient landscape.

Great for walks, South Dorset Ridgeway

Hell Stone

Ancient long barrow, part of the South Dorset Ridgeway ceremonial landscape.

Great for walks, South Dorset Ridgeway

Hampton Down Stone Circle

Part of the South Dorset Ridgeway ancient landscape, you can see this 4000 year old stone circle while walking on the South Dorset Ridgeway National Trail.

Great for walks, South Dorset Ridgeway

Grey Mare and her Colts

Part of the South Dorset Ridgeway ancient landscape, the barrow was built on the ridge with stunning views to the coastline and beyond.

Great views, Jurassic Coast

Golden Cap

The highest point on the south coast and part of the National Trust's Golden Cap estate.

Great for walks, Great views

Eggardon Hill

Iron age hillfort with stunning views across West Dorset

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.

Castle heritage & steam train rides, Walks, Great views

Corfe Castle and Purbeck Park

Traditional Purbeck village with iconic ruined castle, flower filled commons, lovely walks and cycle trails.

Corfe Castle and Purbeck Park (Norden)

The National Trust, Corfe Castle, Wareham BH20 5DR, UK

Traditional Purbeck village with iconic ruined castle, flower filled commons, lovely walks and cycle trails.

Rides

Dorset Pedal: Milton Abbas & the Chalk Downs

If you want to know why West Country Beef and Lamb taste so good, you can take a cycle around the route which includes the Piddle Valley. This is classic…

Milton Abbas & The Chalk Downs

Milton Abbas, Blandford Forum, UK

Classic Dorset Downs countryside with chalk downlands producing long growing seasons and wildflower rich grass perfect for rearing the lamb and cattle that are offered on many a Dorset plate.

Great for walks and picnics, History & heritage

Cerne Giant and Cerne Abbas village

Standing at 180ft tall, the Cerne Giant is Britain's largest chalk figure and certainly a sight to see!

History & heritage

Bronkham Hill

The South Dorset Ridgeway has one of the greatest concentrations of Bronze Age funery monuments in southern England and Bronkham Hill is the most spectacular of these.

Brilliant for wildlife, Good for walking & families

Brownsea Island

The perfect day's adventure - this island wildlife sanctuary is easy to get to but feels like another world from the moment you step ashore. This tranquil island in Poole…

Brownsea Island

Brownsea Island, United Kingdom

The perfect day's adventure - this island wildlife sanctuary is easy to get to but feels like another world from the moment you step ashore.

Brilliant for children & rainy days

Bridport Museum

A great place to discover how the rope and net making industry shaped the area. Also great for finding out more about the Jurassic Coast and its fossils.

Bridport Musuem

Bridport Museum, South Street, Bridport, UK

A great place to discover how the rope and net making industry shaped the area. Also great for finding out more about the Jurassic Coast and its fossils.

A hidden gem, Wildlife

Bracketts Coppice

A hidden gem in West Dorset. This is home to some of Dorset's best loved species including dormice, otters and woodpeckers.

Bracketts Coppice

Bracketts Coppice Nature Reserve, Unnamed Road, Yeovil, UK

A hidden gem in West Dorset. This is home to some of Dorset's best loved species including dormice, otters and woodpeckers.

Picnics, stroll or a hike, Great views

Black Down and the Hardy Monument

Whether you want to have picnic, a short stroll or a longer hike, Black Down is the perfect place with outstanding views and LOTS of fresh air.

Black Down and the Hardy Monument

Black Down, Dorset, Dorchester, UK

Central to the South Dorset Ridgeway, Black Down is a great place to explore this ancient landscape.

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.

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 & picnics, Easy access

Allington Hill & Coopers Wood

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

Great for walks

Abbotsbury Hillfort

With stunning views across the Jurassic Coast and Abbotsbury village, this small Iron Age hillfort is well worth a visit.

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.