Dorset is a scenic and historic English county famed for its Jurassic Coast, market towns, cultural festivals, and literary heritage, offering diverse landscapes and accessible transport.
10 Oct, 17 Oct
Join experts from the Dorset Fungus Group on a guided walk to find and identify fungi on Brownsea Island, and learn about their species and role in the ecosystem. The walk is for both novices and experienced participants and is not a foraging event.
12 Dec, 19 Dec
Visitors can explore the ruins of Corfe Castle after dark, illuminated by warm lights, and gather around a fire pit to toast marshmallows. Hot drinks and mulled wine are available from a local café.
RSPB Arne is a nature reserve in Dorset renowned for its diverse habitats and rare wildlife including all six native UK reptiles. Visitors can explore extensive heathlands, ancient oak woodland, wetlands and shoreline with facilities including accessible trails, a café, and events. Dog-friendly routes and mobility scooter hire enhance the visit experience in this outdoor wildlife haven.
17 Oct, 24 Nov…
Join a relaxed social walk through Kingston Lacy’s woodlands, gardens and countryside, covering 3–4 miles over about 1.5 hours. The monthly routes explore different parts of the estate and finish at the café.
Kingston Lacy in Dorset is an opulent family home styled as a Venetian Palace, surrounded by extensive gardens and an 8,500-acre estate featuring heathland, hill forts and rare cattle breeds. Visitors can explore the house's remarkable art collection and ancient Egyptian artefacts, enjoy child-friendly play areas, café dining, and guided garden tours. The venue offers a mix of indoor and outdoor experiences with good accessibility and dog-friendly outdoor areas.
9–13 Oct, 16–20 Oct…
A Regency-themed event exploring autumn social life in Salisbury, including the harvest, the social season and the Glorious Twelfth. It also covers Regency-era All Hallows’ Eve, Gothic literature and folklore.
Mompesson House is an 18th-century Queen Anne style historic house in Salisbury, Wiltshire, owned by the National Trust. Visitors can explore its carefully restored Georgian interiors and collections of 18th-century decorative arts. The house was also a filming location for the movie Sense and Sensibility.
24 Oct–1 Nov
Follow a wildlife-themed activity trail at Studland, making a wand and completing a wizarding passport while exploring activity stations and learning about local wildlife, including seagrass.
Studland Bay is a natural coastline in Dorset featuring a four-mile sandy beach with bathing waters and views of Old Harry Rocks. It offers outdoor activities including water sports, walking trails through dunes and woodlands rich in wildlife, and historical sites like a WWII observation bunker. Facilities include a café, shop, beach huts, and accessibility features.
10 Oct (this Saturday)
Participants learn traditional Indian block-printing techniques, experiment with carved wooden blocks and fabric paints, and create up to two printed textile pieces to take home. The guided workshop is led by printmaker Lela Brooke and includes materials.
Kingston Lacy is a historic 17th-century Italianate country house and estate near Wimborne Minster, Dorset, featuring extensive formal gardens, parkland, and a significant fine art collection. The house offers a blend of indoor tours with finely decorated interiors and outdoor exploration of its historic gardens and grounds.
10–11 Oct (this weekend)
A market showcasing creative products made by local artists, held in the historic barns and courtyard at Lytes Cary Manor.
Lytes Cary is a Grade I listed historic manor house in Somerset dating from the 14th century, featuring a chapel, Great Hall with period furnishings, and extensive Arts and Crafts style gardens listed as Grade II. The National Trust owns the property and offers public access to the older parts of the house and the distinctive gardens set in themed 'rooms' with hedges, ponds, and an orchard.
19 Oct, 2 Nov…
Nature Tots is an outdoor group for children aged five and under and their parents or carers. Volunteer-led sessions use crafts, stories, walks and play to explore the beach, dunes or woodland and discover nature through the seasons.
5 Nov, 12 Nov…
Visitors take a guided woodland walk on Brownsea Island to learn about and look for red squirrels, followed by a cream tea in Brownsea Castle.
25 Oct
A Diwali celebration at Corfe Castle featuring dance, live music, storytelling and food stalls, with children’s rangoli and craft activities. Visitors are also invited to take part in a diya-lighting ceremony.
Studland is a coastal village in Dorset known for its extensive sandy beaches, nationally important heathland nature reserve, and historical World War II sites. Visitors can explore natural dune systems, enjoy wildlife watching, and walk parts of the South West Coast Path.
23 Oct–1 Nov
Explore the gardens and grounds of Montacute House during an autumn activity, searching for animal paintings hidden around the site.
Montacute House is a late Elizabethan mansion in Somerset, England, known for its exceptional Renaissance architecture and the longest surviving Long Gallery in England. The venue offers both indoor experiences in its historic rooms and exhibitions, and outdoor experiences with its Grade I listed gardens and extensive parkland. It hosts historical portraits in partnership with the National Portrait Gallery and has served as a filming location for films and TV dramas.
20 Oct
Take a history-guided walk around Brownsea Island and the grounds of Brownsea Castle, with stories about the island’s past and access to view the castle’s paintings and artefacts. The event finishes with a cream tea in the castle’s Morning Room.
12 Oct, 9 Nov…
Home educators and children can join nature-based sessions at Studland, with seasonal activities such as arts and crafts, spotter walks and scavenger hunts. The listed sessions focus on woodland scavenging and crafts in October, fungi in November, and a winter beach scavenger hunt and festive crafts in December.
17 Oct (next Saturday)
A nature walk for neurodivergent families, led by ADHD coach Jane Woods, Johanna Merry and a National Trust team member. Participants can spend time outdoors together and explore ideas about nature, wellbeing and neurodiversity.
Old Harry Rocks are distinctive chalk stacks and formations on the Isle of Purbeck coast in Dorset, marking the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore the natural coastal landscape and admire views including the Isle of Wight's Needles.
9–13 Oct, 16–20 Oct…
Explore Mompesson House dressed to reflect the Portman family’s time there and learn about Regency life and the family’s social calendar. Visitors can see a Regency parlour and children’s playroom, take part in activities, and follow a spotter trail around the house.
Sarum College is a historic college located in Salisbury Cathedral Close offering accessible accommodation with modern amenities, views of the cathedral, and proximity to cultural sites and city shops. Visitors can enjoy a mix of historic ambience and contemporary comfort within a largely wheelchair accessible environment.
24 Oct
Join a guided birdwatching walk through the wetlands of Brownsea Island, led by a Dorset Wildlife Trust ranger, to observe the island’s seasonal birdlife at Brownsea Lagoon.
23 Nov–24 Dec, 27 Dec 2026–3 Jan 2027
A family quest at Corfe Castle exploring Christmas food, feasting and traditions in medieval times. Follow the route, solve six festive clues, look for Monty and Mathilda Mouse, and collect a siege coin at the end.
21 Dec
Visitors can explore Corfe Castle’s ruins and watch the sun rise over East Hill on the winter solstice. The event also includes a fire pit in the Outer Bailey, where visitors can roast marshmallows and buy hot drinks or pastries.
9 Oct, 16 Oct…
Visitors can try carrying a yoke and handle replica medieval pottery while learning about life in a medieval castle. Stonemason volunteers are also available to discuss traditional stone-carving techniques.
7–23 Oct (another 14 days)
Join a volunteer for a guided woodland walk on Brownsea Island to look for red squirrels as they forage for food.
27 Oct–1 Nov
A spooky storyteller shares three slightly sinister tales about horrible heroes, vile villains, pestilent peasants and a talking horse at Corfe Castle. The tales are scheduled for 1:30pm and 3pm.
Corfe Castle is a historic 11th-century ruined stone castle atop a hill in Dorset, England, known for its medieval architecture and role in the English Civil War. Visitors can explore the castle ruins, enjoy scenic views, and learn about its rich history under National Trust care.
7 Sep, 14 Sep…
A 12-week walking programme at Kingston Lacy for people living with Parkinson’s, with weekly walks that gradually build in pace while participants connect with nature. Sessions also offer activity advice and support from volunteer walk leaders.
21 Nov–24 Dec, 27 Dec 2026–3 Jan 2027
Visitors can explore Kingston Lacy’s house and gardens decorated for a Christmas ball, following a story through rooms filled with costumes and twinkling decorations. Outside, the Fernery and winter gardens are lit with lights and lanterns.
