With its breathtaking coastlines, scenic views and rolling hills, Dorset is a peaceful haven for locals and holidaymakers alike.

This charming county in England’s southwest region is known for its quaint villages and sprawling rural landscapes. If you’re planning a holiday in Dorset or one of its equally popular neighbouring counties, you’ll enjoy our guide to some of the best villages in Dorset for day trips.

Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle is an intriguing village, full of character and history. Here you’ll find quaint English cottages aplenty, tea rooms offering cream teas with scones and clotted cream, and traditional pubs offering traditional pub gastronomy.

There’s also the medieval Corfe Castle monument itself. These thousand-year-old castle ruins perched on a hill cast a fascinating figure, overseeing the general landscape and adding an air of history, culture and mystique to the village.

The Parish of Corfe castle sits within the Isle of Purbeck and is surrounded by lush green hills and attractive countryside – ideal for rambling country walks and moderately challenging climbs that lead to spectacular views of the village.

West Lulworth

West Lulworth is a charming village that provides a gateway into the magical Lulworth Cove. This unusual horseshoe-shaped cove on the magnificent Jurassic Coast is a stunning sight with striking oceanic views, and rock formations that characterise the county’s coastline.

Known for its adorable, thatched cottages and friendly atmosphere, this village has a great deal to offer holidaymakers. Its proximity to the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, makes it an undeniably idyllic place to stay, offering ample opportunities to explore the cove, walk along its cliff tops, and visit Durdle Door.

Abbotsbury Village

This peaceful, scenic village is home to the stunning Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, which house some of the most beautiful, rare and exotic plants imaginable.

The nearby Abbotsbury Swannery is one of the world’s only managed colonies of nesting mute swans and offers an awe-inspiring wildlife experience full of reverence and wonder – a must-visit for fans of wildlife and nature lovers in general.

With its thatched cottages, historic charm, and proximity to the Jurassic Coast, Abbotsbury provides visitors with a delightful combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and a glimpse into the region’s heritage.

Cerne Abbas

Cerne Abbas is another striking village in Dorset – a county which is known for its beauty and serenity. The village is renowned for its close proximity to the controversial Cerne Giant, an ancient hillside chalk figure, often associated with fertility symbols.

The peaceful parish church of St Mary, various medieval buildings, and, once again, those captivating, thatched cottages, contribute to the essentially English charm of this highly decorative village, full of history and cultural significance.

Surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful landscapes, the village offers a blend of folklore, history, and rural tranquillity, making it a must-see for visitors interested in the region’s fascinating, quirky past and unquestionable natural beauty.

Shaftesbury

Although technically a town, Shaftesbury is worth mentioning for its unique appeal. Perched on a hill in North Dorset, this historic town has several intriguing features. The iconic Gold Hill, a steep cobbled street lined with cottages, offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Shaftesbury is also known for its vibrant, artisanal market, independent shops, and cosy cafes, which somehow blend perfectly with the town’s medieval architecture, to give a snapshot of English country living. These factors combined make this undoubtedly one of the best villages in Dorset for day trips.

The famous Abbey ruins, add to the town’s historical allure and offer plenty of interest and engagement for sightseers and historians.

Where to Stay in Dorset

If you’re thinking of holidaying in Dorset, finding a great place to stay will help to make your explorations of these wonderful English villages an unforgettable experience.

Book a stay in a luxurious Safari Lodge, at one of our critically-acclaimed holiday parks.

Our flagship resort, Bowleaze Cove Holiday Park & Spa in Dorset offers glamping with hot tub holidays to give you and your family a wonderfully indulgent holiday experience.

Book a last-minute break with us to find out why Dorset is known for its natural beauty and is always popular as a UK holiday destination.