With its captivating landscape, beguiling coastline, and fascinating history, it's little wonder many fall for Dorset. And with its award-winning attractions, excellent eateries, and independent boutiques, there is plenty to keep visitors busy indoors as well as out, making it a favourite year-round.
Known for its vivid and varied landscape - think chalk downs, steep limestone ridges, and low-laying clay valleys - Dorset is most famed for its epic coast, which boasts beaches and sea-view restaurants aplenty. Part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, the coastline is sprinkled with fascinating and significant natural landmarks like Durdle Door, an ancient stone arch, and the layered cliffs at Lulworth Cove. But whether you opt for inland or coastal, Dorset is a paradise for keen walkers.
Finish your adventure off with a visit to one of Dorset’s fabulous traditional pubs for a farm-to-fork feast that celebrates the county’s extraordinary produce. Here are some of the best…
The Greyhound, Sydling St Nicholas
26 High Street, Sydling St Nicholas, Dorchester DT2 9PD
In the idyllic village of Sydling St Nicholas, you'll find The Greyhound Inn, a cosy country retreat perfect for happily whiling away an afternoon.
So, what can you expect in this dog-friendly pitstop? Inside, the decor is traditional but cool. Think polished wooden floors, eclectic mismatched chairs, and simple displays of brass pots and utensils. You'll find a bar stocked with beer from local breweries, with three options on draught. If that's not your cup of tea, the wine list is robust and there are plenty of other tipples on offer.
But it's the food here that’s stealing the show. Start with 12-hour braised oxtail with bone marrow and sourdough or how about some hand-dived scallops with romesco sauce and charred pineapple salsa? For mains, drool over the specials board or opt for a classic like grilled chicken supreme with horseradish mash. Wrap it up with an affogato or a peach cobbler.
The surrounding area is characterised by rounded chalk hills, watercress farms, and trout streams. And it's not just looks, this corner of England is ancient; it's recorded in William the Conqueror’s Domesday Book written in 1086.
The Smuggler’s Inn, Osmington Mills
Osmington Mills, Weymouth DT3 6HF
A stone’s throw from the captivating Jurassic coastline that charms many a visitor, you'll find The Smugglers Inn. A visit here is a step back in time. Built in the 13th century, the Smuggler’s Inn was conveniently located and quickly earned a reputation as a main landing place for smuggled goods in the 17th century.
Known as the Crown Inn in the 1820s, it was said to be run by Emmanuel Charles, leader of the ruthless Charles Gang, and the inn was regularly frequented by famous French smuggler Pierre Latour, 'French Peter'.
Today, the smuggling might have stopped, but the rich history remains palpable in the bones of the beautifully timeworn building. Inside, the pub is both spacious and cosy, thanks to its low ceiling, characterful beams, and log fires. The expansive beer gardens are perfect on a British summer’s day.
This dog-friendly pub offers a simple but delicious menu of pub classics, like Badger Beer battered fish and chips, moule frites, and chicken and bacon pie.
Afterwards, hit the Jurassic Coast path, which you can join after a short 5-minute stroll from the pub. Alternatively, take a 20-minute drive to Weymouth Harbour to watch the boats coming into port or indulge in a spot of shopping.
The Thimble Inn, Piddlehinton
14 High Street, Piddlehinton, Dorchester DT2 7TD
Special things happen when pubs are run by the passionate, and here the owner is also the chef. The result? Plates of food you don't want to end.
From international flavours of potato bravas and Greek salad to British classics like liver and bacon pie and lamb shank, everything is cooked to utter perfection. But if you can only order one thing, do yourself a favour and get the ham, egg, and chips. Generous slices of roast ham, a decadent duck egg, triple-cooked hand-cut chips and, the best part, fresh pineapple chutney spiced with star anise and clove.
As well as delivering on flavours, The Thimble delivers on ambience too. Set in the pretty Piddle Valley not far from Dorchester, the charming thatched roof exterior gives way to a proper pub with sandstone and oak floors, historic furniture, and a roaring fire. Outside are two gorgeous gardens with the Piddle Stream, bridges, and epic vistas across the Piddle Valley as your backdrop.
The bar and garden are dog-friendly and, if you like your pubs with a side of entertainment, time your visit right to get a table at one of the regular live music, quizzes or food events.
Rock Point Inn, Lyme Regis
1-2 Broad St, Lyme Regis, DT7 3QD
Sat on the harbour proudly overlooking the bay, Rock Point Inn is one of the best spots in Dorset for sipping a pint of something delicious while enjoying uninterrupted views of the Jurassic Coast.
Originally built in the 18th century, the Grade II listed inn is perfect for visitors exploring the vibrant coastal town of Lyme Regis, sometimes affectionately referred to as the Pearl of Dorset. Just a stone's throw from the seaside, step inside this traditional pub complete with a roaring fire and a dog-friendly bar area.
The seasonal menu reflects what's available at the time of year you visit, offering you a true taste of Dorset. Book a table this autumn and you might start with braised venison faggot with spiced plum jam, fill up on sausage and mash with caramelised onion gravy and tobacco onions, and finish with saffron bun and butter pudding.
Afterwards, what about a spot of fossil hunting? The local clay around here is packed with stunning fossil remains from sea creatures alive some 180 million years ago. Learn more about the geology of the Jurassic Coast on a fossil walk with Lyme Regis Museum.
Brewhouse & Kitchen, Bournemouth
152-154 Commercial Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5LU
If you're in the mood for something fun-filled and hyper-local, check out Brewhouse & Kitchen in Bournemouth, Dorset's biggest town. This microbrewery and pub serve up dozens of craft beers, including drinks brewed right onsite.
