Emma's Guidebook
Sightseeing
Fantastic venue for families with young children and there is an animal park, casual dining, picnic area plus beautiful gardens
17 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kingston Maurward Park and Gardens
Fantastic venue for families with young children and there is an animal park, casual dining, picnic area plus beautiful gardens
A fabulous place to visit for coastal walks, lunch and a dip in the sea, with spectacular views
383 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lulworth Cove
A fabulous place to visit for coastal walks, lunch and a dip in the sea, with spectacular views
Located in the Isle of Purbeck, the rebuilt Swanage Railway is the perfect place to enjoy a great family day out on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast.
The heritage railway attraction operates full-size steam and diesel passenger trains along the five and a half miles of line from Norden to Corfe Castle and down to the Victoria seaside town of Swanage.
The line has stations at Corfe Castle and Harman’s Cross as well as a halt at Herston, on the outskirts of Swanage. There are refreshment buffets at Norden and Swanage stations with picnic tables at most of the stations so you can soak up the atmosphere while enjoying a picnic.
Whether you are a railway enthusiast, looking for something to do with the family or planning a visit to the beach, the Swanage Railway will provide interest and enjoyment for all.
There is convenient parking at Purbeck Park, next to Norden station, and a five minute walk from Swanage station in the Victoria Avenue car park.
22 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Swanage Railway Norden Station
Located in the Isle of Purbeck, the rebuilt Swanage Railway is the perfect place to enjoy a great family day out on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast.
The heritage railway attraction operates full-size steam and diesel passenger trains along the five and a half miles of line from Norden to Corfe Castle and down to the Victoria seaside town of Swanage.
The line has stations at Corfe Castle and Harman’s Cross as well as a halt at Herston, on the outskirts of Swanage. There are refreshment buffets at Norden and Swanage stations with picnic tables at most of the stations so you can soak up the atmosphere while enjoying a picnic.
Whether you are a railway enthusiast, looking for something to do with the family or planning a visit to the beach, the Swanage Railway will provide interest and enjoyment for all.
There is convenient parking at Purbeck Park, next to Norden station, and a five minute walk from Swanage station in the Victoria Avenue car park.
Monkey World, the internationally-acclaimed ape rescue centre, is home to over 250 rescued and endangered monkeys and apes of 20 different species. Opened in 1987 to provide abused Spanish beach chimpanzees with a permanent home, the site is now a sanctuary for primates from all over the world and some are now part of international breeding programmes for endangered species. Here you can see them enjoy the company of their own kind in a safe, natural environment.
Check out the website to book tickets and events.
Monkey World is situated on the A31 Between Bere Regis and Wool in Dorset.
319 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Monkey World - Centro de Rescate de Simios
LongthornsMonkey World, the internationally-acclaimed ape rescue centre, is home to over 250 rescued and endangered monkeys and apes of 20 different species. Opened in 1987 to provide abused Spanish beach chimpanzees with a permanent home, the site is now a sanctuary for primates from all over the world and some are now part of international breeding programmes for endangered species. Here you can see them enjoy the company of their own kind in a safe, natural environment.
Check out the website to book tickets and events.
Monkey World is situated on the A31 Between Bere Regis and Wool in Dorset.
Local beach destination
This is a locals favourite! Only 10 minutes drive from here, and a beautiful natural beach. Perfect for a late afternoon picnic or bbq! Or perhaps paddle boarding!
Ringstead Bay
A great place to paddle board, wind surf, kite surf or simply people watch and billy winters is a cool cafe for coffee, drinks, cake and lunch and with a chilled vibe
93 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Billy Winters
Portland Beach RoadA great place to paddle board, wind surf, kite surf or simply people watch and billy winters is a cool cafe for coffee, drinks, cake and lunch and with a chilled vibe
With young children you can’t go wrong with the beautiful sands, donkey rides, shallow safe water and Punch and Judy! Easy parking by sea life centre in lodmoor and a lovely day out to build the best sand castle!
Weymouth harbour station
13 Custom House QuayWith young children you can’t go wrong with the beautiful sands, donkey rides, shallow safe water and Punch and Judy! Easy parking by sea life centre in lodmoor and a lovely day out to build the best sand castle!
Durdle Door (sometimes written Durdle Dor) is a natural limestone arch on the Jurassic Coast near Lulworth in Dorset, England.[1] Although privately owned by the Lulworth Estate,[2][3] it is open to the public.
It is a stunning location with breathtaking sea views and walks
403 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Puerta de Durdle
Durdle Door (sometimes written Durdle Dor) is a natural limestone arch on the Jurassic Coast near Lulworth in Dorset, England.[1] Although privately owned by the Lulworth Estate,[2][3] it is open to the public.
