Sport and leisure activities

A wide range of sport and leisure activities is available at Dorset leisure centres including swimming, exercise classes, football, golf, tennis and squash.

Dorset County Council's Outdoor Education Service offers a wide range of tailor-made learning experiences at four diverse centres. Further opportunities can also be provided at your venue through a visit from the mobile team. The centres offer day visits and residential courses to groups and individuals of all ages from Reception to GCSE and A-level fieldwork, universities and adult groups.

We are lucky in Dorset that we have some stunning countryside with around 3,000 miles of public rights of way to explore.

Why not discover Dorset's countryside on a bike?

Exploring Dorset on horseback offers a different perspective on the county. While travelling along these ancient routes, you often see more wildlife as you move quietly through the countryside.

Dorset's picturesque countryside and scenic coast provide the perfect backdrop for golfers with a variety of challenging golf courses available across the county.

Sea and shore fishing are extremely popular along the Dorset coast. Chartered angling boats are increasingly in demand around the harbours of Christchurch, Poole, Weymouth, West Bay and Lyme Regis, as well as coastal towns like Swanage.

Search our clubs and societies database for a range of local activities and find the location and contact details for local youth clubs.

There are almost 3,000 miles of public rights of way in Dorset, made up of approximately 4,700 footpaths, 1,700 bridleways and 37 byways open to all traffic.

The development of sport helps to achieve a healthy lifestyle for the residents of Dorset.