IT IS fair to say there is plenty to see and do in Dorset.
There's countless beaches, coastal walks and hikes that offer awe-inspiring views of Dorset as well as great driving roads.
There is also a rich history to explore with the millions old Jurassic Coast, museums to visit and learn more about the county's past.
With so much to see and do, you can be spoiled for choice over what to do.
Thankfully Tripadvisor has rounded up the best places to visit purely based on reviews by locals and tourists.
Here are the ten top-rated things to do in Dorset according to Tripadvisor:
10) The Cobb, Lyme Regis
If you visit Lyme Regis, there’s no doubt you will likely visit the Cobb.
The Cobb an old stone pier forming an extensive harbour and believed to date from the time of Edward I.
It offers stunning views of the Dorset coast as well as Lyme Regis – especially on a sunny day.
The Cobb was also the filming location for Netflix’s ‘modern and witty’ adaptation of Jane Austen’s ‘Persuasion’ with Dakota Johnson appearing in the seaside town.
Based on 1,156 reviews, the attraction has a four-and-a-half rating on Tripadvisor, with tourists raving about their visit.
One recent review, entitled ‘Iconic location with excellent views’, reads: “On a dry day a walk along the Cobb is a must for visitors and the views along the coast and back to the harbour and old town are superb.
“Due to the camber of the top, I would not want to venture here on a wet and windy day as there would be a significant risk of ending in the sea.”
Another reviewer wrote: “We strolled to and around the cob in both the evening and during the day.
“It's a lovely area and somewhere I've wanted to visit since I saw the French Lieutenant's Woman all those years ago.”
9) Bournemouth Aviation Museum, Christchurch
Rated as the best thing to do in Christchurch, the Bournemouth Aviation Museum is a hit with tourists.
The site has an array of planes to marvel at, with many tourists appreciating how you can explore onboard the planes and learn about their history
One reviewer shared his ‘great experience’ and wrote: “Friendly staff. Not too expensive.
“Great for those that love all things planes and aviation. The best part is that you're allowed to actually go INTO the planes.
“There's fire trucks, party buses, RAF places in there. It takes no more than 1-1.5 hours to explore the entire museum. It's all outdoors so dress up accordingly”
8) Hengistbury Head Beach, Bournemouth
It’s no wonder that beaches dominate this list, with multiple beauty spots featuring on this list.
The first beach on the list is Hengistbury Head Beach in Bournemouth, which has more than 2,000 positive reviews.
Tourists have written about the ‘gorgeous’ area and spoke of their ‘lovely day out’ with their friends and families.
One review reads: “Very peaceful place with nice walk up the cliff that offers an amazing view of the beach and the waterways inland on another side.
“Peaceful and serene, perfect picnic spot and the beach was not crowded. Lots of washed up smooth sea rocks and sandy beach. Dog friendly too!
“Ample car park which is convenient. Recommended to family, friends or couple to spend a nice day in.”
User Anna B said: “The best beach I’ve been to on the south coast.
“Clean, hardly any people, toilets and cafe less than 10 minutes walk from the beach.
7) Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, Bournemouth
Private home of extensive travellers Sir Merton Russell-Cotes and his wife Lady Annie was one of the last Victorian manor houses ever built.
Now it’s a museum and art gallery located in Bournemouth which hosts exhibitions and an annexe with a restaurant and a play area for young children.
The museum also offers stunning panoramic views of the sea, which means you also can get cracking shots of the Dorset coast while looking around. Just make sure you bring a camera!
One reviewer wrote: “Really interesting and cultural place to visit whilst in Bournemouth. The volunteer guide was very knowledgeable and friendly.
“Good value at £7.50 entrance, you would need an hour or two to see all the rooms and gardens.
“Perhaps not that interesting for young children. There is a nice cafe inside for coffee after your visit.
“They had an amusing temporary exhibition on relating paintings to Life in Lockdown, which made me smile.
“I recommend taking a moment to sit on the sofas in the upstairs rooms and enjoy the panoramic views of the beach - stunning.”
User Jane M said: “Super art gallery, museum and country house with lots of interesting things to look at.
“It is easy to wander round at your own pace and enjoy the collection and the rooms.
“Great cafe as well. A lovely way to spend a morning in Bournemouth.
“Easy to walk to from the pier, and great views over the coast. A real gem.”
6) Sculpture by the Lakes, Dorchester
The large park, based at Pallington Lakes, features sculptures by Simon Gudgeon set in landscaped gardens, an art gallery and a cafe.
The 26-acre site also makes a great picnic spot, with the quiet and peaceful surroundings.
One reviewer wrote: “Stunning location with amazing art. So glad we visited.
“Can't recommend enough. Keep up the good work.”
Another review reads: “What an absolutely wonderful place this is! I couldn't believe how many sculptures there were, even though some were not there as they were at an exhibition.
