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Have a go at coasteering along the Dorset coast

Delve into vintage, retro and crafts at Purbeck Artisan Yard

You are here: Visitor Information > Group Travel > Group Friendly Days Out

Group Friendly Days Out

Highlights

There is an exceptional choice of things to see and do with a group in Dorset. Visit a fascinating museum or a National Trust property, get close to animals or stroll through beautiful gardens.

Whether you are bringing a school or youth group, a coach party or are just a large group of friends or family, find out about our group-friendly days out. There are plenty of activities in Dorset to suit hen and stag parties, team building events, corporate days out, school trips and much more.

Some will offer group discounts, organised tours or free entry or refreshment for coach drivers.

For all the attractions and activities listed on this page, pre-booking is essential for discounted ticket prices and to guarantee entry to the attraction. Guided tours may also need to be pre-booked.

For further details, please contact the attraction or activity directly, or speak to one of our Tourist Information Centres.

You might also like to download our group travel guide for Swanage and Purbeck for extra information and inspiration.

A fun day out

Corfe Castle Model Village is a scaled down version of the majestic Corfe Castle (before it was ruined) and its surrounding village. They welcome school groups, offer guided tours and give a discounted entrance price for bookings of 10 or more people. The group organiser or driver is admitted for free. Their tearooms can also cater for groups and the group organiser or driver qualifies for a complimentary refreshment.

Perfect for groups large or small, Splashdown waterpark at Poole is a fantastic attraction for whatever the weather. If you have 10 or more people in your group, you’ll get a discounted rate. The bigger the group, the less you’ll pay for your ticket and, for groups of 20 people or more; a group leader goes free per every 20 visitors.

The Tank Museum welcomes groups all year round. There is a group discount for pre-booked tickets for 12 or more people and you can choose to take a tour for an additional £5 per person. And they also offer an education programme for schools.

For adrenaline junkies

As Dorset is blessed with both coast and countryside, there is a huge amount of outdoor pursuits for your group to enjoy. Our outdoor adventure specialists will teach you how to abseil, coasteer, quad bike, Segway, climb, shoot and more. Or maybe you want to feel the wind in your hair on a fast jet boat ride along the coast?

You could even camp out for a few days and learn some bushcraft skills just like Bear Grylls or Ray Mears. Survive on the bare basics and get back to nature in Dorset’s beautiful countryside.

Step back in time

Ride on a heritage steam train with Swanage Railway and receive a discount when 15 or more tickets are purchased as a group – not only will this mean you get a great price, but it will also ensure that your group is seated together.

Group tours are available at St. Johns Almshouses in Sherborne. The picturesque Almshouse was built in the 15th Century for "12 poor men and 4 poor women". Of particular interest are the remarkable 15th century Triptych; copies of the illuminated Royal Licence and Foundation Deed; an original letter dated 1594 from Sir Walter Raleigh to the Almshouse Master.

Athelhampton House is a 15^th Century manor house with Grade I Listed gardens which are home to the famous topiary pyramids. They offer discounted entry for 12 or more people. They also offer guided tours as well as catering packages to eat at their restaurant. You can download their Groups or Schools pack from their website.

Built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594 and the stately home of the Digby family since 1617; Sherborne Castle houses nationally important collections of Art, Furniture & Porcelain. You can explore the 42 acres of landscape gardens offering delightful walks the lake. Guided tours are available and discounted tickets can be booked for 15 or more people.

Get sleuthing

Treasure Trails is a brilliant way to explore a new area as well as having fun along the way. Follow the trail, answer the questions, hunt the clues and solve the riddles.

Everyone in your group can get involved and there are trails all over Dorset to enjoy.

Animal magic

Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre is home to chimpanzees, lemurs, orangutans, capuchins and a whole host of other primates rescued from all over the world. Group discounts are available for 10 or more people who book in advance and guided tours are offered at an additional charge. They have downloadable worksheets for school groups on their website.

If you’ve got a group of under 8’s, Farmer Palmers Farm Park lets them feed the animals, take a tractor trailer ride and learn that milk comes from cows not the supermarket! Groups with 20 or more people will get a discounted price, just give them a call to arrange your visit.

Explore above and below the ocean at Sea Life Weymouth. Have a face-to-face encounter with sharks or a hands-on rockpool experience. Group tickets are available for parties of 10 or more, with the opportunity to add on a V.I.P. tour. They also have downloadable activity packs for 6-14 year olds on their website.

Visit the gentle giants and other farmyard animals at the Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park. They welcome all groups including early learning, nurseries, pre–schools, education groups, youth clubs as well as WI and special needs groups. They offer discounts when 20 or more full paying adults or children attend when pre–booking their visit – just call to arrange your visit. They have a designated secure areas for bags and coats and the group organiser or coach driver is admitted for free.

Just add water

There are loads of options to dip your toe in the water or jump straight in. Join a group kayaking tour along the Jurassic Coast and see amazing rock formations like Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove.

Or head inland to the picture perfect village of Corfe Castle and take on the challenge of Dorset’s inflatable waterpark. Fun for all ages.

Gardens galore

Admire the world-famous displays of rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias at Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway, as well as exploring the riverside walks or taking a trip on the steam railway. They offer a variety of garden tours including meet the head gardener and one for coach groups. Chauffer driven buggies are available to charter for 15 or more people (excluding May and June).

Bennetts Water Garden hold the National Plant Collection© of Water Lilies with over 140 different varieties producing thousands of flowers spread across acres of water. Group discounts for 12 or more people are available, as well as free entry for the group organiser and free entry and complimentary refreshments for the coach driver. There are further discounts for groups arriving by a single mode of transport, i.e. a coach or mini-bus.

For a completely different experience, visit Keyneston Mill's and see how they grow, harvest and distill the key ingredients of Parterre luxury perfumes. It is the largest private botanic gardens in the country dedicated solely to aromatic and scented plants, with over 1,000 varieties in a 50-acre estate. Take a guided tour to find out more.

Exploring on two legs or four

If you’re looking for a more sedate activity, how about joining a walking tour along the coast? Our expert guides are extremely knowledgeable about all things Dorset!

Or perhaps you’d prefer to explore the area on horseback. Sign up for a gentle ride or a cross country hack. Sometimes rides to pubs are also on offer – sounds good to us.

Movie locations and literary links

Did you know that a number of literary greats lived in or visited Dorset? Thomas Hardy and T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) both lived here and Enid Blyton used Dorset as a holiday retreat for over 20 years.

You can visit their homes and the places which inspired their books including Clouds Hill in Bovington, Maxgate in Dorchester and Brownsea Island near Poole.

If you love big blockbuster movies, you can visit some of the locations filmed for Dunkirk, Far From The Madding Crowd and On Chesil Beach. The award winning TV series Broadchurch was also filmed in Dorset - visit the dramatic cliffs which feature heavily in all 3 series (found at West Bay) or take a guided tour.

Sit back and relax

Fancy seeing the coast from a completely different angle? Why not take a leisurely boat cruise along the magnificent Jurassic Coast or around Poole Harbour.

Some boat cruises offer discounted group prices or exclusive hire of the boat.

Vinyard and brewery tours

Take a tour of Palmers Brewery's historic buildings and learn about all aspects of the brewing process as well as the production of Palmers famous "Golden Cap" whisky. They offer group tours for up to 25 people.

If wine is your drink of choice, you could opt for a guided tour of Furleigh Estate where some of the best sparkling wine in the country is made. They have over 22,000 vines and a purpose-built winery containing state of the art equipment. They provide private group wine tours and tastings throughout the year, offering a unique behind-the-scenes view of our vineyard and winery. Max number is 25 people per tour.

Vinyard tours are also available at the Langham Wine Estate. For groups of 15 or more people they provide bespoke tours throughout the year. Their on site café can offer a range of catering options to suit a range of occasions and budgets.

Stags and Hens

Perhaps you’re in Dorset to celebrate pre-wedding and are in need of a day of relaxation and pampering treatments. Book onto a spa day or weekend at one of our fabulous hotels and let the stress of wedding planning wash away.

Maybe you’d rather get outdoors and onto a golf course. We’ve got lots to choose from with amazing scenery, challenging courses and club houses to sink a few drinks in afterwards!

Or how about learning a new craft? Have a go at stone carving or pottery painting.

Planning your group visit

If you are planning an overnight stay in Dorset, you may want to take a look at our extensive list of group-friendly accommodation, including hotels, B&Bs, hostels, bunkhouses, large self-catering properties and holiday parks.

To complete your itinerary, why not take a look at our group-friendly eating out.

