Dorset 3-day Autumn Itinerary: Where to Stay, Eat and Visit
Are you planning on visiting Dorset in England, but you’re not sure where exactly to go?
We’re both from Dorset, and are so proud to be. We might be biased, but we truly think it is one of the most gorgeous parts of England, with its stunning countryside, crumbling castles, and an absolutely unmatched coastline from the Jurassic Coast to the endless stretches of white sand beaches.
This post was written in collaboration with Visit Dorset; however, as always, all opinions are our own. This post also contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, then we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. We really appreciate your support, as this is how we keep our content free.
There’s also so much to do, no matter what time of the year. But autumn is one of our favourite times to be here. The huge crowds that visit in the summer have left, the leaves turn stunning shades of red and orange, the pub fires are roaring, and the beaches are almost deserted. It’s the perfect time to head down to Dorset and enjoy an English staycation.
From coastal walks along the Jurassic Coast to exploring quaint market towns like Shaftesbury and Bridport. Dorset, in autumn, feels like something out of a storybook. You can hike through golden woodland trails, stop for a Sunday roast in a cosy country pub, or watch the sunset from the cliffs at Durdle Door with barely another soul around. It’s the perfect time for a relaxing Dorset weekend break.
We’ve put together the ultimate 3-day Dorset itinerary for autumn, the perfect guide for a cosy weekend break in Dorset, England.
You’ll see as many of the incredible spots as possible, and take part in the best activities. We’ve also included some of the best quintessentially English pubs to stop at along the way and the cutest spot to stay at.
Keep reading to start planning your long weekend, autumnal break to Dorset.
In a hurry? Here is our quick guide for a long weekend in Dorset, England
How to get here: Dorset is well-connected to the rest of the UK via trains or coaches. It’s also a short 2-hour drive from London.
What currency is used? GBP
Where to stay: A Star Gazing Yurt at South Lytchett Manor
When to visit: Autumn (September – November) for cosy pubs, gorgeous colours and fewer crowds
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Here’s a quick look at what this 3-day Dorset itinerary will cover!
Day 1: Visit Arne Nature Reserve & enjoy a pub lunch at The Scott Arms
Day 2: Enjoy a Jurassic Cruise, relax in a Saltwater sauna and enjoy a walk along the beach
Day 3: Go Coastal Foraging in Studland
Here is a handy map to help you find each spot in Dorset:
Before we dive into the itinerary, I’ll cover everything you need to know to plan a long weekend in Dorset during Autumn.
Everything you need to know to visit Dorset
Best Places to Stay in Dorset for a Weekend Break
Deciding where to stay in Dorset can be tricky, as there are plenty of hotels, B&Bs, and glamping sites, making it hard to choose.
The natural beauty of Dorset is absolutely unmatched, so we recommend opting for a glamping option to immerse yourself in it fully.
We opted to stay in South Lytchett Manor in one of their stargazing yurts and couldn’t recommend it more.
The Yurt designs originate from Kyrgyzstan with a Moroccan-inspired interior and are hand-built locally in Devon (which I think is such a nice touch).
Each comes equipped with a comfy bed, two futons, perfect if you’re travelling with children, a TV, plug points, a coffee machine, a kettle, a toaster, and a two-ring hob. They’re also just a two-minute walk to the award-winning toilet and shower block – (I didn’t know bathrooms could win awards either!). They’re fully equipped with everything that you need, except saucepans, etc., and bedding.
South Lytchett Manor is located perfectly between Poole and Bournemouth and the Jurassic Coast, making it convenient to travel between each spot.
Prices start from £78.00 per night (off-season weekday) and range to £159.00 over a weekend during peak season, which, for the unique experience and quality of the Yurts, I think is a bargain and perfect for a weekend break in Dorset.
We were slightly unlucky when we stayed, as it was overcast and rainy all evening. However, we actually think we preferred it like this. While we didn’t get to see any stars, there’s nothing more cosy than putting the fire on, reading your book, and enjoying a glass of wine whilst listening to the rain outside.
Where is Dorset?
Dorset is a county on the south coast of England, known for its rolling countryside, charming villages, and world-famous Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site stretching for 95 miles. It sits between Devon and Hampshire, with Wiltshire and Somerset to the north, and it’s easily reached from London in around two and a half hours by car or train.
