The Village

Abbotsbury is a pretty village on Dorset’s stunning Jurassic Coast. Think thatched cottages, rolling hills, and the kind of place where you can grab a pint in a cosy pub, browse quirky little craft shops, and stop for coffee and cake. It’s famous for its Subtropical Gardens—basically a jungle by the sea, packed with exotic plants—and the Swannery, the only place in the world where you can walk through a colony of 600 free-flying swans (a very unique experience).

Walks

If you’re up for stretching your legs, there are some epic coastal walks nearby. A chilled 3 mile circular route from the village takes you up to St Catherine’s Chapel, a 14th-century chapel perched on a hill with incredible views. From there, you can wander down to Chesil Beach, an 18-mile stretch barrier beach made of shingle.

Luxury & Outdoorsy Escapes Nearby

The Pig on the Beach (Studland) – Rustic-luxe vibes, farm-to-table food, and panoramic coastal views. A must for anyone wanting laidback luxury by the sea.

Keyneston Mill (Blandford Forum) – A dreamy botanical garden and perfume distillery where you can wander among scented plants, take a fragrance-making class, and sip botanical cocktails in the café.

The Seaside Boarding House (Burton Bradstock) – Old-school seaside glamour with amazing cocktails, fresh seafood, and epic views over the Jurassic Coast.

Sculpture by the Lakes (Dorchester) – A peaceful outdoor art space with stunning sculptures, landscaped gardens, and a stylish café serving seasonal food.

🍽️ Foodie Heaven

Robin Wylde (Lyme Regis) – Michelin-starred dining in a cool, intimate setting. Seasonal, hyper-local tasting menus celebrating the best of Dorset’s produce.

Brassica (Beaminster) – One of the best restaurants in Dorset, serving simple but stunning food in a beautifully styled space.

The Ollerod (Beaminster) – A boutique restaurant with rooms, serving inventive dishes with a focus on sustainability and bold flavours.

Catch at The Old Fish Market (Weymouth) – A stunning seafood restaurant inside a historic harbourside building. Book a table on the terrace and watch the boats bob by.

Shell Bay Restaurant (Studland) – Beachfront dining with ridiculously good seafood and sunsets. One of the best places for a long lunch with rosé and fresh oysters.

Terroir Tapas (Southbourne, Bournemouth) – Cool, sustainability-focused small plates and an incredible natural wine list.

Mark Hix Oyster & Fish House (Lyme Regis) – Epic seafood with jaw-dropping coastal views. Ideal for a relaxed but elevated lunch.

🏖️ Attractions & Outdoorsy Adventures

Durdle Door & Lulworth Cove – Dorset’s most iconic coastal spot. Hike along the cliffs, swim in the turquoise waters, or just enjoy a picnic on the beach.

Old Harry Rocks (Studland) – A breathtaking coastal walk with insane views over the chalk cliffs. Perfect for sunrise or sunset walks.

Brownsea Island (Poole Harbour) – A National Trust island with red squirrels, woodland trails, and hidden beaches. A great day out for nature lovers.

Golden Cap (Bridport) – The highest point on the south coast with epic panoramic views. Worth the climb!

Chesil Beach & Portland Bill – Wild, dramatic landscapes with amazing walks and fresh seafood shacks.

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens & Swannery – Lush botanical gardens and a unique swan sanctuary, perfect for a relaxed afternoon.

Corfe Castle – A historic ruin that looks straight out of a fairytale, set in one of Dorset’s prettiest villages.

Jurassic Coast Fossil Hunting (Charmouth & Lyme Regis) – A must-do! Head to Charmouth Beach to hunt for real fossils along the famous Jurassic Coast.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best Places for Families with Kids

Moors Valley Country Park – Adventure playgrounds, treetop trails, cycle paths, and a miniature steam train. Perfect for outdoorsy families.

Monkey World (Wareham) – A rescue centre for primates, with an amazing mix of monkeys and apes to see.

Dorset Adventure Park (Corfe Castle) – An epic waterpark with inflatable obstacle courses on a lake. Big kids (and adults!) will love it.

Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park (Poole) – A hands-on farm with tractor rides, animal feeding, and play areas.

RockReef at Bournemouth Pier – Indoor climbing, a pier-to-shore zip line, and adventure activities right on the beach.

The Tank Museum (Bovington) – A surprisingly awesome day out with interactive exhibits and real-life tanks!

Weymouth Sea Life Centre & Sandworld – Underwater tunnels, rock pools, and giant sand sculptures.

West Bay & Bridport Market – A fun seaside town (aka the setting for Broadchurch) with fish & chips, beach walks, and a buzzing market on Saturdays.

Studland Beach & Nature Reserve – Shallow waters and golden sand, perfect for little ones to paddle in.