A Year Of Inspiration: seasonal activities to enjoy in and around Dorset
Explore Dorset and Hampshire throughout the year with our month-by-month guide of things to see and do, including a few of our favourite walks and local gardens.
Image Credits: Rosie Wilkins
One of my favourite things about living in Dorset is you don't have to go far to find yourself somewhere truly breathtaking. From dramatic views along the Jurassic coast, to peaceful nature reserves and local heathlands, there’s always somewhere to explore. Whether you’re looking for a little local adventure or fresh inspiration for your own garden, I hope some of these suggestions below will help you enjoy getting out and about all year-round.
Spring
Gardening Tip:
Spring is the perfect time to start growing your own vegetables. Try starting tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and onion seeds indoors so you’ll have your own seedlings to plant out.
March:
As the days start to feel longer, take a morning stroll along the coast, finishing at one of the local beach saunas. If you're feeling brave, you could take a quick dip in the sea too! For saunas on the coast, check out The Saltwater Sauna at Avon or Sandbanks, or for something inland, try Bake Saunas in Wimborne.
April:
With many spring bulbs at their peak, take a visit to a National Trust garden like Kingston Lacy or Hardy's Cottage where you will find a sea of bluebells in full bloom.
May:
The end of spring is a great time to visit RSPB Arne, as the heathland and woodlands come to life with a buzz of wildlife. Keep an eye out for Nightjars, Avocets, and Woodlarks, or book a guided tour for some extra insight into the local wildlife and history of the area.
Top left; Saltwater Sauna at Sandbanks, Top right; RSPB Arne
Bottom left; Hardy's Cottage, Bottom right; RSPB Arne
Summer
Gardening Tip:
Keep your compost healthy by adding garden cuttings and turning it regularly to help things break down faster, giving you nutrient-rich compost to use in your garden.
June:
The beginning of summer is the perfect time for long rambling walks. Try Durlston Country Park for stunning coastal views and don't forget to pack a picnic to enjoy on route, or you could stop at Durlston Castle cafe.
July:
Take the ferry to Brownsea Island and explore its stunning woodlands and beaches. Keep an eye out for the island’s famous red squirrels as you wander through the peaceful surroundings. Or, if you'd prefer to stay on dry land, why not pick your own blueberries at Brothers Farm, the oldest blueberry plantation in the UK.
August:
Make the most of the coast on those long summer days and take the chain-link ferry from Poole to Studland for a day at the beach. If you're feeling like something a bit more active, you could book onto a kayaking tour to Old Harry Rocks.
Top left; Durlston Castle, Top right; Sandy Beach, Studland
Bottom left; Brothers Farm, Bottom right; Chalk stacks at Old Harry Rocks
Autumn
Gardening Tip:
This is the time to be ordering and planting spring flowering bulbs like snowdrops, crocus, and daffodils, so you can enjoy a burst of colour in the garden in a few months.
September:
Visit Knoll Gardens, in Wimborne, to see an inspiring display of ornamental grasses and late flowering perennials. With beautiful plant combinations on display covering a range of conditions from dry shade to full sun, it's a great place to pick up ideas for adding colour and interest to your own garden borders.
October:
Autumn is probably my favourite time of year to visit the New Forest! Head to Blackwater Arboretum, Fritham, or Bolderwood for a walk, run or cycle and enjoy some of the most stunning autumn colours in the area. Keep an eye out for the pannage pigs as well as the usual ponies, donkeys and cattle.
November:
As the days get shorter, eek out some all important time outside by getting friends together for a crisp weekend walk, finishing at a cosy pub, like the Oak Inn, for a Sunday roast with all the trimmings. If you've ever wanted to learn to forage mushrooms, this is also a good time of year to book onto a course or guided walk.
Top left; Knoll Gardens, Top right; Pannage pig in the New Forest
Bottom left; Knoll Gardens, Bottom right; Near Bolderwood
Winter
Gardening Tip:
Winter is a great time to plant trees and hedges, especially with more economical bare root plants available to buy from November to March.
December:
Get crafty and create a natural Christmas wreath using foliage foraged from your garden or nearby woodlands*. Or visit a winter garden like Sir Harold Hillier Gardens and pick up some ideas for winter flowering plants.
*Gather natural materials responsibly and only from areas where it is permitted.
January:
Blow away the Christmas cobwebs and start the year with a walk at Hengistbury Head. The well-maintained paths make it easy to explore in any weather and the Beach House café is open all year round to warm up with a mid-walk coffee.
February:
If you love snowdrops, check out the Shaftesbury Snowdrop Festival for the perfect way to welcome the first signs of spring! Or, if you have young children to entertain over half-term, keep an eye out for events being put on at Corfe Castle and other local National Trust sites.
Top left; Skimmia japonica, Top right; Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
Bottom left; Hengistbury Head, Bottom right; Snowdrops
Your Suggestions
We're always happy to hear about new places explore. If you have any suggestions you would like to share with us, locally or further afield, please do send us a message.
