Explore North Dorset and Beyond
Willow Brook Barn and Aplands Cottage are your home from home in the peaceful heart of North Dorset. Whether you’re here to explore, unwind, entertain the kids, or simply enjoy a change of pace, this guide is designed to help you make the most of your stay. From coastal walks to cream teas, charming villages to local pubs, there’s something here for everyone.
Our Recommendations
Beaches to Unwind and Explore
Knoll Beach, Studland
A National Trust gem with wide sands, calm waters, and plenty of space. Ideal for families or a quiet beach day.
Hive Beach, Burton Bradstock
Dramatic Jurassic cliffs, pebble shores, and the excellent Hive Beach Café right on the seafront.
Lulworth Cove & Durdle Door
Iconic and photogenic. Start your day early and walk the clifftop trail between the two. The scenery is unforgettable.
Chesil Beach
Eighteen miles of striking shingle beach - best for dramatic coastal walks and panoramic views.
Kimmeridge Bay
Great for fossil hunting, rock pooling and snorkelling. Wild and unspoilt, with a geology centre nearby.
Charmouth Beach
Another fossil hot spot. Visit the Heritage Coast Centre for guidance and head out at low tide with a keen eye.
Lyme Regis
A historic seaside town with sandy and shingle beaches, independent shops and excellent fish and chips.
Brownsea Island (NT)
Reachable by boat from Sandbanks or Poole. Home to red squirrels, woodland trails and hidden coves.
Family Adventures
Monkey World (Wareham)
A rescue and rehabilitation centre for apes and monkeys - moving, educational, and fun.
The Tank Museum (Bovington)
Massive military exhibits, interactive zones and real tank displays - thrilling for all ages.
Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park (Poole)
Tailored to under-8s, with animals to feed, tractor rides, soft play and outdoor adventure areas.
Moors Valley Country Park (Ashley Heath)
Forest trails, high ropes, cycling paths, and a miniature steam train.
Durlston Country Park (Swanage)
Wild coastal paths, nature trails and sweeping views over the Jurassic Coast.
Upton Country Park (Poole)
Georgian house, gardens and parkland. Free to roam and perfect for picnics.
Abbotsbury Swannery
A unique experience - walk among hundreds of nesting swans, with opportunities to help feed them.
Swanage Railway
A heritage steam train running through the Purbeck countryside - combine with a beach day.
Wimborne Model Town
A nostalgic model village from the 1950s with miniature shops, buildings and plenty of detail.
Local Pubs & Dining Spots
Beautiful Gardens & National Trust Days Out
The Saxon Inn (Child Okeford)
Traditional pub in the village, with a well-kept garden and hearty seasonal menus.
The Fiddleford Inn (Fiddleford)
Cosy, characterful and full of charm. Known for its food, drink and warm service.
The White Horse (Hinton St Mary)
Family-friendly and rustic, offering local ales and pub classics with a twist.
The Ibberton (Ibberton)
Slightly off the beaten path but worth the drive. Stunning countryside views and good food.
The Old Granary (Wareham Quay)
Waterside pub in a pretty market town. Sit outside and watch the boats.
Gaggle of Geese (Buckland Newton)
Quirky and relaxed, with a garden, chickens, and a real sense of fun.
World’s End (Almer)
A large family-friendly pub with good food and a safe, enclosed play area.
Tamburino Gold (Sherborne)
Authentic Italian with buzzing atmosphere and fresh pasta.
The Cowshed (Dorset)
A hidden gem offering quality meals and great service.
Three Chimneys Café & Sherborne Garden Centre Café
Perfect for lunch after a wander or garden browse., located in the most beautiful and pristine locations.
Beautiful Gardens & National Trust Days Out
Beautiful Gardens & National Trust Days Out
Beautiful Gardens & National Trust Days Out
Minterne House Gardens
Peaceful Himalayan-style garden with waterfalls and woodland paths.
Kingston Lacy (NT)
Stately home with opulent interiors, large parklands, and seasonal events.
Lytes Cary Manor (NT)
Smaller and less crowded than others, this house and its gardens are perfectly kept and full of charm.
Mapperton Gardens
A romantic valley garden beside a historic manor house, with terraces, topiary and hidden corners.
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
Lush, exotic planting in a warm microclimate - surprisingly tropical for Dorset.
Athelhampton House
Fine Tudor house with architectural gardens and riverside walks.
Larmer Tree Gardens
A Victorian pleasure garden filled with exotic birds, ornate buildings and picnic spots.
Scenic Walks & Outdoor Adventures
Beautiful Gardens & National Trust Days Out
Prettiest Villages & Historic Towns
Hambledon Hill
Climb this Iron Age hillfort for incredible views across three counties.
Okeford Hill
Just up the road, this local beauty spot offers several circular routes and benches to enjoy the view.
Dorset Trailway
Part of the old Somerset & Dorset railway line, perfect for walking or cycling.
North Dorset Cycleway
A 45-mile loop passing through villages, woods and countryside.
Badbury Rings (NT)
A hillfort surrounded by wildflowers and woodland trails.
The South West Coast Path
Not to be missed - especially around Ringstead Bay, West Bay, or Worth Matravers.
Prettiest Villages & Historic Towns
Beautiful Gardens & National Trust Days Out
Prettiest Villages & Historic Towns
Milton Abbas
A picture-perfect village of thatched white cottages in neat rows, set in rolling countryside.
Shaftesbury
Home to Gold Hill (of Hovis ad fame), boutique shops and glorious views across the Blackmore Vale.
Sherborne
With its Abbey, two castles and honey-toned buildings, it’s one of Dorset’s most refined towns.
Wimborne Minster
A lively town with a historic Minster, great markets, and a community buzz.
Abbotsbury
Cobblestone lanes, craft shops and views over Chesil Beach.
Okeford Fitzpaine
Your local village - quiet, traditional and surrounded by walks and farmland.
Stourhead (NT)
Technically over the border in Somerset, but a must-visit: lakes, temples, grottoes and woodland trails.