An Itinerary For A Campervan Road Trip Through Dorset

Man O'War Beach, West Lulworth. Nick Fewings

Dorset Road Trip

If you’re planning a campervan road trip to Dorset and wondering what to do with your time there, you’ve arrived at the right place. In this blog, we’ll share an itinerary for a campervan roadtrip in Dorset that our readers can stretch out over a week or compact into a weekend or bank holiday. Feel free to adjust our Dorset campervan itinerary according to your travel style and pick out attractions or activities that fit your preferences.

• An Itinerary For A Campervan Road Trip Through Dorset
• Part 1: A Complete Campervan Road Trip Guide to Charming Sherborne
• Part 2: A Unique Campervan Road Trip Guide to Shaftesbury, Dorset
• Part 3: Road Trip Cranborne Chase And West Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• Part 4: A Comprehensive Campervan Road Trip Guide to Poole, Dorset
• Part 5: Unforgettable Road Trip by Camper at the Isle Of Purbeck

We’ll wander to the must-see stops and the top points of interest at each attraction. Join us on an epic Dorset road trip encompassing the Jurassic Coast, gorgeous coastal towns, and another stunning Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Each stop will include campervan hire recommendations and the best nearby campsites nearby. Join us as we explore both the countryside and the coastline.

We’ll explore these locations in depth as we work our way down our Dorset itinerary.

• Start: Sherborne
• Part 2: Shaftesbury
• Part 3: Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• Part 4: Poole
• Part 5: Isle of Purbeck
• Part 6: West Lulworth
• Part 7: Jurassic Coast and West Lulworth
• Part 8: West Dorset Heritage Coast
• Part 9: Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• End: Lyme Regis

Start: Sherborne

Sherborne. Jason_is_Travelling

We kick off our adventure in Sherborne, one of the most picturesque towns in England. Tucked amid green valleys and verdant woods, Sherborne brims with mediaeval buildings, two castles and a super abbey, among other attractions. Situated on the Dorset and Somerset Border, Sherborne is an excellent base for adventure, conveniently placed for exploring a wealth of attractions, and a fine centre point for exploring the Wessex area of Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire. We’ll dive into the abundance of rich history, lovely family-friendly attractions, and tip-top local amenities. We’ll also include a list of top campsites in Sherborne and private campervan owners in and around the town. Look out for the guide to come!

Check out the full guide here: A Complete Campervan Road Trip Guide to Charming Sherborne

Part 2: Shaftesbury

Shaftesbury. Michael Day

The market town of Shaftesbury is the second stop on our road trip in Dorset. Explore the history that dates back to the Saxon times and fall in love with the lush countryside scenery of North Dorset. Come along as we uncover delightful outdoor attractions that highlight Shaftesbury's charm and natural beauty. We'll stop at Gold Hill, arguably the most iconic landmark in town that has appeared in countless photographs and films. We'll explore the tranquil walking paths in St James's Park and the old abbey at Shaftesbury Abbey Gardens. Nature lovers can spend time at Fontmell Down, a beautiful nature reserve with panoramic vistas and excellent opportunities to spot wildlife and wildflowers. We'll picnic amid charming cottages and local scenery at Shaftesbury Common and savour a relaxed pace of life. Join us for countryside capers and quiet afternoons at our suggested campsites in Shaftesbury. We will publish a detailed guide for this location.

Check out the full guide here: A Unique Campervan Road Trip Guide to Shaftesbury, Dorset

Part 3: Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Cranborne Chase. lillianspibey

The Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the second stop on our Dorset road trip. This protected landscape is the 6th largest in England and a delight for campervan adventures. Come along as we swap the complexities of modern life for wild open spaces, stunning chalk-down land and age-old woods brimming with folklore, wildlife and rich history. We’ll stay at campsites that offer dramatic views from chalk ridgeways, rumble over to sleepy villages that remain unchanged with time, explore historic churches, and visit ancient hillforts. We’ll wind down in charming country pubs and end our stay under the stars at a quiet campsite. Keep your eyes peeled for our forthcoming guide.

Check out the full guide here: Road Trip Cranborne Chase And West Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Part 4: Poole

Poole Harbour. Richie Rocket

Stop number four on our campervan road trip itinerary through Dorset sees us hit the charming town of Poole. Known for its picturesque harbour, which is one of the largest natural harbours in Europe. The town boasts a mix of maritime heritage and modern attractions. Don’t miss the chance to explore Poole’s historic Old Town and visit the fascinating Poole Museum. The town has a rich history, with notable landmarks including Poole Museum and the mediaeval Poole Old Town. Experience the blend of history, natural beauty, and seaside relaxation in Poole. There are many great campsites nearby which allow you to scoot into the town and then relax in the countryside after the day is done. Guide to come soon,check above for links to each individual guide.

