Dorset - What you need to know before you go - Go Guides

Jaw-dropping Dorset sprawls across southern England’s Jurassic Coast, an endless stretch of secluded bays and dramatic limestone cliffs, where mesmerizing dinosaur fossils have been discovered in abundance. There’s a stretch of coast to suit every kind of holidaymaker, from bustling Bournemouth with its lively seafront to the scuba diving haven of Chesil Cove.

The county is dotted with cosy traditional pubs, where you can sip full-bodied local ales alongside friendly regulars. No Dorset trip is complete without a traditional afternoon tea – help yourself to freshly-baked scones smothered with thick clotted cream and enter a state of self-indulgent bliss.

Top destinations in Dorset

Where will you go next?

Poole
While Poole boasts some beautiful beaches, you won’t have much time to sunbathe – this seaside town is all about living life to the full. You can try your hand at a whole range of water sports in the safety...
Bournemouth
Bournemouth is among Britain's best-loved seaside towns. The star attraction is unquestionably its stretch of soft, sandy beach, which buzzes...
Weymouth
Weymouth is a seaside town in the county of Dorset famed for its scenic coastline with colourful beach huts and...

What to see & do in Dorset

Featured stories & fun stuff

11 Most Picturesque Towns and Villages in Dorset
Dorset is home to a fair share of charming towns and villages. In fact, it’s undoubtedly one of the most picturesque counties in England. From thatch-roofed villages and famous filming locations to staggering coastlines and postcard-perfect seaside resorts, Dorset is...
10 Best Things to Do in Poole, Dorset
Poole is a quaint coastal town on the southern coast of England that has a rich history and many outdoor...
10 Best Things to Do in Weymouth
A stalwart of southern England’s holiday scene, Weymouth is a delightful Georgian town that fulfils all of the clichés of...
10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Bournemouth
A romantic trip to Bournemouth offers the opportunity to relax in a classic English coastal resort town with spas, islands,...
9 Best Things to Do in Bournemouth
Bournemouth is renowned for offering some of the best things to do at a modern British seaside resort. Many similar...
14 Best Things to Do in Dorset
The best things to do in Dorset highlight the county's enchanting English countryside. Instead of a central bustling metropolis, it’s...
10 Great Places Only Locals Know in Weymouth
Weymouth is a charming town for a holiday or day trip but there are a number of obscure places and...
9 Things to Do in Bournemouth When it Rains
Bournemouth is one of the UK’s most vibrant and popular beach resorts, with its beautiful stretch of sandy coastline, its...
10 Best Beaches in Dorset
Dorset beaches are among the finest in all of England. The variety of this historical county’s coastline is truly impressive,...

Where & what to eat in Dorset

10 Places Where Locals Love to Eat in Weymouth
If you’re looking for the best local food and where to find in Weymouth, you've come to the right place. From trendy cafes to classic fish and chips shops near the water, this seaside town has plenty of places serving...
10 Places Where Locals Love to Eat in Bournemouth
Looking for Bournemouth’s best local food scenes? Whether it’s a cool café serving good old British fare or interesting joints...
10 Great Restaurants in Bournemouth
The great restaurants in Bournemouth offer anything from fresh seafood and fine dining to international flavours or a traditional English...

Where to shop & what to buy in Dorset

10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Bournemouth
Bournemouth's shops attract droves of visitors to England’s south coast throughout the year. Although the town’s beloved beaches and outdoor experiences remain at the top of every traveller's to-do list, Bournemouth also offers exceptional places to shop that heighten any visit. Featuring sprawling department stores, laid-back shopping streets and pop-up boutiques, there’s no shortage of shopping destinations that appeal to every...
Read more

Where to go & what to do at night in Dorset

10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Bournemouth
Bournemouth has many exceptional restaurants for a family dinner or romantic couple’s night, but what can you do to top off the evening? Fortunately, the city has an abundance of post-sunset activities to ensure the fun doesn’t stop. Whether you want a few laughs at a comedy club, a swanky night at a club, or a thrilling virtual-reality adventure with aliens...
Read more

Useful information

10 Money Saving Tips in Weymouth
You don’t need to miss out on an exciting holiday in Weymouth if you’re on a budget. A great start is to practice cost-saving tricks like booking your travel early, whether for accommodation or airfare, and visiting during the off-peak...
10 Money-Saving Tips in Bournemouth
Wondering how to enjoy Bournemouth with a small budget? Boasting the best beaches in Britain, Bournemouth is a brilliant destination...
Bournemouth Travel Essentials
Our Bournemouth Travel Essentials lays out the essential information you need to help you plan your trip to one of...

5 Best Activities and Stops in Bournemouth

5 Best Activities and Stops in Bournemouth

Browse Dorset by category

Start planning your trip

Also popular in United Kingdom

North West England
Oxfordshire
Hampshire
Cheshire

Keep exploring

England

United Kingdom