And if you're bringing a school, college or university group for an educational visit, there are lots of places to visit which will enhance your study or field trip.

There are plenty of activities in Dorset to suit hen and stag parties, team building events, corporate days out, school trips and much more.

Some will offer special rates or group discounts, so be sure to look out for offers or deals which you’re group can use.

Looking for the whole package? Some of our outdoor centres also provide accommodation too. Try Brenscombe Outdoor Centre and The Swanage Centre who offer residential packages (including accommodation and food) aimed at a variety of age groups.

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Moonfleet Adventure Sailing

Type

Type:

Boat Trip

Portland

Both novice and sailor can try classic tall-ship sailing around Southern England’s stunning Jurassic coastline and the fascinating chalk downlands of The Isle of Purbeck and The Isle of Wight.

Price £20.00 to £85.00 Per Ticket
City Cruises Poole

Type

Type:

Boat Trip

POOLE

Cruises operate daily from Poole Quay and Swanage Pier (1st April - 31st October 2020). We offer a wide selection of cruises along the Jurassic coast, trips to the Victorian resort at Swanage and the Steam Railway, Poole Harbour cruises, Afternoon…

Price £7.00 to £30.00 Per Ticket
Lulworth Outdoors

Type

Type:

Outdoor Pursuits

WEST LULWORTH

Lulworth Outdoors are a passionate, lively group of outdoor pursuit instructors, based within the stunning and versatile Lulworth Estate. We have access to continuous footpaths, bridleways, and permissive tracks, allowing freedom of exploration,…

Price £15.00 Per Ticket
Jurassic Coast Guides

Type

Type:

Walking Tour

We offer professional guided walks, tours and fossil hunts anywhere along the full length of the Jurassic Coast and surrounding areas. There is so much to be discovered within the World Heritage site. Not only is there 95 miles of breathtaking…
Athelhampton House and Gardens

Type

Type:

Historic House/Palace

DORCHESTER

*LATEST UPDATE* Athelhampton Gardens are re-opening on 4 June for pre-booked ticket entry. For now, the house, restaurant and shop remain closed. Athelhampton House & Gardens is one of the finest English manor houses, with beautiful furnished rooms.…

Price £3.00 to £14.50 Per Ticket
Swanage Railway

Type

Type:

Railway

SWANAGE

Enjoy a nostalgic steam-train ride on the Purbeck line. Steam trains run for most of the year - daily from April to October and most weekends throughout the year. Park at Norden then catch a train to travel 6 miles south to Swanage, passing through…

Price Free to £39.00 Per Ticket
Two Riversmeet Leisure Complex

Type

Type:

Sport/Leisure Centre

CHRISTCHURCH

*LATEST UPDATE* - take part in online classes via Facebook.
You can take part in online classes for free on the Two Riversmeet Facebook page.
Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre includes two swimming pools, a fitness suite, a cardio suite, two…
Highcliffe Castle

Type

Type:

Castle/Fort

Highcliffe, CHRISTCHURCH

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

Price Free to £15.00 Per Ticket
Corfe Castle

Type

Type:

National Trust Property

CORFE CASTLE

*LATEST UPDATE* Corfe Castle plus National Trust car park, visitor centre, shop and tea-room are currently closed.
Adults and children alike will be captivated by the romantic Corfe Castle ruins and it's breath-taking views across Purbeck!

Price Free to £33.25 Per Ticket
Purbeck Sports Centre

Type

Type:

Sport/Leisure Centre

WAREHAM

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

Price £1.10 to £5.70 Per Ticket
Cumulus Outdoor Adventure

Type

Type:

Outdoor Activity/Pursuit Centre

SWANAGE

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
Badger Watch Dorset

Type

Type:

Animal Collection

Dorchester

From our hides, thrill at the sight of badgers emerging from their setts and foraging for food. The area is floodlit for perfect vision and visits from other wildlife such as owls, foxes, rabbits and bats add to the spectacle.

