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Welcome to the Itinerary Planner. Use this tool to build your own journey or choose from an exciting range of specially selected tours.

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  • Holidays and Tourist information - Official Tourism Board - Visit Dorset.
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  1. Fun and adventure awaits you in Dorset
    Fun and adventure awaits you in Dorset
  2. Family fun at the Dorset Heavy Horse Centre
    Family fun at the Dorset Heavy Horse Centre
  3. Monkey World Primate Rescue Centre
    Monkey World Primate Rescue Centre

You are here: Things To Do > Families & Children

Family Friendly Things To Do

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Museum of Jurassic Marine Life - The Etches Collection

The finest single collection of Late Jurassic age fossils in Britain, housed in a purpose built,…

The Etches Collection - Museum of Jurassic Marine Life

Weymouth Beach

This award-winning sandy beach is overlooked by a magnificent Georgian seafront, located at the…

Family fun, Weymouth Beach

Farmer Palmer's Farm Park

Farmer Palmers Farm Park has re-opened - pre-booking admission is now essential. Please visit…

Farmer Palmers Farm Park

The Tutankhamun Exhibition

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

Tutankhamun's mask

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…

Brownsea Island

A beautiful island with wonderful views, history & wildlife including rare red squirrels and birds,…

The Dinosaur Museum

*Temporarily closed*. Fossils, skeletons, life-size dinosaur reconstructions plus hands-on and…

Henley Hillbillies

*LATEST UPDATE* Henley Hillbillies will be closed for 2020. Quad Biking (8yrs +) and shooting…

Splashdown Poole

Splashdown Poole has now re-opened with updated opening hours and operating procedures to help with…

Adventure Wonderland

Dorset’s number 1 family theme park, great range of family rides and attractions means there’s even…

Swanage Railway

Enjoy a nostalgic steam-train ride on the Purbeck line. Steam trains run for most of the year -…

Lulworth Outdoors

*LATEST UPDATE* Activities are suspended until further notice. Lulworth Outdoors are a passionate,…

Highcliffe Castle

Magnificent Grade I Listed 1830's mansion built by Lord Stuart de Rothesay.

Treasure Trails Dorset

Turn a regular day out in Weymouth into a full-blown adventure! The Weymouth Mystery Treasure Trail…

Corfe Castle

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

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 Teddy Bear Museum

*Temporarily closed*. This museum, devoted to the wonderful world of the teddy bear, contains a…

Brewery Square

Brewery Square is a vibrant and stylish regeneration in the heart of Dorchester which currently…

Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park

Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park has now re-opened for pre-booked tickets. Explore an amazing…

The Tank Museum

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

PrevPrev
  • 1Museum of Jurassic Marine Life - The Etches Collection
  • 2Weymouth Beach
  • 3Farmer Palmer's Farm Park
  • 4The Tutankhamun Exhibition
  • 5Moors Valley Country Park and Forest
  • 6Brownsea Island
  • 7The Dinosaur Museum
  • 8Henley Hillbillies
  • 9Splashdown Poole
  • 10Adventure Wonderland
  • 11Swanage Railway
  • 12Lulworth Outdoors
  • 13Highcliffe Castle
  • 14Treasure Trails Dorset
  • 15Corfe Castle
  • 16The Great Dorset Steam Fair
  • 17The Teddy Bear Museum
  • 18Brewery Square
  • 19Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park
  • 20The Tank Museum
NextNext
  1. Literary Dorset
  2. Dorset's Jurassic Coast
    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!
  3. Monkey World, Dorset - Make the connection
    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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    8. 1 Jan 202030 Jun 2020
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    10. 1 Sep 202031 Dec 2020
    11. 1 Jan 202130 Jun 2021
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    13. 1 Sep 202131 Dec 2021

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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  1. Enjoy a scenic paddle with West Bay Canoes - Visit Dorset

    Add West Bay Canoes to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 202 reviews202 reviews

    West Bay Canoes

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    Canoeing

    WEST BAY

    Awards

    • Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020We're Good to Go

    One of the best ways to spend a couple of hours with friends, family or even your dog on a sunny day is to take a canoe trip from West Bay to Bridport.

  2. Cycling

    Add Northport Greenway and Sika Trail to your Itinerary

    Northport Greenway and Sika Trail

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    Type:

    Cycle Route

    WAREHAM

    The Northport Greenway is a 1.5 mile route from Wareham Quay to Wareham Forest, where it then links with the Sika Trail - a 7 mile circular route through heath and forest.

  3. cycling

    Add Priory Cycle Ride to your Itinerary

    Priory Cycle Ride

    Type

    Type:

    Cycle Route

    WAREHAM

    An on-road circular cycle ride through the Frome Valley of 8 miles. Why not stop half-way for a picnic or visit the farm shop and cafe at West Holme.

  4. Highcliffe Castle Beach

    Add Highcliffe Castle Beach to your Itinerary

    Highcliffe Castle Beach

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    Beach

    HIGHCLIFFE, Christchurch

    A beautiful, rural, shingle and sand beach set against tree-lined cliffs.

    Free
  5. The Norman House, Castle Keep & Motte

    Add The Norman House, Castle Keep & Motte to your Itinerary

    The Norman House, Castle Keep & Motte

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    Type:

    Historic Site

    CHRISTCHURCH

    Christchurch Castle was built in the late 11th Century to protect the town. The once luxurious Constable's House, now in ruins, has the oldest Norman chimney in Britain and was built around 1150. The Castle saw action in the Anarchy about 1147 and…

    Free
  6. The Blue Pool in Dorset

    Add The Blue Pool to your Itinerary

    The Blue Pool

    Type

    Type:

    Parkland/Woodland Garden

    Furzebrook, WAREHAM

    Awards

    • Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020We're Good to Go

    *LATEST UPDATE* The Blue Pool will be closed until further notice.

    Price Free to £5.00 Per Ticket
  7. Museum of East Dorset

    Add Museum of East Dorset to your Itinerary

    Museum of East Dorset

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Wimborne Minster

    Located in the heart of the beautiful market town of Wimborne, visitors can discover the story of East Dorset with stunning Roman wall paintings, the fascinating childhood gallery and a unique Victorian Valentine card collection. Explore period…

    Price Free to £16.00 Per Ticket
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