Outdoor fun in Dorset this May Bank Holiday

Is looks like the weather is going to be kind to us this weekend so if you are looking for Outdoor things to do in Dorset this Spring Bank Holiday why not check out some of the ideas below.

Spring Bank Holiday in Dorset

All the family will enjoy the Sherborne Castle Country Fair. The day is packed with fun activities and displays, from dog shows to dragon boat racing. Visit the many stands, sample some local gourmet products and enjoy the lakeside location of Sherborne Castle on this fun-filled day out. The 2009 Fair is on Monday 25th May, 10.00 am - 6.00 pm.

For a real delicious treat this Half Term head to one of the many Farmers’ Markets that are running in West Dorset. You’ll find plenty of local produce to tantalise those taste buds, including fresh fruit and vegetables, speciality cheeses and Dorset cider.

Walking in Dorset

Get out and about this bank holiday with free walking guides. Bank holidays are great for getting out and about and there are some fantastic walks to be had in Dorset. Download free walking guides to beaches, forests and villages looked after by the National Trust. 

The website also lists National Trust properties and gardens that offer discounted entry or a tearoom voucher to car-free visitors, to promote greener travel.

Stuck for other places to walk try Treasure Trails Weymouth Guided Walk - the trail starts at the site of the old Devenish Brewery, now Brewers Quay, then over the Town Bridge to what used to be Melcombe Regis, through the Town and on to the Promenade. Download your guide complete with historic information and notes fro your trip.

Cycling in Dorset

Dorset has many places to explore, and what better way to do it than on a bike. Quiet country lanes and a sedate pace with a Pub at the end sounds indyllic. Or is you are after a bit more fast-paced action there bridleways along the Coastal Path make for breathtaking mountain biking.

If you are looking for a selection of routes, check out the National Cycle Network which is made up of more than 12,000 miles of routes across the country. Find a free map on the Sustrans website, together with ideas for easy or long-distance rides.

Down in Dorset for the weekend and not got a bike - checkout Weymouth Bike Hire - they offer a full range of mountain bikes and tag-alongs that are great for a family day out. Wind your way along Weymouth’s Seafront through the Lodmoor Bike Trail - a reasonably flat bike trail that is perfect for all the family.

Camping in Dorset

If you are after a last minute Camping Trip then Dorset has some excellent campsites that are perfect for exploring the Jurassic Coast and the beaches. Many of the sites allow you to “turn up and pitch”, so why not pack up the tent, kids and the BBQ and enjoy the outdoors in Dorset

For a full list of Dorset Campsites try - http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/results.asp?county=Dorset or http://www.wdparks.co.uk/

 Don’t forget that if you need any bits of camping equipment, walking boots, maps and guides drop into The Outdoor Store, right opposite the railway station in Weymouth.

Tags: cycling in dorset, dorset camping, dorset spring bank holiday, dorset walking