What can you do in Dorset for free? I hear you ask! There are plenty of free things to do in Dorset, and the cost of parking aside in some locations, there are plenty of ways to enjoy free days out for the whole family.
Whether it’s exploring the outdoors, or perhaps learning some of Dorset’s history, there is something for everyone.
Also discover where kids can eat FREE in Dorset
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- Crabbing In Dorset
- Dorset Beaches
- Fossil Hunting On Dorset Beaches
- Rock Pooling In Dorset
- Free Things To Do In Bournemouth
- Free Things To Do In Swanage
- Free Things To Do In Shaftesbury
- Free Things To Do Near Wimborne
- Free Things To Do In Poole
- Free Things To Do In Weymouth And Portland
- Free Things To Do In Wareham
- Free Things To Do In Bridport And West Bay
- Free Things To Do In Lyme Regis
Crabbing In Dorset
Crabbing is a great family activity to do for free in Dorset. There are plenty of choices to go crabbing along the Dorset coast from Mudeford Quay, Weymouth beach, Swanage Beach and plenty of other places.
Buy your crab drop net and line here
If you have a bucket, a net and an old washing tablet bag to attach to a crabbing line then you’re all set. Crabs particularly like raw bacon which is a nice inexpensive bait to take with you.
Related post – Bumper list of things to do in Dorset
Dorset Beaches
It goes without saying that a visit to the beach is a great free day out for the whole family. There are plenty of amazing beaches in Dorset to choose from, many are blue flag award winning beaches.
Some of our favourites include Southbourne Beach which even includes free parking if you can find a space along the roads nearby. If the hustle and bustle is more your things, then there is always plenty going on at Bournemouth Beach, Weymouth Beach and Swanage Beach.
Related Post – Beach walks in Bournemouth
Fossil Hunting On Dorset Beaches
Fossil hunting is a very popular activity in Dorset and there are a variety of beaches in Dorset that are brilliant for fossil hunting.
The most popular beaches include Charmouth, Kimmeridge, Lyme Regis, Ringstead Bay and Lulworth Cove.
During the Jurassic era, Dorset was covered by the sea, hence the Jurassic Coastline along the Dorset shores. When the sea retreated, the coast was left with plenty of remains from the organisms that lived in the seas.
Related Post – Where to go fossil hunting in Dorset
Rock Pooling In Dorset
A rock pool is a shallow area of water left behind at low tide. They are generally found on rocky shores, which Dorset has plenty of. During low tide, you can discover these small areas of water that appear to be separate from other bodies of water.
There are some great places to find rock pools in Dorset.
Free Things To Do In Bournemouth
Christchurch Quay
Quay Road, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1BU
Christchurch Quay is popular for visitors. The Quomps, a large green space area with a splash park (open seasonally) and play area. You can spend a whole day relaxing on a nice day, or exploring the Quay, admiring the boats on the water and perhaps even feeding the ducks.
Red House Museum And Gardens
Quay Road, Christchurch, BH23 1BU
The Red House Museum was once a Georgian house, and now is a museum showcasing the history of Christchurch from before the Iron Age to modern times.
In the gardens you can get a great view of Christchurch Priory. If you’re visiting with kids there are activity sheets for them to keep them entertained.
Also available is a cafe, picnic area, toilets and a gift shop.
Free Things To Do In Swanage
Durlston Country Park
Lighthouse Rd, Swanage BH19 2JL
If you were ever hoping to see dolphins off the Dorset coast then Durslton Country Park is one of the places to visit for sightings. It’s also a popular choice for any wildlife lovers and bird spotters.
There is plenty to do with kids at Durlston from the live wildlife cameras, to the fossil room. Let’s not forget the marked trails that span over 300 acres for everyone to enjoy and discover nature. The majority of the trails are pushchair friendly as well which is a bonus for many families.
Free Things To Do In Shaftesbury
Gold Hill Museum
Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 8JW
Gold Hill Museum is located on the famous hill in Dorset known for being in the Hovis advert. The museum tells the story of how Shaftesbury was formed, and is also home to Dorset’s oldest fire engine which dates to 1744.
Entry to the museum is free but donations are welcomed.
Shaftesbury Abbey Museum
Park Walk, Shaftesbury
The Shaftesbury Abbey Museum opens seasonally in April until the end of October and is FREE to enter. Dogs are also welcome on leads.
The museum brings to life the story of the abbey and the people who lived there. Throughout your visit there are activities and quizzes to keep children entertained.