Price £15.00 Per Ticket
Lyme RIB Rides Ltd

Type

Type:

Boat Trip

Lyme Regis

Lyme RIB Rides is the newest water attraction in Lyme Bay. We offer fast and slower paced boat trips, suitable for the whole family, along the beautiful Jurassic Coastline. See the historic scenery up close while enjoying an exhilarating ride on our…
The Great Dorset Steam Fair

Type

Type:

History & Heritage

BLANDFORD FORUM

Cancelled for 2020 but get 26th to 30th August 2021 in your diaries!
If you are looking for an excellent fun and action packed day out for all the family, you'll love the Great Dorset Steam Fair. If its heritage related, you'll find it. Stand amazed…
Lyme Bay RIB Charter

Type

Type:

Boat Trip

Bridport

Exciting & exhilarating boat trips running from West Bay along the Jurassic Coast.
Cyclexperience

Type

Type:

Cycle Hire

Corfe Castle

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
Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre

Type

Type:

Animal Collection

BOVINGTON, Wareham

*LATEST UDPATE* Animal adoptions and online gift shop still available. Enjoy a fun-filled, fascinating day out for all the family at Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre.

Price Free to £42.00 Per Ticket
The Tank Museum

Type

Type:

Museum

BOVINGTON, Wareham

*LATEST UPDATE* Online gift shop now open. 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…

Price Free to £39.00 Per Ticket
Henley Hillbillies

Type

Type:

Adventure Park/Playground

Buckland Newton, DORCHESTER

Quad Biking (8yrs +) and shooting activities (12yrs+) - Thrills on the hills of Dorset!

Price £35.00 to £159.00 Per Ticket
Museum of Jurassic Marine Life - The Etches Collection

Type

Type:

Museum

Wareham

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

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Delve into vintage, retro and crafts at Purbeck Artisan Yard

Watch in awe as the sky is illuminated with fantastic firework displays

Camping fun in Dorset

Enjoy views of Mudeford Sandbank from Avon Beach

Picturesque Weymouth Harbour

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Take in the iconic Dorset views

Let your little monkeys loose in the treetops at Go Ape

Hardy's Cottage © National Trust Images

Memories

Locally caught

Test yourself with our cycling routes

Fun and adventure awaits you in Dorset

Kingston Lacy illuminated for Christmas © National Trust

Visit the re-creation of Thomas Hardy's study at The Dorset County Museum

Tuck into a Christmas feast Summer Lodge

Good times at Camp Bestival

National Coastal Tourism Academy based in Bournemouth

Grand Prix of the Sea

Tout Quarry Sculpture Park

Discover

Indulge in some shopping and entertainment at Brewery Square in Dorchester

Glorious gardens at Kingston Lacy © National Trust Images

Tank Fest

Fresh coffee, just how you like it

Indulge yourself this Christmas

Lulworth Castle and Park

Overlooking Portland and Chesil Beach

Colourful beach huts at Swanage

View from Golden Cap

Train travel

Get out and explore

Guestlink + Connect

Bestival at Lulworth Castle

Soak up one of the many fantastic Dorset views

Enjoy a walk in the woods at autumn

Kayak under the towering chalk stacks at Old Harry Rocks

Creative Dorset

St Catherine's Chapel, Abbotsbury

Enjoy a rural retreat in one of West Dorset's charming cottages

Views from the South West Coast Path

Cycling is a wonderful way to explore Dorset

Try your hand at stone carving

Moonfleet Manor boasts phenomenal views of Chesil Beach

Guided coastal walks

Get out and explore

The iconic Lulworth Cove © Gillian Richards

Handmade and seasonal

Views south from Park Walk

Lakeside accommodation at Silverlake near Dorchester

Bridport town centre

Experience a tour and tasting at a Dorset vineyard © @Wanderlustchloe

Milton Abbas is one of Dorset's prettiest villages

Take to the ice in Bournemouth Gardens

Colourful woodlands

Old Harry Rocks

Camp in style at Dorset's family friendly campsites

Far From The Maddding Crowd © Fox Searchlight Pictures

Finding fossils on Dorset's Jurassic coast

Durdle Door

Dungy Head

Eat by the beach at the Watch House Café

Bonfire night fireworks over Christchurch Harbour

Lulworth Cove

David Tennant filming Broadchurch in West Bay © ITV KUDOS

Sleep well at Westwood House in Dorchester

Beach romance © Rod Edwards

Poole Harbour is a mecca for kitesurfing, windsurfing and paddleboarding © Jake Moore Photography

Enjoy elegant accommodation at Mortons House Hotel

Stock Gaylard Estate

Lyme Regis

Sherborne Castle

Experience a taste of luxury at Silverlake

Summer Lodge Country House Hotel

Bournemouth Beach and Pier