Enjoying a day out with the family is the best way to spend your free time, setting off on adventures and making unforgettable memories.
Exploring Dorset, with its stunning landscapes and beautiful countryside, is something everyone should experience.
Here, we’ve pieced together 12 of the best family walks you can enjoy with your whole tribe. From beautiful coastal cliff tops to iconic Dorset landmarks there’s something in this list that everyone can enjoy.
The walks are all varying in ability and time, so choose what’s right for you and your family.
Have fun on your next adventure!
Table of Contents
Durlston Country Park To Anvil Point Lighthouse Circular Walk
This scenic walk in Dorset is perfect for families. Measuring just 1.4 miles, the circular trail offers stunning views of the Jurassic Coast.
Beginning at Durlston Country Park, you can check out the amenities, such as the visitor centres and picnic spots.
The path winds past wildflowers and rugged cliffs, creating a great outdoor adventure for all ages.
There is a wide variety of birds that can be spotted swooping in and out of the cliffs, which makes it a perfect spot for bird watchers; there’s even a chance to spot dolphins in the sea.
Reaching the historic Anvil Point Lighthouse is a highlight of the walk, offering amazing views and grazing cattle.
The path loops back to Durlston, giving you lots of opportunities for views from different perspectives and refreshments at Durlston Castle.
To find out more about the route, click here.
đź‘Ł Good to know:
- 1.4 miles
- Duration: Around 1 hour
- Family-Friendly
- Beware of cliff edges
- Dogs are welcome
- Cafe
- Toilets
đź“Ť Starting point: Durlston Country Park Car Park, Swanage BH19 2JL
Blue Pool Circular Walk
Located near Wareham, the Blue Pool Circular Walk is a true gem. This enchanting 3.1 km trail winds through stunning landscapes, offering vibrant views and fascinating wildlife encounters.
Ideal for walkers of all ages, the trail is easy and takes about 50 minutes to complete.
The walk is most enjoyable between April and October, but it’s open year-round. The area is dog-friendly, though pets must stay on a lead to ensure the protection of local wildlife.
Visitors can also relax at the on-site tea room for a refreshing drink or snack at the end of their walk. With ample free parking available, it’s a hassle-free adventure for the whole family.
To learn more about this walk, click here.
đź‘Ł Good to know:
- Distance: 3.1 km
- Duration: Around 50 minutes
- Dogs are welcome on a lead
- Tea room
- Free Parking
- Toilets
đź“Ť Starting point: Blue Pool Car Park, Wareham BH20 5AR
Tyneham To Worbarrow Bay Walk
The walk from Tyneham Village to Worbarrow Bay offers a mix of history and beautiful coastal views.
Located near Wareham, Dorset, this trail is a straightforward 3.2 km out-and-back route. It usually takes about 46 minutes to walk, perfect for families looking for a leisurely outing.
Starting at the mysterious, abandoned village of Tyneham, you’re immediately transported back to WWII.
The village was evacuated during the war and has remained deserted.
The Ministry of Defence manages it, so remember to check opening times before visiting.
As hikers make their way to Worbarrow Bay, they are treated to views of one of the most stunning parts of the renowned Jurassic Coast.
To learn more, click here.
đź‘Ł Good to know:
- Distance: 3.2 km
- Duration: Average of 46 minutes
- Check Access: Ministry of Defence restrictions may apply
- Dogs are welcome
đź“Ť Starting point: Tyneham Village, Wareham BH20 5NY
Coy Pond And Upper Gardens Circular Walk
The Coy Pond And Upper Gardens Circular Walk in Bournemouth offers a delightful 4.3-km route.
This easy trail takes about 54 minutes to complete and is perfect for families who love nature. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, hiking, or running along the way.
The path winds through scenic routes between lofty trees and beside a tranquil river. Benches are sprinkled along the trail, providing perfect spots to pause and soak in the scenery.
Located close to the town centre a delightful natural play park is the perfect spot for children to let loose during the walk.
For parking, spaces can be found on nearby residential streets.
To learn more about this route, visit here.
đź‘Ł Good to know:
- Distance: 4.3 km
- Time: Approximately 54 minutes
- Dogs are welcome
- Playpark
đź“Ť Starting point: Coy Pond, Poole BH12 1JU
Sturminster Newton And Fiddleford Circular Walk
The Sturminster Newton and Fiddleford Circular Walk is an exciting 4.3 km route in Dorset, opening up a day full of adventure.
Starting from the Station Road Car Park, walkers can expect a delightful mix of sights.
Begin with a stroll through Sturminster Newton’s charming streets, passing the town’s museum and historic church.
Then, the trail winds through picturesque riverside meadows, where peaceful vibes prevail.
In Fiddleford, discover the captivating remains of an ancient mill and manor house. After exploring, the path traces back along an old railway line, leading directly to the starting point.
This trail is easy and great for families. The breathtaking views make every step worthwhile.
To learn more, click here.
đź‘Ł Good to know:
- Distance: 4.3 km circular
- Time to complete: Around 1 hour
- Dogs are welcome (please be mindful of grazing cattle)
đź“Ť Starting point: Station Rd Car Park, Sturminster Newton DT10 1BN
Highcliffe To Mudeford Quay Walk
The Highcliffe to Mudeford Quay Walk offers a fantastic escape for families seeking an easy yet stunning adventure.
Starting at the Cliff Top Car Park in Highcliffe, walkers are treated to beautiful coastal views.
At just 2.9 miles one-way, or 5.8 miles for the circular route, it offers plenty of exercise without being too challenging.