Free Things To Do Near Wimborne
Moors Valley Country Park
Horton Rd, Ashley Heath, Ringwood BH24 2ET
Moors Valley Country Park is a whole day out. You can save money and make it a free day out (parking charges aside) by taking a picnic and utilising the forest trails, huge play park and tree top trail.
There are plenty of places to stop and sit down along the trails as well as a huge grass area near the lake.
At varying times of the year there are also themed trails to discover which is a great family activity to enjoy together in the fresh air.
Related Post – Country parks in Dorset
Free Things To Do In Poole
Poole Museum
4 High St, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1BW
Opening Times – Daily 10am-1pm / 2pm – 5pm. Poole Museum has free entrance and spans across four different buildings. Tickets must be booked in advance via the website.
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The museum tells the story of Poole’s maritime history and its harbour. You can explore the different buildings, walking through history.
If you’re visiting with kids, then you can expect to find a variety of free family activities during school holidays around varying different themes.
Other facilities at Poole Museum include a cafe and shop.
Poole Park
Poole, BH15 2SF
Located right next to the town centre, you can park for free in one of the three car parks, though on busy days these tend to fill up quickly.
If you are looking to see the whole of Poole Park, then you can enjoy a 2km walk around the lake. Other activities in the park include crazy golf, soft play, pottery painting, play parks, and refreshment kiosks and a cafe.
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Upton Country Park
Poole Rd, Upton, Poole, BH17 7BJ
Facilities include lots of open space on the front lawn which is popular for families wishing to spend some time relaxing and enjoying family time. There is lots to discover at Upton Country park including a play park, walled garden, splash fountain during the Summer months. Parking charges do apply in the car park.
Free Things To Do In Weymouth And Portland
Tout Quarry
Tradecroft Industrial Estate, Portland, Dorset, DT5 2LN
Tout Quarry is an abandoned stone quarry which has been turned into a stone sculpture park. There is a free car park area at the entrance to the nature reserve. The car park is quite hidden from view, and as you reach the end of the industrial estate, turn right up a stony path.
From the car park follow the path in the top right hand corner until you arrive at the quarry. You can discover a wide variety of sculptures and shapes from the quarry stone. There are amazing views across Chesil Beach and Weymouth if you venture to the top.
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Sandsfoot Castle
84 Old Castle Road, Weymouth, DT4 8QE
Sandsfoot Castle was completed in the 1500’s on the orders of Henry VIII as a defence, alongside Portland Castle.
The castle was damaged early on by the sea, however remained as a Royal Castle until after the Civil War.
After many many years, the castle was renovated with the help of the heritage lottery fund by the Friends of Sandsfoot Castle and Weymouth Council to conserve it for the future. The castle is free to visit.
Radipole Lake Nature Reserve
Radipole Lake Visitor Centre, Weymouth DT4 7TZ
At RSPB Radipole Lake you could be treated to wildlife such as Kingfishers and otters. The nature reserve is free to enter but car parking charges apply.
You can expect to find nature trails, guided walks, a picnic area, toilets, play area and refreshments.
Check out the latest information here
Free Things To Do In Wareham
Tyneham Village
East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5QF
Tyneham village was evacuated in 1943 during WWII and is to this day an abandoned village. During the war the village was used for military training, but the residents were never allowed to return after the war ended.
You can visit Tyneham village and wander through learning about the history of the houses, school building and church that were once occupied.
Tyneham Village is open most weekends, but if there is firing in the area, the village will be closed off so it’s worth checking before you visit.
Free Things To Do In Bridport And West Bay
West Bay Discovery Centre
You’ll find West Bay Discovery Centre next to the Bridport Arms car park and close to East beach. The centre has changing exhibitions through the year, and plenty of family friendly activities.
During the school holidays you’ll also find plenty going on to entertain the kids if you’re looking for things to do in West Bay.
The West Bay Discovery Centre is also dog friendly. There is a note that on very busy days, dogs may not be permitted but other than that dogs are welcome. The Centre is free to enter but donations are welcomed.
Free Things To Do In Lyme Regis
The Town Mill
DT7 3PU
Located in the heart of Lyme Regis, you can find a working flour mill. Learn from the millers about their craft, as well as discovering the art galleries, cafe, silversmith, pottery and a microbrewery.
There is no charge for a self guided view of the Mill, they just ask for a donation to help keep the Mill running and the water wheel turning.
