Fun and adventure awaits you in Dorset
Family fun at the Dorset Heavy Horse Centre
Monkey World Primate Rescue Centre

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Highlights

The Great Dorset Steam Fair

If you are looking for an excellent fun and action packed day out for all the family, you'll love…

The Tank Museum

Bringing history to life, with the world’s best collection of tanks and explosive live displays.…

The Tutankhamun Exhibition

*Temporarily closed*. The world's greatest discovery of Ancient Treasure - Tutankhamun's tomb,…

Corfe Castle

Adults and children alike will be captivated by the romantic Corfe Castle ruins and it's…

Literary Dorset
Dorset's Jurassic Coast

Visit our stunning Jurassic Coast and enjoy 'a walk through time', you might even find your own fossil along the way!
Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre

Enjoy a fun-filled, fascinating day out for all the family at Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre.
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If you’re seeking fun-packed days out in Dorset with the kids, we've got loads of ideas to keep all ages entertained.

There’s animals to meet, dinoaurs to discover, castles to explore, thrilling rides and sports of all sorts.

One thing’s for sure, we can guarantee you and the family won’t be bored on your holiday. Get ready for some great fun!

What shall we do today?

It’s not difficult to keep the kids (and parents) entertained in Dorset as there’s a fair share of star family attractions hidden in amongst all that lovely West Country scenery.

One of the most renowned ape rescue centres in the world, Monkey World is home to over 230 rescued and endangered apes and monkeys. A great day out for your cheeky chimps!

Moors Valley Country Park has something for everyone. Set in 1000 acres of parkland and forest you can explore the way marked trails, tree-top walkways and tackle the high wire adventure.

Enjoy some fun down on the farm at Farmer Palmers. This is a great day out for under 8s with a brilliant adventure playground and a number of animal based activities.

If a family theme park is what the kids crave, Adventure Wonderland is the place for you. With over 30 family rides and attractions, the park takes its inspiration from Lewis Carol's Alice in Wonderland. The children will love meeting Alice, Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts, Mr Rabbit and the Cheshire Cat.

Inspirational days out

You’ll never be stuck for interesting things to see and do in Dorset, even when the British weather takes a turn for the worse. Don’t panic, Dorset has plenty of indoor fun to keep everyone entertained.

For your little soldiers, the Tank Museum is a must. Learn the story of the tank and look around a massive display of armoured vehicles; you can even take part in a trench experience. Tonnes of fun for everyone!

Kids will love the amazing variety of museums in Dorset where children of all ages can learn, explore, touch, and discover. Board a Concorde aircraft, be amazed at life sized dinosaurs and teddy bears, see Tutankhamun’s tomb and have your photo taken with Mr Bean’s yellow mini!

If the children need to let off some steam, take them to Lemur Landings – a huge soft play centre with bridges to cross, tunnels to explore and plenty of clambering up, sliding down and running around.

Get back to nature

For any animal lovers in your family, Dorset won’t disappoint. Dorset is home to some of the very best riding stables that cater for little ones and big ones!

Enjoy a trek across the open countryside or enjoy one on one tuition with an experienced instructor with Rosewall Equestrian or Lulworth Equestrian Centre.

For those of you not keen on riding your animal companion, why not lead a loving Donkey or exotic Llama while taking some of the sites and sounds of the countryside on an organised walk.

On the crest of a wave

It’s not surprising that with Dorset’s fantastic coastline that we have some of the very best water based activities that you’ll find anywhere. Dorset is home to the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy and its waters hosted the sailing events for the London 2012 Olympics. Spend a day out on the water and see if you’ve got what it takes to be the next Ben Ainsley.

The best view of Dorset’s world heritage coastline is most certainly from the water so the chance to enjoy a blast along the coast in a specially adapted RIB shouldn't be missed. Book a session with Lyme Bay RIB Charter to experience a ride you’ll never forget, just remember to hold on tight!!

Did you know that the RNLI headquarters and national training college is in Poole? Why not take a behind the scenes tour of the RNLI College to find out how their crews and lifeguards are trained and be given the chance to explore the college and its training facilities, including their world-class Sea Survival Centre, which hosts the wave tank and Lifeboat simulator. Maybe the little ones will be inspired to become a lifeguard?

