Dorset is bursting with stunning places to explore. Nestled in the south of England, it enjoys a prime position with easy access to historic market towns, charming villages and beautiful coastal destinations.
Whether you're familiar with the area or are discovering it for the first time, Silverlake will guide you through some of the best places to visit in Dorset, including its most captivating towns and villages, hidden gems and top attractions, such as Durdle Door and Corfe Castle.
Dorset seaside towns
Few can deny the appeal of a picturesque seaside town and Dorset has several gems along its coastline, all with their own unique charm and character.
- • Weymouth: Boasting a Blue Flag beach and picturesque harbour, Weymouth is the epitome of a classic British seaside holiday. With its golden sands, shallow waters, stripey deckchairs and year-round events, it's the perfect spot for families and nostalgic getaways.
- • Lyme Regis: Known for its fossil-rich cliffs and striking natural beauty, Lyme Regis is steeped in history. Visitors can access several fantastic beaches to enjoy boat trips, fossil hunting, scenic walks and watersports. The town also offers an aquarium, museum, theatre, gardens and a vibrant arts scene.
- • Studland: Famous for its long, sandy beaches (including the most popular naturist beach in Britain) and the striking chalk cliffs of Old Harry Rocks, Studland is ideal for water sports enthusiasts and nature-lovers alike. The Studland to Sandbanks chain ferry also gives easy access to the seaside resorts of Poole and Bournemouth.
Dorset market towns
Dorset’s market towns are brimming with character and history - perfect for a leisurely afternoon of shopping, exploring and soaking up the atmosphere.
- • Dorchester: The county town of Dorset and birthplace of renowned novelist Thomas Hardy, Dorchester offers a perfect blend of culture, history and charm. Its mix of family-friendly museums, a lively arts scene and a wealth of historical landmarks makes it a must-visit town for all ages.
- • Shaftesbury: This small Saxon market town is best known for Gold Hill, the iconic backdrop of the Hovis TV advert and setting for the quintessentially British Gold Hill Cheese Race. Shaftesbury is also home to the ruins of Shaftesbury Abbey, with its excavated foundations now nestled within a peaceful and beautifully maintained walled garden.
- • Bridport: This thriving market town has a rich cultural heritage and a fabulous arts and food scene. Just a mile away lies the charming fishing village of West Bay, set against dramatic Jurassic Coast cliffs.
Best villages in Dorset
Quaint, charming, and full of character, these are some of the best villages in Dorset. They are ideal for scenic walks, traditional village pubs, and soaking up local history.
- • Abbotsbury: A picture-postcard village steeped in history and surrounded by spectacular scenery. Abbotsbury in Dorset is known for its historic buildings, subtropical gardens and peaceful atmosphere.
- • Cerne Abbas: The village is famous for the Cerne Giant, a 180-foot high ancient chalk figure carved into the hillside. Cerne Abbas originally grew around a great Benedictine Abbey and while only a few ruins remain, the village is still rich in charm and makes an excellent base for walkers.
- • Corfe Castle: Dominated by the dramatic ruins of Corfe Castle perched on the hill above, this village offers a step back in time. Constructed almost entirely from local grey Purbeck limestone, it’s full of character and home to several quality pubs, cafés and restaurants.
- • Discover more beautiful towns and villages in Dorset.
Outdoor attractions in Dorset
With dramatic coastlines and an abundance of natural beauty, Dorset is the perfect place to embrace the outdoors.
- • Durdle Door: One of Dorset’s most photographed and iconic landmarks, Durdle Door is part of the Jurassic Coast - England’s first natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. This striking limestone arch was formed by powerful waves eroding through the rock and is a spectacular spot for coastal walks, photography and beach visits.
- • Brownsea Island: Part of the Purbeck National Nature Reserve, Brownsea Island is a wildlife haven and one of the few places in southern England where you can spot red squirrels. Accessible by ferry, it’s Ideal for nature walks, birdwatching and peaceful woodland trails.
- • Corfe Castle: Sharing its name with the nearby village, Corfe Castle is a romantic ruin steeped in over 1,000 years of history. Originally built in the 11th century, the castle’s dramatic location and well-preserved remains offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. It’s an atmospheric place to explore, with fascinating stories of royalty, betrayal and civil war.
Secret places to visit in Dorset
For those looking to uncover some of Dorset’s hidden gems, these lesser-known spots offer peace and charm - perfect for escaping the crowds.
- • Mupe Bay: Just around the corner from popular Lulworth Cove, Mupe Bay is a secluded spot with dramatic coastal scenery. At high tide, the beach is mostly rocky shingle, but as the tide recedes, it reveals a wide stretch of sand. Getting to Mupe Bay requires a bit of effort, but the reward is a peaceful beach that feels like a true discovery.
- • Littlebredy Walled Gardens: Tucked away in the picturesque village of Littlebredy, this charming one-acre walled garden features perennial borders filled with roses, lavender, soft fruit and vegetables. It also includes the restored Victorian kitchen and flower gardens that once served the village estate. This tranquil and beautifully maintained spot is ideal for a quiet afternoon wander.
- • Duncliffe Wood: One of Dorset’s oldest and largest areas of ancient woodland, Duncliffe Wood is a haven for wildlife and nature lovers. Spanning over 30 acres, it features a mix of native broadleaved trees, a large pond and a wildflower meadow. It’s especially atmospheric in spring when the bluebells are in bloom and offers a peaceful retreat from busier tourist trails.
Dorset locations close to Silverlake
Nestled in the heart of rural Dorset, Silverlake is perfectly positioned just 20 minutes from the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site - home to iconic beauty spots such as Durdle Door, Ringstead Bay and Lulworth Cove.
But Silverlake isn’t just about what's nearby - it also boasts its very own Knighton Reserve, a 15.5-hectare nature haven open all year round to homeowners, guests and the local community. The reserve is a dream for nature lovers and outdoor explorers, with a variety of walking trails that wind through woodlands, lakes and meadows.
Silverlake is deeply committed to sustainability, placing the protection of Dorset’s natural beauty at the heart of its vision. This eco-conscious approach is reflected throughout the estate, making it a unique place to relax, explore and reconnect with nature.
For those looking to invest in a holiday retreat, Silverlake Dorset offers holiday lets for sale, combining architectural excellence with ecological sensitivity. Combined with the Habitat Escapes service, means you can enjoy the benefits of a second home without the stress of day-to-day management.