Badbury Rings is an Iron Age hill fort in east Dorset notable for its extensive earthworks, nearby Roman road junction, and adjacent Romano-British town site. It is an outdoor site managed by the National Trust with free public access and offers historical insights into Iron Age and Roman Britain.
25 Oct, 22 Nov…
A non-competitive 10km trail run around Studland Bay, following mixed terrain from Knoll Beach over Ballard Down and past Old Harry Rocks. The monthly event is intended for runners to enjoy the surrounding landscape and nature.
Ballard Down is a scenic chalk downland area on the Purbeck Hills in Dorset, featuring coastal views between Studland Bay and Swanage Bay, part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, with grassland managed by the National Trust and a historic obelisk landmark.
6–23 Oct (another 14 days)
Explore the Visakhapatnam cabinet through an exhibition about its craftsmanship, conservation and cultural connections between India and Europe. The display includes related objects, a contemporary painting and a dress inspired by the cabinet, with sections of the painting also installed in the garden.
White Mill is an 18th-century water-powered corn mill near Sturminster Marshall in Dorset, featuring original milling machinery and historic architecture, preserved as a Grade II listed building and managed by the National Trust.
14–15 Nov
A Christmas market featuring products made by neighbouring artists, held in the historic barns and courtyard areas at Lytes Cary Manor. Visitors can browse the stalls for gifts.
3 Nov, 17 Nov
A guided historical walk explores Brownsea Island and the grounds of Brownsea Castle, with access to the castle to see paintings and artefacts. The event ends with tea and scones in the castle’s Morning Room.
Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour offers a unique wildlife haven with habitats for red squirrels and diverse birds, family-friendly trails, natural play areas, daily guided tours, and a historic campsite. Visitors access the island by ferry and can enjoy both outdoor nature and indoor facilities including a café and visitor centre.
Poole is a historic coastal town and seaport in Dorset, England, known for its large natural harbour, maritime heritage, sandy beaches, cultural attractions, and lively shopping and dining scene.
29 Oct
Visitors can meet the gardeners at Hardy’s Cottage as they harvest apples from the orchard, mill them into pulp and press them to make apple juice.
Thomas Hardy's Cottage in Dorset is the birthplace of the famous English author, featuring original period interiors, a cottage garden, and nearby woodlands with a visitor centre and trails.
24 Oct–1 Nov
Explore the grounds at Barrington Court on a spotter trail to find fifteen wild creatures hidden around the estate.
Barrington Court is a Tudor manor house in Somerset, combining historic architecture with Arts and Crafts-style gardens originally designed by Gertrude Jekyll. Visitors can explore the historic house, converted stable buildings, and extensive ornamental gardens including a kitchen garden supplying the onsite restaurant.
30 Oct, 27 Nov
A guided mindful walk around Corfe Castle, following the River Corfe and exploring the castle ruins. Participants take part in mindful movement and meditation within the castle walls.
18 Oct, 15 Nov…
A ranger-guided tour in an all-terrain vehicle explores the nature and history of Studland’s beach, dunes and heather trail. The tour includes stops where participants can get out and take photos.
7–31 Oct (another 22 days)
An exhibition at Corfe Castle’s Welcome Centre presents archaeological finds from excavations, showing objects associated with everyday life in the medieval castle.
Spyway in Dorset offers a distinctive limestone coastal landscape with towering sea cliffs, grasslands rich in wildlife, historic sea quarries, and scenic walking trails along the South West Coast Path. It is a natural outdoor destination welcoming well-behaved dogs and free to the public.
16–20 Oct, 23–27 Oct…
Families can use the Stranger Folk app to follow the Crone through an interactive folklore adventure at Mompesson House, completing magical challenges to help close a rift between the human and spirit worlds.
Arundells is a Grade II Listed historic house and garden in Salisbury, former home of Sir Edward Heath, showcasing art, memorabilia, and peaceful gardens with cathedral views. Visitors can explore the accessible house interior, extensive gardens, and enjoy cultural events.
