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Visit One of Dorset's Parks
Venues: Poole Park, Upton Country Park, Harbourside Park
About: Dorset is home to some beautiful parks, full of nature, animals, playparks and food vendors! A day out to the park can be a perfect free trip for the family, why not pack yourselves a picnic and enjoy a quiet day! If you're looking for some more entertainment, then there are plenty of fun activities to take advantage of at Poole Park, including; ice skating, pottery painting and mini golf!
Suitable for kids: Yes
View our full Parks in Dorset Guide, here.
Take a Trip to The Blue Pool
Address: Furzebrook Rd, Nr Wareham, Dorset BH20 5AR
About: Don’t miss out on a visit to The Blue Pool in Dorset, an incredible nature reserve and Site of Scientific Interest. With family-friendly trails, a tearoom, an ice cream parlour, a plant centre, and plenty of spots for quiet reflection, The Blue Pool has something for everyone and is definitely worth exploring for those beautiful blue waters.
Suitable for kids: Yes
Old Harry Rocks
Address: Old Harry Rocks, BH19 3AN
About: This surreal formation of chalk is one of the most famous landmarks on the South Coast. Soak in the views and have a relaxing trip to Old Harry Rocks. Not only does this destination provide stunning views of the Jurassic Coast, there are also nature trais, large open spaces to sit down and take in the panoramic views and have a picnic or a bite to eat at one of Studland village's cafes or restaurants.
Suitable for kids: Yes
Swanage Railway
About: Swanage Railway offer a variety of family days out and themed railway trips! Each station along the route tells its own story. The railway features stations at Corfe Castle and Harman’s Cross, along with a halt at Herston on the outskirts of Swanage.
Swanage Railway host a variety of themed events, view here.
Suitable for kids: Yes
Jurassic Coast Walk
About: Every summer we hear about thousands heading to Bournemouth beach and it is easy to forget that the stunning ancient Jurassic Coast is right here in Dorset. Why not treat yourself to a day of picturesque views and talk a walk by the Jurassic Coast! With miles of coastline, you can customise this for yourself! Whether you want a fun stroll ending in a picnic or a day-long hike, the Jurassic Coast is the perfect place to walk!
Suitable for kids: Yes
View our full Jurassic Walks with a Pub Stop Guide, here.
Visit Moors Valley
Address: Horton Rd, Ashley Heath, Ringwood, BH24 2ET
About: Moors Valley and Country Park is a great hub for all things nature and entertainment. They provide beautiful and scenic nature trails for those wanting to go on a walk or bike ride. There are plenty of playareas in Moors Valley to keep the kids entertained, or if you're looking for something a little more interactive, then Moors Valley is also home to laser tag, a Go Ape course, a railway and much more!
Suitable for kids: Yes
View our full review of Moors Valley, here.
Walk Down Bournemouth Pier
Address: Pier Approach, Bournemouth BH2 5AA
About: A trip to Bournemouth and its' beach is not complete without a walk down the famous pier! A walk down this pier not only provides awe-inspiring views of the beach and sea, but is also home to many attractions and food options. Take a spin on the amusement rides, play in the arcade and dine at the pier's restaurant Key West. And last, but definitely not last, for the adreneline junkies out there; experience the zipline that will whiz you from the pier straight on the beach!
Suitable for kids: Yes
Farmer Palmers
Address: Wareham Rd, Organford, Poole, Organford, Poole BH16 6EU
About: Farmer Palmer’s is Poole’s best petting farm and well worth a visit for those in Dorset, specifically those looking for a family day out! They are home to an amazing range of animals that kids can meet, feed, and touch including shetland ponies, a Mediterranean donkey, goats, guinea pigs, alpacas, deers, and so much more, which is why this petting farm is so popular with families!
The farm also features a range of exciting child-friendly attractions that will keep the kids - and parents - busy all day long such as their Little Farmers Fun Barn, Pedal Go-karts, Duck Pond, Straw Mountain, Summer Maize Maze, and more, truly making this a summer day out perfect for everyone!