Be creative

If you'd like to try something different, then a visit to Burngate Stone Carving Centre is a must. They run 2 hour sessions for both adults and children. Try carving a flower, name or your favourite animal.

Fit and fun

Don’t forget that Dorset also has a number of modern sports centres offering a vast array of activities, from badminton and squash through to family fun session’s poolside or outside.

Experience the country life

The biggest and best attractions in Dorset aren’t those that would immediately spring to mind; they’re our beaches, cliffs, harbours, woods and meadows – places that are absolutely free to go and see! If you’re after a great family day out that won’t cost you a penny, come and experience some of Dorset’s finest natural wonders.

A picnic at Durdle Door will entertain the whole family. Spend the day at Dorset’s most famous landmark and soak up the atmosphere at this magnificent beauty spot. Splash in the sea, play games, relax and enjoy some quality family time.

Start planning your family adventures today

In order to get the most out of your stay in Dorset and experience as many attractions as possible, it is advisable to book some accommodation.

We are proud to offer a wide range of accommodation that is suitable for families, whether you’re looking for hotels, B&Bs, holiday cottages, caravan parks or camping facilities, you can rest assured we have everything here for you to enjoy during your stay in Dorset.

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Gryphon Sports Centre

Type

Type:

Sport/Leisure Centre

SHERBORNE

The centre has a main sports hall, an aerobics/dance studio and a fully air conditioned fitness suite. Outdoor facilities include six tennis courts or five netball courts, plus floodlit astroturf pitch.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
202 reviews
Museum of Jurassic Marine Life - The Etches Collection

Type

Type:

Museum

Kimmeridge, WAREHAM
Awards
- Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
The finest single collection of Late Jurassic age fossils in Britain, housed in a purpose built, brand new immersive museum in the village of Kimmeridge, Dorset. Discovered and collected by just one man, Dr Steve Etches MBE, all from the Kimmeridge…
Price Free to £20.00 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
329 reviews
Cumulus Outdoor Adventure

Type

Type:

Outdoor Activity/Pursuit Centre

SWANAGE
Awards
- Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
Activities include: Coasteering, Kayaking, Climbing & Abseiling and Bushcraft amongst other things, plus outdoor corporate events, fun days and team building for business plus school and youth residential programmes and activity days.
Price £22.00 to £100.00 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
659 reviews
Highcliffe Castle

Type

Type:

Castle/Fort

Highcliffe, CHRISTCHURCH

A family-friendly, magnificent Grade I Listed 1830's mansion, built by Lord Stuart de Rothesay, surrounded by beautiful wooded grounds. There is direct access to the nearby sandy beach and Steamer Point nature reserve.

Price Free to £24.00 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
2407 reviews
Brownsea Island

Type

Type:

Country Park/Nature Reserve

POOLE

A beautiful island with wonderful views, history & wildlife including rare red squirrels and birds, and is also the birthplace of Scouting and Guiding.

Price Free to £44.50 Per Ticket
Henley Hillbillies

Type

Type:

Adventure Park/Playground

Buckland Newton, DORCHESTER

*LATEST UPDATE* Henley Hillbillies will be closed for 2020. Quad Biking (8yrs +) and shooting activities (12yrs+) - Thrills on the hills of Dorset!

Price £35.00 to £159.00 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
363 reviews
Fore Adventure

Type

Type:

Adventure Sport Centre

Studland, SWANAGE
Awards
- Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
Adventures include: kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, snorkelling, foraging, fishing, wild cooking, feasting, forest school, beach school, bushcraft, wild camping and mini expeditions.
Price £10.00 to £120.00 Per Ticket
Purbeck Sports Centre

Type

Type:

Sport/Leisure Centre

WAREHAM

Swimming - squash - badminton - yoga - tennis - sauna - table tennis - astropitch - playzone - cricket - nets - fitness room - cafe/bar - exercise classes - pilates - trampolining - childrens activities (term time and holidays) - swimming lessons.

