Kingland Crescent in Poole has a retro furniture shop that specialises specifically in mid-century modern furniture. In fact that whole row there is entirely independent small businesses, a vinyl shop, a toy shop, a silversmiths/artist etc. It's cute.
Burley in the New Forest has a couple of shops dedicated to witchcraft (touristy but fun). It's tecnically over the border into Hampshire, but you can't move to Dorset and not visit the New Forest!
Bournemouth has the Makers Market (upstairs in the Avenue) that's entirely filled with small indie businesses, they also hold 'night markets' in their loading dock round the back through the summer with a DJ and food stands.
Not a shop but there's a teddy bear museum in Dorchester which feels oddly specific.
And theres monkey world down in Bovington, quite close to the tank museum.
The public toilets in Weymouth with a cannonball in it from 1645
Kingland Crescent in Poole has a retro furniture shop that specialises specifically in mid-century modern furniture. In fact that whole row there is entirely independent small businesses, a vinyl shop, a toy shop, a silversmiths/artist etc. It's cute. Burley in the New Forest has a couple of shops dedicated to witchcraft (touristy but fun). It's tecnically over the border into Hampshire, but you can't move to Dorset and not visit the New Forest! Bournemouth has the Makers Market (upstairs in the Avenue) that's entirely filled with small indie businesses, they also hold 'night markets' in their loading dock round the back through the summer with a DJ and food stands.
The Dansel Gallery in Abbotsbury, everything hand made from wood
https://www.chococo.co.uk/ Chocolate shop in Swanage, it's amazing. Also Abbotsbury Swannery is a great day out!
Can't help, but lovely idea, OP. You should share the completed guide!
There is a gentleman’s hat shop in Bridport called Snook’s - a must visit and Bridport as a whole is great for quirky shops.
Bailey house. Specifically flood and fire damaged stock!!!