12 Romantic Things to Do in West Dorset for Couples
- Outbuildings
- Sep 23
- 6 min read
You won’t be hard pressed to find a stack of wonderfully romantic things to do in Dorset, a part of the world that we’re lucky enough to call home here at Outbuildings Farm Hotel.
The county is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty so delivers memory-making vistas without even trying too hard. Added to that are the Jurassic Coast landscapes and landmarks that make it such a draw for couples UK and abroad. Did you know, for instance, that much of West Dorset is ‘Thomas Hardy country’ ? The landscapes here inspired many of the romantic backdrops in Hardy’s novels.
So when you want romance, Dorset is guaranteed to send hearts racing. Here are our top recommendations for things to do in Dorset for couples - and if you want more ideas, we’re always on hand for more top spots.
Dorset things to do for couples
Coastal walks with cracking views
Head to Golden Cap for sunset
Golden Cap is the highest point on the south coast, so a visit has to be top of your list. The name comes from the golden sandstone crown that glows especially vividly when the sun is low. Standing at the summit, you get 360° views: east towards Portland, west across Lyme Bay, and inland over rolling Dorset hills. Set off 60-90 mins before golden hour so you can see the sun set from the summit - you won’t be disappointed. Start point: Langdon Hill National Trust car park (near Morcombelake, DT6 6EP). It’s about a 1.5–2 hour round trip. Route: The circular woodland path opens onto the South West Coast Path. From there, it’s a steady climb across open grassland to the summit. Terrain: Well-marked, moderate incline. Good walking shoes are essential. Romantic touch: Pack a blanket and a flask of something bubbly.
Go up-and-over Colmer’s Hill
Colmer’s Hill is one of Dorset’s most photographed landmarks and a bit of a local icon. It’s a perfectly conical hill topped with a cluster of tall Scots pines, rising just west of Bridport and makes for an easy, rewarding walk. Lace up some sturdy shoes and head to Symondsbury village to start. There’s a car park by Symondsbury Estate (DT6 6HG), where you’ll also find a café for pre- or post-walk treats. From the estate yard, follow signposts through fields that gently climb the lower slopes. The path is well-trodden and easy to follow, though it can be muddy in wet weather. Within 20–30 minutes you’ll crest the summit where you can flop down shaded by iconic pines, soaking up the views quietly together.
Waterside laughs and larks
Thrill ride with Lyme Bay RIB
Running out of West Bay Harbour from Easter until the end of October, Lyme Bay RIB rides are guaranteed to get pulses racing. They offer a range of on-the-water experiences, including a 1hr Thrill and Chill which combines sightseeing with a blast of twist, turns and fast-paced speedboating. Want something more sedate? The 2hr Coastal Explorer gives you front-row seats to the geological coastal wonders between West Bay and the charming Devon village of Beer. Along the way you’ve plenty of photo opportunities and scenic stops.
Fossil-hunting date at Charmouth
Few things feel more romantic than stepping back millions of years together — and Charmouth Beach is one of the world’s best places to do it. Famous for its Jurassic Coast cliffs, this stretch of shoreline has yielded countless fossils, from ammonites and belemnites to ichthyosaur remains. We recommend a guided fossil hunt in Charmouth running until the end of October, not only will you learn a huge amount about the local geology, but fossils can be hard to spot if you don’t know what you’re looking for! Also, the tides and cliffs along this stretch of coast are constantly shifting so a local expert will keep you safe. Book through the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre.
Delicious experiences for food lovers
Midweek Tuck-in, Outbuildings
You don’t have to go far to enjoy some of the best food Dorset has to offer (even if we do say so ourselves). We have on-site dining experiences at The Cart Shed Lounge. For couples who are keen gastronomes, we’ve bundled a stay and eat short break into one all-inclusive package we call The Midweek Tuck-in. From as little as £295pn, you enjoy a 2-night midweek VIP stay for two people in a room of your choice, welcome glass of local sparkling wine, breakfast both mornings of your stay, 4 course 'Chef's Selection' menu on the first night, dinner for 2 from our Country Comforts or Grazing menu, available as in-room dining also, on the 2nd night. Tasty right?