“It was just absolutely delightful to walk around. My husband and son also enjoyed looking at the various fish in the lakes.
“There were lots of little seating areas and much needed shade as it was during a heat wave. I would love to return and spend much longer here.”
5) Jurassic Coast, Dorset
It’s hard to pinpoint a particular area as the Jurassic Coast covers nearly 100 miles from Exmouth in Devon to Old Harry Rocks near Swanage.
The site spans 185 million years of geological history with coastal erosion having exposed an almost continuous sequence of rock formation covering the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.
There’s plenty to see and do at the Jurassic Coast, namely visit Durdle Door, go fossil hunting at Black Venn or simply take in the stunning views from a cliff walk.
One excited hiker wrote: “As a seasoned hiker, this was right up there with some of the best walks that we have done.
“Sensational scenery and breath-taking views.
“We left from Weymouth and walked to Lulworth Cove, and it took us around four to five hours.
“I highly recommend anyone who is staying around this area to do this walk - they will not regret it!”
Another tourist wrote about the ‘breath-taking views’ at Durdle Door.
He said: “Beautiful place, most amazing views, would highly recommend visiting.
“Durdle Door is a great place to go to get the best views.”
4) Weymouth beach, Weymouth
To many, it’s no surprise that Weymouth beach features in this list.
The golden sand beach offers views of the Dorset coast, plenty of space to sunbathe, dip your toes in the sea, watch a Punch and Judy show or take a donkey ride.
It’s also home to some international sporting events, with the Weymouth Beach Volleyball Classic recently taking place.
Reviews have praised how clean it is, how accessible toilets and cafes and bars are and how friendly locals are.
One tourist from Redhill wrote: “Lovely sandy beaches, clean, and plenty of facilities nearby.
“Great toilet/changing block. Plenty of ice cream, food outlets, coffee shops, cafes and bars along the whole stretch of beach.
“Fun palace is great for the kids. Sun bed and deck chair hire available.
“One of my favourite beaches.”
Another visitor shared: “What a lovely beach we came down as part of a long weekend it was lovely.
“Lots of people, but with plenty of space for everyone.”
3) Sandbanks Beach, Poole
Based near the expensive and millionaires haven of Sandbanks, the beach is a hit with locals and tourists.
Winner of the prestigious Blue Flag award for a consecutive 31 years and with its soft, golden sands and stunning views.
There is also a designated all year round dog beach area at the western end of Sandbanks beach to Haven Point.
One tourist from Birmingham wrote: “Beautiful sand and lovely water. Parking is easy and you gave access to toilets and somewhere to wash up after.
“There are lifeguards on the beach and the definitely make you feel safe particularly when the water becomes choppy.
“There is a place by the beach where you can buy a hit drink but there are a number of cafes just on the main road.
“I would take a fleece and joggers, can get windy but overall lots of space and family fun.”
2) Brownsea Island, Poole
Brownsea Island boasts of spectacular views across to the Purbeck Hills and contains thriving natural habitats including woodland, heathland and a lagoon.
It’s no wonder it’s a popular place to visit, with reviews which described Brownsea Island as a ‘beautiful place and peaceful’ and a ‘great day out’.
One visitor wrote: “Great trip. Attractive island in the middle of Poole Harbour.
“Easy commercial boat trip to access it. Well-marked trails to explore the island and beaches.
“Even saw the rare red squirrels.
“Very quiet when we visited so once we got away from the busy landing stage area it quickly felt like we had the place to our own which was very relaxing and peaceful.”
User Phil R said: “Fantastic place - lots to see and do as you wander around the island; different areas to explore, and looking out for the elusive red squirrels, and also bird hides as part of another trust.
“We were also able to have a go at seal spotting from one of the lookout point.”
1) Bournemouth Beach, Bournemouth
It’s no surprise to many that the huge and heavily popular Bournemouth Beach has been dubbed the best thing to do in Dorset.
During the summer months, especially during a heatwave, it’s crowded with tourists and residents having a beach day out.
One tourist wrote: “Beautiful sandy beach with lots to do for children. Small shops on the promenade selling the usual seaside memorabilia including traditional seaside rock.
“Not many places to eat on the promenade but lots of restaurants and shops close by.”
Another review reads: “We didn’t realise what a lovely sandy beach Bournemouth has.
“It was an excellent discovery for us unfortunately, it is not a well-kept secret as it was packed.”
One review, simply entitled ‘excellent’, states: “Fantastic sandy beach. Lovely Diner along seafront.
“Food lovely good prices. Mobile toilet facilities along the whole of the front.
“Very clean considering. Only downside is the e- scooters passing you by.
“Gets annoying after a while, especially when they don’t know how to go in straight line.
“But we had some lovely hot days lazing on the sea front. Enjoyed the steep walk down in the end.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel