3 Days in Dorset | Greatest Itinerary To Follow 

Dorset is a county steeped in record, all-natural beauty, and captivating coastal landscapes—a accurate gem to take a look at in southwest England.

When the prospect to devote 3 days in Dorset presented alone, it was difficult to say no. As a lover of character, background, and adventure, the prospect of getting remarkable sites to go to in Dorset with its rugged coastline, picturesque villages, and cultural heritage was an thrilling a single!

With a few days to examine the highlights of days out in Dorset, I crafted an plan with a tiny bit of every thing I like. I hope you get pleasure from my Dorset 3 day itinerary!

Jurassic Coast by Durdle Doorway | Emphasize of 3 Days in Dorset

Working day A person IN DORSET: Wimborne + Cerne Abbas

Knowlton Church

Knowlton Church and Earthworks is an English Heritage web-site crafted in the 12th century and is stated to be a person of the most haunted areas in Dorset. This Norman church is surrounded by Neolithic earthworks, linked with prehistoric rituals. Thankfully, I did not hear ghostly figures or whispering voices!

|| Knowlton Church opens all yr | Free to enter | Locale

Knowlton Church and Earthworks

Sturminster Newton Mill

Sturminster Newton Mill sits on the River Stour with a legacy dating back again to Saxon times, with point out in the Domesday Book of 1086.

The current framework, an L-formed developing, contains the south and north wings, the former rebuilt close to 1650. Originally independent, the north wing, included in 1611, was later built-in with the grain mill. This is even now a totally operational water mill, and you can even acquire the flour created with this outstanding industrial equipment.

In 1876-78, Thomas Hardy lived in Riverside Villas overlooking the Mill, where by he wrote “The Return of the Native.” He later recalled this time as his happiest, describing idyllic evenings rowing on the River Stour.

Other factors of interest are the Sturminster Newton Museum (now below renovation), the ruins of Sturminster Newton Castle and the continues to be of Fiddleford Mill. There is a Farmers’ Market place on the 1st Saturday of the thirty day period.

|| Sturminster Newton Mill opens on the previous weekend in March to the end of September | Rate to enter | Locale

Sturminster Newton Mill

Cerne Abbas Huge

The Cerne Abbas Large, a colossal bare figure wielding a club, is carved into the chalk hillside close to the village of Cerne Abbas. Standing at 180 feet tall, it is Britain’s premier, and most famous, chalk hill determine.

The origins and reason continue to be shrouded in secret. Nonetheless, it is considered to be a symbol of fertility and spirituality that was quite possibly created in the late Saxon period of time.

The National Trust viewpoint has about 10 spaces to see the mighty Cerne Giant.

Cerne Abbas is a quintessential village with old cottages, a Benedictine abbey, and historic English pubs. The greatest stopping level if you are going for walks the Cerne Valley Trail.

|| Cerne Huge Viewpoint is open up all 12 months | No cost vehicle park | Locale

Cerne Huge in the hillside

Working day TWO IN DORSET: Jurassic Coastline

Lulworth Castle

Lulworth Castle was created in the early 17th century as a searching lodge, the castle has a storied previous, obtaining served as a royalist stronghold for the duration of the English Civil War and afterwards remodeled into a lavish region home with turrets and battlements.

Sadly, Lulworth Castle was ravished by fire on 29 August 1929, and the renovation operates are ongoing. The magnificent interiors and opulent staterooms are remaining to your imagination with images and info on its interesting history to assistance.

Surrounding Lulworth Castle lies a vast expanse of gardens and woodlands to check out, as nicely as a children’s engage in space. Have a slice of cake in the tearooms in the Castle Rose Garden.

|| Lulworth Castle is open all year | Rate to enter + Park | Free of charge for full English Heritage members | Area

Lulworth Castle

Durdle Door

Durdle Doorway, a organic limestone arch along the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, stands as a captivating marvel of mother nature. Carved over millennia by the relentless forces of wind and waves, this iconic landmark emerges majestically from the turquoise waters of the English Channel. And what a beauty it is!

The name, “Durdle,” is derived from an Old English word that means “hole” or “door.” The arch spans roughly 200 toes and is flanked by towering cliffs, the best place to sit and admire the look at.

Durdle Doorway in Dorset

How to get to Durdle Doorway & Lulworth Cove

For the drivers, the car or truck park delivers one ticket that addresses Lulworth Castle, Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove

Area buses (15, 30 and X55) connect Wool Railway Station to West Lulworth for Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. 

To stroll from Durdle Door to Lulworth Cove is just more than a 1 mile. You can either walk back or get the bus back again to the auto park.

For a inconvenience-free expertise, take a look at the options of Durdle Door tours.

Lulworth Cove

Lulworth Cove is located in a horseshoe-shaped bay, shaped 10,000 yrs ago by the erosive forces of the sea. If you glimpse across the bay, rocks from 150 to 65 million many years old can be seen which blew my brain.

If you want to geek out with more specifics about Lulworth Cove, invest a small time in the Visitor’s Centre. If you control to walk earlier the tempting ice cream retailers, you can get a crab and lobster burger freshly caught by the nearby fishermen.

The shingle beach surrounded by towering limestone cliffs can get chaotic but it is value having the stroll up to discover the notorious geological formations such as Lulworth Crumple and Stair Hole. 

