/

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Dorset

9 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Dorset, England

Updated August 6, 2020

Unusual Attractions in Dorset

Dorset, England

Holloways of Dorset

These ancient sunken lanes were naturally tunneled into the soft ground by countless footsteps.

Dorset, England

Tyneham Ghost Village

In 1943 the British military took control of this village, telling residents they had to leave temporarily. The villagers were never allowed to return.

Dorset, England

Old Harry Rocks

65 million-year-old chalk outcroppings mark the end of the Jurassic Coast.

Dorset, England

Tout Quarry Sculpture Park

This former quarry is now a vibrant labyrinth of magical in situ sculptures.

Dorset, England

Wimborne Minster Model Town

This tiny town features a tiny town that acts as a 3D snapshot of the town during the 1950's.

Dorset, England

Abbotsbury Swannery

The world's only managed flock of mute swans was established as a factory for monk meat but is now an adorable sanctuary.

Dorset, England

Lyme Regis Museum

A local museum honors the overlooked discoveries of Mary Anning, one of the first professional fossil hunters.

Dorset, England

Bovington Tank Range

A popular day's outing in Bovington consists of watching military tank driving practice.

See All 9 Things To Do in Dorset

In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

In partnership with GetYourGuide

Guided Tours of Dorset

Atlas Obscura Trips

Southern England: Lore of Dartmoor

Explore Dorset, England

Military History 2

Museums And Collections 1

Natural History 1

Dorset Leaderboard

Places Added

Join the Ranks!

Add an unusual place to Dorset.

Places Edited

Join the Ranks!

Improve the Atlas with edits and photos.

Places Visited

Join the Ranks!

Visit a place in Dorset.

Recent Dorset Activity

D

DebEve

wants to go to Tout Quarry Sculpture Park
D

DebEve

wants to go to Lyme Regis Museum
D

DebEve

wants to go to Tyneham Ghost Village
W

WanderGirl

has been to Tyneham Ghost Village
W

WanderGirl

has been to Old Harry Rocks

Stories About Dorset

Sold: A Famous Fossil-Hunter’s Letter That’s Totally Full of Crap

Mary Anning's correspondence helped kick off the study of coprolites.

by Jessica Leigh Hester

The Moon Went on Tour Through England

It dangled over church pews and disco dancers in Dorset.

by Jessica Leigh Hester

Found: A Barnacle-Covered Basketball Lost at Sea

Spalding, did you see Wilson out there?

by Vittoria Traverso

November 3, 2017

See Fewer Ads

Become an Atlas Obscura member and experience far fewer ads and no pop-ups.