It is a stunning location with breathtaking sea views and walks
A shelving shingle beach, close to the village of Burton Bradstock.
On a clear day, visitors can enjoy breath taking views round to Portland and right the way round to the East Devon Coast.
Beach Type: A shingle beach with steep shelving.
Safety: Bathing can be dangerous. The beach shelves steeply & there is a strong under-tow. Take care on the shoreline because sudden large waves can engulf persons at the water's edge. Please stay away from the cliffs to the west due to rockfalls.
Lifeguards: There are no lifeguards at Hive Beach.
Parking: National Trust Hive Beach Car Park, adjacent to beach.
Dogs: Dogs welcome all year at the dog friendly area of beach heading east towards Cogden Beach, past the wooden chalet. No dogs on the main beach from 1 June - 30 September, except assistance dogs (at other times of the year dogs can be off lead). See signage at the
67 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Burton Bradstock
A shelving shingle beach, close to the village of Burton Bradstock.
On a clear day, visitors can enjoy breath taking views round to Portland and right the way round to the East Devon Coast.
Beach Type: A shingle beach with steep shelving.
Safety: Bathing can be dangerous. The beach shelves steeply & there is a strong under-tow. Take care on the shoreline because sudden large waves can engulf persons at the water's edge. Please stay away from the cliffs to the west due to rockfalls.
Lifeguards: There are no lifeguards at Hive Beach.
Parking: National Trust Hive Beach Car Park, adjacent to beach.
Dogs: Dogs welcome all year at the dog friendly area of beach heading east towards Cogden Beach, past the wooden chalet. No dogs on the main beach from 1 June - 30 September, except assistance dogs (at other times of the year dogs can be off lead). See signage at the
Lunch and boating on the river frome!
This is a favourite lunch destination, The Old Granary pub at The Quay, followed by boating on the river frome. Perfect!
The Old Granary is a must-visit, perfect-for-every-occasion, all-day café, bar and dining room situated on the banks of the River Frome in the picturesque market town of Wareham. A real part of the local community, it is a vibrant and popular space where locals and visitors alike come to belong, relax, share and celebrate.
open from brunch to bedtime and there’s always something going on, so whether you’re looking for brunch, coffee and cakes, light lunches, romantic or celebratory dinners or Sunday Lunches…
A stroll along the River Frome or perhaps a boat ride is a great way to enjoy your day!
40 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Old Granary, Wareham
The QuayThe Old Granary is a must-visit, perfect-for-every-occasion, all-day café, bar and dining room situated on the banks of the River Frome in the picturesque market town of Wareham. A real part of the local community, it is a vibrant and popular space where locals and visitors alike come to belong, relax, share and celebrate.
open from brunch to bedtime and there’s always something going on, so whether you’re looking for brunch, coffee and cakes, light lunches, romantic or celebratory dinners or Sunday Lunches…
A stroll along the River Frome or perhaps a boat ride is a great way to enjoy your day!
Breakfast on the beach
This is our go to place! In fact, every Friday we have breakfast here, with amazing views of the beach! Order a vegetarian or small breakfast and watch the surfers on the swell. Lunch here is equally good. Mussels and chips are my personal favourite!
Cafe Oasis
Bowleaze CovewayOutstanding gardens and lakes
Garden lovers haven with giant sculptures, scenic lakes, cafe, picnic option by the lakes. Please note over 14 years old and no dogs
Check out their website for exhibitions and events. A beautiful place to visit for scenic walk.
67 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sculpture by the Lakes
Check out their website for exhibitions and events. A beautiful place to visit for scenic walk.
The Garden is a mixture of formal and informal flowers, world famous for it’s Camellia groves and magnolias. Noted in Dorset for its Rhododendron and Hydrangea collections and the charming Victorian Garden.
Facilities include the coffee shop, a quality gift shop and a fantastic plant centre where many of the flowers grown in the Garden can be purchased.
Don’t miss stunning views of the Dorset Jurassic Coast from the viewpoint at the top of the Magnolia Walk.
Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome throughout the Garden, as well as outside and inside the coffee shop.
128 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Jardines Subtropicales de Abbotsbury
Bullers WayThe Garden is a mixture of formal and informal flowers, world famous for it’s Camellia groves and magnolias. Noted in Dorset for its Rhododendron and Hydrangea collections and the charming Victorian Garden.
Facilities include the coffee shop, a quality gift shop and a fantastic plant centre where many of the flowers grown in the Garden can be purchased.
Don’t miss stunning views of the Dorset Jurassic Coast from the viewpoint at the top of the Magnolia Walk.
Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome throughout the Garden, as well as outside and inside the coffee shop.
National Trust favourites
Kingston Lacy is a stunning country house and estate near Wimborne minster
Discover Kingston Lacy, an opulent family home built to resemble a Venetian Palace.
