DORSET is packed with beautiful coastline and plenty of tourist attractions but if you are looking for something free to do then look no further.
We have compiled a list of free day trips that all the family can enjoy.
The Dorset Wildlife Trust run centre on Chesil Beach is perfect to learn all about Dorset’s diverse wildlife.
It is also located on Chesil Beach offering stunning views of Portland and is a perfect place to start and end a walk along the stone and shingle beach.
(Image: NQ) The Roman Town House sits in the grounds of County Hall in Dorchester, an area known as Colliton Park because from the 17th century it formed the grounds of Colliton House.
It lies in the north-west corner of the Roman town known as Durnovaria and is the only Roman town house to be seen in its entirety in Britain. Dating from the 4th century AD, the remains show a number of architectural details and provides a look back in time to Dorchester’s Roman past.
The town centre of Dorchester is not far away where you can explore the high street and learn more about the town’s connection with Thomas Hardy or take a walk to Maumbury Rings or Maiden Castle
(Image: Graham Hunt Photography) The RSPB Lodmoor and Radipole nature reserves in Weymouth are located right in the heart of the town by Radipole Lake.
It’s home to some fantastic wildlife, including birds like bearded reedlings and kingfishers, as well as elusive creatures such as otters and water voles.
Lodmoor has a combination of a large reedbed, open water, saltmarsh and wet grassland that attract a variety of birds. Look out for Cetti’s warblers, ducks, gulls and winter waders.
It is not too far from the town centre either which is worth popping by and visiting all the wide range of independent shops.
(Image: Supplied) There are plenty of beaches in west Dorset to enjoy a free day out by the sea
Monmouth Beach in Lyme Regis is famous as being where renowned paleontologist Mary Anning found the ichthyosaur, and is the access point for the Undercliffs National Nature Reserve, which in itself is a marvel to explore with its ‘jungle-like’ appearance.
At the far end of the beach at low tide, that is where a whole treasure trove of prehistoric relics can be found at the ammonite graveyard, a layer of limestone rock famous for the large ammonite fossils that it contains. Make sure to check the tide times before setting out as the beach can get cut off at high tide.
Church Cliff beach is popular for rockpooling with its extensive rock ledge at low tide and the fossil rich East Cliff Beach is one of the best beaches for fossil hunting in the world.
Charmouth beach is also a great spot to find fossils and visitors can also so visit the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre to learn more about the fossil and history of the Jurassic Coast
For a day filled with great rural walks then visit the Cerne Abbas Giant, 180ft long club-wielding chalk figure set above the picturesque village of Cerne Abbas.
A recent archaeological study dates the figure to around 700-1100AD which suggests it was first made by late Saxons.
Set in an idyllic setting its the perfect spot to bring a picnic and enjoy Dorset’s beautiful rural countryside – or pop into the village and enjoy a pint and a pub lunch.
