Autumn in Dorset: Your 3-Day Itinerary

An Autumn Escape in Dorset: A Perfect 3-Day Itinerary

The summer crowds have drifted away, the sea air is crisp, and the countryside bursts into golden colours. The coast is quieter, the woodland richer in colour, and the promise of a roaring log fire after a bracing walk feels just right.

If you’re thinking of fossil-filled beaches, literary landscapes, and some of the cosiest food spots, this three-day itinerary is your perfect guide to experiencing Dorset in all its autumnal glory.

Day 1: Jurassic Coast – Lyme Regis & Charmouth

Theme: Coastal walks, fossils, and flavours of the sea

Start your autumn escape by embracing Dorset’s most iconic stretch of coastline.

Morning:

Begin in Lyme Regis, a charming coastal town with a rich maritime history. Stroll along the famous Cobb – a stone harbour wall featured in films like Wonka – and take in sweeping sea views.
Fuel up at The Town Mill Bakery, known for its fresh sourdough and relaxed, rustic atmosphere.
Step into the Lyme Regis Museum for a deep dive into the area’s fossil heritage and the story of Mary Anning, the pioneering paleontologist.

Late Morning:

Head to nearby Charmouth Beach for a spot of fossil hunting – the best finds often come after autumn storms.
Want to learn the ropes? Join a guided fossil walk with the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre.
Or for a taylor made fossil hunt book with Jurassic Coast Guides

Lunch:

Stop at The Anchor Inn in Seatown – a classic seaside pub with panoramic views and a roaring fire.

Afternoon:

Hike the Golden Cap trail, the highest point on England’s south coast. Whether you start from Seatown or Langdon Hill, you’ll be rewarded with fiery foliage and breathtaking views.

Evening:

Settle into dinner in Beaminster at either The Ollerod (stylish, relaxed dining) or Brassica (known for seasonal, local fare).

Day 2: Hardy Country & Autumn Hills

Theme: Countryside walks, literary charm, and cosy villages

Get off the coast and head inland to explore Dorset’s quieter corners, full of storybook scenery and historic charm.

Morning:

Begin the day with breakfast in Beaminster, followed by a pastry and coffee from The Trading Post.
Enjoy a peaceful morning walk up Lewesdon Hill or Pilsdon Pen, where golden woodlands and misty valleys greet early risers.

Late Morning:

Travel east toward Dorchester, known as Thomas Hardy’s heartland.
- Visit Hardy’s Cottage, tucked into woodland and especially atmospheric in autumn.
- If time allows, stop by Max Gate, the Victorian home Hardy designed himself.

Lunch:

Tuck into a comforting meal at The Blue Vinny in Puddletown or the intimate Yalbury Cottage near Dorchester – both known for locally sourced, seasonal dishes.

Afternoon:

Wander the village of Abbotsbury, with its thatched cottages and quirky charm.
- Visit the Subtropical Gardens, which blaze with autumn colour.
- Optional: Walk up to St. Catherine’s Chapel for sweeping views over the coast and countryside.

Evening:

Head back to your cosy base (like Blackbird Cottage) and wind down with dinner at a local pub such as The Red Lion or The Greyhound, or enjoy a relaxed evening with a home-cooked meal and a fire.

Day 3: Markets, Makers & a Coastal Send-Off

Theme: Culture, creativity, and a final dose of sea air

Round off your trip with a blend of local culture and relaxed coastal beauty.

Morning:

Head to Bridport Market (Wednesdays and Saturdays) for vintage finds, handmade crafts, and seasonal produce.
Don’t miss coffee and a slice of Dorset apple cake at Leakers Bakery, a local institution.

Late Morning:

Pop into Sladers Yard in West Bay, a beautiful gallery space showcasing contemporary art and hand-crafted furniture.
Optional: Take a breezy walk along East Cliff or Burton Bradstock – peaceful stretches perfect for a reflective moment by the sea.

Lunch:

Enjoy fresh seafood at the Hive Beach Café, perched right on the pebbles with endless views of the ocean.

Afternoon:

Take a scenic drive inland via Powerstock or stop at Eggardon Hill for final photos – think windswept trees and golden hills rolling into the horizon.
For one last indulgence, enjoy afternoon tea at The Seaside Boarding House in Burton Bradstock before heading home.

