Dosthill Nature Reserve & Quarry - Image 1
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Dosthill Nature Reserve and Quarry

4.4
·434 reviews·Dosthill, United Kingdom

A diverse nature reserve featuring a dramatic quarry, riverside walks, and woodlands, perfect for family outings and nature exploration.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Dosthill Nature Reserve & Quarry - Image 1

Dosthill Nature Reserve and Quarry

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A diverse nature reserve featuring a dramatic quarry, riverside walks, and woodlands, perfect for family outings and nature exploration.

4.4
(434 reviews)

"Lovely park with big walks and so much more, great for families and dog walkers."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear sturdy shoes

Terrain can be uneven, especially around the quarry. Good walking shoes are a must for exploring.

🎒 Pack out all trash

Help keep this beautiful reserve clean. Bring a bag for your rubbish and leave no trace.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Quarry

The Grand Quarry

Central Quarry Area

Explore the dramatic, disused quarry, a testament to industrial past. Offers unique photo opportunities and a sense of rugged beauty.

Riverside Serenity

Riverside Serenity

Riverbank

Discover peaceful spots along the river, perfect for quiet contemplation and enjoying sunset views.

Woodland Trails

Woodland Trails

Wooded Areas

Wander through diverse wooded sections, offering a different perspective and a chance to spot local flora and fauna.

Playground & Picnic Spots

Playground & Picnic Spots

Designated Areas

Family-friendly zones with playgrounds for younger and older children, plus ample space for picnics.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating Dosthill's Wild Charm

Dosthill Nature Reserve and Quarry offers a unique blend of natural beauty and industrial history. Be prepared for varied terrain, from open spaces to wooded areas and quarry edges. While popular for walks and picnics, especially with families, it can get busy. Check local advisories for any temporary access restrictions or events.

Respecting the Reserve

This is a nature reserve, so tread lightly. While some reviews mention issues with litter and camping, visitors are encouraged to pack out what they pack in. Dogs are welcome but should be kept under control. Be mindful of wildlife and the delicate ecosystem, especially around the quarry areas.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Sunny weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere, ice cream vans
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Dosch Park estates making me feel some type of way. I loved all of the luxury features, updated upstairs primary suite, elevator and a freakin’ FOUNTAIN?! y’all this place is amazing and has so many things I didn’t know i even needed. I’m dying to know, is the elevator a perk or a drawback? Not my listing but I can help you buy! Listed at $1,325,000 MLS ID: 24125374 3 Bedrooms 🛌 2.5 Bathrooms 🛀...
@stayrealtygroup
3.4K likes • 44.3K views

👟 Wear sturdy shoes

Terrain can be uneven, especially around the quarry. Good walking shoes are a must for exploring. Reddit

🎒 Pack out all trash

Help keep this beautiful reserve clean. Bring a bag for your rubbish and leave no trace. Reddit

I haven't done a woodlouse shot for a while. I found this one in an old quarry on Friday along with a load of bristletails. Unfortunately the bristletails were not being very cooperative, so no photos of them this time. I'll definitely be back to try again though. Handheld stacked shot 📷 Canon EOS 90D 🔭 Laowa 100m 🔎 Raynox dcr-250 ⚡️ Godox 860iii ⚪️ #Cygnustechdiffuser #woodlouse #macropho...
ws_dorset_macro
191 likes • 0 views
These pics won't win any awards for style or artistry but I thought I'd post them just out of interest. This is the Rosy Woodlouse (Adroniscus dentiger). A smaller woodlouse, this one was 4 or 5mm long, and a lovely pink or orange colour. Also a simple eye compared to some of the larger species with multiple ocelli. We found quite a few of these at an old quarry nature reserve yesterday. Stack...
ws_dorset_macro
140 likes • 0 views

🐶 Keep dogs leashed

Ensure your furry friends are under control, especially near wildlife and other visitors. Reddit

📸 Capture the decay

The old quarry and abandoned equipment offer unique, atmospheric photo opportunities. Instagram

Local man visits large hole in the ground, looks at the sea
shepptism
14 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear sturdy shoes

