Best places to eat in Weymouth
Weymouth's dining scene features ten standout restaurants, from fresh local seafood and French cuisine to Brazilian churrasco and classic British pub grub on the Dorset coast.
Things to do in Dorset
Dorset is an underrated oasis. Stunning countryside and coastal paradises come together to form an experience that needs to be talked about more on the national stage. Towns tell tales of immense history that can be relived with a 21st-century visit, attractions are entertaining for every generation of the family, and beaches are havens of beauty that will leave you wanting more. Take a look at our favourite things to do in Dorset and start making those all-important plans.
Things to do in Dorset with kids
Dorset’s picturesque coastlines and rich heritage make it a popular family destination. Staying at Haven’s Littlesea, Rockley Park, Seaview or Weymouth Bay holiday parks puts you close to exciting activities for families with children.
Dog-friendly pubs and restaurants in Dorset
Dorset boasts ten standout dog-friendly pubs and restaurants, from the award-winning Three Horseshoes on the Jurassic Coast to Poole's harbour-side Rope and Anchor. Many serve locally sourced food, real ales, and cater for vegan and gluten-free diets.
Dog-friendly things to do in Dorset
Dorset has brilliant dog-friendly days out, from off-lead Kimmeridge Bay year-round to Nothe Fort's tunnels, Arne RSPB Nature Reserve, Symondsbury Estate, and Poole's Dolphin Centre, where 56 shops welcome dogs.
Best Christmas markets and attractions near Dorset
Dorset and its surroundings boast eight fantastic Christmas markets and events, from Poole's Maritime Light Festival just 3 miles from Rockley Park to Bournemouth's Winter Wonderland, Sherborne's historic market, and Weymouth's Big Christmas celebrations.
What’s on in Dorset 2026
With plenty to see, and explore during the whole year, we’ve gathered up the highlights of 2026, filled with events and shows you should check out on your next stay at Littlesea, Rockley Park, Seaview and Weymouth Bay.
Days out in Dorset
Dorset delivers brilliant days out for families, from feeding swans at Abbotsbury and exploring Brownsea Island to discovering dinosaurs in Dorchester. With ten standout attractions near Haven's Weymouth and Poole parks, there's something for every age.
Best pubs in Dorset
Dorset's best pubs range from The Ship Inn's harbourside views in Weymouth to The Anchor Inn's clifftop setting near Bridport. Dog-friendly venues, craft beers, fresh local seafood, and live music make Dorset an outstanding destination for pub lovers.
Best restaurants in Dorset
Dorset delivers an outstanding dining scene, from fresh coastal seafood at The Lobster Pot and Crab House Cafe to hearty pub fare at Nautico Lounge and plant-based dishes at Vibes — perfect for refuelling after full family days out.
Best restaurants in Bournemouth and Poole
Bournemouth and Poole offer strong dining across budgets, including Ginali's Italian and Guildhall Tavern's seafood in Poole, plus Arbor's British cooking and Turtle Bay's Caribbean food in Bournemouth.
Things to do on the Jurassic Coast
The Jurassic Coast offers adventure and culture: kayak past cliffs, hunt fossils at Lyme Regis, or try coasteering on this 155km World Natural Heritage coastline.
Things to do on the Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight offers heritage landmarks, family attractions, and coastal walks, including Carisbrooke Castle, Osborne House, The Needles, and Blackgang Chine, the UK's oldest amusement park, reached by ferry.
Best walks in Dorset
Dorset boasts over 300 miles of walking trails, from the iconic Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door coastal path to scenic inland routes. Easy strolls, challenging clifftop hikes, and dog-friendly walks suit all abilities across this stunning, unspoilt county.
Dog-friendly beaches near Weymouth
Weymouth is surrounded by brilliant dog-friendly beaches, including Ringstead Bay, Osmington Mills, Hive Beach, and Smallmouth Bay. Most welcome dogs all year round, making Dorset's Jurassic Coast an ideal destination for walkies in any season.
7 of the Best Beaches near Weymouth
Best beaches near Weymouth include Overcombe, Greenhill, Bandstand, Newton's Cove, Castle Cove, The Fleet Lagoon and St Oswald's Bay, offering rockpools, watersports and nature along the Jurassic Coast.
Dog-friendly beaches near Bournemouth
Bournemouth has excellent dog-friendly beaches open year-round, including Branksome Dene, Southbourne and Hamworthy Park Beach. Check Dorset's Doggy Do Code before visiting.
