Imagine you and your four-legged friend visiting incredible English natural trails, stunning landscapes, picturesque coastlines and surreal lakes with incredible views as well as fun landmarks filled with rich history that look straight out of an epic movie.
If you come to Dorset, you don’t have to imagine it anymore, it’s all right here!
Dorset is an area in South England that captured our hearts a long time ago. We first began to explore it in early 2015 around the same time we first moved to this beautiful country.
We lived in Bournemouth and while we did not have a car at the time, that didn’t stop us from exploring as much as we could and we got to visit some truly unique spots that blew my mind when I first saw them and still continue to impress today. Some of these spots I will share with you in the below list.
So if you ever find yourself in the UK, make sure you visit Dorset and see if you can tick some of these places off your list!
Now, without further ado, let’s share with you our list of the most exciting Dorset adventures that we have personally experienced ourselves!
Here’s the first part of our list below:
- Moors Valley
At this beautiful Dorset gem, you and your dog will get to explore (and sniff) miles of dog-friendly walking trails and cycle routes. Rocky and I visited this place in 2021 and he loved it, even leading me to climb the tree top trail!
As for the rules here, in the busy areas of the park and forest, dogs must be kept on a lead, this includes the car park, picnic areas, play trail, around Moors lake, on the paths below the ‘go ape course’ and in and around the visitor centre, according to the website.
In all other areas, your canine companion can be allowed off their lead, however they must be under your close control, on the footpath, and you must be able to see where they are at all times and they have to come back to you when you call them.
When Rocky and I came to this place, it just so happened that there were some interesting outdoor exhibitions going on at the time – and who knows maybe there will be one when you visit.
If you come here, you will be very pleased at the amount of walking and exploring you can do! Highly recommend!
2. Corfe Castle
One of the activities you might have on your checklist when visiting the UK with your dog is to explore a castle. You can definitely do this in Dorset when you visit the historic Corfe Castle, a ruined castle that dates all the way back to the early 12th century!
Another National Trust site, Corfe Castle is very dog friendly and allows canine companions year-round. Dogs on leads are welcome in the castle, tea-room (indoor and outdoor seating), the shop, castle view welcome centre and on the walking trails in the surrounding countryside.
Even better, the shop will have some stuff for your dog including harnesses, water bowls, toys, as well as gourmet dog treats fit for a king. tea-room.
Once you make it to the top of the ruined castle, check out the views of the entire village and of Wareham.
Rocky and I first visited this wonderful site in the late summer of 2015 and again in the winter of 2015. While that may have seemed like long ago (well, not compared to the age of the castle), the castle ruins are well-looked after so you will be in for a treat!
3. Blue Pool Nature Reserve
Another gem located in Wareham, the Blue Pool Nature Reserve, which is dog friendly of course, dates back to the 17th century. It was originally a clay pit used to extract blue ball clay for British pottery companies, according to the official website. Rainwater then found its way inside the pit after the site was abandoned and now you can see for yourself the magnificent and otherworldly blue that brings visitors from all over – although your dog might see it in another colour!
Now, as for walking, you and your dog will be happy to know that there are more than 30 acres of paths and walkways within the nature reserve. You can walk and let your dog sniff around, however they must be kept on a lead.
Rocky and I first visited this marvel in 2022 and it’s a beautiful place to get closer to nature, spot wildlife and walk around. There are also tearooms that allow your canine companion to join in.
4. Durdle Door, Man O’ War Bay and Lulworth Cove
These three wonderful places are all located near each other and part of the Jurassic Coast. Durdle Door features the iconic limestone arch.
This arch is what I meant when I said something out of an epic movie. Seriously, you need to walk down to come and see it.
Visitors can park in the grassy parking area and it’s a somewhat short hike to get down all the way to the beach where dogs are allowed.
The arch will definitely capture your attention, but just right next to it is another spectacular view: Man O’War beach. A unique beach thingie bla
Not too far from these sites is Lulworth Cove.
The stretch of footpath between Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove is the busiest in the southwest of England and sees more than 200,000 walkers every year. The walk between the two sites takes 30 minutes up and down a steep, but lovely walking path.
While the beach at Durdle Door is dog friendly, the beach drops steeply and there is a strong under-tow and be careful of waves.
Rocky first went to Durdle Door back in 2015 and we returned a few more times including 2019 and 2020. He enjoyed sunbathing there during the summer and we took so many lovely photos there and with the view of Man O’ War beach.
In 2021, we visited Lulworth Cove walking through the lovely village and enjoying the views. Dogs are allowed on the beach all year to the left hand side of the slipway.
So now you have just learned about four interesting places that are relatively close to each other.
We will back with Part 2 soon!
While reading about these Dorset getaways might make you want to go and visit, perhaps seeing it in video could make you pack your bags and plan it! Here’s a couple of my top 11 Dorset dog-friendly places!