Days Out in Dorset: Places Worth the Trip
Lulworth Cove, Corfe Castle and seven miles of award winning beach - six brilliant days out around Dorset, all easy trips from Peartrees in Bournemouth.
The Peartrees guide · Dorset days out
Bournemouth sits at the heart of one of Britain's most beautiful stretches of coast and countryside - seven miles of award winning beach on the doorstep, the New Forest to one side and the World Heritage Jurassic Coast to the other, with castle ruins and island wildlife in between. Whether you fancy a lazy beach day or a proper adventure, it is all within easy reach. And with Peartrees, our luxury holiday let with hot tub and pool table as your Bournemouth base, every one of these days out ends back in comfort.
At a glance
- Handpicked days out across Dorset and the New Forest
- Seven miles of award winning beach right on the doorstep
- Castle ruins, island wildlife and World Heritage coastline
- Forest trails, red squirrels and year round outdoor play
Dorset days out worth the trip
From the sand on your doorstep to the Jurassic Coast, here are the days out we send our guests to first.
Bournemouth Beach
Award winning · on the doorstepSeven miles of award winning beach with some of the warmest sea temperatures around and views across to the Isle of Wight. The easiest great day out you will ever plan.
Explore the beaches →The New Forest
National park · walks and wildlifeFrom gentle woodland strolls to long distance hikes and coastal walks, the New Forest has a route for every pace - with its famous free roaming ponies never far from the path.
Visit the New Forest →Lulworth Cove
Jurassic Coast · World Heritage SiteOpen every day, with panoramic views and crystal clear waters on this famous stretch of the World Heritage coast. Come for rock pooling, watersports or simply one of the best walks in Dorset.
Visit Lulworth Cove →Corfe Castle
National Trust · historic ruinsOne of Britain's most iconic survivors of the English Civil War, partially demolished in 1646. Climb among the ruins for sweeping views across the Purbecks - history with a serious backdrop.
Visit Corfe Castle →Brownsea Island
National Trust · wildlife sanctuaryAn island sanctuary in Poole Harbour famous for its rare red squirrels, with protected habitats for birds. A short boat trip that feels like a world away.
Visit Brownsea Island →Moors Valley
Country park · play and trailsA country park managed for people and wildlife alike, with space for play, recreation and education, and ranger led activities running year round. Brilliant for burning off young legs.
Visit Moors Valley →Make a day of it: travelling with kids?
If the little ones need a day built just for them, these three are made for it.
Adventure Wonderland
An award winning theme park made for ages 3 to 10, with 30 rides and daily character entertainment. Visit Adventure Wonderland →
The Oceanarium
An underwater adventure right on Bournemouth seafront, minutes from the beach. Visit the Oceanarium →
Rock Reef
28 indoor climbing walls at the end of Bournemouth Pier - all year, all weather, ages 4 to 94. Visit Rock Reef →
For more ideas across the wider area, see our guide to family days out near Bournemouth.
Your base for exploring
Check availability →
Come home to Peartrees
After a day of castles, coves and coastal walks, unwind in the hot tub, put a film on in the cinema room, rack up the pool table or settle into the spacious garden. Still weighing up where to base yourself? Our post on luxury stays in Bournemouth is a good place to start.
Hot tub
Cinema room
Pool table
Garden dining
Frequently asked questions
What are the best days out in Dorset?
Highlights within easy reach of Bournemouth include Lulworth Cove on the World Heritage Jurassic Coast, the ruins of Corfe Castle, Brownsea Island's red squirrels, the New Forest, Moors Valley country park and seven miles of award winning beach in Bournemouth itself.
Is Bournemouth Beach good for a beach day?
Yes - Bournemouth has seven miles of award winning beaches with some of the warmest sea temperatures around and views across to the Isle of Wight, so a beach day needs no more planning than picking your spot.
Do I need to book these days out in advance?
The beaches and open countryside are free to roam, while National Trust sites like Corfe Castle and Brownsea Island, and attractions such as Moors Valley, are best checked and booked through their own websites, especially in peak season.
Ready to explore Dorset?
Make these days out part of your holiday - beaches and castles by day, and a hot tub waiting for you at the end of it all.
Book your stay at Peartrees →
Nikki
Host of PeartreesNikki is the host of Peartrees, a luxury holiday let in Bournemouth, and writes these guides from years of exploring the area and pointing guests to the places she rates herself.
Written by Nikki, polished by Claude