21 Unique Activities to Enjoy in Dorset
21 Unique Activities to Enjoy in Dorset
What’s on your list that you’ve always wanted to try?
Dorset is brimming with quirky and unusual activities that offer something for everyone. From thrilling adventures and historic explorations to creative workshops, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy this beautiful part of the UK.
The summer provides a fantastic opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and try something different! There are many many more that we could add but here are 21 memorable activities across the county which you may not have experienced.
Crack a Crab at the Crab House Café
Situated near Chesil Beach, the Crab House Café offers a quintessentially Dorset experience. Roll up your sleeves and enjoy cracking fresh crabs while taking in the stunning sea views.
Learn to Sculpt Sand at SandWorld
SandWorld in Weymouth offers workshops where you can learn the art of sand sculpting. Let your creativity flow and build intricate sand sculptures under the guidance of experts.
Explore the Ghost Village of Tyneham
Abandoned during World War II, Tyneham is a ghost village frozen in time. Wander through the deserted buildings and imagine life as it was during the war.
Soak Up the Sunshine at the Dorset Sunflower Trail
Stroll through fields of vibrant sunflowers at The Dorset Sunflower Trail at Maiden Castle Farm in Dorchester. It’s a picturesque spot perfect for photos, picnics and enjoying the summer sunshine.
Try Roller-Skating at Bournemouth Gardens
From 19th July-26th August, you can get your skates on and head to Bournemouth’s first-ever outdoor roller rink in Bournemouth’s Lower Gardens. Summer Skate will also feature a street food truck with outdoor seating, morning yoga and fitness classes, film nights on a big screen, live music, and themed nights such as Motown and 80s.
A great way to have fun in the sun!
Experience Falconry at Dorset Falconry Park
Set on a seven-acre rural site in Lewell, you can take part in a family experience and learn to handle birds of prey, including owls and hawks.
Take a Ride on the Swanage Railway
Experience a nostalgic steam train ride through the scenic Purbeck countryside on the Swanage Railway.
Tour The Jurassic Coast on a Jet Ski
Explore the dramatic cliffs and hidden coves of the Jurassic Coast on a jetski tour. It’s an exhilarating way to see this UNESCO World Heritage Site up close.
Explore Dorset’s Farmers’ Markets
Visit one of Dorset’s many farmers’ markets, such as the Dorchester or Wimborne markets. Here, you can sample and purchase fresh local produce, artisanal cheeses, homemade preserves and more directly from the makers.
Go Coasteering Along the Jurassic Coast
For the thrill-seekers, coasteering is a must-try. This exhilarating activity involves climbing, jumping, swimming and exploring caves along the rocky coastline, offering a unique perspective of the Jurassic Coast's rugged beauty. There are many coasteering companies in the area, including Lulworth Outdoors.
Take a Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting at Furleigh Estate
Explore the award-winning Furleigh Estate Vineyard near Bridport. Take a guided tour of the vineyard and winery, followed by a tasting session where you can sample their exquisite English sparkling wines.
Go on a Wildlife Watching Cruise
Take a wildlife watching cruise from Poole Quay or Weymouth Harbour. These cruises offer the chance to see dolphins, seals and seabirds in their natural habitat, providing a memorable and educational experience. Throughout the summer, you can experience impressive firework displays from the sea by heading out on a cruise from Poole or Weymouth.
Throw A Dorset Knob at the Dorset Knob Throwing Games
It’s been five years but this year the Dorset Knob Throwing Games are back! This year’s event will take place at the Cattistock Countryside Show in Chilfrome, near Dorchester, on Sunday 14th July. This quirky Dorset tradition revolves around the local specialty biscuit known as the Dorset Knob, produced by Moores Biscuits. Try your luck in various events such as knob throwing, knob and spoon races, and knob eating contests.
Make A Splash at Dorset Adventure Park
For a wet and wild adventure, head to the Dorset Adventure Park near Corfe Castle. This outdoor water park features two lakes filled with inflatable obstacles, including slides, balance beams and climbing walls. It’s an exhilarating experience for kids and adults alike, offering a unique and active way to enjoy the great outdoors. The park also includes a mud trail, where you can test your endurance on a muddy obstacle course.
Visit Gorcombe Extreme Sports
For adrenaline junkies, Gorcombe Extreme Sports near Blandford Forum offers a range of thrilling extreme sports, from archery and paintball to quad biking and clayshooting.
Walk with an Alpaca
Have you ever walked with alpacas? Dorset Alpaca Walking, based in Dorchester, offers scenic strolls through Dorset countryside while learning all about alpacas, finished off with the chance to feed them treats.
Attend Bridport Hat Festival
Don your most eccentric, quirky and inventive headwear (perhaps something you’ve crafted yourself!) and take part in Bridport Hat Festival on Saturday ‘Haturday’ 7th September. The event will feature music by young local musicians and performances from the Bridport Broadsides Shanty Group and The Psychodahlias. The HatFest Garden Party will be at Millennium Green all day, featuring music from St Swithin’s Brass Band. ‘Hat Hurling’ and a ‘Hatted Dog Party’ will take place in the morning, with the “Most Elegant Ensemble” public competition in the afternoon.
Visit The Blue Pool and Cross the UK’s Longest Rope Bridge
This stunning hidden gem is a must visit with the whole family. Light diffracting from clay in the pool causes it to change colour. With 30 acres of paths and walkways, children’s playground, fairies and gnomes trail, and sculptures dotted around the nature reserve, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained for the day. New for this year is the longest rope bridge in the UK, spanning 50 metres with beautiful views of the pool. Fuel up at the tearooms overlooking the pool and say hello to the curious peacocks.
Enjoy a Movie Night Under the Stars
The Purbeck Film Festival will be hosting outdoor summer screenings at atmospheric venues this summer and autumn.
The following have been confirmed:
- Knoll House Hotel, Studland – Barbie | Saturday 3rd August 2024
- Durlston Country Park and Nature Reserve – Ghostbusters | Saturday 17th August 2024
- National Trust Corfe Castle – Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone | Friday 23rd August 2024 | Saturday 24th August 2024
- National Trust Corfe Castle – Wonka | Saturday 24th August 2024
- Careys Secret Garden – film to be confirmed | Saturday 31st August 2024
- The Blue Pool, Wareham – A Room With A View | Friday 6th September 2024
- The Blue Pool, Wareham – Moulin Rouge | Saturday 7th September 2024
Try Stone Carving on Portland
Channel your inner artist with a stone carving workshop at Tout Quarry Sculpture Park on Portland. Known for its fine-quality limestone, Portland offers workshops where you can learn the ancient art of stone carving. Under the guidance of skilled artisans, you’ll have the opportunity to create your own sculpture, whether it’s a simple relief or a more intricate design. It’s a rewarding and unique way to connect with the island’s rich quarrying heritage.
Take a Tour of Conker Spirit Distillery
Are you a gin lover?
As Dorset’s first gin distillery, Conker Spirit in Bournemouth offers an inside look at the gin-making process, from botanical selection to distillation and bottling. The tour includes a tasting session where you can sample their award-winning gins, including the Dorset Dry Gin and other unique creations. It’s a fascinating and educational experience for spirit enthusiasts and those curious about the craft of distilling.
Has this diverse mix of activities stirred your interest in making a move to Dorset? With offices across the county, we have a variety of properties to rent or buy. Get in touch with our friendly team to find your dream home.
Added: 1st July 2024
