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Things to do in Dorset with kids: 45 days out

Things to do in Dorset with kids: 45 days out

She sells sea shells on the ocean shore – and one of many many causes to go to Dorset with youngsters is with the ability to stroll on the very seaside of the tongue tornado and seek for the ocean’s treasures your self, simply as Mary Anning did 200 years in the past.

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Born in Lyme Regis, in Dorset, she spent her life trying to find fossils to promote to vacationers, attempting to earn sufficient for the household to reside on – alongside the way in which, discovering an ichthyosaur, a plesiosaur and different dinosaurs, serving to contribute to the understanding of extinction, central to the speculation of evolution.

Having felt the fun of unearthing a dinosaur bone on the Isle of Wight, the Jurassic Coast is at all times excessive on my UK household vacation wishlist. Discovering fossils is simply the beginning of the county’s points of interest, although simply among the best issues to do in Dorset with youngsters – I’ve rounded up my choose of the most effective.

Go seaside combing in Dorset

For those who’re hoping to search out fossils, the Jurassic coast is the place to begin. Charmouth is among the finest locations to go beachcombing in Dorset – the customer centre runs guided fossil-hunting walks.

And Lyme Regis, website of Mary Anning’s well-known finds, is one other straightforward spot to begin with youngsters: it might probably get busy however you’re assured to see ammonites at the very least with the fascinating fossil shelf generally known as the Ammonite Pavement.

Try among the finest issues to do in Lyme Regis with youngsters and our day exploring the Ammonite Pavement right here

Things to do in Dorset with kids: 45 days out

Seatown is one other excellent spot to spy ammonites they usually’re often straightforward to gather, which is good with youngsters. Keep on with the foreshore fairly than the cliff bases as these are crumbling which could be harmful.

Or head to Kimmeridge Bay, which can be great for rockpooling – simply watch the tides when you’re exploring, in addition to the cliffs, that are crumbling in locations right here too.

Whilst you’re there, head to the Etches Assortment in Kimmeridge itself – the Museum of Jurassic Marine Life is filled with fossils and takes guests on a journey again in time to the Kimmeridgian Seas, 157 million years in the past. There are additionally household occasions and actions on in the course of the faculty holidays.

For extra tips about fossil trying to find newbie’s, together with the right way to keep protected and the place to look (and why you don’t have to take a hammer), take a look at this recommendation from the Jurassic Coast Belief.

Hit the seaside 

There are seashores galore in Dorset to make sandcastles between fossil looking – take a look at the fabulous sand creations at Sandworld Sculpture Park for some inspiration.

For family-friendly seashores, you’re spoiled for selection: Weymouth has a stretch of golden sand and delicate waves to paddle in (plus some conventional seaside enjoyable), and there’s a dog-friendly space year-round – plus it has overwhelmed off the competitors to boast Dorset’s finest ice cream, at Rossi’s (a favorite since 1937) and Boho Gelato.

Swanage seaside has its personal sheltered bay with family-friendly swimming areas – though canines aren’t allowed from Could to September.

The golden beach and blue-green seas along the Dorset coast at Middle Chine between Poole and Bournemouth - hitting the beach is unmissable if you're visiting Dorset with kids

Or there are but extra sandy seashores at Poole and Bournemouth, stretching all the way in which from Sandbanks to Hengistbury Head. Not forgetting Lyme Regis too for its personal tempting seaside.

West Bay – now perpetually generally known as the seaside from Broadchurch – has these dramatic cliffs as a scenic backdrop, with sand on the fringe of the superb shingle seaside.

For quieter coves, Church Ope cove has Viking historical past – apparently the touchdown website of the primary raids made on the British Isles, or there’s a mixture of sand and shingle at Gundimore which you’ll attain from Mudeford Quay.

South Seashore is one in all Studland’s extra peaceable spots – Knoll seaside is the most well-liked (be careful for the naturist part) with 4 miles of seaside to discover in the character reserve of Studland Bay.

For concepts of the right way to entertain youngsters on the seaside, take a look at my publish of the most effective seaside actions or click on right here for particulars of extra dog-friendly seashores in Dorset

Beside the ocean in Dorset

What’s higher than wandering alongside the seaside? Heading under the waves – and there are many alternatives to dive into the deeps with out getting moist – in addition to boat excursions in Dorset and different enjoyable within the water, together with a Dorset waterpark.

Sea Life Centre, Weymouth

In Weymouth, the Sea Life Centre is residence to sharks, rays and crafty octopus alongside creatures native to Dorset within the Harbourside Zone and the UK’s solely colony of fairy penguins.