Terrain can be uneven, especially around the quarry. Good walking shoes are a must for exploring. Reddit

🎒 Pack out all trash

Help keep this beautiful reserve clean. Bring a bag for your rubbish and leave no trace. Reddit

🐶 Keep dogs leashed

Ensure your furry friends are under control, especially near wildlife and other visitors. Reddit

📸 Capture the decay

The old quarry and abandoned equipment offer unique, atmospheric photo opportunities. Instagram

🚗 Limited parking

The small, free car park can fill up quickly, especially on busy days. Consider arriving early. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(434 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Dosthill Nature Reserve is praised as a lovely, relaxing park with plenty of space for walks and family activities, including a great playground. However, some visitors have noted issues with litter and occasional camping, impacting the overall cleanliness and experience.

"Edit: the council allow travellers to camp in the park for a week or two on a regular basis so it is often covered in human poo and rubbish as well as having aggressive dogs (albeit small) biting at the public. The criminal damage, ASB and public order offences are reported to the police but they do not act, they facilitate it happening which is a shame.

Lovely place to go for a walk, with the dog or the family. It's got a nice playground and picnic area too."

Jamie Hill

"Great place - lots of little walks to go on and the Wildlings (Forest School) session hosted here is class. Great leaders! The playground has a fenced off area for younger kids, which is great and a larger play frame for the older ones."

Yasumy V

"Bigger than you think. Goes right back to the river where there are a few benches and nice spots for watching sunset. Lots of open space and wooded area. Kids playgroup. Very popular and often busy. No toilets. Small free carpark."

jeff hodgetts

What People Like

Great playground
Lovely walks
Relaxing atmosphere

What People Dislike

Litter and rubbish
Occasional camping

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Dosthill Nature Reserve and Quarry is accessible by car, with a small, free car park available. Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus routes is advisable. It's often described as being 'somewhere in the middle of nowhere' by visitors, so GPS is recommended. Instagram

While public transport might be an option, it's not the most convenient. Information on specific bus routes serving the area is scarce, and it's generally recommended to travel by car for easier access. Reddit

Yes, cycling is a great way to reach Dosthill. The surrounding areas offer scenic routes, and it's a good option if you prefer to avoid car parking limitations. Instagram

There is a small, free car park at Dosthill Nature Reserve. However, it can get very busy, especially on weekends and during good weather. Arriving early is advised to secure a spot. Reddit

Dosthill Quarry is known locally and among nature enthusiasts, but it's not a major tourist hotspot. This contributes to its charm but means detailed public transport information can be hard to find. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Dosthill Nature Reserve and Quarry is free. It's a public space managed for the enjoyment of nature lovers and local communities. Reddit

Dosthill Nature Reserve is generally open from dawn till dusk, as it's an outdoor natural space. There are no official opening or closing times posted, allowing for flexible visits. Instagram

Parking at Dosthill Nature Reserve is free. This is a significant plus for visitors, though the car park's small size means it can fill up quickly. Reddit

As an open nature reserve, Dosthill Quarry can be visited at most times. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to appreciate the scenery. Instagram

No, the playground and picnic areas within Dosthill Nature Reserve are free to use for all visitors. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy walking, dog walking, picnicking, and exploring the varied landscape including the quarry, river, and woodlands. There's also a playground for children. Reddit

Wild swimming in Dosthill Quarry is not officially recommended and can be dangerous due to depth, cold water, and hidden currents. While some seek it out, extreme caution is advised. Reddit

Unfortunately, there are no public toilets available at Dosthill Nature Reserve. Visitors are advised to plan accordingly. Reddit

Yes, Dosthill Nature Reserve is very popular for dog walking. It offers plenty of space for dogs to roam, but owners are reminded to keep them under control. Instagram

The reserve is home to various insects, including woodlice and bristletails, as noted by macro photographers. The varied habitats also support birdlife and other small creatures. Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography

The dramatic quarry edges, old industrial remnants, and riverside views offer excellent photographic opportunities. The contrast between nature and the disused quarry is particularly striking. Instagram+2