This trail is perfect year-round and features spectacular sunsets and quiet beaches. Starting the journey, visitors can enjoy refreshments at the nearby Cliffhanger Restaurant or a coffee from a food kiosk, making the perfect pit stop.
To learn more about parking and the route, click here.
đź‘Ł Good to know:
- Distance: 2.9 miles (One-way), 5.8 miles (Circular)
- Time to Complete: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Restaurant and food kiosk nearby
- Dogs are welcome
đź“Ť Starting point: Highcliffe Cliff Top Car Park, Christchurch BH23 5DF
Kingston Lacy Woodland Trail Walk
The Kingston Lacy Woodland Trail is a delightful adventure for the whole family.
This circular path winds through lush woodlands, providing amazing views of the historic Kingston Lacy house and its parkland.
Along the way, you’ll have a chance to spot the charming Red Ruby Devon cattle that call the estate home.
The track is well-maintained with a smooth gravel surface, making it easily accessible for walkers, runners, and cyclists. It’s suitable for individuals of all ages and abilities, including those in wheelchairs.
Enjoy the trail’s changing scenery throughout the year, and keep an eye out for diverse creatures in the woods.
To learn more about this trail, click here.
đź‘Ł Good to know:
- Distance: 2.9 miles (4.64 km)
- Time to Complete: Around 1 hour 10 minutes
- Stables Café with toilets
- Dogs are welcome
đź“Ť Starting point: Kingston Lacy Car Park, Wimborne, BH21 4EA
Poole, Baiter And White Cliff Park Circular Walk
This 5-km circular in Poole offers a fun-filled adventure for families and nature lovers.
Starting at Baiter Harbourside Car Park, the trail winds east along the coast. With sailboats dotting the waters and lively birdlife overhead, there’s plenty to see.
The path is well-paved, making it perfect for walking, running, and even cycling. Whitecliff Park is a highlight, revealing stunning views of the marina.
Whether it’s a sunny summer’s day or a crisp winter morning, this path promises beauty all year round.
To find out more, click here.
đź‘Ł Good to know:
- Distance: 5 km Circular
- Duration: Average of 1 hour
- Easy coastal walk perfect for families
- Dogs are welcome
đź“Ť Starting point: Baiter Harbourside Car Park, Poole BH15 1UX
Portland Lighthouses Circular Walk
The Portland Lighthouses Circular Walk offers you and your family a delightful adventure along the southern tip of the Isle of Portland.
Covering 5.5 km, this easy loop showcases stunning sea views and takes around 1 hour and 19 minutes to complete.
Starting at the Portland Bill Car Park, the trail leads explorers to breathtaking sights. It winds past the iconic Higher Lighthouse and traverses farmland, offering a captivating mix of coastal scenery and countryside beauty.
Bird watchers and hikers will love this popular route, and dogs are also allowed if kept on a lead.
Families can enjoy spotting beach huts and the rustic charm of disused quarries before returning to their starting point.
This walk provides a wonderful opportunity to experience Portland’s natural allure.
To discover the route, click here.
đź‘Ł Good to know:
- Distance: 5.5 km Circular
- Time to Complete: Average of 1 hour 19 minutes
- Dogs are allowed on leads
- Beware of cliff edges and rough sea
đź“Ť Starting point: Portland Bill Car Park, Portland DT5 2JT
Hengistbury Head Walk
Hengistbury Head offers a lovely circular trail spanning 5.8 km. Ideal for families, the route is generally easy and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete.
This popular area is perfect for bird-watching, hiking, and running.
The trail features beautiful coastal dunes and beach scenery. While mostly flat, there are rougher sections where extra care is advisable. Always check tide times before starting your walk.
To learn more about this walk, click here.
đź‘Ł Good to know:
- Distance: 5.8 km Circular
- Average Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Best Visiting Months: January through October
- Dogs are welcome
- Food facilities and toilets
đź“Ť Starting point: Hengistbury Head Car Park, Bournemouth BH6 4EL
Shaftesbury And Gold Hill Circular Walk
The Shaftesbury and Gold Hill Circular Walk offers a 5.8 km journey through charming landscapes in Dorset. This trail is perfect for families. The moderate length takes about 1 hour and 44 minutes to complete.
Kicking off at Bell Street Car Park, the route passes through quaint town streets. Historic thatched and stone houses line the way, adding to the area’s charm.
The path also takes you along peaceful country lanes, leading towards the southern downs. Two main viewpoints offer stunning scenery stretching to Glastonbury Tor and Melbury Hill.
A highlight is descending the iconic Gold Hill, famous for its picturesque cobbled slope. The trail is open year-round, making it a treasure no matter the season.
To learn the route for this walk, click here.
đź‘Ł Good to know:
- Distance: 5.8 km
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour 44 minutes
- Dogs are welcome on a lead
đź“Ť Starting point: Bell Street Car Park, Shaftesbury SP7 8AP
Old Harry Circular Walk
The Old Harry Circular Walk is a delightful adventure near Swanage in Dorset. This 6.3 km trail is perfect for families looking for a scenic and easy hike. The path offers breathtaking views of the stunning Jurassic Coast.
Starting at the South Beach Car Park in Studland, the trail leads visitors to the amazing chalk formations known as the Old Harry Rocks. These impressive formations include a stack and stump located at Handfast Point.
This route is popular for family adventures, hikers, and mountain bikers. The area’s natural beauty and geological significance make it a must-visit.
To find out the route for this trail, click here.
đź‘Ł Good to know:
- Trail Length: 6.3 km circular
- Approximate Time: 1 hour 39 minutes
- Dogs are welcome
- Beware of cliff tops
đź“Ť Starting point: South Beach Car Park, Studland BH19 3AU