Suitable for kids: Yes
Shire Hall Museum
Address: High W Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1UY
About: The Shire Hall Museum offers an exciting and educational experience in the heart of Dorchester. This unique attraction is a must-visit for anyone interested in British history and culture. Visitors can expect an immersive journey through the town's past and its important role in shaping the country's legal system. Step inside the museum and be transported back in time to the 18th century, where you'll learn about the infamous Tolpuddle Martyrs and the dramatic events that took place in the town during their trial.
Suitable for kids: Yes
Monkey World
Address: Tout Hill, Longthorns, Wareham BH20 6HH
About: If you have a free day in Dorset, then take yourself over to Monkey World for a daytrip! Only around 20 minutes from Poole, you'll find primate rescue centre Monkey World, the home of over 250 primates. The rescue centre has assisted governments around the world to stop the smuggling of primates from the wild since 1987. As well as keeper talks and cafes, there's 3 adventure playgrounds for kids to let off some steam! This 'As Seen On TV' famous animal santuary is perfect for a fun day out. Explore the indoor and outdoor monkey enclosures, watch in on keeper talks and visit their cafe!
Suitable for kids: Yes!
Try Pottery Painting
Address: Unit D2-D5, Dolphin Quays, Poole BH15 1HU
About: If you’re an arts and crafts lover then you need to pay Studio Poole a trip whilst in Dorset! They are the largest pottery outlet in the WORLD with a working studio. Their Have-A-Go experience is the perfect weekend activity for the family as you choose from their selection of animals and fantasy creatures before painting your own ceramic masterpiece to take home with you. Studio Poole also sells pottery, tableware, vintage collectables, and more!
Suitable for kids: Yes
The Tivoli Theatre
Address: 19 West Borough, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1LT
About: See a live show at The Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne! The Tivoli Theatre is an Art Deco theatre that shows a mixture on stage and on screen showings! In their on stage events they host a variety of live music, drama, ballet and comedy shows! This Autumn and Festive period there will be numerous on stage performances for you to visit, including Pantos and Musicals!
Suitable for kids: Depending on the show.
Go On a Shopping Trip
Venues: Castlepoint, The Dolphin Centre, Bournemouth Town Centre
About: Why not treat yourself to a day of shopping in Dorset? Castlepoint Shopping Centre is only a short distance from Bournemouth centre and is home to over 40 retail stores. This shopping destination is one of the most convinient in the area, as it caters to a diverse array of needs and desires.
If you find yourself in Bournemouth or Poole Town Centre, both also offer a wide array of shopping destinations for your shopping trip!
Suitable for kids: Yes
Treat Yourself To An Afternoon Tea
Venues: No.9 On The Green, The Kings Head, Knoll House Hotel, Queens Hotel, Little Pickle at the Mill
About: Dorset is home to some superb hotels and resturants that are very much worth a visit. We've compiled a list of some of our favourites that offer very tempting afternoon tea spreads! All offering a flight of Champagne, fantastic world teas, beautiful finger sandwiches, delicate cakes, scones and more.
Suitable for kids: Yes, many of these venues offer both adult and kids afternoon teas.
View our full Afternoon Tea Guide, here.
Visit A National Trust Location
Venues: Kingston Lacy, Brownsea Island, Corfe Castle, Studland Bay
About: Poole and the surrounding areas of Dorset play host to some of England’s most beautiful and feature-packed National Trust properties. With many great National Trust properties to explore within just one County, there is a variety of beautiful destinations to explore that make for a great afternoon out. If you are a National Trust member then this is the best free day out idea possible!
Suitable for kids: Yes
View our National Trust Guide, here.
Visit a Spa
Venues: Queens Hotel & Spa, David Lloyd, Knoll House Hotel
About: Everyone needs some time to unwind, and luckily Dorset is home to some great and celebrated spas and experiences! Treat yourself to a massage, enjoy some pampering treatments, lounge in a jaccuzi or chill out in the sauna. Either treat yourself to a solo self care trip, or take your loved ones with you!
View our full Spas in Dorset Guide, here.
Try Out Watersports
Venues: South Coast Adventures, Shaka Surf
About: Dorset's famouns coastline makes this a County full of watersport professionals and fans. South Coast Adventures are based in the perfect location of Hamworthy Park, which has 180’ views of Poole Harbour and Brownsea Island. They offer a variety of guided water based trips, adventurous days out and instructor personal development courses. Enjoy a day of kayaking, paddleboarding and more!
