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10 great things to do in Dorset

Discover the stunning Dorset coastline from a new perspective with an exhilarating Coasteering session.

1. Coasteering on the Jurassic Coast

Discover the stunning Dorset coastline from a new perspective with an exhilarating Coasteering session. Don a wetsuit and traverse along the cliffs, explore spectacular caves, dunk yourself in plunge pools and test your nerve with breath taking jumps. It’s an unforgettable way to appreciate the Jurassic Coast. A three hour session costs from £45. Book coasteering now

Big Coasteering Jump

2. Kayak through Old Harry Rocks

Take to the water and paddle on a guided kayak expedition from Swanage Pier to Old Harry Rocks. Experiencing the scale and magnitude of Old Harry’s stacks from sea level is something not to be missed. You may even catch a glimpse of a dolphin or two along the way. Half day tours cost £40. Book your trip here

3. Take a wildlife walk around Brownsea Island

A short boat ride from Sandbanks gets you to the wildlife haven of Brownsea Island. There are plethora of stunning wildlife species to spot as you explore the island. Look for Silka deer grazing in the woodland, look up high for the green woodpecker and hear the chatter of the beautiful Red Squirrel.

Catch the boat from Sandbanks peninsula for £9.50 per adult. Visit www.brownseaislandferries.com

4. Rock climbing on Dancing Ledge’s Limestone cliffs

To really appreciate the Jurassic Coast’s World Heritage Site status you get up close the fossil clad rocks and have a really good look. Combine this with an adrenalin-fuelled rock climbing session to make it a fully-fledged bucket list activity. The cliffs at Dancing Ledge offer superb climbing for all abilities and with the waves at your feet it’s a breath-taking experience. Introductory climbing sessions cost £40. Click for more info.

Rock-climbing

5. Survive a night in the Dorset woods

Test your nerve and your bushcraft skills by sleeping in the Dorset woodland under a shelter you’ve built yourself. Dorset Bushcraft teach you how to forage for food, light a campfire, prepare game and build a warm, dry shelter to sleep in. You can even request a whole deer and learn how to gut, skin and butcher it before feasting on it for dinner! Half day bush craft session and overnight stay costs £65 www.dorsetbushcraft.co.uk

Bush-craft-fire

6. Build a raft and sail it

Everyone wonders how they would cope on a desert  island. Well you can have your Robinson Crusoe moment, albeit from the relative safety of Swanage shoreline. Get a group of seven or more friends together to enjoy the challenge of working together to build a raft that actually floats. Set sail at sea and discover whether you’re a true survivor. For more information on teambuilding packages click here

7. Taste Dorset’s best  Cream tea

It’s not a strenuous activity, but it certainly brings a lot of joy!  We love the homely Worth Matravers Tea & Supper Rooms for a traditional afternoon tea. Load your scones up with clotted cream, pour yourself a cuppa and sit back and enjoy the Dorset taste of heaven! It’s the perfect treat after a long walk along the South West Coastal Path. Open Wednesday – Sunday. To book a table call 01929 439368

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8. Mountain biking through the New Forest

Get those quads pumping with a fast and furious blast through the New Forest by mountain bike.  Ride along ridgeways, forest tracks and trails and explore the local country pubs along the way. Alternatively head out with a qualified instructor who will help improve your riding technique and lead you through some of the New Forest’s lesser known beauty spots. Cycle hire from £15 a day at www.newforestcyclehire.co.uk 

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9. Climb a (very big) tree

What better way to make yourself feel young again than to go tree climbing? Dorset bares root to some spectacular trees ripe for ‘Big Tree Climbing’. At 80ft up, you’ll experience the best views and feel pure exhilaration swinging from branches, taking a leap of faith and zip lining across the skyline. Youth prices from £25. Visit www.landandwave.co.uk

10. Drive the Swanage Steam train

Fulfil your childhood dreams of driving a full size steam train. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the nostalgic side of Dorset aboard the Swanage Railway steam train. Young and old delight riding on this preserved heritage steam service. Look out for other special events such as fine dining, jazz evenings and children’s specials. Driving experience £230, visit www.swanagerailway.co.uk

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12 June 2013 by TheBox
Discover the stunning Dorset coastline from a new perspective with an exhilarating Coasteering session

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