Dorset By Van
- info2092900
- Aug 4, 2025
- 3 min read
When it comes to exploring all that Dorset has to offer, this guide is a great go-to to ensure that you get to see everything.
Pine Campers is based in Bournemouth which is a short drive from the New Forest (if you're looking to explore the New Forest by van make sure to check out this article out) so a lot of the spots listed are well-known and well-loved.
Bournemouth
A large, vibrant seaside town connected to Christchurch and Poole with the gorgeous 7 mile beach at it's front. There are plenty of bars, cafes and events to enjoy as well as a vibrant nightlife. Whether you're just passing through or staying for an extended period, there's plenty to get involved with.
Parking
Street parking in Boscombe and Southbourne on the overcliffes. There are lots of vans that spend extended periods parked on the overcliffe between Southbourne & Boscombe so it is friendly for those wanting to stay a night or two.
Spacious parking in Hengistbury Head car park but no overnight parking allowed
Cafes
Boscanova | Boscombe
Brown Dog Cafe | Southbourne
Sid's Slaps | Southbourne
Esquires | Boscombe
Bad Hand Coffee | Bournemouth Centre
Eating
Boscanova | Boscombe
Cosy Club | Bournemouth Town Centre
Urban Reef | Boscombe
Flirt Cafe Bar | Bournemouth Town Centre
Poole
A historic town with Europe's largest natural harbour along it's Western border - Poole has a lot of beautiful spaces to enjoy and a high street with lots of shops for stocking up as well as mini boroughs such as Ashley Cross and Lilliputt for boujie brunches or an evening out.
Parking
Free parking in Poole Park but there are tight spaces not necessarily van-friendly
Street Parking off of The Avenue
Cafes
Mark Bennett's Patisserie | Ashley Cross
Little Red Roaster | Ashley Cross
Nicholas James | Ashley Cross
Riptide Espresso & Records | Poole
Maravi & Wellness | Poole
Ounce Coffee | Westbourne
Le Petit Prince Patisserie | Westbourne
Eating
Dancing Moose | Ashley Cross
The Cow | Ashley Cross
The Libertine | Westbourne
White Elephant | Westbourne
Rick Stein | Sandbanks
Swanage
Quaint and picturesque Swanage has a lot of aesthetic spots to enjoy and pause at.
Van-Friendly Parking
North Beach Car Park
Main Beach Car Park
Cafes
The 1859 Pier Cafe & Bistro
Love Cake
Eating
The Narrows
The 1859 Pier Cafe & Bistro
Weymouth & Portland Bill
Weymouth is a busy and vibrant seaside town just a few minutes from beautiful Portland and Portland Bill.
Van-Friendly Parking
Nothe Car Park
Swannery Car Park
Cafes
Jurassic Rocks Cafe
Finca
Eating
The Fat Badger
Quayside Bar & Kitchen
Catch (the old fish market)
Oliveto
Dorchester
A beautiful town and perfect for pausing, situated just off the A35. It's great for topping up on supplies and then enjoying some time exploring.
Van-Friendly Parking
Lots of car parks offer free parking after 6pm so make sure to check before you pay
Colliton Car Park
Old Market Car Park
Cafes
Finca
YC's Cafe
Potters Cafe Bistro
Eating
Al-Molo Dorchester
Basilico Simply Italian
Santos + Co
Potters Cafe Bistro
Symondsbury Estate
This is such a beautiful detour if you're willing to do it, but getting there does involve a single track gravel road if you're coming from Broadstone. So suspensions beware!
Van-Friendly Parking
Free parking in the main car park or the overflow
Cafes
Symondsbury Kitchen
Eating
Symondsbury Kitchen
Charmouth
Whether you're into fossils or not, Charmouth is utterly charming with an adorable high street.
Van-Friendly Parking
Holmbush Car Park
Charmouth Road Car Park
Cafes
The Bank House Cafe
Salt Rock Cafe
Eating
Beach Cafe
Lyme Regis
A historic town with an ancient history - Lyme Regis is on the Devon and Dorset border and came to the attention of the world through the findings of Mary Anning. Anning was a palaeontologist whose discoveries in the bedrock of the cliffes around Lyme Regis provided significant evidence in the argument for the theory of natural evolution.
Van-Friendly Parking
Holmbush Car Park
Cafes
Largigi
Town Mill Bakery
Eating
Lyme Terrace
The Lyme Bay
The Pilot Boat
Swim
Blandford Forum
Blandford is a lovely old market town on the way to Wiltshire.
Van-Friendly Parking
Langton Road Car Park
Cafes
The 1859 Pier Cafe & Bistro
Love Cake
Eating
The Narrows
The 1859 Pier Cafe & Bistro
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