Sports and Activities

CYCLING

Dorset offers a wide range of stunning cycle routes that appeal to all fitness levels, whether you’re out to enjoy a gentle jaunt through the countryside or looking to test yourself with a clifftop climb, you’re sure to find something to suit.

With much of Dorset being designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, whatever route you go on you’ll be blown away by its wondrously diverse landscape.

The national cycle network routes run through Dorset and provide a brilliant opportunity to enjoy all the area has to offer. Route 2 offers the chance to take in Dorset’s stunning natural beauty on a trail that takes you from east to west, from Christchurch to Lyme Regis and beyond.

Route 26 runs from Sherborne in the north to the county town of Dorchester and on towards Weymouth on the coast. This route really encapsulates the stunningly diverse landscape taking in rolling hills and dramatic coastline.

For those of you without your own bikes, how about hiring a beryl bike? These bikes can be found from the Sandbanks ferry terminal to Hengistbury Head. With Beryl Bays positioned at key attractions, transport hubs and workplaces throughout the city, a bike is never far away. Simply, download the app, to find your nearest one. 

GOLF

Dorset's golf facilities are first rate, with an abundance of fantastic courses to suit all levels of ability, not to mention that many of them can be found in some of the most dramatic settings to be found anywhere in the UK.

From cliff top courses with some of the most stunning views, to mature parkland set-ups bursting with wonderful wildlife.

You really won’t find yourself short of options when choosing where to play, golf courses in Dorset.

If you are looking for something less serious, how about some crazy golf fun, there are several options to choose from locally, including courses at Poole Park, Sandbanks and Bournemouth. And if the weather is inclement, check out Mr Mulligans, Bournemouth, for indoor crazy golf!

SPEEDWAY

Poole Pirates are a motorcycle speedway team based in Poole, competing in the SGB Championship with a golden history of winning trophies at all levels within the sphere of British Speedway.

A night at the speedway is sure to bring high-octane, competitive and compelling no-brakes, 500cc , shoulder to shoulder exhilarating motorcycle racing, featuring many of the big names in British Speedway and with the Pirates racing at Wimborne Road most Wednesday nights through the spring and summer months, it is certainly the place to be for a great night out for ALL the family.

Fixtures List

WALKING

The County of Dorset is blessed with some beautiful countryside with a large proportion designated as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty from Golden Cap in the west to Durleston Country Park in the east and extending into Cranborne Chase in the north. The Natural World Heritage Site of the Jurassic Coast continues from the county boundary to Old Harry Rocks in the east. Poets, writers and artists have been among the many that enjoy the numerous picturesque and interesting villages and hamlets which can only be seen at their best when walking.

The South West Coast Path itself is 630 miles long and is the longest National Trail in the country. Starting at Minehead in Somerset it runs along the coastline of Exmoor, continuing along the coast of North Devon into Cornwall. It follows the entire coastline of Cornwall, goes across the mouth of the River Tamar and continues into Devon. After running along the south coast of Devon it then follows the Dorset coastline before finally ending at Poole Harbour.

WATER SPORTS

Make the most of Poole's stunning miles of coastline. Feel the breeze out on the shimmering water, sit back or hit the waves and feel energised.

Experience the thrill of the water and try something new during your stay - Poole offers every watersport imaginable.

Together with neighbouring Bournemouth this area is packed with more watersports per square inch than anywhere else in the UK!

You will find all of these and more at Poole Harbour. The Watersports Academy, is one of many companies, located on the world-famous Sandbanks Peninsula, straddling the award-winning Blue Flag beach one-side and the expansive Poole Harbour the other. This area is ideal for all ages and abilities, learners can enjoy the safe, shallow waters of the harbour itself and those more experienced can venture into the more extreme conditions of Poole Bay’s seaside swell.

Not ready to take to the sea yet, then you could try Poole Park first, here you will find Rockley Water Activity Centre, located on the boating lake. 

Paddleboarding
Don't catch the SUP anywhere but Poole! This has become a very popular sport in recent years, it’s the perfect way to keep fit and have fun in waves or on flat water.

Wakeboarding
Watersports schools in Poole Harbour offer wakeboarding along the stunning coast. You can get equipment and there are also tuition packages available if you just want to get started in this adventure sport.

Sailing
With a plentiful amount of yacht clubs, sailing clubs and marinas, it's no wonder Poole is a magnet for sailing enthusiasts. There are many options to get out and enjoy the water, with boats you can hire, lessons you can take or superyachts you can charter!

Scuba Diving
Poole is a very welcoming port for divers, offering sheltered waters with a diversity of sealife that attracts visitors from all parts of the UK. There are diving clubs in the area and you can get out on a RIB to the best spots.

Jet Skiing
There are various jet ski experiences you can enjoy in Poole. One of these is Jetski Safaris. There are qualified instructors on hand to help you hone your skills. There's no better place to enjoy the water than Poole's golden shores.

Kayaking & Canoeing
You can soak up the stunning views in Poole from the water in a kayak or canoe. There are shallow waters that are perfect for learning basic skills and safety that will give you confidence to go out and explore further.

Snorkelling
Poole is an excellent base if you are seeking to snorkel in the UK. With close by Studland Bay and Kimmeridge Bay being renonwned to be some of the best spots in the UK to snorkel. There are various activities you take part in such as snorkel safaris or snorkelling from kayaks.

Windsurfing
Poole Harbour is known as one of the best places in the South for windsurfing. There are various courses you can go from 'taster' sessions for beginners to more advanced tuition for freestylers!

Kitesurfing
Waters around Poole offer some great kitesurfing conditions, whether you are just learning or wanting some epic sea conditions.

Boat Trips and Cruises
Enjoy the coast from a different perspective on a harbour cruise taking in Europe’s largest harbour and the Jurassic Coast. Take a boat trip to National Trust Brownsea Island, Swanage or a Wareham River Cruise, with City Cruises Poole or Greenslade Pleasure Boats. Alternatively, charter your own boat to explore our beautiful coastline, perhaps do a bit of sea fishing.