It's fair to say Dorset has plenty to see and do with its stunning coastal and rural views, its historic locations and scenic walks. 

Dorset has many lovely places to wander and lose yourself in nature.

Here are a few scenic walks you can do across Dorset this Half Term and beyond. 

1) Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

Bridport and Lyme Regis News: Abbotsbury GardensAbbotsbury Gardens

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens is open for visitors to enjoy fresh air and exercise during and take in its beautiful flowers and gardens.

Vistors on Tripadvisor in recent months have praised the gardens, calling it “lovely” with “very well laid out with an easy to follow path.”

One reviewer said: “The walkway takes you through the tropical splendour of the gardens, the initial part reminded me very much of gardens in Singapore, through to the view over Chesil beach and then the wetlands.”

A spokesman for Abbotsbury Tourism said that due to social distancing measures, visitors must pre-book their visit to the beautiful scenery. Those wishing to visit the gardens must book a time slot online at www.abbotsburytickets.co.uk

2) Badbury Rings

Bridport and Lyme Regis News: Badbury Rings - Chris ShortBadbury Rings - Chris Short

Badbury Rings, located in Blandford Forum, is one of Dorset’s eighteen Iron Age hillforts, rich in history, flora and fauna.

The rings, which hold the secrets of past civilisations, sit 100 metres above sea level and offer sweeping views across Dorset.

It is thought the innermost ring dates from around 500 - 600 BC.

Visiting Badbury Rings is the perfect opportunity to explore its history and enjoy the Dorset countryside.

3) Old Harry Rocks

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

Stunning views of the Jurassic Coast and unique rock formations can be seen on this walk.

The fresh sea air can help blow away the cobwebs as you walk along the rugged coastal path.

This walk is also dog friendly, and takes you on a circular tour of pubs in the area.

The walk begins at South Beach car park and will take you along a path full of breathtaking views, from the Pinnacle Stack to Ballard Down and through Glebeland Estate.

Regardless of how long the walk takes you, you can enjoy a celebratory drink at the end.

4) Spyway Sea Saunter

You can venture out to the coast and then loop back to your start point with this level walk across the farmland.

The walk starts from the kissing gate at the end of the car park, leading to crossing over at Priest's Way.

The track follows old cottages and farm buildings, eventually guiding you to a grassland where you may encounter a sika or roe deer.

Once through the kissing gate, there will be diverse, coastal landscapes for you to enjoy.

After admiring the views, follow the track at the top of the hill to the west and later follow the path which will lead you to the gates at the end of the field.

5) Eye Bridge, Kingston Lacy

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

This stunning two-mile walk will see you stroll upstream along a beautiful stretch of river. 

This dog-friendly walk, which begins at Eye Bridge car park, takes you along the northern bank of the Stour, over a small bridge and to a plantation of trees.

At this point, you will have the option to meander down Weir Lane or take the higher level path at the end of the pasture.

The walk will follow the path behind the village of Cowgrove and the medieval Court House, heading back towards the River Stour and car park.

6) Golden Cap

Bridport and Lyme Regis News: Golden CapGolden Cap

From Langdon Hill car park, go through the gate signposted towards Golden Cap.

Follow the main path around the side of the hill.

The clearings on the left as you follow the track around give magnificent views over Chideock and the surrounding West Dorset countryside.

The small coastal hamlet of Seatown lies where the River Winniford meets the coast and Thorncombe Beacon is clearly visible on the cliffs beyond.

7) Durdle Door

Bridport and Lyme Regis News: Durdle Door, DorsetDurdle Door, Dorset

If you ever want to go for a walk in Dorset, a scenic walk around Durdle Door and West Lulworth is always a safe bet.

The Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door walk is just over a mile long and takes approximately 30 minutes to complete, with walkers taking in some stunning views.

You can see the iconic, white limestone cliffs, golden sand on the beach and watch the sea's crashing waves.

8) Symondsbury Estate

The popular West Dorset estate's walking trails and free car park remain open right now. 

There is plenty of space to roam and places to sit while adhering to social distancing measures.

You could climb the iconic Colmers Hill for 360 views of West Dorset and East Devon or just explore its farmland and ancient woodland.

You can visit Symondsbury Kitchen lunches, cakes and pastries, and hot and cold drinks.

Its food shop is also open to support the local community with essentials, food and drink.

9) West Bay

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

You won't get a warm day on the coast, you will be left awestruck by the views that West Bay offers.

There are miles of cycle routes and walking trails that allow you to explore and take in the stunning surroundings.

A visit to West Bay and also its shops is always a safe bet if the weather isn’t great or you want some shelter from the sun.

10) St Aldhelm's Head - South West Coast Path walk

This walk begins in the picturesque village of Worth Matravers and later joins the South West Coast Path above Chapman’s Pool.

The 5.1-mile walk includes a round-up of assorted fascinating features around a limestone headland where the chalk grasslands are rich in wildflowers.

The angular caves and tunnels in the vertical cliffs are home to the rare greater horseshoe bat.

Along the way, you can also take a detour to St Aldhelm's Chapel, dates back to the thirteenth century.

The chapel is unusually aligned, with its corners - and not its walls - facing the four compass point.

The walk comes to an end when you continue along Hill Bottom to the next footpath towards Worth Matravers, heading to your right below the quarries.