North Dorset Railway (Shillingstone) Car Park

The car park here serves the North Dorset Railway at Shillingstone, though I'll be straight with you - this isn't a destination in itself. What you're actually after is the railway museum and heritage steam line that runs from this spot, a working stretch of track where you can ride behind proper locomotives through the Dorset countryside.

The attraction pulls in railway enthusiasts and families after something a bit different. You get vintage carriages, the chance to ride behind steam engines on heritage excursion days, and the whole nostalgic railway experience that appeals to kids who've never been on anything older than a commuter train. Allow a couple of hours minimum if you're just having a look around the station, longer if you're catching a service.

Shaftesbury sits just a few miles north, so this works well as a morning or afternoon bolt-on to a wider Dorset day. If you're staying at Gold Hill Glamping nearby, it's close enough for a decent outing without needing to trek far. The parking itself is straightforward - basic car park facilities, nothing fancy.

Timing matters here. Steam days aren't year-round, so check ahead before making the journey. Summer weekends see the busiest crowds. It's not for everyone - if you're not bothered about railways, you'll find an hour here enough. But if you've got railway-mad kids or you're into heritage transport, this is genuinely worth your time. The setting's rural and pleasant enough, though the attraction itself is modest rather than spectacular.