There is so much to do in Dorset and a great source of inspiration for attractions, activities, entertainment and events is the Visit Dorset website. Take a look here – you may be spoilt for choice!
Events and Things to do in Dorset
Clouds Hill
‘I’ve a hut in a wood near camp wherein I spend my spare evenings’ – the words of the legendary Lawrence of Arabia, about Clouds Hill. A tiny cottage initially rented, and then owned, by T. E. Lawrence and furnished as if he had just gone out for a...
Stourhead
Beautiful gardens surrounding interlinking lakes and a stunning Palladian country house, Stourhead is a 40 minute drive from Old Red Lion House but is worth the trip. It’s easy to make a day of a visit here; explore the gardens or the surrounding estate, spend time viewing the collections...
Corfe Castle
The dramatic Corfe Castle stands ruined on a natural hill guarding the principal route through the Purbeck Hills. The castle has a colourful and interesting history, yet Corfe isn’t just about its castle, there is a model village, Swanage railway, the Margaret Green Rescue Centre, and museums. Then of...
Jurassic Coast
Pick your way along the shoreline to hunt for fossils or marvel at incredible rock formations such as Durdle Door or Old Harry Rocks, this World Heritage Site stretches from Dorset to Devon and is a great place to visit on a sunny day. The Jurassic Coast website has a...
New Forest Water Park
Suitable for the whole of your energetic family, the New Forest Water Park offers a range of activities that include cable wakeboarding, inflatable aqua park, kayaking, and SUPing (Stand Up Paddleboarding). This family run business is set in 50 acres of picturesque countryside and is ideal for wakeboarding beginners...
Hambledon Hill
5 miles northwest of Blandford Forum, Hambledon Hill stands 630 feet (192 metres) over the surrounding area; perfect for fantastic views on clear days or for the kids to scale and do battle! The hill’s human history predates Stonehenge and it is considered one of Britain’s earliest prehistoric settlements....
Kingston Lacy – National Trust
Kingston Lacy is a country house and estate located 15 minutes drive from Old Red Lion House and is near Wimborne. It was built between 1663 and 1665 to resemble an Italian palace. There’s plenty to see, from beautifully detailed carvings to intimate family souvenirs and even strange curiosities. ...
Abbotsbury Swannery
Abbotsbury Swannery is the only place in the world where you are able to walk through the heart of a colony of nesting Mute Swans. The swans have become accustomed to the presence of visitors and allow close but respectful approach even in the nesting season when cygnets are on...
Longleat
Nestled in 900 acres of Capability Brown landscaped gardens, is Longleat Safari and Adventure Park. A trip to the UK’s first safari park is a fantastic day out for the whole family where you can stand tall with giraffes, walk with the wallabies and lemurs or take a safari in...
Farmer Palmers Farm, Poole
Whatever the weather, Farmer Palmers Farm Park near Poole is an ideal family day out. You’ll get close to all sorts of farm animals, learn about them and have fun doing it. Plus, every day join in with the constantly changing, hands-on children’s farm Activities and Demonstrations. To add...
Badbury Rings
An iron age hill fort located less than 10 minutes drive from Old Red Lion House, Badbury Rings provides a super location to explore Britain’s history up close as well as a great spot for views across the surrounding countryside. For the history buffs, the fort dates from the Iron...