There's also a menu - complete with suggested beer matches - for those who'd like something substantial while they sample. The small plates are great for grazing on and you can choose from buttermilk chicken wings, halloumi fries, and blistered padron peppers. Or opt for something more substantial like the steak and ale pie, 35-day-aged, grass-fed rib eye or crispy bacon-loaded fries.
Why not make a day of it? There is a range of experiences you can choose from, from a beer masterclass to a brewery experience where you'll spend the day brewing and sampling the goods, leaving with a mini keg to take home.
The idea for a microbrewery with accessible and hyper-local beers started just over a decade ago in Portsmouth, and the idea has taken flight, with 23 locations including the one in Bournemouth. Once you've finished sipping, take a walk around Bournemouth Parks, Pier, and the town centre where you can explore its eclectic range of shops, museums, and art galleries.
The Acorn Inn, Evershot
28 Fore Street, Evershot, Dorchester DT2 0JW
Featured in Tess of the d’Urbervilles, a trip to this 16th-century coaching inn still feels like stepping into the pages of a Thomas Hardy novel. Tucked in the pretty village of Evershot halfway between Dorchester and Yeovil, it’s the perfect day trippers pitstop.
Inside, the historic pub is lined with ancient beams, oak panelling and, come winter, roaring fires. Pop into one of two bars and sample a range of local drinks, including traditional ales and 'the acorn gins' or, on a warm summer’s day, there's nowhere better to be than the balmy beer garden, Pimm’s in hand.
There's also an award-winning restaurant where locally sourced produce is put at the heart of the menu. Think meat from the Jurassic Coast, fresh bread from the village bakery and vegetables freshly picked from their own gardens. On the menu, you'll find classics like ploughman's and battered local haddock and chips, as well as dishes like miso and honey pork belly.
The laidback atmosphere makes this a great option for families, and dogs are also welcome too!
Once you’ve had your fill, wander down to the bottom of the village and explore the 400-acre deer park. A short drive away you’ll find the famous Cerne Abbas giant or just 20 minutes away you can be in the county town of Dorchester, which enjoys a rich history dating back to the Iron Age.
The Wise Man Inn, West Stafford
West Stafford, Dorchester DT2 8AG
The Wise Man Inn is nestled in the small, thatched village of West Stafford in the Frome Valley. Originally built over 400 years ago, the building was once a cottage belonging to the Floyer estate. It became a pub in 1938 but was badly damaged by a fire in 2006. After a two-year restoration, it re-opened and has been a popular pub with locals and tourists ever since.
While it might look every bit the traditional Dorset village pub, the flavours are global. You could tuck into baked camembert with Bordeaux-braised grapes, crispy pork with honey-whipped feta and apple ketchup, or beer and chicory chicken with tarragon cream. They also host regular quiz nights and supper clubs.
Afterwards, it's less than a mile up the road to Dorset Falconry Park. The 7-acre site is home to over 100 birds of prey, which you can see in action during the daily flying displays.
A little further and you can reach Hardy's Cottage. The cob and thatch home is the birthplace of the famous novelist, built by his great-grandfather. It's where Hardy wrote some of his earlier works, including Under the Greenwood Tree and Far from the Madding Crowd.
Square & Compass, Worth Matravers
Worth Matravers, Swanage BH19 3LF
If you're searching for a proper pub that remains unchanged by time, you might find it with a visit to the Square & Compass. Open from midday every day, this pub has three missions: entertain long-standing patrons, refresh walkers and tourists, and draw in music lovers. And it's safe to say it's knocking it out of the park on all three fronts.
The pub is in Worth Matravers on the limestone uploads of Purbeck at the head of a valley that runs down to the popular bathing spot of Winspit. Once you've bought a pint of something tasty from the hatch, snag an outside table and enjoy the far-reaching coastal views.
Need to refuel after a walk? No problem. The popular notion of a 'gastro pub' is outlandishly rejected here. In fact, the only food you'll find on offer here is homemade pasties and pies, which are highly revered far and wide.
And if it's music you're after, the calendar is packed with everything from live music to open mic nights. After filling your boots, the onsite Fossil Museum is a must. Inside, you'll find the combination of 60 years of father-and-son fossil collecting, sure to delight casual passersby and fellow enthusiasts alike.
The Digby Tap, Sherborne
Cooks Lane, Sherborne DT9 3NS
The exact origins of The Digby Tap are hazy, but the original building dates back to sometime around the 16th or 17th century when it was used as a workhouse. Today this tucked-away gem of a pub has a cracking atmosphere where ale is put front and centre, with three or four ever-changing beers, usually from independent brewers.
There is a lively regular trade at this Sherborne pub, with visitors welcome to soak up the friendly atmosphere too. With multiple rooms, this flagstone floor pub is popular with the local rugby and hockey players, and has cricket and pool teams to boot. Its charm lies in its unpretentious, straightforward attitude and it rather cooly operates as a vape and mobile phone-free zone.
If you're coming with an empty stomach, you'll want to snag a table at lunchtime as food is served 12pm - 2pm only. The menu features classics like liver and bacon, ploughmans, and chili con carne. Afterwards, why not take a mile-long stroll up to Sherborne Old Castle, a 12th-century ruin once the home of explorer Sir Walter Ralegh and a favourite haunt of Queen Elizabeth I.
Dreaming of Dorset? Check out our selection of beautiful holiday cottages and start planning your next getaway in this food-fuelled county…
