Camping in Dorset

Key things to do while camping in Dorset

If you only have a short time in Dorset there are a few things you must tick off your list.

• Boat trip on the Jurassic Coast
• Enjoy an ice cream at the beach (even on a windy day)
• Walk out on the Cobb at Lyme Regis
• Try local seafood
• Go for a swim in the sea
• Rally the troops for a windy coastal walk
• Visit Maiden Castle, the largest Iron Age hill fort in Europe for a history lesson
• Keep an eye out for fossils at all times

Camping on the Jurassic Coast

Dorset is famous for its dramatic Jurassic Coast featuring natural landmarks including Lulworth Cove, Chesil Beach and Durdle Door. This part of Dorset is a magnificent stretch of 200 million-year-old shoreline that has been designated a Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO due to its outstanding geological make-up.

While camping on the Jurassic Coast, you'll get to uncover picturesque coastal views, acres of golden beaches, fresh blue waters, rolling hills, hidden caves and much more. Whether you enjoy water sport activities, fancy sunbathing on the beach or you’re in the mood for a stroll with your canine companion, there's so much to do on the Jurassic Coast.

Enjoying incredible beaches

When you're camping in Dorset, you won't be far from golden sandy beaches, crisp blue waters and breathtaking coastal views. Some of the most popular beaches in Dorset include:

• Lulworth Cove
• Durdle Door
• Lyme Regis
• Weymouth
• Bournemouth
• Mudeford Sandbank

Top 10 attractions in Dorset

Whether you're camping with your friends and family, on a solo adventure or you're enjoying a romantic getaway, here are some of the top attractions to visit in Dorset.

1. The Dinosaur Museum

Bring the fossils from your beach hunts to life at the Dinosaur Museum. Here you can see dinosaur skeletons and fossils as well as life-size reconstructions. You'll be surprised at the size of a T-Rex! This is a great option for exploring the outdoors, indoors on rainy days.

2. Monkey World

Home to over 250 rescued and endangered primates, there is enough here to occupy a full day for all ages. Chimpanzees, orangutans, gibbons and many more species call Monkey World home. Attend keeper talks, visit all the animals, monkey around in the play area and visit the café before having a browse of the gift shop. There is enough here to occupy a full day for all ages.

3. Farmer Palmer's Farm Park

A great day out for the whole family, here you can get hands-on with some of the farms' residents by bottle feeding baby goats and handling the guinea pigs. There is so much to do at the farm including jumping on board the bumpy tractor ride, heading out on a deer safari and navigating the summer maze.

4. The Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium

Discover the marine life of the Jurassic Coast at the hands on aquarium. Get hands-on with some of the fish and sea creatures including starfish, lobsters, crabs and grey mullet.

5. Kingston Maurward Animal Park and Gardens

Working with the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, all efforts here are put into conservation. Spend a full-filled day feeding the alpacas, goats, rabbits and many more. There are over 35 acres of formal gardens to explore, you can book a garden tour or explore on your own.

6. Sandworld Sculpture Park

Head to Weymouth to see the life-sized works of art created from sand and water and try your hand at creating your own sculpture.

7. Dorset Falconry Park

Home to over 100 birds including owls, hawks and falcons, this is a great spot to see a falconry display.

8.  The Tank Museum in Bovington

Showcasing armoured warfare from World War One to the present day, here you can see vehicles up close including the first-ever tank or take a ride on an M548 tracked vehicle. The restaurant, café and picnic areas give you space to sit down and refuel while the play area is great for little ones needing to burn off excess energy.

9. Lulworth Castle & Park

Enjoy Woodland walks, a children’s play area and plenty of space to explore. Dogs on leads are welcome which means the whole family can go along for a picnic and a lovely stroll. Check out The Castle Tearoom for delicious home-made cakes and cream teas, they also sell small souvenirs.

10. The Cerne Giant

Britain’s largest chalk hill figure, at 180ft tall, the giant can be seen clearly from the Giant’s View car park, but you can also walk up to his feet for a closer look. The giant figure is thought to be around 400 years old and is well worth seeing just to marvel at the size.