There’s plenty to see, from spectacular artworks to beautiful landscapes. Enjoy a summer picnic on the south lawn, or let little visitors run wild in nearby play areas. Wander through the Japanese Garden to the Kitchen Garden, where Queen Victoria once sent her own gardeners for inspiration. Or explore the vast 8,500 acres of estate, featuring Iron Age hill forts, colourful heathland, water meadows and the world’s oldest pedigree herd of Red Ruby Devon cattle.
Kingston Lacy has a dynamic history. Over centuries the Bankes family built, altered, embellished and rebuilt their house. Their wealth came from extensive estates and profitable marriages, including inherited wealth from Caribbean plantations supported by the Atlantic slave trade.
78 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kingston Lacy
Discover Kingston Lacy, an opulent family home built to resemble a Venetian Palace.
There’s plenty to see, from spectacular artworks to beautiful landscapes. Enjoy a summer picnic on the south lawn, or let little visitors run wild in nearby play areas. Wander through the Japanese Garden to the Kitchen Garden, where Queen Victoria once sent her own gardeners for inspiration. Or explore the vast 8,500 acres of estate, featuring Iron Age hill forts, colourful heathland, water meadows and the world’s oldest pedigree herd of Red Ruby Devon cattle.
Kingston Lacy has a dynamic history. Over centuries the Bankes family built, altered, embellished and rebuilt their house. Their wealth came from extensive estates and profitable marriages, including inherited wealth from Caribbean plantations supported by the Atlantic slave trade.
Thousand-year-old royal castle shaped by warfare
One of Britain's most iconic and evocative survivors of the English Civil War, partially demolished in 1646 by the Parliamentarians.
A favourite haunt for adults and children alike, all ages are captivated by these romantic castle ruins with breathtaking views across Purbeck.
Discover 1,000 years of our history as a royal palace and fortress. With fallen walls and secret places, there are tales of treachery and treason around every corner.
Spot the 'murder holes' and count the arrow loops. Feel history come to life and see the wildlife that has set up home here.
425 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Corfe Castle
Thousand-year-old royal castle shaped by warfare
One of Britain's most iconic and evocative survivors of the English Civil War, partially demolished in 1646 by the Parliamentarians.
A favourite haunt for adults and children alike, all ages are captivated by these romantic castle ruins with breathtaking views across Purbeck.
Discover 1,000 years of our history as a royal palace and fortress. With fallen walls and secret places, there are tales of treachery and treason around every corner.
Spot the 'murder holes' and count the arrow loops. Feel history come to life and see the wildlife that has set up home here.
Brownsea Island is the largest of the islands in Poole Harbour in the county of Dorset, England. The island is owned by the National Trust with the northern half managed by the Dorset Wildlife Trust. Much of the island is open to the public and includes areas of woodland and heath with a wide variety of wildlife, together with cliff top views across Poole Harbour and the Isle of Purbeck.
204 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Brownsea Island
Brownsea Island is the largest of the islands in Poole Harbour in the county of Dorset, England. The island is owned by the National Trust with the northern half managed by the Dorset Wildlife Trust. Much of the island is open to the public and includes areas of woodland and heath with a wide variety of wildlife, together with cliff top views across Poole Harbour and the Isle of Purbeck.
Thomas Hardy's Cottage, in Higher Bockhampton, Dorset, is a small cob and thatch building that is the birthplace of the English author Thomas Hardy. He was born there in 1840 and lived in the cottage until he was aged 34—during which time he wrote the novels Under the Greenwood Tree (1872) and Far from the Madding Crowd (1874)[1]—when he left home to be married to Emma Gifford.
17 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
National Trust Hardy's Cottage
Cuckoo LaneThomas Hardy's Cottage, in Higher Bockhampton, Dorset, is a small cob and thatch building that is the birthplace of the English author Thomas Hardy. He was born there in 1840 and lived in the cottage until he was aged 34—during which time he wrote the novels Under the Greenwood Tree (1872) and Far from the Madding Crowd (1874)[1]—when he left home to be married to Emma Gifford.
Start at the Bankes Arms at Studland for a gorgeous walk and stunning views over Studland Bay . A great place for walking and enjoying the stunning scenery.
36 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bankes Arms Inn Studland
Manor RoadStart at the Bankes Arms at Studland for a gorgeous walk and stunning views over Studland Bay . A great place for walking and enjoying the stunning scenery.
Cream tea in Dorset
An extravagant treat for a special occasion. Summer lodge offer excellent afternoon teas and fine dining
Intimate and special, and surrounded by beautiful countryside, this country-house hotel offers a cosseting experience in the heart of Dorset. With genuine warm service, innovative and delicious menus, cream teas, a relaxing spa, a stunning indoor pool and fragrant landscaped gardens, this is the quintessential luxurious escape.
