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.
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.
When you’re staying at one of our nearby holiday parks in Weymouth or Poole, you won’t want to miss out on the best dog-friendly pubs and restaurants in Dorset. Bring your appetite and let’s get going!
If you’re staying in this part of the country in one of our Weymouth or Poole holiday parks, you’re bound to want to get out and explore. Thankfully, Dorset has so much to offer families with dogs! Here are some of our top recommendations in Dorset.
There’s nothing like a festive market to welcome in that Christmas feeling. And this year, you can tie in the holiday period in Yorkshire with a Haven stay at Rockley Park. Yes, that’s right, we’re opening our doors at Christmas!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We all have those times when you fancy stretching the legs and sampling the sea breeze, and with this list of Weymouth beaches, you can do all that with your furry friend!
Weymouth wouldn't be quite the same premier destination on England's South Coast without the history, attractions and walks along its beaches. We take you through them here.
No holiday is complete without the furry member of the family. We've compiled a list of beaches where you can both stretch your legs and enjoy the sights and sounds of the sea on the South Coast.
Bournemouth is a beautiful town to escape to with the family and is made all the more glorious by the array of beaches it's neighbours with. We take you through them in this unmissable guide!
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!
Put Bournemouth and Poole together and you get an unrivalled twosome that are a package of family-friendly things to do and attractions. We take you through the cream of the crop in this article.
Ditch the car for the day and discover the wonderful areas around Weymouth on two feet with our special set of strolls that are suitable for all the family.
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.
Holidays are made all the better by a splash and swim. We cover the swimming pools and waterparks you should consider visiting when you head to down to the delights of Dorset.
Bridport offers a refreshing change of scenery and totally relaxed vibe for all of its visitors. A great place to head to when you're on a Haven holiday in Dorset, it sits just a mile from the coast and is full of memory-making experiences.
Dorchester is one of the largest and most underrated towns in Dorset. Head here for a fantastic mix of adventurous, cultural and historic things to do with the family in a place that's conveniently close to our Dorset holiday parks.
Durdle Door is one of Dorset and the UK's most famous sites, and an unmissable place to visit when you're in the county. We've rounded the best things to do around this iconic place.
Sherborne is a great day out when you getaway with us at any of our Dorset holiday parks. Steeped in history and with plenty of things to do, the small town is a terrific place to head to with all the family.
Wareham is a wonderful market town that's a great day out from any one of our Dorset holiday parks. Find out more about this underrated place and the things you can do here.
Portland is an island that sits south of Weymouth. A spectacular sea surrounded space, the area is steeped in history with an array of things to do for all the family. We'll take you through them.
Swanage sits in yet another incredibly beautiful part of Dorset. Coastal and quaint, Swanage offers a range of experiences for the family to enjoy. We'll take you through them.
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.
Christchurch quietly sits near bustling Bournemouth, and is a great place to head to when you stay with us along the Jurassic Coast in Dorset. See the ingredients that make this place full of experiences like few other places on the south coast.
The beaches of the South West are renowned as being the best in the country. Even amongst the stiff competition of its neighbours, Dorset stands out with its gorgeous Jurassic Coast.
With so much choice, selecting a beach in Dorset can be difficult. That’s exactly why we’ve selected our cream of the crop to add the icing on the cake to any Dorset holiday! Here are the best beaches in Dorset.
Dorset is delightful throughout the year with historical resort towns coupling magnificently with the Jurassic Coast to bring a variety of experiences to the table. Have a read and get planning.
Dorset keeps people coming back time and time again, with the landmarks within its borders home to some of the most enticing experiences in the entire country.
