Dorset

Properties and events in Dorset

Before heading out for your Heritage Open Days visit, please check entries for last-minute changes.

Print selected events below

Bridport Town Hall

Bridport Tourist Information Centre, Town Hall, Market House, East Street, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3LF
In person
Pre-booking not required

The Town Hall is in the very centre of the town. Daytime entrance to the Town Hall is normally via the lift in the TIC. You can ask the TIC to open the main door for stair access. Disabled access, toilets.

From Coade to the Cobb: Belmont Open Days

Belmont, 16 Pound Street, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3HZ
In person
Pre-booking preferred

Join us to explore Belmont on Saturday 13 - Sunday 14 September 2025, part of Heritage Open Days. This fine 18th-century maritime villa in Lyme Regis is listed Grade II* and once belonged to the remarkable businesswoman, Mrs Eleanor Coade.

Hardy Monument

Hardy Monument, Portesham, Near Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 9HY
In person
Pre-booking not required

This is a 72ft monument to Vice-Admiral Hardy, built in 1844 stands on an exposed location above the village of Portesham, near Dorchester. Climb to the 120 steps to the top of the monument and enjoy breathtaking views across Dorset.

Hardy's House, Max Gate

Max Gate, Alington Avenue, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 2FN
In person
Pre-booking not required

Max Gate, home to Dorset's famous author and poet, Thomas Hardy, was designed by the writer himself and built by the Hardy family building firm in 1885. Join a guided tour with one of our volunteer guides and discover the stories of Hardy's home.

Kingston Lacy

Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 4EA
In person
Pre-booking not required

We are celebrating Heritage Open Days by offering free entry to Kingston Lacy on 18 - 20 September. Discover Kingston Lacy, an opulent family home built to resemble a Venetian Palace.

Lulworth Castle & Park

Lulworth Castle, East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5QS
In person
Pre-booking not required

Visit and discover the stunning Lulworth Castle & the Chapel of St Mary.

Lulworth Castle House

Lulworth Castle House, East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5QS
In person
Pre-booking required

Visit the Weld family home in the grounds of Lulworth Castle. The Entrance Hall & Drawing Room will be open to view. The gardens are not open.

Melbury House Tour

Melbury House, Melbury Sampford, Dorchster, Dorset, DT2 0LF
In person
Pre-booking required

Supervised tour of parts of private house and contents including the entrance hall, breakfast room, saloon, square drawing room, dining room and long drawing room. Visits to Melbury Church are also permitted if requested in advance.

Portland House Open Day

24 Belle Vue Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8RZ
In person
Pre-booking not required

Lounging elegantly at the top of a slope overlooking Portland Harbour, this extraordinary, 1930s, art-deco house, surrounded by a huge garden and terraces invokes the sophistication and luxury of old-school Hollywood.

Studland Bay in WWII

Knoll Beach visitors Centre, Ferry Road, Studland, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 3AQ
In person
Pre-booking required

Discover Studland Bays World War Two history and how Britain prepared to defend it's coastline. Find out about the D-Day rehearsals that took place here and the WWII structures still found on site. Family friendly, with exhibits and kids activities.

White Mill

White Mill, Sturminster Marshall, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 4BX
In person
Pre-booking not required

We are celebrating Heritage Open Days by offering free entry to White Mill on 13 and 14 September. Discover White Mill, a corn mill with original wooden machinery in a peaceful riverside setting