18-05-2025
Best Dorset National Trust sites to visit for a fun day out
Whether you're interested in local history or just want to explore a beautiful location, they can offer quite a lot.
If you're planning a day out, these sorts of places can be ideal, whether you're going by yourself or with your family.
Here are five of the best National Trust sites you can visit for a day out in Dorset.
Best National Trust sites to visit in Dorset
Brownsea Island
Located out in Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island is one of Dorset's most famous attractions, which has thriving habitats for people to explore.
It offers spectacular views across the Purbeck Hills, with there being heathland, woodland and a lagoon to find here.
The National Trust website adds: "Free trails help you explore the island, there is a natural play area and fantastic picnic spots, an island adventure waiting for the whole family."
The island is also one of the last locations where you can see red squirrels in the UK.
Kingston Lacy
Kingston Lacy is a "lavish" family home located near Wimborne that has a sprawling estate visitors can explore outside of the main property.
According to its website, the house was built to resemble a Venetian Palace, and it contains plenty of "spectacular artworks".
Overall, there are 8,5000 acres to the estate that can be seen, including a Japanese garden and a Kitchen garden.
Studland Bay
Studland Bay is perfect for a summer day out due to it being a "glorious slice of natural coastline".
It has a four-mile stretch of sandy beach "with gently shelving bathing waters" and views that take in Old Harry Rocks.
It is also great for water sports, and the heathland behind the beach is a haven for native wildlife.
The National Trust website adds: "Designated trails through the sand dunes and woodlands allow for exploration and spotting of deer, insects and bird life as well as a wealth of wild flowers."
Corfe Castle
An ideal family day out can be found in Corfe Castle, where you can learn about its history as a palace and a fortress.
There is plenty to take in with the ruins and views that stretch across Purbeck.
The National Trust website adds: "With fallen walls and secret places, there are tales of treachery and treason around every corner.
"Spot the 'murder holes' and count the arrow loops. Feel history come to life and see the wildlife that has set up home here."
Recommended reading:
Hardy's Cottage
#dorset #visitdorset #thomashardy #hardyscottage #cottagegarden #cottagecoreaesthetic #cottagestyle #england ♬ оригінальний звук - dreamyclips @__beanandbear__ Thomas Hardy's cottage garden 🌼🐝 Hidden in woodland northeast of Higher Brockhampton in Dorset, is the beautiful cob and thatched cottage where the famous novelist was born in 1840. He wrote many of his books (including Far From the Madding Crowd) in the top room, working at a small desk overlooking the garden. Hardy and his family grew vegetables and fruit in their garden, keeping a pig, hens, and bees. When the family moved from the cottage in 1912, Hardy helped the next tenant redesign the plot into the picturesque cottage garden you see today. You can visit this enchanting place until October with the @National Trust, we recommend booking in advance. Wishing you all a lovely Easter Sunday 🌼 #englishcountryside
The birthplace of the author Thomas Hardy can be found near Dorchester, and is an intriguing historical spot.
Hardy wrote some novels, including 'Under the Greenwood Tree' and 'Far from the Madding Crowd', here.
Inside, visitors can see open hearths, small windows and stone floors, while the cottage garden is pleasant to experience.
