West Dorset Leisure Holidays

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Inspiration for your Holiday in Dorset

There are so many places to visit and things to do when you’re on a holiday, it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s why we’ve gathered together a list of interesting and helpful resources get you excited and help make the most of your time here. We could all use some inspiration sometimes! Visit our Holiday Planner for more…

West Dorset Leisure Holidays West Dorset Leisure Holidays West Dorset Leisure Holidays The Anchor Inn at Seatown in Dorset

The Three Peaks Challenge

We’ve put together a challenge that everyone is talking about – the West Dorset ‘Three Peaks’ challenge! Scale the great heights of 3 of Dorset’s most prominent landmarks – Thorncombe Beacon, Golden Cap and Colmer’s Hill all in one 9.3 mile walk.

ammonite fossils West Dorset Leisure Holidays ammonite fossil on dorset beach West Dorset Leisure Holidays

Fossil Hunting

Fossil hunting in Dorset is an essential experience when enjoying a holiday on the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast. The coastline here is of international geological importance and if you ‘dig a little deeper’, you can reveal 185 million years of the earth’s history!

West Dorset Leisure Holidays couple walking along a dorset beach Dog friendly holidays in Dorset Dog holidays in Dorset Dog friendly holidays in Dorset

Dog Friendly Beaches

The Dorset coastline is a superb place to enjoy the scenery and walks, so why shouldn’t the whole family get involved and visit the dog friendly beaches in Dorset?

paddleboarding on the jurassic coast treetop obstacle course

Adventure Activities in Dorset

If there’s an adrenaline junkie in your family, make sure to check out this list of adventure activity providers from all corners of Dorset.

West Dorset Leisure Holidays filming wonka at lyme regis West Dorset Leisure Holidays nanny mcphee at durdle door

Film and TV Locations in Dorset

We all know that Dorset is a beautiful county, so it’s no surprise at all that there have been lots of TV, film and even music video appearances over the years. We’ve gathered some of the county’s most memorable on-screen appearances.

West Dorset Leisure Holidays blue flowers at sandyholme West Dorset Leisure Holidays

Park Nature Trails

At many of our Holiday Parks, we have nature trails that are a great free activity for the whole family! These vary in length from 1.5 miles (approx 30 mins) to 3.75 miles (approx 1h 15 mins) long.

West Dorset Leisure Holidays West Dorset Leisure Holidays Stargazing in Dorset

Stargazing

Dorset is one of the best areas in the UK for stargazing, with clear night skies and little light pollution. With the Milky Way visible on clear nights from March to October, what could be more perfect than sitting outside your accommodation viewing the amazing night sky?

highcliffe castle in christchurch West Dorset Leisure Holidays West Dorset Leisure Holidays spettisbury rings hill fort dorchester badbury rings wimborne Lulworth Castle & Park in dorset

Castles and Hill Forts

Whether you fancy an educational day out or just a scenic walk, there are plenty of historic sites in Dorset to explore.

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Bridport Walking Guide

The Jurassic Coast is undeniably a beautiful part of the world, so it’s no surprise that people love to get outside and walk over the cliffs and through the countryside to take in the fantastic views.

West Dorset Leisure Holidays ruins of sherborne old castle Aerial view of Maiden Castle, Dorchester

History & Heritage

The Jurassic Coast is well known, with the coastline acting as a timeline of geological history and a window back to the time when dinosaurs roamed the earth. What is perhaps lesser known is the role the county has played over the centuries in other areas of history and heritage.

West Dorset Leisure Holidays West Dorset Leisure Holidays south west coast path on the jurassic coast at eype clifftop

The South West Coast Path

The South West Coast Path passes close to our holiday parks and spans 630 miles around the Dorset, Devon, Cornwall and Somerset coastline. Read more about our favourite section of it here – the Jurassic Coast.

bluebells and colmer's hill in Dorset West Dorset Leisure Holidays West Dorset Leisure Holidays West Dorset Leisure Holidays West Dorset Leisure Holidays

Bluebell Walks

For just a few weeks of the year, between mid-April and mid-May, many areas of Dorset woodland undergo a dramatic transformation with the emergence of bluebells. The carpet of colour is a breath-taking sight to see and makes for some fantastic photo opportunities and springtime walks.

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Stand Up Paddleboarding

Stand up paddle boarding is one of the best ways to explore the Jurassic Coast during your holiday in Dorset – great fun and a fantastic way to keep fit and take in the magnificent views from a unique perspective.

The Little Fire Station Soft Play in Bridport, Dorset West Dorset Leisure Holidays West Dorset Leisure Holidays Abbotsbury Children's Farm - Family Friendly attractions in Dorset

Things to do with Babies and Toddlers

A helpful list of activities perfect for young children.

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Scenic Drives

Dorset is one of the most beautiful counties in the country. Its idyllic location close to the countryside and coast provides a number of spectacular views. All are waiting to be enjoyed as you explore some of the scenic drives in the area. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely Sunday drive or planning a number of road trips there’s a number of view points to discover.

West Dorset Leisure Holidays West Dorset Leisure Holidays Kimmeridge Bay - things to do in Dorset West Dorset Leisure Holidays

Sandyholme area Walking Guide

A guide to the best walks around central / south Dorset and The Purbecks including Durdle Door and Portland.

sunset fishing on chesil beach carp fishing in dorset trout fishing in dorset Harry May Fishing Trips in Lyme Regis, Dorset

The Best Fishing Spots

Dorset is one of the most popular places for a fishing holiday in the UK. There are a wealth of fishing venues across the county, with something for everyone, whether you’re a beach, boat or fresh water angler.

bird in a tree at sandyholme holiday park Tadnoll Nature Reserve 5 West Dorset Leisure Holidays West Dorset Leisure Holidays

How to observe nature respectfully

Dorset is full of wildlife and spotting it can be great fun, but it’s important to do so with care not to disturb the animals and birds.

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Things to do with Teenagers

Teenagers are notoriously difficult to please during a family holiday. Spending time away from home means more time with mum and dad and leaving friends and games consoles behind! But, fear not, there are a wide selection of attractions suitable for older children nearby.

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Boat Trips

Explore the waters around West Bay and Lyme Regis on one of West Dorset’s best boat trips. Whether you’re an avid angler wanting to catch plenty of fish or prefer a gentle ride down the river there is something for everyone to enjoy!

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Incredible Viewpoints

Dorset is renowned for its beauty with the perfect mix of countryside and coast. You don’t have to wander far from any of our holiday parks to find yourself surrounded by stunning views in every direction, from rolling hills and patchwork fields to dramatic coastline and cliffs.

West Dorset Leisure Holidays West Dorset Leisure Holidays Palmers fermenting

Rainy Day Activities

Whilst Dorset is known for its warm and sunny weather, the great British weather can be unpredictable and rain can sometimes make an unwelcome appearance. Not to worry though, rain doesn’t have to stop play, as there are so many attractions and activities for a wet and windy day.

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Lesser-known places to visit

Escape the crowds and visit some fantastic places that most tourists don’t know about, perfect if you are looking to enjoy a slower pace of life and some hidden gems during your holiday in Dorset