Worgret Heath

Walking across Worgret Heath near Wareham feels like stepping into proper heathland - the kind with gorse, heather, and low-growing shrubs that have thrived here for centuries. It's an open expanse of what the Dorset landscape used to look like before farming and development took over most of it. The heath rolls gently, and on a clear day you get decent views across to Poole Harbour and beyond.

This is absolutely the place for serious walkers or anyone interested in heathland ecology. You won't find facilities or visitor centres here - it's just you, the plants, and whatever wildlife is about. Kids can manage it fine, though there's nothing to actually do once you're there, so expect them to get restless after 20 minutes unless they're already keen on nature. Birdwatchers will rate it highly; the open ground attracts ground-nesting species.

Access appears to be free, and you can wander as long as you like. The best approach is early morning or late afternoon when the light is actually worth looking at. Spring and early summer are cracking times to visit - wildflowers put on a proper show.

If you're based at Longthorns Farm or Purbeck Glamping, both within easy reach, Worgret Heath makes a straightforward morning outing before heading into Wareham itself. It's worth an hour or so if you're interested in how this part of Dorset actually functions ecologically, but it's not the kind of place that'll have you coming back repeatedly unless you're a regular walker.