For a truly memorable trip, dive deeper with one of these hands-on or behind-the-scenes experiences. From cookery schools and brewery tours to vineyard tastings and foraging expeditions — Dorset's food scene goes far beyond the plate.
Axminster (Dorset/Devon border)
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's famous foodie destination offers a fantastic range of hands-on experiences. From a one-day 'River Cottage in a Day' cookery course to specialist courses on bread-making, butchery, foraging, and cheese-making — all taught by expert chefs with a focus on seasonal, sustainable ingredients.
💡 Book well in advance — courses sell out quickly. The foraging and cheese-making courses are particularly popular.
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Bridport
Dorset's oldest brewery, founded in 1794, offers engaging tours of its historic thatched brewhouse in the heart of Bridport. Learn about the traditional brewing process and enjoy generous tastings of their award-winning ales.
💡 Book well in advance. The Copper Ale and Tally Gold are the standout beers to look out for.
Blandford Forum
Brewers of the famous Badger beers since 1777, Hall & Woodhouse offer the 'Brewery Experience' tour for £25. A fascinating look at the brewing process followed by a tasting of 8 beers and lunch in their Tap Room. A brilliant day out for beer lovers.
💡 The Tap Room lunch is included in the ticket price. The Fursty Ferret and Tanglefoot are the classics.
Salway Ash, near Bridport
One of Dorset's finest vineyards, Furleigh Estate produces award-winning sparkling wines in the rolling hills near Bridport. Book a tour and tasting to learn about the winemaking process and sample their elegant creations.
💡 The sparkling wines are exceptional. Book a tour in summer when the vines are at their most beautiful.
Crawthorne, Dorchester
A boutique vineyard near Dorchester producing award-winning English sparkling wine. Tours of the vineyard and winery, followed by a tasting of their elegant sparkling wines. A wonderful afternoon out.
💡 The Classic Cuvée is their flagship wine. Book in advance as tours are limited in size.
Litton Cheney
A family-run vineyard in the beautiful Bride Valley near Bridport, producing award-winning sparkling wines. Tours of the vineyard and cellar, followed by a tasting. A charming and intimate experience.
💡 The vineyard is in a stunning valley setting. Combine with a walk in the Bride Valley.
Poole
A vineyard on the outskirts of Poole producing English sparkling and still wines. Tours of the vineyard and winery, followed by a tasting of their wines. Conveniently located for visitors to Poole and Bournemouth.
💡 Book in advance. The vineyard is a lovely setting for a summer afternoon.
Waytown, near Bridport
A wonderful guided tour through their beautiful organic orchard, learning about apple growing and the traditional cider-making process, finishing with a guided tasting. Tours run Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 11am. Add a delicious Ploughman's lunch for £12.50.
💡 The autumn harvest season (October) is a wonderful time to visit. Add the Ploughman's lunch — it's excellent.
Near Corfe Castle
Located near Corfe Castle, the Purbeck Cider Company offers self-guided walks, guided tours (including blossom tours in spring and harvest tours in autumn), and a tap room where you can enjoy a pint in the orchard. Their 'Pie & Pint' offer is just £10.
💡 The spring blossom tour (April/May) is magical. The tap room is a wonderful spot for a sunny afternoon.
Weymouth
Book a fishing trip from Weymouth Harbour, catch your own dinner, and take your fresh catch home. A brilliant adventure for all skill levels — from complete beginners to experienced anglers. Weymouth's waters are rich with bass, mackerel, and pollock.
💡 Book in advance in summer. All equipment provided. The mackerel fishing in summer is excellent for beginners.
Studland
A unique company offering incredible foodie experiences on land and sea — from foraging and fishing expeditions to full-day kayaking adventures and weekend retreats. Based at Studland, one of Dorset's most beautiful locations, with access to both sea and woodland.
💡 The combined foraging and cooking experience is exceptional. Weekend retreats are particularly popular — book months in advance.
Use our Day Planner to build a perfect itinerary combining a food experience with a walk and a great lunch.
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