Yes, Dosthill Quarry is a fantastic spot for macro photography, with visitors capturing detailed shots of insects like woodlice and bristletails. The diverse microhabitats support a variety of small life. Instagram+1

Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light, perfect for landscape and wildlife photography. The quarry can also provide dramatic shadows and light play. Instagram

There are no specific restrictions on photography for personal use at Dosthill Nature Reserve. However, always be mindful of other visitors and the environment. Instagram

For general exploration, a standard camera or smartphone is fine. For macro enthusiasts, a dedicated macro lens and lighting setup can capture the intricate details of the reserve's insect life. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Dosthill Nature Reserve is a fantastic, free destination for families. The well-equipped playground is a major draw, with separate areas for different age groups, ensuring fun for everyone. Reddit Pack a picnic to enjoy in the open spaces or by the river. The reserve offers plenty of room for kids to run around and explore safely, making it a great spot for a relaxed family day out. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, as there are no facilities on-site. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Nature Walkers & Dog Owners

For those who love a good walk, Dosthill offers diverse walking trails through woodlands, open fields, and along the river. It's a popular spot for dog walkers, providing ample space for canine companions to stretch their legs. Instagram Be sure to keep dogs under control, especially near wildlife and other visitors. The varied terrain means sturdy footwear is recommended. Reddit

📸 Photographers (Landscape & Macro)

Dosthill Nature Reserve is a photographer's delight. The dramatic quarry landscape offers unique shots, especially during the golden hour. Instagram+1 For macro enthusiasts, the reserve is a treasure trove of insects, including woodlice and bristletails, providing incredible close-up opportunities. Instagram+1 Bring your camera and explore the textures, decay, and natural beauty. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Quarry's Past and Present

Dosthill Nature Reserve and Quarry is a fascinating site where industrial history meets natural reclamation. The quarry itself, a remnant of past extraction activities, now forms a dramatic landscape. Visitors often remark on the 'large hole in the ground' and its 'spooky' atmosphere, highlighting its unique visual appeal. Instagram+1 While the quarry's raw beauty is a draw, it's important to note that wild swimming is not recommended due to safety concerns like depth and cold water. Reddit

Despite its industrial origins, nature has reclaimed much of the area. The reserve features open spaces, wooded sections, and a riverside, creating diverse habitats. This makes it a great spot for walking and observing wildlife. Photographers, particularly those interested in macro shots, find it a rich environment for capturing insects like woodlice and bristletails. Instagram+1 The juxtaposition of decaying industrial equipment and returning nature adds a layer of intrigue for explorers and photographers alike. Instagram

Family Fun and Relaxation

Dosthill Nature Reserve is a popular destination for families, offering a range of amenities and activities. The reserve boasts a playground with distinct areas for younger and older children, making it a hit with families. Reddit Alongside the play facilities, there are ample open spaces perfect for picnics and general relaxation. The riverside also provides pleasant spots for watching the sunset, adding a touch of tranquility to a family outing. Reddit

Visitors often describe it as a 'lovely place to go for a walk, with the dog or the family' and a 'welcoming park for your children.' Reddit On warm, sunny days, ice cream vans sometimes visit, adding to the festive atmosphere. While the reserve is popular and can get busy, especially on weekends, the free entry and parking (though limited) make it an accessible option for a day out. Remember that there are no toilets on-site, so planning ahead is essential for families. Reddit

The Appeal of Wild Swimming (and its Risks)

The topic of wild swimming at Dosthill Quarry frequently arises in discussions, with many seeking 'hidden gems' for outdoor swims. Reddit The allure of swimming in a natural quarry setting is understandable, offering a unique and invigorating experience. However, it's crucial to be aware of the significant risks involved. Reddit

Official advice and common sense strongly caution against swimming in Dosthill Quarry. The water can be extremely cold, even in warmer months, leading to cold water shock. Furthermore, quarries often have unpredictable depths and hidden currents that pose a serious danger. While the idea of a secluded swim is appealing, prioritizing safety means avoiding such activities in disused quarries. Reddit

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