Things to do near Beaminster
From walking the West Dorset countryside with your own donkey to exploring world-class gardens, award-winning wineries and one of the finest small museums in Dorset, there is so much to discover on your doorstep. There are plenty of wonderful places to visit near Beaminster, and these are all places we’ve visited ourselves and can happily recommend, here are some of our favourites.
In Beaminster
Beaminster Museum · Whitcombe Road, Beaminster DT8 3NB
Set in a beautifully converted listed chapel, this wonderful free museum tells the story of Beaminster and the surrounding villages from prehistoric times to the present day. The restored 19th century chamber organ is still played regularly. A genuine hidden gem.
(5 min walk · Free entry · Easter to October · Tue, Thu, Sat 10.30am–4pm · Sun 2–4.30pm)
Donkey Walking Adventures · Stokewater Meadow, Beaminster DT8 3JL
Walk through the West Dorset countryside with your very own donkey. Starting with grooming and a cup of tea, the walks take in spectacular local scenery — often finishing in Beaminster for lunch. One of the most joyful and memorable experiences in Dorset. Booking essential.
(10 min walk · donkeywalkingadventures.co.uk)
Parnham Park · Parnham Park, Beaminster DT8 3LZ
A stunning 140-acre historic estate with ancient parkland, a walled garden and the most beautiful deer-grazed grounds at golden hour. Walk from the cottage through the countryside and back, one of our very favourite suggestions for guests.
(5 min drive)
Mapperton House & Gardens · Mapperton, Beaminster DT8 3NR
One of England’s finest historic gardens — dramatic Italianate terraces, topiary, a fountain courtyard and a beautiful wild garden descending into a wooded valley. Voted Historic Houses Garden of the Year 2020. The house opens for tours on selected dates.
(10 min drive · Adults £10 · March to October)
A short drive away
Furleigh Estate Winery · Salway Ash, Bridport DT6 5JF
Award-winning English sparkling wine made in the heart of the Dorset countryside. Tours take in the vineyard, the winery and a tutored tasting of five wines. Drop-in tastings available Tuesday to Saturday — no booking required. Dogs welcome in the vineyard.
(20 min drive · Tours £30 · Easter to October · furleighestate.co.uk)
Bridport Market · South Street, Bridport DT6 · 25 min drive
One of the finest street markets in the South West — over 100 stalls every Wednesday and Saturday covering food, antiques, crafts and local produce.
Symondsbury Estate & Colmers Hill · Bridport DT6 6HG
A charming countryside estate with independent shops, a café and scenic walking routes. The short climb up Colmers Hill rewards you with one of Dorset’s most iconic viewpoints.
(20 min drive · Free to visit)
Forde Abbey & Gardens · Chard TA20 4LU
A 900-year-old former Cistercian monastery with 30 acres of award-winning gardens including England’s highest powered fountain. Outstanding in spring and summer.
(20 min drive · Adults £14)
A bit further away
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens · Bullers Way, Abbotsbury DT3 4LA
30 acres of Grade I listed woodland valley garden in its own coastal microclimate. One of the finest plant collections in England — spectacular in spring and summer. Dogs welcome on leads.
(35 min drive · Adults £15 · Daily)
Abbotsbury Swannery · New Barn Road, Abbotsbury DT3 4JG
The only managed colony of nesting mute swans in the world — over 600 swans on the Fleet lagoon. Magical for all ages.
(35 min drive · May to September)
Athelhampton House & Gardens · Athelhampton, Dorchester DT2 7LG
A magnificent 15th century Tudor manor with Grade I listed formal gardens, twelve giant yew topiary pyramids and the River Piddle running through the grounds. House tours included with garden admission. Dogs welcome on leads.
(35 min drive · Adults £14.50 · Daily)
Lyme Regis
A beautiful Jurassic Coast seaside town with a sandy beach, colourful harbour and the historic Cobb. Ideal for fossil hunting, coastal walks, independent shops and great food.
(25 min drive · Free to visit)