Also, why not take advantage of our beaches here in Dorset and take a surfing class! We particularly recommend you head to Branksome Dene as there's some lovely breaks there which tend to be fairly consistent. The waves can be small but they're perfect for learning and for long boarders. You can get some really awesome clean waves there too so it's definitely worth keeping an eye on. The fantastic surf school Shaka Surf is based there too so you can hire your kit and have lessons too!
Suitable for kids: Yes
View our full Watersports Guide, here.
Have a Beach Day
Venues: Bournemouth Beach, Sandbanks, Branksome Chine.
About: Bournemouth and Poole are home to some remarkable beaches! Make a full day of your trip to the beach, why not rent out one of the aesthetic beach huts? If you're missing the beachside and sounds of the ocean, then going for a walk or run by the beach is always a fun excersice alternative for when the gym just isn't calling your name. Also, don't forget to keep an eye out on the cliffside over the beaches to catch a glimpse of the goats!
Suitable for kids: Yes
Visit Corfe Castle
Address: Corfe Castle, Dorset, BH20 5DR
About: The former royal fortress, Corfe Castle is just over ten miles around the harbour from Poole. The dramatic ruins of the castle stand on a natural hill guarding the principal route through the Purbeck Hills. This is a very popular tourist destination in Dorset, as well as being host to many school trips due to its educational tours. As well as the castle istself, the village offers a unique range of independent shops, pubs, restaurants, teahouses, hotels, self-catering holiday homes, bed and breakfast accommodation and two free museums! Perfect for a full daytrip!
Suitable for kids: Yes
Visit The Famous Durdle Door
Address: Wareham, BH20 5PU
About: Dorset is known for its coastline and beaches but the most striking and memorable by far is Durdle Door! The iconic arch-way has been featured in many famous shows, films and pieces of art! Entry to Durdle Door and its' beach is free for visitors and you'll be welcomed to beautiful views.
Durdle Door is a scenic and naturally occuring limestone arch right in the Lulworth Cove! Make sure to put on your best walking shoes as you will have to walk down toward the beach on a charming scenic trail. Once you've descended the trail, relax on the beach and enjoy the views or have a little paddle in the waters!
Suitable for kids: Yes, but keep the steepwalk down in mind!
Museum of East Dorset
Address: 23-29 High Street, Wimborne Minster, BH21 1HR
About: Discover fascinating stories from across the centuries at the Museum of East Dorset. Step back in time and explore the many themed exhibitions and collections ranging from Roman wall painting to archaeological artefacts. They have a programme of events throughout the year with unique activities to take part in such as craft afternoons and Mosaic workshops.
Suitable for kids: Yes
Kingston Maurwood
Address: Kingston Maurward Gardens and Animal Park , Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8PY
About: Kingston Maurward in Dorchester is a stunning estate that offers a plethora of activities that are perfect for families from exploring the animal farm where you will get the opportunity to get up close and personal with a variety of animals, including cows, pigs, sheep, and donkeys. You can even feed them and learn about their habits and behaviours. You can take a stroll in the gardens, or simply enjoy a picnic, there is something for everyone at Kingston Maurward. One of the most popular attractions at Kingston Maurward is the animal farm.
Suitable for kids: Yes
The Etches Collection Museum
Address: Kimmeridge, Wareham BH20 5PE
About: Take some time to visit this modern musuem of amazing fossils! You will get to learn a bit of ancient Dorset history as they walk you through the 157 million year old Kimmeridgian Sea and what it left behind. The Etches Collective Museum will now be showcasing the Colossal Plisaur sea monster, recent investigated by Sir David Attenborough in his New Years Day BBC film!
Suitable for kids: Yes
AirJumpX
Address: BH Live Active Sir David English, East Way, Bournemouth BH8 9PZ
About: AirJumpX is Sir David England's super-sized infoor inflatable obstacle course! As well as enjoying time on the bouncy castle obstacle course, AirJumpX also includes; the slam dunk, a giant side, a jelly mountain, wipe-out balls, and an assault course! The 50 minute sessions are £12pp, all children 5-8 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Suitable for kids: Yes