Check out the full guide here: A Comprehensive Campervan Road Trip Guide to Poole, Dorset

Part 5: Isle of Purbeck

Isle of Purbeck. Janerouse3

The Isle of Purbeck is a gorgeous peninsula in Dorset home to beautiful towns and landmarks, including Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door, Corfe Castle and Swanage, is stop number five on our campervan road trip itinerary. Although not an island by geographical terms, Purbeck is bordered by the ocean on three sides and the River Frome on the remaining border, creating a beautiful setting for coastal capers and seaside frolics. Dominated by the Jurassic Coastline, the Purbeck Hills chalk ridge, and Poole Harbour, Purbeck has lots of great places for campers to explore, tourist activities for all ages and a selection of campsites ranging from the quirky to the swish holiday parks. We also have a choice of campervan hire options and our list of top camping locations in the area. Take a read and let us know which attractions made the list on the fifth leg of our adventure. Watch out for our Isle of Purbeck guide, soon to be published.

Check out the full guide here: Unforgettable Road Trip by Camper at the Isle Of Purbeck

Part 6: West Lulworth

Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. Richclements83

Stop number six on our exciting campervan road trip through Dorset will explore West Lulworth, a picture postcard village that falls under Lulworth alongside East Lulworth village. Some of Dorset's most frequented attractions lie here, and there are plenty of reasons to stop and spend a few days here. West Lulworth is a gorgeous village that leads to Lulworth Cove and is one of the most picturesque villages in the area. West Lulworth is a great space for relaxing and breathing during your holiday. The peaceful settings, rustic scenery and laid-back pace of life create a fantastic setting for kicking back at your campsite. Stock up on your bevvies of choice and idle away the hours, taking breaks to explore activities and attractions when the mood strikes. Guide coming soon.

Part 7: Jurassic Coast and West Lulworth

Lulworth. Richard Szwejkowski

Nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers are invited to marvel at England’s only natural World Heritage Site. Join along as we explore must-see attractions, like Lulworth Cove, a spectacular rounded bay with plenty of picturesque scenery. We'll marvel at Durdle Door, a stunning geological formation with a striking limestone arch easily recognizable worldwide. Our Dorset road trip will also take us through Lulworth Castle Grounds, where we stop for picnics and walks. The nature trails crisscrossing Lulworth Estate and effortless access to the South West Coast Path create a delightful area for various walks ranging from gentle strolls to invigorating hikes. Pack your walking boots, and let's get exploring on our seventh stop. Our indepth guide to the Jurassic coast will be published shortly and provide information on how to travel and where to stay on this beautiful coastline.

Part 8: West Dorset Heritage Coast

Charmouth. Quisnovus

The West Dorset Heritage Coast is where we find ourselves on the eighth spot on the itinerary for our Dorset campervan road trip. The West Dorset Heritage Coast is a gorgeous coastline extending from Lyme Regis to Weymouth with fossil hunting and coastal walks, stretches of golden sands, and stunning trails. We plan on exploring its breathtaking sceneries, quiet nooks, and serene campsites, so come along and be inspired. Hunt for fossils, walk the famous Jurassic Coast and dine on fresh seafood whilst enjoying views of outstanding rocks and landforms. Our Dorset Heritage Coast itinerary will showcase the very best of this 95-mile-long stretch, the only place on the planet to have rocks from the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Look out for the forthcoming guide.

Part 9: Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Weymouth, Lee

The Dorset National Landscape stretches from Highcliff in the east, along the entire stretch of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and down the western boundary through Lyme Regis, covering 93 miles. We'll uncover one of the country's most picturesque, famous, and dazzling coastlines, exploring each section and displaying unique characters and features. Along with its spectacular coastline, this AONB encompasses the entire isle of Portland, famed for its stone. There is so much to see and do in the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so read our Dorset section for our recommendations of attractions, campsites, and campervan hire locations. Our guide to the Dorset AONB will contain detailed information regarding the AONB.

End: Lyme Regis

Lyme Regis. Edlongley

Our last stop is Lyme Regis, which has a whole host of attractions ideal for all tastes, budgets and interests. We recommend camping at one of our Lyme Regis campsite recommendations and exploring the town on foot, which brims with excellent local eateries, scenic walking trails and a wealth of beautiful places to discover. Our itinerary will take us from the dramatic coastline to the charming countryside, with stops at lively towns and quiet villages. We'll explore geology, fossils, and Lyme Regis's role in earth sciences. We will also dive into various fun attractions and activities to entertain the entire family. Come along as we learn more about local sea creatures, try something new like paddleboarding and sample some delicious local fish and chips. Look out for our guide to Lyme Regis. As always, we'll include spots to set up camp and campervan hire locations for those working their way backwards with our itinerary.

A campervan road trip through Dorset Map

Come follow along with our interactive map. You can add your stops along the way or even add locations you’d like to explore outside Dorset or the surrounding area.

And there you have it - an exciting itinerary through Dorset, with stops to explore its most popular attractions. We'll include campervan hire locations at each stop and our list of top campsites, making it incredibly easy to plan a holiday without the stress of conducting time-consuming research on your own. Our itinerary is highly flexible and perfect for both extended and short holidays. Read on, make a bespoke itinerary based on your preferences, and get adventurous.