How to get to Dorset
Getting to Dorset is easy. If you’re coming from London, the drive takes around two and a half hours via the M3 and A31, offering scenic countryside views along the way through the New Forest and into Dorset. Direct trains run regularly from London Waterloo to towns like Bournemouth, Poole and Dorchester, and take roughly 2-2.5 hours. For those arriving from further afield, Dorset is home to Bournemouth Airport, with Southampton Airport also just down the road.
When is the best time to visit Dorset?
The best time to visit Dorset is during spring (April–June) or autumn (September–November), when the weather is mild, the crowds are smaller, and the countryside is at its most colourful. During peak summer, Dorset can get extremely busy, and you’ll struggle to find a place on the beach and quite often a spot to park.
Autumn and Spring both offer a much more relaxed pace, with fewer crowds and milder weather that’s perfect for exploring. In spring, Dorset comes alive with colourful wildflowers, baby lambs in the fields, and longer, sunnier days, ideal for countryside walks and coastal adventures. Autumn, on the other hand, paints the landscape in rich reds and golds, the sea is still warm enough for a paddle, or a cold dip, and cosy countryside pubs with crackling fires make the perfect end to a day outdoors.
Both seasons capture Dorset at its most peaceful and picturesque, letting you experience its true charm without the hectic summer rush.
How to travel around Dorset
The best way to travel around Dorset is by car, as it gives you the freedom to explore the county’s hidden coves, countryside villages, and coastal viewpoints at your own pace. However, if you don’t drive, there are still plenty of options; local bus services connect most major towns, and trains run between Bournemouth, Poole, Weymouth, and Dorchester all the way to London.
If you’re not driving, then the Jurassic Coaster X53 bus will be your best friend to help you travel to quite a few spots on this Dorset itinerary.
During the summer months, you’ll also find seasonal open-top buses along the coast, which are a fun way to take in the views without worrying about parking.
Local taxi companies also operate in Dorset, as well as Uber, which has just started becoming more popular in some of the larger towns and cities.
Perfect 3-Day Dorset itinerary: day-by-day breakdown
Day 1: Visit Arne Nature Reserve & a pub lunch at The Scott Arms
Late Morning: Enjoy a walk around Arne Nature Reserve
Arne, Dorset, UK, is a gorgeous nature reserve on the coast run by the RSPB. It’s a popular bird-watching spot and is home to tons of rare birds. However, if that isn’t what you’re into, then it’s still an absolutely gorgeous, almost magical spot to walk around, especially in the autumn.
The reserve sits on the edge of Poole Harbour and offers a mix of woodland, heathland, and coastal scenery, the kind of place where every turn reveals something new. You can wander through peaceful pine forests, spot deer grazing in the distance (or, if you’re like us, pigs running past us), and take in sweeping views over the water and as far as Corfe Castle.
There are several walking trails to choose from, ranging from short, gentle strolls to longer routes that let you explore the full variety of landscapes. As the leaves start to change colour and the air turns crisp, Arne becomes even more magical; it’s one of those rare spots that feels completely untouched by time.
I recommend grabbing a coffee from the cafe, and maybe even one of their delicious pasties (we opted for a veggie sausage roll and a pastie), and enjoy a few hours out in nature.
If you’re an RSPB member, then parking is free. If you’re not a member, then parking costs £5 for the day. Entrance to the nature reserve is free.
Afternoon: Soak up the views and home-cooked food at The Scott Arms
The Scott Arms is one of our favourite pubs in Dorset. The views over Corfe Castle, along with the gorgeous pub garden and cosy interiors, are unmatched.
The Scott Arms is around a 15-minute drive from Arne Nature Reserve, so it’s the perfect spot for a warming pub lunch after building up an appetite at Arne, Dorset, UK.
The last time we visited, they only had one vegetarian/ vegan option for a main, which was our only critique. However, it was an incredibly tasty sweet potato Tikka curry served with naan, rice and a gorgeous coconut yoghurt – so we’ll let them off!
Lunch is served between 12 and 2:30 PM.
During the summer, they also have a Jerk Shack outside, which serves incredibly tasty Jerk food.
