In case you missed it see what’s in this section
Take a Cruise!
About: Coastal Cruises offer a variety of different cruises, routes, destinations and themes leaving from both Poole Harbour and Salisbury! Take you a trip out to the seas to explore the Jurassic Coast. Coastal Cruises offer fun and unique cruises for you to pick from, including Birdwatching cruises and Fish and Chips dining cruises!
View a list of all their cruises and events here.
Website: View here.
Minterne House
Who: Minterne House
About: Fancy a day in the outdoors but aren't looking to play any sports? Take a trip over to Minterne House and spend a day exploring their stunning Country House, followed by their Himalayan gardens. Soak in the beautiful views whilst also taking in a piece of history. Built-in the 18th century, Minterne House boasts a rich heritage that spans several generations. The stately Georgian architecture and meticulously landscaped gardens provide a romantic backdrop that is nothing short of magical.
Lytchett Minster
Lytchett Minster RFC
Who: Lytchett Minster RFC
About: Lytchett Minster Rugby Club is a great place for kids aged 6 to 16 to get stuck into rugby, with training sessions every Sunday morning. It’s not just about the sport—kids develop important life skills like teamwork, confidence, and discipline, all while having fun in a safe and friendly environment. The club focuses on all-round development, helping children grow socially and physically while enjoying the game. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to be part of a welcoming community and make new friends!
Buddens Activity Centre
About: Buddens Activity Centre is located right by the historic and famous Jurassic Coast, with nearby spots of Corfe Catsle, Lulworth Cove and more; making it a great day out!
Activities offered: Similar to Rockley's other centres; Buddens hosts a wide variety of activities for you to enjoy. Have a day of watersports fun with activites such as kayaking, canoeing and getting stuck in with some raft building! If watersports aren't your passion, then Buddens have a whole host of non-water based activities.
Try your hand at abseiling, clibing and archery and gain a new skill!
Surf and Paddle boarding Hire and Lessons
Who: Shaka Surf
About: Why wouldn’t you take advantage of being on the best beaches on the South Coast?! Whether it's a tranquil paddle board on a sunny day or a surfing lesson when the swell is working then these guys are your local go-to!
How it works: Shaka Surf is located at Branksome Dene Chine, just a few steps away from the car park. Plus, toilets and amenities are just a short stroll down the promenade – all you need to bring is swimwear, a towel, and a good attitude! Shaka Surf offer surfing, paddle boarding, bodyboarding and kayaking so there is something for everyone whether you are looking to hire and have a play or to get stuck in with a proper lesson. Whatever you choose, you will be asked to arrive 15 minutes early to your booking to sign a disclaimer and get yourself suited and booted. After that, head into the water and learn a new and exciting skill – and watch your friends do a few nosedives, it’s a beautiful thing to see.
Price: Visit their website here.
Watersports
Who: Rockley Point, Poole Park Activity Centre
About: Cool off from the hot weather that summer in Poole brings with it by taking to the water and having fun trying out a range of adrenaline-thrilling watersports activities.
Recognised as the largest commercial sailing business in the UK, Rockley offers a range of watersports activities for you to turn up and try out including paddleboarding, sailing, kayaking, and more along with a range of land-based activities.
Price: Various
Activities offered: Engage in a range of watersports from kayaking and canoeing at both locations, to raft building at Poole Park or windsurfing at Rockley Point.
Pier Zip
Who: Rock Reef
About: Next with another adrenaline filled adventure, we have the Pier Zip. This is the pier to shore line that you have seen in pictures on Bournemouth Beach. It is run by Rock Reef and is the first of it’s kind IN THE WORLD. It might be one for those who don’t mind heights but if you can face your fears you will be rewarded with the panoramic sight of Bournemouth and it’s incredible 7 mile coastline. Once you’ve reached the beach, you can sit back, relax and watch your friends reactions as they come flying down to join you - the definition of ‘fun in the sun’.
How it works: You will be asked to arrive 15 minutes before your session, start in closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothing. This is so you can get kitted up for your slot and ensure you have signed the online waiver that will have been sent out to you. Once your group is ready, you will walk out to the Zip Tower at the end of the pier and climb up the 25-meter tower. The Pier Zip is 250 metres long and can be ridden alone or ‘dual’ so you and your friend can go down together, the choice is yours. And good news if you want to show off the experience to the world, Go Pro’s are allowed so you can catch your own reaction, the views and be social media ready.
Price: A Single Rider ticket at the summer peak season is £20. For a Dual Rider ticket, this is £35. A Family and Friends ticket is valid for four people and costs £62 - you can then add up to four more people for just £13 each, so getting all your friends involved may be the way to go if you want value for money!
Check them out http://rockreef.co.uk/pierzip/
Go Ape
Who: Go Ape
About: Next, we have Go Ape at Moors Valley. Poole might be known for the harbour and seaside vibes but head slightly inland and there is plenty of countryside to explore. This Go Ape site is just a short drive out of the city centre and is one that is ideal for the more adventurous among us (or the not so much. If you prefer to sit in the park and have a picnic, that is fine too!).
How it works: Go Ape boasts multiple attractions such as the Treetop Challenge, Treetop Adventure, Treetop Adventure+ and the Nets Adventure – perfect for thrill seekers of all ages. The Challenge course which will take you 11-metres skywards and features a 166- metre zip wire. The park itself contains two adventure play areas - one for older children with a zip slide, space net, climbing boulder and a fortress of towers and crossings. The second is a younger children’s area with gentler slides and swings and an authentic steam train. Along the play trail there is also a hidden Tree Top Trail, a five-metre high, 200-metrelong wooden walkway up in the trees. There are many miles of walking trails for you to explore around the park as well as five cycling trails so you can bring the bikes or hire some for the day. It’s all there, just choose what suits you!
Price: Prices start from £20 up to £35, depending on which adventures you chose. Entry to the country park itself is free, simply pay for parking on exit.
Find out more at https://goape.co.uk/locations/moors-valley
Compton Acres
Who: Compton Acres
About: For a more tranquil day out, it’s got to be Compton Acres in Sandbanks. This is a real hidden gem that was built in 1920, tucked away from the busy beaches and covering 10 acres for you to explore. It is honestly a slice of paradise so whether you want to enjoy a day with friends or fancy a solo adventure, this one should be high on your list.
How it works: Compton Acres is open year-round. It is wheelchair accessible, dog friendly, has free on-site parking for visitors as well as a stunning café and tearooms for you to relax in. The park consists of the Grand Italian Garden on entry followed by the Wooded Valley full of waterfalls. You will then move through the Bog Garden and Rock & Water Garden on the way to the Sculpture Garden where you can soak up the sun while looking out across the harbour. The aptly named ‘Harbour View’ café sits here and is the perfect place to stop and grab some lunch. After this, head through the Heather Gardens and into the last stop, the Japanese Gardens where you can find the famous Koi fish.
Price: A standard adult ticket is £8.45. Concession and carer tickets are available as well as family passes and season tickets which may be worth investing in if you fall in love (like I have!).
Check them out https://www.comptonacres.co.uk/