4 of the Best Beaches near Bournemouth
The four best beaches near Bournemouth — Sandbanks, Alum Chine, Boscombe and Hengistbury Head — offer watersports, family playgrounds, surfing and natural history, within 44 minutes of Rockley Park.
Things to do in Weymouth
Weymouth offers a fantastic mix of history, nature, and seaside fun. Top attractions include Nothe Fort, SEA LIFE Weymouth, Abbotsbury Swannery, and the vibrant harbour — perfect for families, wildlife lovers, and history enthusiasts alike.
Things to do in Bournemouth and Poole
Bournemouth and Poole pack in everything from nature reserves and aquariums to day trips to Guernsey and indoor adventure parks. With golden sandy beaches, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities, the area suits every type of traveller and holiday.
Best walks in Weymouth
Weymouth offers ten brilliant walking trails for all abilities, from the easy 1-mile Radipole Lake discovery trail to the challenging 11.5-mile South West Coast Path route to Lulworth Cove, taking in stunning coastal views, wildlife, and history.
Best water parks in Weymouth
Weymouth offers brilliant water-based fun, from Haven's indoor and outdoor pools at Littlesea, Seaview, and Weymouth Bay to jet ski tours along the Jurassic Coast, Portland ferry cruises, and action-packed watersports with local adventure providers.
Best water parks in Bournemouth
Bournemouth and the surrounding area boasts brilliant water parks for all ages, from Rockley Park's heated pools and outdoor flumes to Splashdown's 13 rides, inflatable aqua courses on open lakes, and family-friendly splash pads.
Things to do in Bridport
Bridport delivers a rich mix of history, nature, and culture. Visit a market dating back to 1253, hike Golden Cap on the Jurassic Coast, discover local art galleries, and enjoy nearby Haven holiday parks with outstanding coastal access.
Things to do in Dorchester
Dorchester punches well above its weight for things to do. Two Thomas Hardy homes, Roman ruins, Neolithic earthworks, the Cerne Giant, the Jurassic Coast, and family-friendly animal parks all await within easy reach.
Things to do near Durdle Door
Durdle Door sits just 11 miles from Haven's Weymouth Bay and Seaview holiday parks, with beaches, coastal walks, and nearby attractions including Lulworth Castle, Monkey World, and fossil-rich Kimmeridge Bay — ideal for families and nature lovers.
Things to do in Sherborne
Sherborne packs in a brilliant mix of family attractions, from the magnificent Abbey and free museum to lakeside walks and outdoor play at the Toy Barn — all within an hour of Haven's Dorset holiday parks.
Things to do in Wareham
Wareham in Dorset packs in history, nature, and coastal beauty. Explore Old Harry Rocks, cruise the River Frome, walk the Saxon Town Walls, visit Corfe Castle, and discover the Blue Pool — all within easy reach of Haven's Rockley Park.
Things to do in Portland
Portland offers a remarkable mix of history, nature, and adventure. Explore Henry VIII's castle, sail the Jurassic Coast on a tall ship, trek on horseback, and discover sculptures in a former quarry — there's something for every visitor.
Things to do in Swanage
Swanage offers outdoor adventure and heritage: hike Jurassic Coast cliff trails, explore Corfe Castle, ride a heritage steam railway, and enjoy Blue Flag beaches.
Things to do in Lyme Regis
Lyme Regis blends outdoor adventure, prehistoric discovery, and coastal charm: fossil-rich beaches, Jurassic Coast boat tours, the Dinosaurland Fossil Museum, boutique galleries, historic mills, and sea-view gardens.
Things to do in Christchurch
Christchurch offers beaches, watersports, historic ruins, and scenic walking trails — all just 13 miles from Rockley Park. Try RIB speedboat rides, explore an 11th-century castle, or browse boutique shops and art galleries in this Jurassic Coast gem.
Dog-friendly beaches in Dorset
Five Dorset beaches welcome dogs year-round: Man O'War Beach, Church Ope Beach, Mudeford Sandbank, Shell Bay, and Harbour Lake Beach. Each offers unique scenery along the stunning Jurassic Coast, though Shell Bay requires dogs on a lead in summer.
9 of the best beaches in Dorset
Dorset's nine best beaches range from award-winning Weymouth Beach and Lulworth Cove to the ancient 17-mile Chesil Beach, offering fossils, family fun and coastal scenery.
Places to visit in Dorset
Dorset mixes natural wonders and historic towns. The Jurassic Coast, Weymouth, Lyme Regis, Swanage and Bournemouth offer fossil hunting, water sports, Victorian charm and world-class beaches.