Price £1.10 to £5.70 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
44 reviews
Cyclexperience

Type

Type:

Cycle Hire

CORFE CASTLE

Cyclexperience has now re-opened 7 days a week - combine tranquility, exercise and discovery on a bike and explore the woodland, heath, beaches and hills of Purbeck.

Price £8.00 to £29.00 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1254 reviews
Farmer Palmer's Farm Park

Type

Type:

Farm

Organford, POOLE
Awards
- Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
Farmer Palmers Farm Park has re-opened - pre-booking admission is now essential. Please visit website for tickets. Designed for children 8 years and under. Feed the lambs, view the animals, take a tractor-trailer ride, watch the cow being milked and…
Price Free to £50.00 Per Ticket
Purbeck Park

Type

Type:

Activity Centre

Near Corfe Castle, WAREHAM

Located in the centre of the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset, Purbeck Park is a must visit location! Start here to explore nearby attractions and the coast by steam train, bike, bus or on foot.

Price Free to £5.00 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
4571 reviews
The Tank Museum

Type

Type:

Museum

BOVINGTON, Wareham
Awards
- Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
Bringing history to life, with the world’s best collection of tanks and explosive live displays. Our exhibitions tell the story of armoured warfare spanning over 100 years of history. Exploring eight powerful exhibitions, you will come face to face…
Special Offers
- Book online & save
  Book in advance on tankmuseum.org and save money on your entry ticket.
  More offers like this - Attraction Offers
Price Free to £39.00 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
151 reviews
Adventure 4 All

Type

Type:

Adventure Sport Centre

Adventure 4 All are specialists in Outdoor Adventure. Their activities go beyond your expectations to give you an experience second to none. Their core activities include Coasteering, Stand Up Paddleboarding and Rock Climbing.
The Burlington Health Spa and Fitness Club

Type

Type:

Sport/Leisure Centre

SWANAGE
Awards
- Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
The Burlington Health Spa and Fitness Club is located on the ground floor of the Grand Hotel, with stunning views across Swanage Bay and full leisure facilities including heated indoor plunge pool, jacuzzi, sauna and a gymnassium with extensive…
Price £2.50 Per Ticket to £30.00 Package
Symondsbury Estate

Type

Type:

Natural Feature

BRIDPORT

Welcome to Symondsbury Estate set in the beautiful Dorset countryside but within a few miles of the Jurassic Coast, a world heritage site with unspoilt beaches and fabulous coastal walks.
Beneath the local landmark of Colmers Hill, Symondsbury…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
503 reviews
Swanage Pier

Type

Type:

Pier

SWANAGE

Restored Victorian Pier, stroll, visit the exhibition, café or shop. Boat trips, fishing and diving.
The Keep Military Museum

Type

Type:

Museum

DORCHESTER
Awards
- Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
The Keep is the Military Museum of Devon and Dorset. Housed in an extraordinary castle-like building, the collection spans 300 years of history over 4 floors. You can walk through a World War One trench, try on uniforms and discover the amazing…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1229 reviews
Haynes International Motor Museum

Type

Type:

Museum

Sparkford, YEOVIL
Awards
- Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
The Haynes International Motor Museum is the UK’s largest exhibition of great cars from around the world. A living and working museum, with over 400 amazing cars and bikes from nostalgic classics of the 50’s and 60’s.
Price £7.00 to £54.00 Per Ticket
1610 Dorchester Sports Centre

Type

Type:

Leisure/Swimming Pool

DORCHESTER

A family friendly centre offering the local community an all inclusive wellness and sports facility to enjoy. The facility offers something for everyone including a 50 station fitness studio with the latest Technogym equipment, and a well equipped…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
31 reviews
Wareham River Cruises

Type

Type:

Boat Trip

WAREHAM

Take a forty minute trip on the beautiful River Frome from Wareham Quay on our 12 seater open-top boat Orca. Daily river trips are available from 11am onwards - see the A-board on Wareham Quay for exact times. Boat trips are subject to tide times.…

Price £5.00 to £7.50 Per Ticket

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What shall we do today?

Inspirational days out

Get back to nature

On the crest of a wave

Be creative

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Experience the country life

Start planning your family adventures today

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