Explore Dorset This Autumn
Explore Dorset This Autumn
Trees shedding fiery leaves, pumpkin picking, a cosy hot chocolate with marshmallows … it’s time to get the warmer clothes out because autumn is upon us!
Dorset is a magical place to be this time of year, with a variety of gardens and woodland to explore, a choice of top pumpkin picking spots and seasonal events.
Summer may be over, but we still have sunny days, so now is the perfect time to visit local attractions and enjoy the peaceful scenery and abundance of wildlife.
We have put together a mini-guide to make the most of Dorset this autumn.
Autumnal walks
Purbeck Ridgeway
There’s no shortage of breath-taking autumnal views on this walk which starts at the historic ruins of Corfe Castle, taking in the magnificent Old Harry Rocks before heading along the coast path to Swanage. At 9.5 miles you’ll want to relax at the end by jumping aboard the Swanage Railway or hopping on the bus to head back to Corfe Castle.
Netherbury
Explore the stunning Brit Valley Way and the pretty River Brit on a 7-mile route starting at Netherbury village, taking in the rural views, undulating landscape and the spectacular colours of the season as you go.
Melbury Beacon
Bought by the National Trust to protect the area, Melbury Down was the setting of Thomas Hardy’s Blackmore Vale novels. Just south of Shaftesbury, there’s a shorter route of just over two miles which is ideal for a brisk walk, spotting the varied wildlife and admiring the autumnal landscape along the way.
Events to enjoy in Dorset this Autumn
From spooky trails to trains and pirates, there’s plenty of fun to be had for all the family this autumn.
From 7-8th October, Octoberfest will be making a return to Weymouth Pavilion, with over sixty real ales and ciders from Dorset to sample.
Dorchester Literary Festival is taking place from 15th-22nd October this year with a fantastic line-up of authors, including Damien Lewis, Ray Mears and Minette Waters.
Ooh arrrr! On 15th October, Weymouth will be taken over by swashbuckling pirates. Weymouth Pirate Fest will feature live music, re-enactments and a Pirate Bazaar with various stalls.
If you’re into trains, you’ll be keen to see the most famous steam locomotive in the world, the Flying Scotsman, when it visits Swanage Railway from 19th October.
With many more displays to follow in the next few months, West Bay will be hosting a bonfire and fireworks evening on Saturday 29th October. With profits going towards the Christmas Tree on Harbour Green, there’ll be family entertainment, hot food and live music.
Halloween activities for children include a Halloween & Autumn Trail at the Walled Garden in Moreton, where kids can answer quiz questions whilst learning about nature; a Halloween trail through the gardens of Mapperton House; and Avon Tyrell’s Halloween Activity Trail, which involves creepy crafts, spooky games and more. Fancy dress is encouraged!
Pumpkin patches
With Halloween just around the corner, it’s time to get picking and carving! Get down to one of these patches before they all go (but leave some for us)!
Sopley Farm
Just outside of Christchurch, Sopley is a favourite with locals. If you’d like to get a haul, grab a cart and head to the two fields to begin your search. There’s a tractor for kids to play on and a bakery with some yummy treats.
Bincombe Bumps
West Farm in Bincombe is a large PYO farm with a haunted house, trick or treating and more fun Halloween activities.
Dorset Country Pumpkins
Located near the pretty village of Milton Abbas, the pumpkins on the family-run Longclose Farm are grown from seed in the greenhouse and hand planted with a lovely variety to choose from. There are brilliant Halloween decorations for some spooktacular photo opps. Entry is free!
Gardens & Attractions
Minterne Gardens in Minterne Magna is ablaze with beautiful Autumn colours at this time of year.
Landscaped in the style of the famous landscape designer Capability Brown in the 18th century, this 27-acre Himalayan style garden is known for its collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, Japanese cherries and magnolias, as well as over 200 acers which are a sight to behold in Autumn.
Take a wander around the pretty horseshoe-shaped gardens to admire small lakes, streams and waterfalls at every turn.
Head to Sherborne Castle on Autumn Colours Weekend (22nd-23rd October) to experience the garden’s glorious autumn colours reflected on the lake. With reduced admission for the weekend, you can have an audio tour which will highlight over 30 points of interest around the grounds, including Raleigh’s Seat and the Sunken Garden and Boathouse.
With over 40 varieties of acer changing colour, the gardens at Kingston Lacy are beautiful at this time of year. Stroll down Lime Avenue to see bright yellow trees, look out for peeling bark on the Paperbark maples at Nursery Wood and wander the Woodland Trail to see the beech trees turn a burnt orange and the oak trees a deep russet red.
Happy autumn exploring!
For more walks and attractions to enjoy across the county this Autumn: https://www.dorsetproperty.co.uk/news-item.php?&id=1000092&rp=1
Added: 30th September 2022