After you’ve enjoyed your lunch, if you have time, then I suggest visiting Corfe Castle or the town of Corfe. It’s a really gorgeous, tiny historic town, home to the ruins of Corfe Castle. The castle is managed by the National Trust, and entry costs around £14.00 off-peak and £15.00 during peak season for adults and £7 to £7.50 for children, with free access for National Trust members. It’s open daily, though hours vary slightly throughout the year.
From the top, you’ll get incredible panoramic views across the Purbeck Hills and down to the village below. The town itself has a few small shops, cafés, pubs and a cute little model village. It’s truly a charming place (and, fun fact: it’s where I had my first ever job!) There’s a National Trust and a pay-and-display car park just a short walk from the castle entrance. Plus, a few on-road free spots for a limited time.
Evening: Enjoy dinner and an early sunset
The sun sets at around 6 pm in Dorset in October, so I suggest heading somewhere first to watch the sunset before dinner.
I recommend heading to Swyre Head. It’s the area’s highest point, and offers stunning panoramic views of the ocean & castle and is a gorgeous spot to watch the sunset from. It’s also just a 10-minute drive from The Scott Arms.
Once the sun has set, it’s time for dinner.
There are plenty of gorgeous little countryside pubs to choose from around the Purbecks. Or, if you’re looking to head into a town, then Wareham and Swanage are both very picturesque and just around the corner.
Alternatively, if you opt to stay at South Lytchett Manor, then the pub St Peter’s Finger is just a short 5-minute walk away, or they have a different food truck there each night of the week. Perfect for a relaxed, cosy evening in your yurt – we had fish and chips and it was the perfect way to make the most of our yurt!
Day 2: Enjoy a Jurassic Coast Boat trip & beach walk
Late Morning: Enjoy a boat trip from Poole Harbour along the Jurassic Coast
I’m a sucker for a boat trip, and this one does not disappoint. In my opinion, the Jurassic Coast and Studland are one of the most beautiful parts of Dorset, and seeing it from the water makes it even more special.
If you’re after dramatic sea views, wildlife, and coastal geology, the Poole Jurassic Circular Cruise with Coastal Cruises Poole is a wonderful option. Leaving from Poole Quay, it’s a 2-hour 15-minute trip that takes you out over the harbour and along the spectacular Jurassic Coast. We opted for the 10:30 am cruise; however, if you prefer, you can always switch this itinerary so that you’re on this boat cruise in the afternoon, if you would prefer.
You’ll drift past Sandbanks, take in the cliffs, the iconic Old Harry Rocks, and enjoy the live commentary onboard so you can soak in the history, geology and tidbits about shipwrecks and smugglers (and who owns the insane houses along Sandbanks – otherwise known as Millionaires’ Row). On a calm day, you might even get lucky and see a dolphin!
Costs: adults (16+) are £21.00; children (5-15) are £15.50; infants (0-4) go free.
You can buy your tickets beforehand here.
There’s a café bar on board for snacks and drinks, and you can stay out on deck or head inside if it gets chilly.
The cruise runs from 1st April to 31st October, with departure times generally around 10.30 am, 1 pm, and 3.45 pm (with additional sailings during school holidays) and takes 2 hours 15 mins. It’s worth mentioning that if the sea’s choppy, they might opt for a shorter “mini Jurassic” cruise version instead (which is what we ended up doing, but it was still just as lovely and they gave us a free hot chocolate to make up for it, so we can’t complain!)
Afternoon: Head for a beach walk, swim and sauna
You might be feeling peckish after all the fresh air you enjoyed during your boat trip, so grab some chips from one of the many fish and chip stands along Poole Quay to keep you going before heading to Sandbanks for a crisp beach walk, a warming sauna and a cold dip in the sea.
Sandbanks is a beautiful, award-winning white sand beach that stretches for around 5km and is one of the most iconic and beautiful beaches in Dorset.
Sandbanks has gained a reputation as a sun-soaked millionaire’s playground and the 4th most expensive place to live in the world, and the most expensive seaside spot in the UK, so it’s fun to walk along and admire the incredible houses that line the beach. If you’re feeling peckish or after a coffee, there’s also a small selection of cafés and beachside kiosks if you fancy a coffee or ice cream while taking in the sea air.
If you’re after trying your hand at some watersports, then Sandbanks is the perfect spot to do it, with so many spots where you can try Windsurfing, Kitesurfing, paddleboarding, Jet Skiing, Kayaking or Sailing.