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Summer Lodge Country House Hotel & Restaurant
9 Fore StIntimate and special, and surrounded by beautiful countryside, this country-house hotel offers a cosseting experience in the heart of Dorset. With genuine warm service, innovative and delicious menus, cream teas, a relaxing spa, a stunning indoor pool and fragrant landscaped gardens, this is the quintessential luxurious escape.
The Walled Garden is a beautiful five-acre landscaped formal garden situated in Moreton, Dorset. With on site café, garden shop (including a huge range of plants for sale), children’s play park, and animal rescue centre, The Walled Garden also offers FREE ENTRY and FREE PARKING. We are the perfect day out in Dorset. Explore the gardens solo, or with friends, and stop by the Dovecote Café for delicious homemade food, fresh cakes, pasties and more! We also host regular seasonal and unique events from garden trails for children, crafts, fetes, yoga, open air art exhibitions, and more!
Moreton village is close to the historic market town of Dorchester and situated on the River Frome. Moreton has become well known because of its association with T. E. Lawrence, also known as Lawrence of Arabia. T. E. Lawrence lived near to Moreton when he served at Bovington Camp and was later buried in Moreton Church Yard.
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Moreton Walled Garden
The Walled Garden is a beautiful five-acre landscaped formal garden situated in Moreton, Dorset. With on site café, garden shop (including a huge range of plants for sale), children’s play park, and animal rescue centre, The Walled Garden also offers FREE ENTRY and FREE PARKING. We are the perfect day out in Dorset. Explore the gardens solo, or with friends, and stop by the Dovecote Café for delicious homemade food, fresh cakes, pasties and more! We also host regular seasonal and unique events from garden trails for children, crafts, fetes, yoga, open air art exhibitions, and more!
Moreton village is close to the historic market town of Dorchester and situated on the River Frome. Moreton has become well known because of its association with T. E. Lawrence, also known as Lawrence of Arabia. T. E. Lawrence lived near to Moreton when he served at Bovington Camp and was later buried in Moreton Church Yard.
A family run café offering home-cooked breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea using high quality local produce. We offer catering for any events, from buffets to sit down dinners whether this be in our café or at your own venue. We are dog friendly, so your four legged friends can visit too!
The Posh Partridge Cafe
29 High East StreetA family run café offering home-cooked breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea using high quality local produce. We offer catering for any events, from buffets to sit down dinners whether this be in our café or at your own venue. We are dog friendly, so your four legged friends can visit too!
Come on in and relax in The Old Tea House, enjoy your drinks, snacks and meals in comfort.
Built in 1635, The Old Tea House in Dorchester Dorset is the oldest freestanding house in the county town! A tea house since 1902 with tradional "old english" decor.
Offering a wide ranging menu with delicious daily specials, soups, scones, tea cakes and much more - not forgetting our famous traditional 3 course Sunday roast dinners!
The Old Tea House
44 High W StCome on in and relax in The Old Tea House, enjoy your drinks, snacks and meals in comfort.
Built in 1635, The Old Tea House in Dorchester Dorset is the oldest freestanding house in the county town! A tea house since 1902 with tradional "old english" decor.
Offering a wide ranging menu with delicious daily specials, soups, scones, tea cakes and much more - not forgetting our famous traditional 3 course Sunday roast dinners!
WELCOME TO THE WISHING WELL tea rooms and gardens, Upwey.
Perfect for coffee, tea cake, cream teas, high teas or lunch. Book your High Tea by calling on 01305 814470 (50% deposit required).
Whether you are looking for a light bite for lunch, a three-course meal, afternoon tea or a Sunday Roast your day out wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Upwey Wishing Well and Tearooms.
There is traditional afternoon tea for those looking for something extra special. A cake stand brimming with traditional finger sandwiches, delicious cake and fresh scones, giving you a quintessentially English treat you won’t forget.
Parking at church car park – When church not in use, Road parking, best to travel together as small village.
21 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Upwey Wishingwell Tearooms And Water Gardens
161 Church StWELCOME TO THE WISHING WELL tea rooms and gardens, Upwey.
Perfect for coffee, tea cake, cream teas, high teas or lunch. Book your High Tea by calling on 01305 814470 (50% deposit required).
Whether you are looking for a light bite for lunch, a three-course meal, afternoon tea or a Sunday Roast your day out wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Upwey Wishing Well and Tearooms.
There is traditional afternoon tea for those looking for something extra special. A cake stand brimming with traditional finger sandwiches, delicious cake and fresh scones, giving you a quintessentially English treat you won’t forget.
Parking at church car park – When church not in use, Road parking, best to travel together as small village.