If Dorset wasn't already interesting enough, the county is also home to some extraordinary facts and legends that give us an intriguing glimpse into Dorset's fascinating history! It’s not every day you get to blow glass into an item of your choice, so it’s definitely one to tick off the list. We have chosen 20 fun things to do in Dorset, whether you’re visiting the county as a couple, a family or a group. Scotland is a land of real diversity. If you need to scratch your creative itch, this unusual enclave is well worth a visit. A post shared by Photographer ➕ Instagram Coach (@kistography) on Jun 30, 2019 at 12:36pm PDT. At UK Llamas you can enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience, navigating the undulating pathways of the spectacular Jurassic Coast, or weaving your way along the idyllic patchwork countryside of West Dorset, in the company of one of these gentle animals. It’s time to hop along the road less travelled…. Now the site of walled gardens and museum amongst the remains of the abbey. Celebrate the end of another glorious summer with a trip to one of Dorset’s most historic towns for a day of all things hats. This 65-acre sanctuary is home to more than 250 adorable primates of more than 20 different species, rescued and rehabilitated from all over the world. With a wealth of history, attractions and even animals, the county offers … The historic coastal town of Swanage is also nearby, as are several characterful waterside inns. please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article. The further east you go along Chesil beach the larger the pebbles. The Roman Town House also provides a backdrop for plays, theatrical performances, re-enactments, art exhibitions and concerts…perfect for all you culture vultures. The site dates from around 800 BC and was in use until the Roman occupation of 43 AD. When it comes to theme parks in Dorset, Adventure Wonderland promises a fantastic day out for young children. Chesil Beach is 18 miles (28 kilometres) long and, on average, 160 metres wide and rises to 12 metres in height. To build your own Itinerary, click to add an item to your Itinerary basket. UK Llamas, based at Mosterton near Beaminster, offer routes that range from challenging treks along the Jurassic Coast to strolling through local lanes. Indulge in a glass of English sparkling wine from title sponsors Nyetimber, bring an appetite and plenty of cash! Lyme Regis is high on the list of places where you’re likely to find these natural wonders – the town became famous after local lady Mary Anning discovered the first complete ichthyosaur in England. Fundraising for head-related charities and celebrating the end of summertime, Bridport Hat Festival offers a creative occasion with competitions that include ‘Fun Hat’, and ‘Best Hatted Dog’. Delight in a peaceful stroll around the pool before tucking into a cream tea at the Blue Pool Tea Rooms. Choose from the peaks of Snowdonia, the honey-coloured villages of the Cotswolds, the unspoilt wilderness of the Cairngorms. The Blue Pool is a flooded clay pit surrounded by the roaming wooded acres of the Furzebrook Estate. The abandoned limestone has become a canvas for creatives who over the years have chipped, carved and polished a collection of amazing models. 02431506 | VAT reg: 143053210. holiday cottages in Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and the New Forest, A post shared by Country Life Magazine (@countrylifemagazine), A post shared by Celebrating the South West (@swisbest), A post shared by nikita_ramsey (@nikita_ramsey), A post shared by Dorset Travel Bugs (@dorsettravelbugs), A post shared by VANLIFE | TRAVEL | PHOTOGRAPHY (@land_roamers), A post shared by Photographer ➕ Instagram Coach (@kistography), A post shared by . . A post shared by VANLIFE | TRAVEL | PHOTOGRAPHY (@land_roamers) on Feb 11, 2019 at 11:02am PST. Rides available from 11am to 5.30pm. Poole is home to the second largest natural harbour in the world and is renowned for its watersports. A post shared by Joe Roach (@thesikthsmo) on Apr 7, 2018 at 6:03am PDT. Return trips to Swanage are either £5 or £10 depending on location, and you’re able to get a discounted steam train ticket for £10 when arriving. It’s not very often you’d run up a hill with a block of cheese, competing against others. Sipping cool, sparkling wine amidst rolling vines and majestic oaks in the peaceful countryside has surely got to be the perfect way to spend a warm summer’s day. © holidaycottages.co.uk 2020, 7 New Forest activities for lovers of the outdoors. Set in a disused pit on the Isle of Portland, Tout Quarry is both a sculpture park and nature reserve. Badbury Rings is an Iron Age hillfort in east Dorset. The annual event, usually held in July, welcomes participants from all over the world to eat as many nettles as they can stomach! A post shared by Dorset Travel Bugs (@dorsettravelbugs) on Feb 21, 2019 at 1:31pm PST. It is the largest tombolo in the UK. Yes, you heard it correct, the annual Gold Hill Cheese Race sees young and old take on Dorset’s most idyllic cobbled street, made famous by director Ridley Scott for his classic Hovis baker’s boy advert of the 1970s (later voted as the nation’s favourite ‘ad’). (@petiteladynic), A post shared by Cat Edwardes (@catedwardes), A post shared by Manny Villalba (@serinfo). The festival is dog-friendly, too, just keep them away from the Knobs. Discover more beautiful beaches in Dorset with our ultimate guide. Dorset > Features > Unusual Things to do in Dorset. It’s one of the best-loved scenic spots on the Purbeck coast and home to some of the county’s most memorable toponyms. Watch the region’s bravest hedgerow munchers go head-to-head or go one better and enter this extraordinary contest…at the very least you’ll get a free lunch! If you're a budding Jimi Hendrix or Joan Jett how about joining more than a thousand other amateur strummers for Guitars on the Beach at Lyme Regis. Find out more here. Will you hear the whistle of the ghostly gunner? The monk’s tenure was ended during the disbandment of the monasteries in the sixteenth century by Henry VIII and today the swannery falls under the care of the Ilchester Estates. Things to do in Dorset for everyone to enjoy! Our Contact Centre is currently extremely busy. Alpacas are friendly and loving animals that like to socialise with just about everyone - their soft, fluffy coat is perfect for a fuss. Lulworth Outdoors offers a host of challenging activities, as well as the chance to hire a kayak and explore the coast at a more relaxed pace. Enjoy… 50 Unique Things to do in Dorset… Iron Age hill fort situated on Wears Hill above the village. Even better, you're allowed to walk the Alpacas at Fancy's Farm! The rural culture that blesses the South West, along with a striking coastline, creates many unique opportunities, meaning you’ve got plenty of choices when looking for unusual things to do in Dorset. Since 1978, the Nothe Fort has been preserved close to its original state and as a precious asset of local history with lots of knowledge, facts and evidence to be uncovered by visitors. Nestled in the quaint hilltop town of Shaftesbury is one of Dorset’s most famous streets, Gold Hill. Ancient history buffs won’t be able to resist a visit to the Roman Town House, discovered by archaeologists (almost by chance) in 1937 and believed to date back to the fourth century AD. Admire the finest art, experience in-depth talks, tours and workshops, and wander beautiful cliff-top gardens. Legend has it that the Villages of Puddletown and Briantspuddle which used to contain the word ‘piddle’ changed their village titles to avoid embarrassing Queen Victoria whilst she was visiting! Children will love the Chimpanzee Nursery, where the youngest inhabitants are cared for, and keep an eye out for special events throughout the year, including the Easter Egg Extravaganza. Studland Bay has the world’s largest seahorse-breeding colony in Great Britain and the beach was also the backdrop for Coldplay’s video of their hit song “Yellow”.