What’s on at Dorset's country parks?

A visit to a country park is a great value day out and they often have activities and facilities for the whole family. Whether you go for a stroll or chase after the kids, you’ll fit some exercise into your day without even thinking about it!

Here's what the parks have to offer and links to the latest events:

Avon Heath Country Park

A Treasure Trail which gets adults and kids out on a walk with a mission
Wellbeing and Adventure walks with Dorset Nordic Walking
Volunteering opportunities – get active whilst helping to clear pine and conserve the heathland
Adventure play area for kids

Find the latest events at Avon Heath Country Park here.

Durlston Country Park

Four Trails provide an ideal starting point for your exploration of Durlston. The Clifftop, Wildlife, Woodland and Victorian Trails are clearly waymarked, with good access.
Dogs welcome on leads!
Amazing wildlife, history, geography and geology.

Find the latest events at Durlston Country Park here.

Moors Valley Country Park

Miles of cycle paths and tracks through the park and forest
Parkrun (a free 5km run, walk or jog) takes place every Saturday at 9am – find out more.
Health walks, cycle rides and Nordic walking
A way-marked 3-2-1 running course
Cycle hire centre
Fantastic play trails and play areas

Find the latest events at Moors Valley here.

Thorncombe Wood Local Nature Reserve

26 hectares of woodland and heathland to explore
Adjacent to Hardy’s Cottage, the birthplace of Thomas Hardy – head to the visitor centre for activities and routes to discover
Download these route maps for Thorncombe Wood Walkabouts
Tackle the new orienteering course – download a map
Wellbeing walks and wildlife wanders to book onto throughout the year

Find out more about the Lost Words of Thorncombe by downloading this leaflet and looking for trail signs around the reserve. The leaflet follows the route which off-road mobility scooters can use. To book a scooter, call 01305 224 620.

Find the latest events at Thorncombe Wood here.

Upton Country Park

160 acres of parkland, shoreline & formal estate gardens
New children’s adventure play area opened in October 2019
Parkrun (a free 5km run, walk or jog) takes place every Saturday at 9am – find out more
Junior parkrun (a free 2km run for 4-14 year-olds) takes place every Sunday at 9am – find out more
Excellent walking and cycling routes to, from and within the park
Loads of paths and fields to walk your dog on- and off-lead, plus a dog wash in the car park!

Find the latest events at Upton Country Park here.

Join me at the park!

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