Holidays in Dorset

Q: What are some exciting events happening in Dorset?

19 March 2023: Weymouth Half Marathon @ Weymouth town centre Late August 2023: Great Dorset Steam Fair @ Blandford Forum August 31 – September 2 2023: Bournemouth Air Festival @ Bournemouth Beach

Start planning your Great British break

Dorset caravan holidays and holiday parks

Fancy a Dorset holiday? Head for one our Dorset holiday parks dotted around the country. They’re the perfect base for visiting one of the county’s claims to fame – the striking Jurassic coastline. Fossils and fascinating geological features aren’t the only order of the day here. There are golden beaches backed by rugged cliffs that are home to many different species of rare wildlife.

Four of our parks are on hand for a Dorset caravan holiday. Some of the best scenery in the country will be just steps from your accommodation, with easy access to the rest of the county brimming with things to do. Fancy bringing your dog? Check out our dog friendly holidays to Dorset.

Littlesea, Weymouth

Dorset

Head out for the idyllic Dorset getaway at Littlesea where the stunning Jurassic coast awaits with stunning beaches and historical landmarks.

Pools
Mash and Barrel Restaurant
Entertainment
Coastal walks

Rockley Park, Poole

Dorset

A nature lover’s dream, head down to Dorset’s Rockley Park where beaches, lakes, woodland and wildlife all await you.

Pools
Mash and Barrel
Outdoor pool
Nature trail

Seaview, Weymouth

Dorset

Relax on an award-winning beach, discover the excitement of the seaside town of Weymouth and soak in the views all around Weymouth Bay.

Indoor pool
Outdoor pool
Bowleaze Cove
Nature walks

Weymouth Bay, Weymouth

Dorset

Traditional sun, sand and fun on the Dorset coast, with added Jurassic coastline.

Adventure Village
Pools
Weymouth Beach nearby
Bowleaze Cove

Things to do in Dorset

Water fanatics will enjoy a day sailing, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing or windsurfing. Or if you really don't like getting your toes wet, you can still visit Poole Harbour, the largest natural harbour in Britain. Spend a few hours with a cool drink watching the multi-million-pound yachts make their way around – or just take advantage of Poole's buzzing social scene, with trendy restaurants and bars. If you're looking for things the little ones will love, swing by Monkey World. More creature features include Abbotsbury Swannery and Farmer Palmers Farm Park.

Monkey World

A sanctuary for rescued and endangered primates, a fun day for all

Lulworth Castle

Built in the 17th century, this magnificent building is steeped in history

Man O'War Beach (Durdle Door East), Dorset

Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove

A great place for rock-pooling, nature walks along the Jurassic coast

Weymouth Beach

Fun for everyone at this beautiful multi-award winning sandy beach

Harbour and Quay

Café bars, water sports and quayside shops line the harbour

Adventure Wonderland

A multi award-winning family theme park, a great spot to unlock the fun

on places to visit

Best restaurants in Bournemouth and Poole

When it comes to eating and drinking, Bournemouth and Poole might surprise you. Whether it’s for an evening of fine-dining, or a good old-fashioned fish & chips by the sea, these two coastal towns boast a wide variety of options.

Things to do in Lyme Regis

Lovely Lyme Regis is known as the 'Pearl of Dorset' and it's easy to understand why with the array of things to do in this picturesque place. Find our favourites and start planning.

Days out in Dorset

Dorset, the home of the Jurassic Coast, is a county of stunning natural scenery. But, there’s plenty in the way of attractions to enjoy with your family too, from miniature railways to animal parks.

Best pubs in Dorset

Dorset isn’t only good for fossils, it’s also home to a vibrant pub scene. Whether it’s a sunny seaside inn or a gastropub tucked away in the countryside, there’s a pub for you.

Best restaurants in Dorset

Full of culinary delights, there is no finer county than Dorset to eat your way around. From fresh fish to local farm produce and indulgent cream teas, eating in Dorset is sure to leave an excellent taste on your palate. 

Things to do on the Jurassic Coast

The world-famous Jurassic Coast is a 155km stretch of World Heritage coastline. The Dorset section of this renowned coast is not only stunning, but teeming with things to do, from fossil foraging to water sports.

Things to do on the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight is a real retro treasure of and island, overflowing with attractions from theme parks to heritage sites and botanic gardens. A designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the island also has plenty of stunning countryside and coastal walks.

Best walks in Dorset

With over 3000 miles of signposted paths and walking routes, Dorset is a paradise for ramblers. Explore the county on foot and take in the dramatic clifftops, unusual rock formations, rolling hills, quaint villages, and woodland trails.

Best water parks in Weymouth

We've rounded up a list of places where you can have a splash or swim without braving the British sea! Take a look and get planning your visit to one of these world-class waterparks.

Things to do in Weymouth

We've put together an extra special list of attractions for you to tick off during a visit to Weymouth. These special spots are guaranteed to make memories that last a lifetime!

Best Beaches in Dorset

Dorset is renowned for its charming seaside towns, dramatic clifftop walks and of course, its pristine beaches.

Frequently asked questions

What should I know about Dorset?

Dorset is a largely rural county formed of many small villages and a few large towns. There are no cities in the county. Bournemouth, the largest town, came to exist in the Georgian era when bathing in the sea started to gain popularity.

Dorset’s South Coast is home to the second-largest natural harbour in the world. The picturesque Poole Harbour is second only to Sydney in this accolade.

Dorset was an area of rebellion during the 17th-century English Civil War. Shaftesbury was the site of an epic battle between vigilantes and Oliver Cromwell’s forces, which the latter ended up winning.

Why is Dorset a great holiday destination?

Over half of Dorset’s land area is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, meaning you’re never too far from a real breath of fresh scenic air inland and on the coast.

Most of Dorset’s coastline forms the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s 96 miles long and stretches from Exmouth in Devon to Studland.

With sights like the incredible Durdle Door within its borders, Dorset is full of picturesque places that are photogenic to say the least. The county is home to one of Britain’s largest numbers of conservation areas.

Why holiday with Haven in Dorset?

We’ve placed four of our fantastic parks around two of Dorset’s magnificent coastal towns. Stay at Seaview or Weymouth Bay holiday parks and enjoy easy access to the heart of the Jurassic Coast and the wonderful seaside town of Weymouth. To the west of the town lies Littlesea, which is also neighbours with unique Fleet Lagoon, a protected marina area. Rockley Park Holiday Park lies on the Rock Lea River, just a five-minute stroll from Poole and its magnificent harbour. You’re also just a 15-minute car ride away from Bournemouth, consistently voted as one of the UK’s premier spots for a staycation.

What are the accommodation options available at Haven's holiday parks in Dorset?

Discover the variety of our accommodation options at our Dorset holiday parks below:

What are the top things to do in Dorset?

See the best experiences on our round-up of things to do in Dorset. Here are some of our other favourite ideas:

Places to visit in Dorset

Best beaches in Dorset

Things to do in Weymouth

What are some exciting events happening in Dorset?