Alternatively, if you’d prefer to relax (we don’t blame you), then there’s also a gorgeous Saltwater Sauna where you can warm up, recharge and listen to the crashing waves around you.
The Saltwater Sauna is a Nordic sauna located on Sandbanks beach (with other saunas at Lulworth Cove and Avon Beach).
It’s such a relaxing way to spend an hour, and I’ve never been to a sauna with such an incredible view. Throughout your session, you’re encouraged to go for a dip in the sea (which is lovely and refreshing, albeit COLD in October), and they’ll also come in and put some gorgeous smelling essential oils over the fire and add some extra water to warm it up.
It’s such a treat, and one that is perfect for autumn.
Saltwater Sauna offer communal and private saunas, which both last 65 minutes. A communal sauna costs £15 pp and the private saunas start at £75.
You can reserve your Saltwater Sauna here.
Evening: Enjoy a roast dinner
As it’s a Sunday, you can’t be more quintessentially English than a Sunday roast dinner with all of the trimmings. Luckily for you, there’s plenty to choose from.
As you’ll be in Sandbanks, either head towards Canford Cliffs or Poole centre, where you’ll find plenty of English pubs (can you see a pub theme through this itinerary?!)
I recommend either The Cliff at Canford Cliffs or The Antelope in Poole for a great Sunday pub roast dinner.
Day 3: Go Sea Foraging
Late Morning: Grab a coffee and go for a stroll to Old Harry Rocks
Grab breakfast or a coffee at The Pig on the Beach, where you can take in sea views across to Old Harry Rocks. If you’re feeling energetic, follow the coastal path towards Old Harry Rocks for a short hike with panoramic views of the Jurassic Coast and the iconic rocks.
It’s such a gorgeous place and will be pretty quiet in autumn, which makes it feel even more special.
The walk from The Pig on the Beach to Old Harry Rocks takes approximately 30 minutes each way so it’s not too far for an early morning stroll.
If you prefer to have a relaxed morning, ahead of your active afternoon, then The Pig on the Beach offer an exceptional breakfast paired with exceptional views.
Afternoon: Go Sea Foraging
So much of what makes Dorset special is its incredible coastline, and what better way to learn and understand it than by discovering what you can eat from it?
Spend your final afternoon in Dorset on a coastal foraging experience with Fore Adventure. You’ll explore the shores around Studland Bay (one of the most gorgeous beaches in Dorset) with an expert guide (who delivered the information in a very humorous and exciting way), learning how to identify edible seaweeds, find shellfish, and coastal plants.
Along the way, you’ll pick up tips on sustainable foraging and the local marine ecosystem before returning to enjoy a hearty soup made from vegetables and foraged ingredients.
It’s an authentic way to connect with Dorset’s landscape and gain a new appreciation for its natural beauty. All while picking up some tips on what we can eat from the natural landscape.
Coastal Foraging with Fore Adventure at Studland costs £57.20 per person (including a 4% booking fee), lasts for 3 hours and is suitable for anyone.
Just be sure to bring some comfortable, warm clothes, waterproof shoes, an open mind and a sense of adventure!
If you’d prefer to be out on the sea, then the incredible Fore Adventures also offer a range of Sea Adventures, including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkelling and even coasteering to choose from.
Evening: Dinner and hometime!
Time for one last meal before it’s time to depart Dorset and head on home, wherever that might be. I recommend heading either towards Weymouth to check out this quintessentially British seaside town, or, if you haven’t already, towards Corfe Castle for a final taste of Dorset’s countryside charm, depending on which way you’re heading off next.
Both offer plenty of cosy pubs and restaurants to enjoy a hearty dinner before your journey home from your Dorset weekend break.
Final Thoughts on a Dorset Weekend Break
Spending 3 days in Dorset in autumn is a great little introduction to our gorgeous country. There’s so much to do to get you out and about in nature, enjoying the gorgeous shades of orange and red, the beautiful views along the Jurassic Coast, the cosy countryside pubs and the unique activities like foraging along the coast and sleeping under the stars in a yurt.
If you’re planning a cosy autumnal staycation, then I encourage you to think of Dorset! I hope this itinerary will help you plan an incredible Dorset weekend break.
