REVIEW: The Salt Pig at Putlake: A Fun-Filled Family Day Out in Dorset

Being a local parent to 7 and 4 year olds, I cannot believe that this was our first visit here!

It only came on my radar after we published the news of The Salt Pig's acquisition of Putlake early last year,  and we have clearly been missing out! I'm so pleased we have finally discovered it. We enjoyed our visit so much we ended up staying for 5 hours; there's so much to do and the prices are very reasonable (Free for Under 2s, £5 per adult, £10.25 per child AND children even cheaper on term time weekdays at £8).

Read on to find out more...

If you're looking for a fantastic family-friendly day out in Dorset, The Salt Pig at Putlake is an absolute must-visit! Nestled in the picturesque village of Langton Matravers in Purbeck, this charming farm and play area offers something for everyone—from animal encounters to indoor and outdoor adventure play and a delicious café serving up top-quality food (everything you'd expect from a Salt Pig cafe). 

Indoor and Outdoor Fun for All Ages

One of the standout features of The Salt Pig at Putlake is its large indoor soft play area. Whether it’s a rainy day or you just need a break from the sunshine, this play space is perfect for little ones to burn off some energy. With climbing frames, slides, role play areas and ride alongs, there's something for all ages. What's particularly great for us parents is that they serve coffee and snacks in the play area (or you can order from the cafe) and there's seating all the way around the play area so parents can relax with a nice snack and coffee while watching the kids.

My two girls really enjoyed bouncing between the Soft Play, animal encounters and the large outdoor play area. The outdoor playground is packed with exciting equipment, including swings, climbing structures, a sand pit and Wendy House. The setting is beautiful too with a view across to the Purbeck Hills.

Go-Karting Fun

Next to the Play Area is go-karting area which adds an extra level of excitement to the visit for the bigger children. Kids can hop on the karts and race around the track, making for a thrilling experience which was a highlight of my 7 year olds' day.

Meet the Farm Animals

The farm is home to a variety of friendly farm animals, and children can enjoy hands-on experiences such as guinea pig petting. As we were there, through to late afternoon, there was plenty of time for them to handle the guinea pigs without being rushed.  There are also donkeys, goats, pigs, ponies, and more to meet up close, making it a wonderful way for kids to learn about farm animals in a safe and engaging environment. There is also the chance to bottle feed the baby goats or groom a pony!

Delicious Food at The Salt Pig Café

We parents always appreciate a Family attraction that sells a decent coffee don't we? But the food and drink at The Salt Pig is another level. They serve their Salt Pig Cafe style menu (many of you may already know from their cafes in Wareham, Swanage, Studland, Holme (in the same building as Holme for Gardens), Tyneham and Chesil). You can enjoy a roast on a Sunday and enjoy lunch any day with a glass of wine or a local ales & cider'.

Serving a mouth-watering menu of hot and cold meals, homemade cakes, and refreshing drinks. My girls had the macaroni cheese which they devoured, and I had their homemade sausage rolls with 2 side salads; beetroot and couscous and waldorf (you can choose any 2 from a selection of 5. The café also stocks farm shop items, so you can take home a little taste of Dorset with you.

A Full Day of Fun

With so much to see and do, it’s easy to spend an entire day at The Salt Pig at Putlake. We were there for over five hours, and there was never a dull moment! It’s the perfect destination for families with young children, offering a blend of adventure, education, and relaxation in a beautiful rural setting.

I normally add a Top Tips section to my reviews but there are none needed here; there's plentiful free parking, and everything is in walking distance with all you need from nice clean toilets, a superb cafe and so much fun for all the family. They have thought of everything - even down to providing spare wellies for anyone that needs them!

If you're planning a family day out in Dorset, make sure to put The Salt Pig at Putlake on your list!