Lulworth Cove on the Jurassic Coastline

Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle is perched considerably on top of a steep hill in the heart of the Isle of Purbeck. Relationship back again about a thousand decades, this iconic fortress has witnessed generations of tumultuous situations, from medieval battles to the English Civil War.

The village is also named Corfe Castle in which you can take a look at the quaint outlets and artwork galleries, or get the heritage steam coach on the Swanage Railway.

|| Corfe Castle is open all 12 months | Price to enter + totally free to National Believe in members | Locale

Corfe Castle on the hill

|| Jurassic Coastline Tours You Might Like

Day Three IN DORSET: Bournemouth

Highcliffe Castle

Highcliffe Castle is a breathtaking Victorian-period architectural gem crafted in 1830 in the Gothic Revival fashion. The proprietor and visionary was Lord Stuart de Rothesay who used the mansion to host royalty and wealthy friends. Its’ commanding clifftop situation provides breathtaking sights of the English Channel and the Isle of Wight.

Regretably, Highcliffe Castle was left as very little more than a hollow shell adhering to two devastating fires in the 1960s. Now, owned by BCP Council, this Grade I detailed building is getting renovated back again to its’ previous glory.

My favorite attribute is the Jesse stained-glass window which dates again to 1547 as it was retrieved from the church of St.Vigour at Rouen, which was partly destroyed through the French Revolution.

|| Highcliffe Castle is open up all yr from Sunday-Thursday | Charge to enter | Site

Highcliffe Castle, Dorset

Hengistbury Head

With sweeping sights of the English Channel, Hengistbury Head is house to various habitats and remnants of historical civilisations, which are showcased in the interactive exhibitions at the Website visitors Centre.

Historically, Hengistbury Head bears evidence of Stone Age artefacts to an Iron Age hillfort, the Roman invasion of 43Ad and the Battle of Mudeford amongst smugglers and coastguards.

The nature reserve of Hengistbury Head has a vary of is household to about 500 plant species, 300 forms of birds and a wonderful wide variety of bugs, reptiles and little mammals. There is a wonderful circular walk which is aspect of the Stour Valley Way to find out sights of the Isle of Wight and Outdated Harry Rocks.

|| Hengistbury Head is open all yr | Site

Coastal sights from Hengistbury Head

Sandbanks

Sandbanks is located on a slim peninsula between Poole Harbour and the English Channel and is renowned for its golden beach locations and prestigious qualities.

I travelled to Dorset in March and relished a blustery stroll alongside the shores, but in warmer temperature, it is an perfect spot for drinking water sporting activities fans. If you have the prospect, think about having a ferry to Brownsea Island, managed by the Countrywide Have confidence in, where you can wander by wooded paths and capture glimpses of Sika deer.

Sandbanks Seashore in Bournemouth

|| Excursions You Might Like in Bournemouth

Journey Assets for 3 Days in Dorset

how to get to dorset

Having to Dorset can be finished by auto, ferry, prepare, bus and aircraft. Travelling all over Dorset can be performed by vehicle and general public transport. It may possibly take a very little for a longer time to navigate by bus and rail so you could want to variable this in when arranging what matters to see in Dorset.

Dorset by Vehicle

For a Dorset highway excursion, the county is hassle-free to arrive at from any aspect of the Uk. Even though the county lacks motorways, the M5 from Bristol offers quick obtain to the western location, catering to travellers from the West Region, North, and Wales.

Driving does make sightseeing a lot easier in Dorset, so you could retain the services of a car prior to you established off or from the closest educate station in Dorset. My go-to for auto rental is Uncover Automobiles who also provide electric powered motor vehicles for responsible travellers. If you are driving an EV, test the charging factors in Dorset.

Dorset by general public transportation

Dorset positive aspects from a reputable rail community connecting it with important British isles cities, metropolitan areas and regional stations nationwide. Examine the prepare times and routes with TrainLine.

To travel by bus and rail across the southwest, the most effective application is Traveline South West.

Exactly where To Keep in Dorset

You will be spoiled for option on wherever to keep in Dorset. I stayed in an eco-helpful cottage in Wimborne to make the most of the Darkish Sky country escape. The Outdated Dairy is one of the Traditional Cottages Eco-Selection, and I highly suggest it for a extensive weekend in Dorset.

|| YOU Might LIKE TO Read Locations TO Visit IN SALISBURY AND Items TO DO IN STRATFORD-On-AVON

Dorset FAQs

is dorset well worth checking out?

Without the need of a question! Dorset’s gorgeous shorelines, charming villages, and historic web pages these as Corfe Castle make it an amazing desired destination for character enthusiasts, record lovers, and everyone in search of scenic attractiveness.

How quite a few days must I expend in Dorset?

The great period for a pay a visit to to Dorset is dependent on your interests and itinerary. A least of 3 times in Dorset allows time to take a look at its most important sights. If you can afford to pay for the time, just one 7 days in Dorset would offer a a lot more immersive encounter.

What is Dorset finest recognized for?

Dorset is best recognized for its breathtaking Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO Environment Heritage Site, that includes extraordinary cliffs, fossil-prosperous shorelines, and legendary landmarks like Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. Discovering the shoreline should not be missed from your Dorset itinerary.

PIN TO Approach 3 Times IN DORSET

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