Places To Explore

If you are new to Dorset or exploring for the first time, we have picked out some great places to go to get a taste of the Dorset landscape. Many of these sites have been visited by Flavours groups and all have stunning views, wonderful wildlife and a warm welcome for all.

Scroll down further to see these sites sorted by location to towns in Dorset and those accessible by public transport.

Group of women standing on a cliff at Durlston Country Park
©Grace The Space
Upton Country Park
Upton Country Park is a 140-acre green escape on the edge of Poole Harbour, blending grand Georgian parkland, woodland trails and shoreline walks.
Kingston Maurward
Kingston Maurward is a college specialising in farming, countryside and outdoor skills, set on a beautiful country estate just outside Dorchester. the grounds and Animal Park are open to the public.
Blue Pool
A blue lake surrounded by woodland is a magical to spend a day, following woodland trails, listening to birds sing and watching the lake sparkle.
Thorncombe Wood Local Nature Reserve
A magical pocket of mixed woodland and heath close to Dorchester
Studland – South Beach
Good for rockpooling
Studland – Knoll Beach
Not just a beautiful beach backed by the wilderness of dunes, it's also easy to explore Purbeck's special heathland from here too.
Ringstead Bay
Escape the crowds at this quiet shingle beach on the Jurassic Coast.
Tyneham and Worbarrow Bay
Tyneham Village - where time stopped in 1943 .....
Kingcombe Meadows and Visitor Centre
A hidden gem for gentle walks around the nature reserve, picnics and a cafe with delicious cake!
Colmer’s Hill
An iconic hill in West Dorset, recognisable for its conical shape with a tuft of trees at the top.
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.
Charmouth
Visit the Heritage Centre to learn all about the Jurassic Coast and the popular pastime of fossil hunting!
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, follow the paths to Golden Cap, the highest point on the south coast.
Maiden Castle
Iron age hill fort with stunning views across West Dorset
Kimmeridge Bay
Wild Seas Visitor Centre and gentle walks along the Jurassic Coast or follow the South West Coast Path National Trail to explore more.
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. There are good facilities at Lulworth Cove though please be aware that it gets very busy!
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 a wonderful nature experience. Fantastic free visitor centre, easy parking, café and events all year round.
Corfe Castle
Traditional Purbeck village with iconic ruined castle, flower filled commons, lovely walks and cycle trails.
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!
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.
Studland – Old Harry Rocks
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 and the Jurassic Coast.
Arne Nature Reserve
Situated on Poole Harbour, a stunning landscape consisting of dramatic heathland and ancient oak woodland.

Near to Bournemouth and Poole

Large white cliffs and rocks standing in a calm dark blue sea under a dark sky

Amazing coastal views, Good for walking & families

Studland - Old harry Rocks

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…

Near to Weymouth, Dorchester and Blandford

Large white cliffs and rocks standing in a calm dark blue sea under a dark sky

Amazing coastal views, Good for walking & families

Studland - Old harry Rocks

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…

Near to Bridport and Yeovil

Easily accessible by public transport

Great for big groups

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