Dorset’s native son, Thomas Hardy, once wrote a poem titled “Wessex Heights.” The poem’s last words are “and I know some liberty.” One of the places where Hardy knew some liberty was Bulbarrow Hill in Dorset, and rightly so since it truly is the epitome of freedom. Dorset has luckily changed little since the days of Hardy and it still affords some of the finest views England has to offer – from panoramic coastal vistas to lusciously verdant woodlands to the iconic gently sloping hills that we all know and love.
So, if it’s a naturally luxurious family holiday you are after, then your search ends here, for Dorset’s treasures are plentiful, catering to the whole family. Our curated list of Dorset will give you a taste of the finest nature-focused accommodations in the area and a selection of our favourite activities and places to see. We hope you’ll find ample options to ensure this family break is nothing short of extraordinary.
🗺️Location, location, location
One of the greatest dilemmas with families booking a holiday is around one question: where to stay?! For those looking for a truly immersive experience in nature who dread the idea of camping (we feel you), then the options become increasingly limited and to this we say: thank goodness for glamping!
We love a good family farm stay with some delightful extra touches, it is really like hitting a bull's eye. Feather Down’s offerings in Dorset, East Shilvinghampton Farm and Mount Pleasant Farm are not just superb in terms of location (especially if you fancy being near the coast), but their enchanting glamping pods are the icing on the cake. These tented cottages are a magical world unto themselves that your little ones will love exploring when they are not busy making friends with the farm animals and walking with the alpacas – yes, you read that right!
Picture the quaintest safari-style tents, the whistling of the kettle on top of the woodburning stove, the flickering of candle light in the evening and the sounds of barn owls as you dig in a hearty stew or a home-made pizza (made in a bespoke pizza oven!). If there is a day when you don’t feel like cooking, fear not, for if you are staying at the East Shilvinghampton Farm, you can pre-order delectable home-made meals or a fantastic English Breakfast hamper to start your day the right way. The cherry on top? Both farms are dog-friendly which means your pooch can come along on this adventure.
Sea, waters, action!
One of our favourite places to visit when in Dorset is the Lulworth Cove (less than 10 minutes from East Shilvinghampton Farm), world famous for its crystal-clear blue waters with its gradients of cerulean hues and tinges of sparkling turquoise. You can even swim in these pristine waters! Throwing yourself in some coasteering and kayaking is also an option and are in fact the go-to activities for the adventurous kind who love adrenaline-pumping quests along a rugged coastline!
Wild, wild Portland is worth-seeing too, especially if rock-climbing is your cup of tea. Alternatively, if you’ve dreamed of adventure sailing on glimmering waters with the sun shining on your face, then what are you waiting for? Portland is the name!
For the kiddos who want to learn bushcraft and primitive survival skills or have a go at archery and axe throwing, then Insight Activities will have you covered (and it’s less than half an hour from Mount Pleasant Farm). On top of this, you will be surrounded by stunning scenery – there is good reason they are affectionately called Robin Hood’s camp.
Enchanted forests and stately homes, far from the madding crowd
Have you seen our best places to stargaze blog post? Then you’ll know by now that we have fallen head over heels for the UK’s dark skies. Cranborne Chase, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, bordering Wiltshire, Dorset, Hampshire, and Somerset, can serve as your very own personal observatory as well as kindle your little astronomer’s curiosity in our ever-expanding universe. Nothing is better than some hot cocoa under a starry sky, comfortable blankies, and listening to the sounds of nature, while you watch the stellar streams of the milky way flow past you, up high in the night sky.
Alternatively, there is something for the early risers, too! In the morning, the rolling hills come to life as dawn breaks over the dew-kissed grass, with the sun reflecting off the quiet streams. This magical landscape contains four habitat types, each with their own important purpose, one of which is the cherished chalk grassland, “a rare habitat with a huge diverse of plant and invertebrate species.” The history buffs will likewise benefit from their time in nature since the ancient woodlands are the embodiment of a “living cultural heritage.” Would you believe that it was eight thousand years ago that Neolithic peoples started cultivating this land? Allow the kids to be part of this legacy – after all Cranborne Chase is not just a haven for stargazers, history enthusiasts, and nature aficionados, but it is also a natural playground, perfect for the younger explorers in the family who love vast open spaces and diverse habitats.
So far you will have ridden the waves, explored rich environments, slept in the cosiest of beds, woken up to the sound of birds cheerfully tweeting and the faint sound of rivers. But it would really be a shame if you left Dorset without popping by some truly magnificent stately homes such as Athelhampton House and Minterne House. For those who love gardening, you will get to see a unique collection of Himalayan Rhododendrons and Azaleas at Minterne House, while Athelhampton boasts of award-winning gardens full of topiary yew pyramids, ponds and fountains as well as unique plants to excite even the most discerning horticultural devotees.
📚 Athelhampton, furthermore, has a unique programme of events for families and children of all ages. A couple of our favourites are firstly, The Secret Garden get-together, held in August, and is suitable for anyone aged 6+. It is full of original music, puppetry, interactions with the audience, and lots of laughs. Secondly, we have to admit, we go bananas for living histories, so we were delighted to see that Athelhampton has a Tudor Week! You will be able to interact with the gentlefolk and the servants, ask them questions about sixteenth century England. You may also discover secret passageways, have a little mediaeval boogie, taste some Tudor delicacies, play Tudor games, and so much more.
✨ We have tried to capture some of the essence of Dorset, but just like the best of places, you need to experience its magic for yourself. And yet, know this: at Dorset, we have found more than a destination. And as we know that wanderlust is never quite quenched, the surrounding counties (Somerset, Hampshire, New Forest) all have something unique to offer, too.
