Places to visit in Dorset
Home to the world-famous Jurassic Coast, Dorset is overflowing with unique attractions both natural and artificial. We've rounded up the best places to visit in Dorset to get you started when planning your visit to the South Coast.
Dorset has preserved its traditional values and remains one of the best locations in the country to get a sense of history and times past. From Victorian resort towns to fossil-strewn beaches, there’s history at every turn. The county is also home to some of the finest beaches and best holiday parks in the country, so all the more reason to make it your next holiday destination!
Weymouth, Dorset
Weymouth offers a fun family holiday by the seaside with long sandy or shingly beaches and traditional seaside amusements such as donkey rides and Punch & Judy. Visitors can also enjoy attractions like Weymouth Sealife Park, Chesil Beach, the revolving Jurassic Skyline observation tower, and the Victorian Nothe Fort, which offers panoramic views of the harbor.
Lyme Regis
Known as the ‘pearl of Dorset,’ Lyme Regis is a picturesque town on the Jurassic Coast. It combines traditional seaside charm with prehistoric significance and plenty of activities for visitors. You can go fossil hunting on the beach or visit the town's famous museum, which is dedicated to the town's heritage and geology. Lyme Regis is also a great place to enjoy water sports, such as swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding, or take scenic coastal walks.
The Jurassic Coast
The world-renowned Jurassic Coast, spanning approximately 95 miles along the English Channel from East Devon to Dorset, is a rare stretch of coastline that has been designated as a World Natural Heritage Site. Visiting the Jurassic Coast is like stepping back in time to the era of dinosaurs and exploring the history of the Earth through the many picturesque destinations along the way. However, it's not just about history; this region of Dorset also provides ample opportunities to discover the coast and partake in a variety of water sports, ensuring that there is always plenty to do.
Sherborne
Undoubtedly, Sherborne ranks among the most picturesque towns in England. Its delightful honey-coloured buildings are steeped in history and heritage, offering a feast for the eyes. The town is filled with plenty to see and do, from intriguing architecture to gardens, and trails that can be enjoyed by the entire family.
Wareham
Wareham, Dorset is an absolutely stunning destination to explore. As a historic market town, it is situated in the heart of the Isle of Purbeck, nestled between two rivers, with water encompassing three of its sides, offering breathtaking views in every direction. This naturally scenic location serves as an excellent day trip location, with plenty to offer visitors, making a trip to Wareham a must-see experience conveniently located just 10 miles away from Rockley Park Holiday Park.
Bridport
Located around a mile inland from the English Channel, Bridport is a charming market town in Dorset renowned for its Saxon roots. Its proximity to the waterfront, along with the nearby West Bay, make it an ideal location for spending a relaxing day. This delightful community boasts a plethora of shops, cultural amenities, and exciting attractions to explore, ensuring that visitors will find plenty to enjoy.
Portland
The Isle of Portland is imbued with a rich historical legacy, ranging from its celebrated section of the World Heritage Site, the Jurassic Coast, to its thriving Second World War dockyards. It is hardly surprising that there are so many captivating sights and activities to experience here. Adding to its allure, the natural scenery is absolutely awe-inspiring.
Dorchester
Dorchester, a charming town in Dorset located just 6 miles north of the seaside town of Weymouth, is teeming with a wealth of history. From the birthplace of the celebrated English author Thomas Hardy to ancient 6,000-year-old settlements, there is an abundance of fascinating places to discover within this county town.
Christchurch
Situated to the east of Bournemouth is the quaint town and parish of Christchurch. The town is nestled at the convergence point of two of England's most extensive rivers, the Avon and the Stour, making it a paradise for fishing, boating, and water enthusiasts. Christchurch is a hidden treasure trove with a plethora of exciting sights and activities to enjoy, making it a must-visit destination on the Jurassic Coast.
Swanage, Dorset
The popularity of this resort town dates back to Victorian times when it became renowned for its clean air, sunny weather, and clear waters. The beach has won several European Blue Flag Awards and is a wonderful place to hire a beach hut, deckchair or a sunbed and soak up the rays. Pedalos and kayaks are also available to rent, and like all the best seaside towns, there are amusements and attractions found at the promenade which backs onto the beach.
Bournemouth and Poole
The Bournemouth and Poole area is famous for its seven-mile stretch of unspoiled, golden beaches with some of the UK's warmest water for swimming. In addition to these stunning beaches, there are plenty of thrilling attractions in Poole and the lively city of Bournemouth that are perfect for the whole family to enjoy.
Durdle Door
Durdle Door is a natural limestone arch located on the Jurassic Coast that is one of the most photographed landmarks in the area. Durdle Door provides a perfect getaway for the entire family, including the four-legged members. This famous Dorset attraction has much to offer, with plenty of opportunities for long walks, scrumptious dining, and relaxation.
Studland, Dorset
The clear sheltered waters of Studland Bay are lined by glorious beaches which provide the perfect setting for a day of relaxation. This large area holds four miles of sandy beach and National Trust heathland with views of the famed Old Harry Rocks. The extensive area provides fun for all the family, from kayaking and snorkelling on Middle Beach to pedalos and paddleboarding at Knoll Beach.
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Important information
Brand new holiday homes from £34,995
Holiday home price is for a new 3-bedroom ABI New Horizon holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 19 July 2024, price is available at all parks, excluding Church Farm, Cala Gran, Kiln Park, Littlesea, Lydstep Beach, Penally Court, Perran Sands, Rockley Park, Seashore, Seaview and Thornwick Bay.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
New holiday homes from £33,995
Holiday home price is for a new 3-bedroom Willerby Ellerton Extra holiday and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
From 12 July 2024 the holiday home price is reduced from £37,995 to £33,995 and will remain at this price until all available stock is sold.
The holiday home price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024 this price is available at Berwick, Burnham-on-Sea, Devon Cliffs, Doniford Bay, Hafan y Mor, Kent Coast, Lakeland, Marton Mere, Presthaven, Primrose Valley, Reighton Sands, Seton Sands and Weymouth Bay.
Haven reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time. Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Pre-owned holiday homes from £19,995
Holiday home price is based on a Bronze Grade pre-owned holiday home 6 years or older and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024, price is available at all parks, excluding Cala Gran, Church Farm, Cardigan View, Cleethorpes Beach, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Golden Sands, Haggerston Castle, Kiln Park, Littlesea, Lydstep Beach, Orchards, Penally Court, Perran Sands, Rockley Park, Riviere Sands, Seashore, Seaview, Skegness and Thornwick Bay.
Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence.
Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Let2offset - make no site fee payments until 2031
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
“Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed or equivalent or superior grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. It is available across 40% of eligible Parks and applies when letting a new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home (or equivalent or superior grade for 15 weeks.
An example of how “Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Primrose Valley with a monthly site fee of £585.00 (includes purchasing discount of £45) and monthly letting income of £803.67. The monthly difference equates to £218.67, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2024 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Atlas Sahara 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.