The weekend is fast approaching and for those still deciding how to spend their Friday through to Sunday, we pick 5 of the best ways to spend your weekend in Dorset.

1. Go for a walk

We don't need to tell you that Dorset is a beautiful place with hundreds of miles of walking routes. There are many different places to explore across the county from woodland, to cliff paths, to rocky beaches. We've picked out a select few walks that offer something for all abilities so you can enjoy some much needed outdoors time this bank holiday. Some even have pubs at the end to celebrate a good hike.

Great British Life: View from Swyre Head with Clavell Tower in the distance on the headlandView from Swyre Head with Clavell Tower in the distance on the headland (Image: Archant)

2. Pub Gardens

Speaking of pubs, our last recommendation for this bank holiday weekend is to spend some time is a gorgeous pub garden and let someone take care of you with a good meal and refreshing drinks. Remember, from the 17th May, you'll also be able to eat indoors at restaurants and pubs although social distancing rules will still be in place.

Dorset has more than enough options on this front and we've included our favourite 10 pub gardens here for you to choose from.

Alternatively, if you want to bring your furry friend along too, here's a selection of dog friendly pubs you can pop over to for a pint in the sun.

3. Picnic

Sometimes there is nothing better than picking an idyllic spot and relaxing in the sun with some tasty treats. Everyone has their own favourites for a picnic from sandwiches to pies, fruit to chocolate, juice to beer or cider. The important thing is to pick the perfect spot where you can forget your troubles and even let the kids have a run about.

This is a list of just 7 of our top places to kick back with a hamper and gingham blanket. No matter your preferences, there's something for everyone's liking.

Great British Life: Durdle Door BeachDurdle Door Beach (Image: Wojtek Skora/iStock / Getty Images Plus)

4. Go for a swim

Due to the microclimate weather we get in Dorset, the sea is often warm enough to swim in comfortably for longer than a few seconds at a time. The other great thing is you'll always have a breath taking background for your swim thanks to the beauty of the Jurassic Coastline. Check out our editor's favourite spots for an outdoor dip here.

Alternatively, the area is renowned for water sports and you'll never be far from a place to rent gear if you don't have your own. Why not check out our five best spots for stand-up paddle boarding which all have a tasty café nearby.

Great British Life: Church Ope Cove, a hidden treasure Photo: allou/Getty Images/iStockphotoChurch Ope Cove, a hidden treasure Photo: allou/Getty Images/iStockphoto (Image: allou)

5. Fish and Chips

After a long and busy week, there's nothing like a tasty plate of fish and chips from the local to celebrate the weekend. Synonymous with the seaside, there are estimated to be more that 10 000 chippies across the UK that sell around 382 million meals every year - that's a lot of potatoes to peal!

Whatever your preferences or dietary requirements, any one of these nine fish and chip restaurants will definitely hit the spot with crispy batter and perfects chips.