1.    Spectacular beaches

Dorset is home to the Jurassic Coast – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The coastline is famed for its spectacular scenery and geologically important fossil discoveries. The landscape changes as you venture west to east, allowing you to enjoy a variety of beach types during your holiday. Spend the day relaxing on a sandy beach or head to a rocky cove with excellent rock pooling opportunities.

If you’re looking for a family friendly beach with plenty of nearby facilities, we highly recommend Bournemouth, Swanage or Weymouth Beach. For something a little quieter, Kimmeridge, Ringstead or Lake Pier Beach are fantastic options.

Dog owners needn’t worry, many of the local beaches are dog friendly throughout the summer months.

2.    Fun-filled activities

If you’re feeling adventurous, fear not – there’s a wide selection of activities to try during a summer holiday in Dorset. Adrenaline junkies can participate in a range of outdoor adventure activities at scenic location throughout the county. Try your hand at stand up paddleboarding, climbing, horse riding, cycling, sailing, coasteering, fishing and surfing during your stay.

If you’d prefer something a little more sedate, there are plenty of craft workshops on offer from well-regarded makers. Other activities include guided wildlife tours, stargazing, wellness retreats and sightseeing boat trips.

3.    Picturesque countryside

Dorset boasts some of the most beautiful countryside in the UK with miles of unspoilt landscapes stretching across the county. The region has a spectacular mixture of farmland, woodland and meadows with plenty of footpaths and bridleways to investigate.

South Lytchett Manor is perfectly placed for getting out in the country and enjoying the fresh air, whether you plan on exploring by foot or bike. The land is home to an abundance of wildlife and plenty of photograph opportunities.

4.    Award-winning attractions

Check out some of Dorset’s best loved attractions during a camping or caravan trip this summer. There are so many to choose from, there’s no way you’ll be able to tick them all off your list! If you’re into history and culture, there are plenty of museums, galleries, gardens and country estates to explore at scenic locations across Dorset – our favourites are Corfe Castle and Kingston Lacy.

There’s a host of family friendly attractions with days out geared towards younger children. Head to Farmer Palmers, Bournemouth Oceanarium, Monkey World, Moors Valley Country Park or Adventure Wonderland to put a smile on your little one’s face.

If rain interrupts your holiday, it doesn’t have to stop play. There’s a wide variety of wet weather attractions to choose from at indoor venues in Poole, Bournemouth and Weymouth that will keep you entertained when you don’t want to go outside. These include Splashdown, Hollywood Bowl and Lemur Landings.

5.    5-star accommodation

There’s an excellent selection of self-catering accommodation to choose from when planning a summer holiday in Dorset. Whether you’re looking for quirky glamping options, a boutique hotel or well-equipped touring and camping pitches, you’re bound to find somewhere that ticks the boxes.

Of course, we might be biased but we highly recommend a stay at South Lytchett Manor near Poole! We were voted the AA Campsite of the Year in 2021 and won the Practical Caravan 100 Best Sites award on numerous occasions. Our award-winning holiday park offers a variety of accommodation and clean and modern facilities. We’re well placed for exploring the local area or simply relaxing on park and enjoying some much-needed R & R.

6.    Wonderfully warm weather

The South West boasts some of the warmest weather in the UK. You’ll enjoy warm temperatures and long days throughout the peak season, giving you plenty of opportunity to get out and explore. Spend sunny taking in the sights or relaxing back at our park.

7.    Hassle free travel

Escape the stress of travelling abroad with a holiday in the UK. A summer holiday in Dorset is a stress-free affair and allows you to avoid the hassle of airports, car parks and long plane journeys.

Simply book, pack up and jump in the car and enjoy your break from the get-go. If you stay in one of our glamping accommodation options, you won’t even have to pitch up a tent!

8.    Top class restaurants

If you’re into eating out you’ll be in your element when holidaying in Dorset. Dorset is a haven for foodies, with a wealth of delicious produce available at café’s, pubs and restaurants throughout the county. Some of the best chefs in the UK hail from the area and have earned Dorset acclaim on the National stage. Treat yourself to delicious fayre with ingredients sourced from nearby farms. We guarantee you’ll be stocking up at farmers markets, so you’ve got a taste of Dorset to take home.

If you’re celebrating a special occasion a trip to Pig on the Beach is an absolute must. We also suggest a visit to our neighbours St Peters Finger for some excellent pub grub. There are plenty of takeaway options if you don’t fancy venturing off site. We even have food vans visit the site!

9.    Bustling towns and villages

Dorset is steeped in history with architecture dating back hundreds of years. Spend your days exploring towns and villages to get a feel for what Dorset’s about. Peruse independent shops and national chains or sit in a café and watch the world go by.

South Lytchett Manor occupies a convenient location for days out across the county. Swanage, Poole, Bournemouth, Wareham, Weymouth and Dorchester are all within easy reach. North Dorset towns are also just a short drive away.

Photo credit: Poole Tourism

10.    World class events

An exciting programme of events take place over the course of the summer, with something to suit the whole family. There are music festivals, food festivals, country fayres, carnivals and workshops that are guaranteed to keep the family entertained.

Poole Quay is a hive of activity throughout July, August and September. Speak to our friendly reception team or visit our events page for details of the latest goings on.