Wine tasting at Furleigh Estate (Salway Ash)
We’re big fans of Furleigh Estate here at Outbuildings, especially the award-winning sparkling wine which we serve to guests who book onto one of our all-inclusive packages. So we highly recommend a visit to the vineyard as a couple for a tour and tasting. Guided tours run most of the year (Apr–Oct for vineyard walks; winery-focused tastings all year round). A typical visit includes a wander among the vines, a behind-the-scenes look at the winery, and of course, a tasting flight of their sparkling and still wines.
Secret gardens and house to explore
Head to Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
Tucked close to Chesil Beach, these award-winning gardens are a lush, unexpected paradise in this part of the Jurassic Coast. Sheltered by steep hills and warmed by the Gulf Stream, the climate here allows exotic species to flourish — palms, camellias, bamboos, and towering gunneras create a landscape that feels far from England. There’s also a romantic history here: Victorian visitors often described Abbotsbury as “enchanted” and it still feels timeless today; the perfect date escape for couples.
Enjoy Mapperton Gardens (Beaminster)
Country Life once called Mapperton House and Gardens, “the nation’s finest manor house”. It’s certainly a beauty! The gardens cascade down a hidden Dorset valley in three distinct tiers. Closest to the Jacobean manor are formal Italianate terraces, with clipped hedges, statues and fountains. Beyond that lies the wild garden and, at the very bottom, a tranquil fish pond mirrors the trees and sky, creating the perfect spot for a quiet pause together. Mapperton has a magical quality that filmmakers have noticed too: it’s appeared in productions from Emma to Far from the Madding Crowd. Find it near Beaminster, a short drive away from us.
After dark dates
Go dark-sky stargazing
With its rolling hills and low light pollution, Dorset is a wonderful county for a spot of romantic stargazing together. You can, of course, stargaze from the outdoor tubs we have here in the rooms at Outbuildings but should you want to head off the farm to explore we have two spots to recommend: Eggardon Hill and Cranborne Chase National Landscape. Eggardon Hill is an Iron Age hillfort near Beaminster. By day it offers sweeping countryside views; by night it transforms into a natural observatory. Lay out a blanket, pour a flask of something warm, and take in the heavens. Cranborne Chase National Landscape has been designated an International Dark Sky Reserve, placing it among the very best places in the world for stargazing. Here, you can spot constellations with the naked eye, trace shooting stars, or even bring a telescope for deep-sky views.
Book an Exclusive Date Night at Outbuildings
Yes, we’re biased but for the ultimate couple’s experience our Great (Date) Escape package has all the romance and glamour the two of you could want! Including sparkling wine, a VIP stay, 4-course dinner for two, delicious Dorset breakfast and a private cinema experience (with all the popcorn and snacks you need) in our unique and quirky Hay Barn Cinema.
Rainy Day Romance
Try a Bookshop date in Bridport
Our market town has a thriving literary culture, with several independent bookstores and second-hand bookshops to explore. The idea is simple: each of you chooses a book for the other - whether it’s a novel you love, a new release, or something unexpected - and then you retreat to one of the many Bridport cafes (or your room at Outbuildings) to swap, browse, and discuss. Beyond bookshops, Bridport hosts regular literary events and has a rich artistic community, so your date might also coincide with a not-to-miss event, such as the Bridport Literature Festival.
Storm watching from bed with cocktails to your room
Sometimes the best things to do together as a couple are the most simple. Cosy up side-by-side in one of our glass-fronted cabins: The Byre, The Pen or The Coop and you can enjoy the stormy weather from the luxury of your NaturalMat bed. Best of all, with our ‘text for a tipple’ concierge service you can order cocktails (or other drinks) to your room. No need to leave the safety, warmth and comfort. You’re welcome!
Happy Exploring,
The Outbuildings Team
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