Local nature

Enjoy the wildlife

If nature and conservation are your passion, you are sure to be delighted with a stay at Lorton House! Not only is this Victorian Manor set in idyllic countryside, there are also a whole host of local attractions that put the natural world at the heart of their offerings.

On the doorstep

Lorton Meadows

The Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Lorton Meadows borders the grounds of the house and offers a plethora of footpaths and nature reserves just waiting to be explored. Perfect for days where you don’t feel like getting in the car or straying too far from the luxury of Lorton House, simply pack up a picnic and immerse yourself in nature.

Picnic basket and supplies laid out on a blanket in a meadow
On your doorstep

Lorton Meadows

Boasting golden beaches and a picture perfect harbour, Weymouth’s beach has been consistently recognised as one of the top ten beach destinations in Europe. An ideal family day out, spend lazy afternoons relaxing on the sand, wander the pretty streets peppered with independent shops or enjoy one of the town’s many cultural attractions.
9 miles

ABBOTSBURY SWANNERY

Abbotsbury Swannery is the only place in the world where you are able to walk through the heart of a colony of nesting Mute Swans! Established by Benedictine Monks, this unique wildlife habitat is spread over 25 acres and is over 600 years old. Visitors can even help to hand feed the swaps at 12pm and 4pm daily, as well as learn more information about these graceful birds from the swanherd.

Adult swan and two cygnets
8.5 MILES

ABBOTSBURY SWANNERY

Abbotsbury Swannery is the only place in the world where you are able to walk through the heart of a colony of nesting Mute Swans! Established by Benedictine Monks, this unique wildlife habitat is spread over 25 acres and is over 600 years old. Visitors can even help to hand feed the swaps at 12pm and 4pm daily, as well as learn more information about these graceful birds from the swanherd.

13 miles

Sculpture by the lakes

Tucked away in 26 acres of blissful countryside, Sculpture by the Lakes blurs the boundaries between art and the natural world. Created by renowned contemporary sculptor Simon Gudgeon there are over 120 pieces to discover. Slow your pace right down and while away the hours meandering gently through the site. You can also enjoy the onsite restaurant and pick up a souvenir in the shop.

9 miles

Monkey world

This 65 acre rescue centre was set up in 1987 by Jim Cronin to provide abused Spanish beach chimps with a permanent and safe home. Today the centre is home to over 250 primates of more than 20 different species. Many of the residents there are victims of primate smuggling and have been given a second chance at life by being rehabilitated into natural living groups at the centre.

Chimpanzee walking through the grass at a rescue centre in Dorset
15 miles

Monkey world

This 65 acre rescue centre was set up in 1987 by Jim Cronin to provide abused Spanish beach chimps with a permanent and safe home. Today the centre is home to over 250 primates of more than 20 different species. Many of the residents there are victims of primate smuggling and have been given a second chance at life by being rehabilitated into natural living groups at the centre.