Visiting Dorset in April is a fantastic idea—spring is in full swing, the crowds haven’t arrived yet, and the coast and countryside start to burst with life. Here’s a roundup of the top reasons to visit Dorset in April:
🌼 Top Reasons to Visit Dorset in April
1. 🌸 Spring Scenery in Full Bloom
April brings wildflowers, bluebells, and blossom across Dorset’s landscapes.
- Durlston Country Park and Abbotsbury Gardens look stunning
- Woodland walks come alive with birdsong and colour
- Coastal cliffs are greener, and everything feels fresh and vibrant
2. 🐣 Easter Events & Family Fun
April often includes Easter holidays, and Dorset pulls out all the stops:
- Easter egg hunts at National Trust sites like Kingston Lacy or Corfe Castle
- Animal encounters and spring lambs at Farmer Palmer’s or Kingston Maurward Animal Park
- Family-friendly fossil walks in Lyme Regis or Charmouth
3. 🏖️ Peaceful Beaches Before the Summer Crowds
Dorset’s beaches are quiet and beautiful in April:
- Stroll along Weymouth, Studland, or Lulworth Cove without the hustle
- Enjoy peaceful cliff-top walks along the Jurassic Coast
- Pack a windbreaker and take in the views—it’s often sunny but crisp
4. 🦕 Perfect Time for Fossil Hunting
The Jurassic Coast is world-famous, and April offers ideal fossil-hunting conditions:
- Spring tides and winter erosion reveal new fossils
- Charmouth and Lyme Regis are less busy, with plenty to discover
- Join a guided fossil walk for the best experience
5. 🚶♂️ Excellent Walking Weather
April brings longer days and cooler, dry conditions—perfect for hiking.
- Walk the South West Coast Path between West Bay, Seatown, and Golden Cap
- Explore inland gems like Cerne Abbas, Milton Abbas, or the Purbeck Hills
- Fewer crowds mean quieter trails and better wildlife spotting
6. 📷 Wildlife Watching Season Begins
Spring migration begins in April, and wildlife wakes up across Dorset:
- Spot puffins, peregrines, and nesting seabirds at Portland Bill and RSPB Arne
- Look for dolphins and seals off the coast (binoculars recommended!)
- Bluebells bloom in places like Eype Down and Lewesdon Hill
7. 🏰 Historic Sites Reopen Fully for the Season
Many of Dorset’s top attractions extend opening hours or reopen after winter in April:
- Corfe Castle – glorious with fresh spring views
- Sherborne Castle & Gardens – often reopens around Easter
- Tyneham Village – a fascinating ghost village with open weekends
8. 🧀 Farm Shops, Markets & Seasonal Food
Enjoy the first tastes of Dorset spring:
- Fresh asparagus, lamb, and strawberries start arriving
- Visit Bridport Market, Dorset Food & Drink events, or farm cafés in the countryside
- Local cheeses, craft cider, and honey make great souvenirs (or picnic essentials)
9. 🌞 More Daylight = More Adventure Time
In April, Dorset gets 13–14 hours of daylight, which means:
- Plenty of time for day trips and walks
- Glorious golden hours for photography and sunset beach strolls
- Longer café hours and outdoor seating back in action!
10. 💷 Better Prices & Fewer Crowds
- Accommodation is cheaper than summer peak
- Attractions are quieter, so you’ll enjoy more space and shorter queues
- Locals still have time for a chat—you’ll get a more relaxed, authentic feel
✨ Bonus: That Fresh, Coastal Air
There’s something truly refreshing about breathing in clean Dorset sea air in April. It’s energising, scenic, and just what the doctor ordered after a long winter.