A Guide to Spring Adventures in Dorset
A Guide to Spring Adventures in Dorset
As the days grow longer, nature bursts into life and newborn lambs frolic, there's no better time to experience Dorset’s breathtaking beauty. With gardens full of blossoming flowers, stunning coastal walks, cafés with a view, a great mix of events and family-friendly farm parks, Dorset offers a huge array of spring activities for visitors of all ages.
Grab your calendar and read on!
Spring Events
For the whole family to experience a traditional country show, head to Gillingham and Shaftesbury Spring Countryside Show on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st April. Enjoy agricultural and livestock shows, dog agility, show gardens, local food and drink, and live music.
Bridport is known for its annual film festival, From Page to Screen – the UK’s only festival that celebrates the adaptation of books to film. From 24th-28th April, the festival features discussions, Q&As and masterclasses with authors, screenwriters, directors and film academics.
Brand new for 2024, from the organisers of the Dorset County Show, comes the Dorset Spring Show. Taking place at Kingston Maurward College in Dorchester from 27th-28th April, visitors can buy flowers, try local delicacies and discover how they are made, watch demonstrations and say hello to lambs.
Other spring events include Abbotsbury Food Fair on 30th March, Bournemouth Writing Festival from 26th-28th April, Sherborne Abbey Festival from 2nd-9th May and Dorset Blind Association Motor Show at Lulworth Castle on 12th May.
Farm Parks and Animal Attractions
At Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park in Verwood, you can take a relaxing wagon ride to say hello to the rare-breed heavy horses and other friendly farm animals. Children will love the go-cart arena, pony rides, adventure play area, petting zoo and fairground rides.
Farmer Palmer's Farm Park near Poole is a popular day out for families, especially for those with young children. It's a fantastic place for kids to learn about farm life in a fun and interactive way. There are a variety of farm-themed activities on offer, such as feeding lambs and baby goats, meeting piglets, cow milking demos and tractor rides. You can also see donkeys, alpacas, deer, ponies, chickens and guinea pigs.
Kingston Maurward Gardens & Animal Park in Dorchester is a beautiful place to visit with the family on a sunny day in spring. Wander around the lakes and well-maintained gardens before saying hello to peacocks, Shetland ponies, sheep and pygmy goats. Finish off your visit with food and drinks at the café.
Putlake Adventure Farm in Swanage is a working farm with plenty of animals to see, including alpacas, guinea pigs, tortoises, pigs, shire horses and even peacocks. Kids will love bottle-feeding lambs and goats, pony grooming, pedal go-karts, tractor rides and the outdoor play areas.
Get Closer to Nature
Located near Poole, Compton Acres is a stunning collection of Italian, Japanese and woodland gardens. In spring, you can see a vibrant display of blossoms and bulbs throughout the various themed areas.
Situated in the Dorset countryside near Dorchester, Minterne Gardens feature a series of picturesque lakes, cascades and streams surrounded by woodland and rhododendron-filled gardens. Spring brings a burst of colour with rhododendrons, azaleas and bluebells in bloom.
Located on the outskirts of Weymouth, Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens boasts exotic plants from around the world and is world famous for its camellia groves and magnolias. In spring, you can wander through lush greenery and admire the vibrant colours of rhododendrons and azaleas.
Bennetts Water Gardens in Weymouth is the UK's leading waterlily nursery. In spring, the gardens come alive with the vibrant colours of waterlilies and other aquatic plants. You can stroll along tranquil paths, admire the ponds filled with blooming waterlilies and go wildlife spotting. There’s even a Monet style Japanese bridge.
Explore Dorset’s Stunning Coastline
With its long golden sandy bay and shallow waters, Weymouth Beach is ideal for a leisurely coastal walk. Enjoy panoramic views of the Jurassic Coast as you stroll along the promenade. Be sure to stop by one of the many ice cream kiosks along the seafront to indulge in a scoop of your favourite flavour. Head further around the bay to reach the quieter beaches of Osmington Mills and Bowleaze Cove.
The sandy beach at Swanage Bay is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing day by the sea. From here, you can embark on the South West Coast Path towards Old Harry Rocks, a series of chalk formations that jut out into the sea. The coastal walk offers stunning views of the Purbeck coastline and is especially picturesque in the spring when the cliffs are adorned with wildflowers.
Man o’War Beach is a secluded cove near Durdle Door in Lulworth with breath-taking sea views. Accessed via a steep path, this beach is quieter than others in the area during spring and summer. After exploring the rugged coastline, you can treat yourself to an ice cream from one of the vendors near the Durdle Door car park.
Dorset Cafés to Visit This Spring
The Courtyard Café at Sculpture by the Lakes near Dorchester offers not only delicious food but also stunning views of the sculpture park and its serene lakes. The outdoor seating area allows you to enjoy both the art and nature while you dine.
Tucked away in the charming village of Upwey near Weymouth, the Upwey Wishing Well provides a peaceful escape with its tranquil garden setting. Surrounded by lush greenery and the soothing sounds of a nearby stream, this café is renowned for its homemade cakes and traditional cream teas. Visitors can relax in the outdoor seating area and make a wish at the historic wishing well before exploring the surrounding Dorset countryside.
Situated within the historic Walled Garden in Moreton, The Dovecote Café offers a relaxed dining experience amidst a stunning backdrop of vibrant flowers and ancient trees. Visitors can enjoy coffee and cake, brunch or afternoon tea while admiring the picturesque surroundings.
Located on the beach at West Bay, the Watch House Café offers spectacular coastal views from its extensive outdoor seating areas. After tucking into locally sourced seafood or a wood fired pizza, enjoy a stroll along the beach with its iconic sandstone cliffs and explore the bustling harbour.
Dorset is a haven of natural beauty and endless exploration all year round. As spring is often seen as a time for fresh starts, why not consider turning over a new leaf by making a move to the county? Whether you’re looking for a modern apartment for one or a rural retreat for the family, we can put the spring in your step by finding your dream home. Get in touch with our friendly and knowledgeable team to get started.
Added: 1st March 2024