4–5 Dec
Kingston Lacy stays open late for visitors to see its Christmas decorations, with a special show by Squidge and Pop during the evening.
21–22 Nov, 28–29 Nov
Squidge and Pop present an interactive, multi-sensory Christmas bubble magic event, with swirling bubbles, tricks and bubble snow globes. The sessions take place in the courtyard in clear weather or in the Tipi when it rains.
Deans Court is an elegant historic Georgian house set in ancient and romantic gardens in Wimborne Minster, featuring heritage interiors, a monastic fishpond, and a café, offering guided tours and special events access primarily for Historic Houses members and paying visitors.
1 Nov
The Wedding Showcase at Mompesson House invites prospective couples to explore the house and walled garden, meet local wedding suppliers and discuss wedding plans and packages with the Events Team.
Old Sarum Castle is an 11th century motte-and-bailey castle ruin in Salisbury, Wiltshire, set within an ancient Iron Age hillfort and managed by English Heritage, offering visitors an outdoor historical experience of medieval fortifications and earthworks.
19–23 Dec, 27 Dec 2026–3 Jan 2027
Christmas at Corfe Castle offers a seasonal setting with natural decorations and a fire pit where visitors can toast marshmallows and spend time with friends or family.
24 Oct–1 Nov
October half-term activities at Corfe Castle include a folklore-themed family quest, a teddy bear zip-wire activity and spooky storytelling sessions. Visitors can also take a selfie by the castle’s pumpkin display.
Smedmore House is a Georgian manor house located on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, featuring extensive gardens and elegant historical interiors with sea views. It offers a tranquil country house experience and is open to the public by appointment or during special open days to support local charities.
18 Dec
Children aged 0–12 can join Santa for a festive story about his unexpected helper, with magical surprises, an early Christmas gift and a chance to take a photo with him. These relaxed sessions have fewer attendees and are designed to be quieter than the other storytelling dates.
12 Oct, 19 Oct…
A weekly Nordic walking programme at Kingston Lacy for people living with Parkinson’s, offering guided walks, support and advice on staying active. The programme begins with a four-week introductory course, followed by weekly Wellness Walks.
6 May, 3 Jun…
Join a volunteer-led walking tour of Kingston Lacy’s Kitchen Garden to learn about its Victorian history, the Bankes family and how the garden is used to grow seasonal produce for the café.
20–22 Oct, 24–25 Oct…
Hardy's Cottage and Hardy's House at Max Gate feature autumnal floral displays created by local flower arrangers.
Max Gate is a Grade I listed historic house in Dorchester, Dorset, designed and built by Thomas Hardy, showcasing Queen Anne style architecture, and open to public visits with access to multiple rooms including studies and bedrooms associated with Hardy's life and works.
8–10 Dec
Travel by boat to Brownsea Island for a guided wreath-making workshop in Brownsea Castle, with carols and a festive two-course lunch. Attendees can also stroll around the island or spend time in the castle bar.
30 Sep, 28 Oct
A volunteer-led walking tour of Kingston Lacy’s Japanese Garden explores Japanese horticultural techniques and their English interpretation. Tours last approximately 60 minutes.
7 Oct–8 Nov (another 30 days)
Explore 30 Pikachu trading cards illustrated by different artists, discover facts about the character and design your own Pikachu card as part of an art adventure at Kingston Lacy.
20–24 Nov, 27 Nov–1 Dec…
Christmas at Mompesson House brings the Regency story of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King to the house, with themed rooms to explore and a free children's spotter trail.
Wilton House Gardens feature a mix of formal gardens and open parkland with historical architectural elements and diverse garden highlights including a water garden, arboretum, and a labyrinth maze.
27 Oct
Children can join the Ranger team in the Cricket Pitch woods to learn woodcraft and practise making a fire without matches, then toast marshmallows.
7 Oct–22 Nov (another 44 days)
Families can follow a quest at Corfe Castle, solving clues about folklore, mystery and superstition, including beliefs about cooking, protecting homes, witches and fairies.
Spyway is a National Trust property in Dorset known for its 140 million-year-old dinosaur footprints and historic barn with smuggling history. Visitors can explore fossil footprints outdoors along the Priest's Way and experience local heritage.
