Animal & Farm Parks in Dorset

If you and the family like to ‘go wild’ and get up close to nature, look no further as Dorset has all you need for your next adventure.

Have a chuckle with the chimps

Watch the stars of TV’s Monkey Life as they caper about at Dorset’s famous ape rescue centre, Monkey World.

A fun day out for all the family - read the heart warming stories of the primates’ rescue and get face to face with our nearest cousins.

There are also plenty of picnic areas and cafes to keep you fed and watered, plus daily talks, a play area and gift shop. A must visit!

Get ready for a deep sea adventure

So much more than an aquarium, the Weymouth Sea Life Adventure Park is a fantastic trip out. With lots of different zones to explore from penguin beach and seal harbour to splash zone and crocodile creek, there’s hours of entertainment in store for the whole family.

Discover the creatures of the seashore and deeper waters of the Jurassic Coast at Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium. A traditional family run seaside attraction where visitors have the opportunity to get hands on and up close with sea creatures.

A day out that’s great for your under 8’s.

Farmer Palmers is one of Dorset’s number one attractions and it’s not hard to see why.

Expect a jam-packed time of indoor and outdoor play, interactive animal events, tractor rides and a unique cow milking demo with Mr Farmer Palmer himself!!

With staff on hand that are experienced with toddlers and young children, you can feel assured your little brood are in safe hands.

Get up close to some gentle giants

A visit to the Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park is guaranteed to keep all members of your family entertained for hours. Take a relaxing Wagon Ride or get to say hello to the horses and other friendly farm animals. Children will love the go-cart arena, pony rides, adventure play area, straw barn farm and fairground rides.

Spot a rare red squirrel

For a chance to see a rare red squirrel, take a short ferry ride from Poole over to Brownsea Island

Red Squirrel guided tours are offered at certain times of the year or ask one of the National Trust staff where the best place is to see one of these beautiful and sometimes elusive creatures.

Ready to book?

Now you know that the family will have plenty to see and do whilst in Dorset, isn’t it time you booked your break?

Your dream place to stay is only a click away!

Hotels

B&Bs

Self Catering

Farmhouses

Pubs & Inns

Self Catering Agencies

Caravan & Camping

Highlightedfor you

Abbotsbury Swannery

Abbotsbury Swannery is the only place in the world where you are able to walk through the heart of a colony of nesting Mute Swans. A visit to this beautiful and tranquil place is one of the most...

Adventure Wonderland

Dorset’s multi award-winning family theme park, Adventure Wonderland, is the perfect spot to unlock the fun this year. 2021 marks Adventure Wonderlands 30th Anniversary. A wide range of outside...

Brownsea Island

Brownsea Island is open between 11 March - 29 October 2023. The perfect day’s adventure, this island wildlife sanctuary is easy to get to but feels like another world from the moment...

Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park

~ A day delivered with passion at Dorset's favourite family run attraction ~  Come along and treasure a unique experience visiting one of the very last Heavy Horse Centres left in Great...

Farmer Palmer's Farm Park

Farmer Palmer's is where young adventurers can frankly ‘let their hair down’ without older children around to stifle their enjoyment! Designed specifically for children aged 0-8years,...

Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre

Enjoy a fun-filled, fascinating day out for all the family at Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre in Wareham. The 65-acre park is home to the stars of TV’s ‘Monkey Life’ and...

Moors Valley Country Park and Forest

To inject a sense of fun into your family days out then head to Moors Valley Country Park and Forest to get active in the outdoors and have yourself a family adventure. You are sure to find something...

RSPB Arne Nature Reserve

Arne Nature Reserve is situated on Poole Harbour and within the Dorset National Landscape, it's a stunning landscape which consists of dramatic open heathland and ancient oak woodland.  Arne...

RSPB Weymouth Wetlands (Radipole and Lodmoor)

The RSPB Weymouth Wetlands nature reserves are hidden gems in the heart of Weymouth.  Comprises of 2 reserves (RSPB Radipole Lake and RSPB Lodmoor) and a Discovery Centre.  Nestled in...

Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park

Explore an amazing underwater world and journey to the ocean depths at Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park! Get up close to over 2,000 creatures, including our playful otters and rescued sea turtles....

You may also like...

Cafes & Coffee Shops

If you're looking for a snack or drink, you’re never too far from a café or coffee shop in Dorset.

Shopping and Markets

Swanage and Purbeck are full of independent and unique shops selling everything you need on holiday.

Accommodation

Dorset has a fantastic range of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets.

Eating Out

Enjoy some of the freshest, local produce at one of Dorset cafes, pubs or restaurants

What does your Dorset look like? Adventures on our epic coastline? Visiting attractions with family? A walk through the beautiful countryside? Or perhaps a chilled out evening eating and drinking with friends? Discover a sample of your #VisitDorset images below and share your love for Dorset using the hashtag on Instagram.