Final Thoughts

Dorset in autumn is an invitation to slow down, wrap up warm, and embrace everything this season offers – dramatic coastlines, colourful countryside, and food that comforts. Whether you’re hunting fossils on the beach or sipping cider by a fire, you’ll find that autumn really is the perfect time to explore this beautiful corner of England.

A Perfect Afternoon Tea in Dorset

There’s something undeniably special about a traditional afternoon tea — the slow pace, the elegance, and of course, the indulgent treats. During a recent stay at Blackbird Cottage in Beaminster, we found ourselves craving just that. The only catch? It was a Monday, a day when many tea rooms and hotels tend to close.

After a bit of online searching, we discovered that Summer Lodge, a beautiful English country house hotel in the pretty village of Evershot, was not only open but served an afternoon tea. It turned out to be the perfect choice.

A warm welcome at Summer Lodge

We arrived via the hotel’s lush gardens, passing a charming croquet lawn along the way — a scene straight out of a classic novel. Once inside, we were warmly greeted and shown to the sitting room. With its soft, oversized armchairs and plush sofas, we felt instantly at home. We settled in beside the fireplace the perfect spot to relax.

Afternoon Tea done right

We all opted for the classic afternoon tea, which offered a mix of savoury and sweet. Two of us chose the vegetarian option, which was equally tempting. A broad selection of teas and coffees was available to accompany the meal, and the staff were more than happy to offer recommendations.

Soon, our tea was brought out — a stunning three-tiered stand filled with an array of beautifully presented treats. The top tier, glistening with colourful sweets, was almost too pretty to eat (almost!).

We began with the sandwiches, which were fresh and full of flavour. Think delicate slices of smoked salmon, ham, cheese, and tangy pickle — each one perfectly balanced and thoughtfully made using local ingredients. The vegetarian option featured equally satisfying alternatives.

Next came the scones, both plain and fruit, served warm with generous dollops of Dorset clotted cream and sweet strawberry jam. The texture was spot-on: crisp on the outside, soft and fluffy inside.

Despite having skipped lunch in anticipation, we were starting to feel satisfyingly full. But the final tier, filled with macaroons, miniature tarts, and rich chocolate cake, was too tempting to resist. Thankfully, our attentive waiter provided a takeaway box, so we didn’t have to leave anything behind.

A stroll to finish

Feeling thoroughly pampered (and a bit indulgent), we wandered out into the gardens for a gentle post-tea stroll. The grounds at Summer Lodge are every bit as elegant as the tea service itself — a perfect end to a truly lovely afternoon.

Final thoughts

If you’re looking for a memorable afternoon tea experience in Dorset, especially near Beaminster, Summer Lodge in Evershot is an absolute gem. The service is impeccable, the food delicious, and the setting utterly idyllic — even on a Monday. Afternoon Tea starts at £40 per person.

Discovering Beaminster

Dorset’s hidden gem

Nestled in a lush valley in West Dorset, Beaminster is the kind of town that feels like a well-kept secret. With its honey-hued stone buildings, independent shops, and rolling countryside, it’s a place where time slows down and charm takes centre stage.

A town steeped in history

Beaminster’s roots stretch back centuries, and you can feel it in the architecture and atmosphere. The town square is surrounded by Georgian and Victorian buildings, and St Mary’s Church boasts one of the tallest towers in Dorset—complete with carvings that nod to the town’s flax and wool heritage.

Literary buffs might recognise Beaminster as “Emminster” in Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the D’Urbervilles. Hardy’s connection to the area adds a poetic layer to its already rich history.

Culture & creativity

Despite its size, Beaminster punches above its weight in the arts. From Beaminster Books, a local independent bookshop celebrating nature writing, to Sophie’s Studio and Art & Beyond, the town is a haven for creatives. And every June, the Beaminster Festival brings music, theatre, and visual arts to life in gardens and venues across town.

Foodie delights

If you’re hungry, Beaminster won’t disappoint. Brassica Restaurant serves up seasonal dishes with ingredients sourced within 15 miles, while The Ollerod, a boutique hotel and restaurant, offers fine dining in a 13th-century building. Local farm shops and bakeries round out the experience with fresh produce and artisan treats.

Things to do

Explore Mapperton House & Gardens, a Jacobean manor just outside town
Visit Beaminster Museum to learn about its agricultural past
Walk the Brit Valley for stunning countryside views
Join the Scarecrow Trail or Christmas Lights Switch-On for a taste of local community spirit

Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or just curious about Dorset’s quieter corners, Beaminster is a town that invites you to slow down, explore, and fall in love with its timeless charm.