8–26 Oct (another 17 days)
An exhibition of Tansy Lee Moir’s drawings, paintings and monoprints inspired by trees and their histories. Visitors can view works made with charcoal, natural pigments and mixed media.
Figsbury Ring is an ancient earthwork site in Wiltshire featuring Neolithic and Iron Age archaeological remains set within protected grassland on a chalk ridge, managed by the National Trust and open to the public as a significant outdoor historical landmark.
24 Oct–1 Nov
An outdoor family trail on Brownsea Island inspired by The New Famous Five. Participants follow clues, complete eight challenges and solve a mystery to help rescue Professor George.
Brownsea Island is a large island in Poole Harbour, Dorset, managed by the National Trust with extensive nature reserves, wildlife habitats, and historical sites including Brownsea Castle. It is famed as the location of the first experimental Scout camp in 1907, and it offers outdoor activities, nature trails, and cultural events for visitors.
10–11 Oct (this weekend)
Visitors can join the Ranger team to collect apples from Barrington Court’s orchards, which contain more than 100 varieties. The harvest activity takes place across the first two weekends of October.
7–22 Oct (another 13 days)
Local nature photographer Ben Pullitz displays wildlife and landscape photographs in a pop-up shop at Lytes Cary Manor.
26–30 Oct
Artist Zac Newham leads drop-in woodcrafting sessions in which attendees use estate timber and tools to make a piece of natural art inspired by local wild creatures.
Treasurer's House in Martock, Somerset, is a Grade I listed medieval house dating from the 13th century and owned by the National Trust. It features historic architecture including a great hall with a timber roof and medieval wall paintings, offering visitors an indoor historical experience.
28 Oct
A family event celebrating the Ranger Rae and the Wildlifers children’s podcast, with a chance to meet its creative team and hear new episodes. Attendees can try podcast-making activities, create sound effects, take part in games and colouring, and explore storytelling through audio.
23 Oct, 13 Nov…
A guided mindfulness walk through woodland, using the senses to experience nature and finishing with gentle mindfulness movements in the sand dunes.
28–29 Nov, 5–6 Dec…
Children can join Santa at Kingston Lacy for a Christmas story brought to life with magical surprises, an early gift and a photo opportunity. The experience lasts around an hour, including approximately 30 minutes of storytelling.
20 Oct
Join a 2.5-mile guided countryside walk from Max Gate to St Peter’s Church, Winterbourne Came, where participants will visit the grave of Dorset poet William Barnes. Poetry and writing connected to Thomas Hardy and the landscape will be shared along the route.
Wolfeton House is a Grade 1 listed medieval and Elizabethan manor house in Dorset featuring a candlelit chapel, historic interiors with carved oak panelling, plaster ceilings, and stone great stairs. Open to visitors from June to September on specific weekdays, it offers a rich historical experience with free parking nearby.
Dorchester is the historic county town of Dorset, England, known for its Roman origins, literary connections with Thomas Hardy, and rich cultural and archaeological heritage. It offers a walkable town centre with notable museums, theatres, and a vibrant market town atmosphere.
28 Nov–24 Dec, 26 Dec 2026–3 Jan 2027
Quizmas Trail is a self-led circular quiz walk along the beach and through the dunes at Studland. Follow the arrows between questions and answers; visitors completing the trail between 10am and 3pm can collect a sticker from Visitor Reception.
20–22 Oct, 24–25 Oct…
Hardy's Cottage and Hardy's House, Max Gate will feature autumn floral displays created by local flower-arranging groups.
Maiden Castle is a large Iron Age hill fort in Dorset, England, known as one of the largest and most complex hill forts in Britain and Europe. Visitors can explore extensive ramparts, ditches, and archaeological features including a Neolithic enclosure and a Roman temple site. The site is managed by English Heritage and open to the public.
9 Oct, 29 Oct…
Join fungi expert Andy Knott for a guided walk through Studland’s woodland, observing and learning to identify native fungi and other species in their natural habitat.
24 Oct–1 Nov
Follow a Halloween trail around Lytes Cary Manor, solving a riddle and collecting a trail sheet, pencil and prize. The trail takes around one to one and a half hours to complete.