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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lytchett Fields is a wetland nature reserve in Dorset offering visitors the chance to observe a wide variety of wading birds and wildlife in their natural habitat, with walking trails and viewpoints across protected pools and marshland.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.