In addition to an enormous number of marine creatures, there’s an out of doors rockpool and also you’ll discover short-term actions throughout faculty holidays, such because the Halloween ‘a-scarium’ spooky path, plus an journey playground and mini golf to find.

It’s essential to prebook tickets on-line for Sea Life Weymouth.

Bright tropical reef fish in a tank - you can visit several different aquariums in Dorset with kids

The Oceanarium, Bournemouth

Uncover penguins and sea turtles, together with dwarf crocodiles and otters (plus big numbers of fish, in fact) on the 12 themed environments of The Oceanarium in Bournemouth.

There’s an Journey Quiz Path to finish, and children can measure themselves towards a penguin (in addition to watching them waddle).

Preserve a watch out on the day’s actions for talks and feeding occasions, with an opportunity to see otters, penguins and sharks getting fed. Plus there are particular animal experiences so as to add some VIP enjoyable to your go to.

Try my Bournemouth Oceanarium evaluate after our go to throughout a wet day in Bournemouth with youngsters

RockReef Pierzip Line

For those who’re visiting Bournemouth with older youngsters, you possibly can even fly over the waves (and make imagine you’re going to maintain going beneath) with the RockReef Pierzip Line.

Operating from a 25m excessive platform, you velocity the 250 metres all the way down to the seaside in 30 seconds – and because it’s a twin zipwire, you possibly can race a buddy down. Appropriate for teenagers over 1.3m.

For extra concepts of the most effective issues to do in Bournemouth with youngsters, take a look at my high picks

Splashdown, Poole

For those who’re searching for waterparks in Dorset, Splashdown in Poole is nice whether or not you’re visiting Dorset with toddlers or older youngsters, with the Ricky’s Reef for youthful ones, Buccaneers’ SplashZone for beneath 8s  and 13 flumes starting from mild to high-speed thrills.

Some enterprise outside and have black holes and there’s a minimal top restriction of 1m. Children can’t go on the slides with mother and father. Tickets should be prebooked, you possibly can’t purchase them at Splashdown itself.

Dorset Waterpark

This can be a waterpark with a distinction: as an alternative of the same old flumes and splashzones, the park’s two lakes have inflatable obstacles in addition to different hurdles like wobbly bridges, floating stepping stones and stability beams. Every lake has a special set of obstacles, with classes lasting an hour (half an hour per lake).

Minimal age is six, and also you do need to be a assured swimmer. Wetsuits can be found to rent on the day, tickets should be prebooked.

Dorset Waterpark will not be removed from Corfe Fort, at Dorset Journey Park, and there’s additionally a mud path course if you’d like one other problem (for 4+).

Boat sails towards Old Harry Rocks on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset - a cruise around Poole Harbour or out to the coast is a great things to do with kids in Dorset

Poole boat excursions

If you wish to get out on the water, there are a string of boat excursions and cruises working from Poole Quay, together with the ferry to Brownsea Island.

Try Coastal Cruises working from Poole, taking you alongside the Jurassic Coast and to Swanage.

Or crew a jaunt round Poole harbour with a visit up the Wareham River with Greenslade Pleasure Boats.

Metropolis Cruises boat excursions from Poole (together with the harbour tour and round excursions to Swanage) are not working as of mid October 2024

Try my video of our cruise from Poole to get a style of what you’ll see

Get outside in Dorset with youngsters

Dorset is justifiably well-known for its coast and seashores however there are many possibilities to get outside away from the coast as properly.

Discover a Gruffalo at Moors Valley Nation Park

At Moors Valley Nation Park lurks a fearsome monster, with a toxic wart on the tip of his nostril – and purple prickles throughout his again. Effectively in all probability.

One of many areas for the string of Forestry England Julia Donaldson trails, it’s nonetheless residence to each a Gruffalo and the Gruffalo’s Baby, alongside the kids’s Play Path, in addition to different household trails.

Plus, in fact, loads of locations to stroll, cycle or watch the surroundings from a slim gauge steam practice – together with a extra adrenaline-fuelled choice on the Go Ape Junior Excessive ropes course, for anybody who fancies themselves the scariest creature within the wooden.

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

These award-winning gardens are residence to uncommon and unique species from world wide, so it feels such as you’re leaving the UK far behind as you wander by this woodland valley.

There’s a Wonderland Sculpture path with characters from Alice in Wonderland, together with the Cheshire Cat, White Rabbit and Alice herself dotted round, plus a play space and nature path. And followers of The Secret Backyard film will recognise the scenes set in India, filmed within the gardens right here too.

You might spot the golden pheasants within the sunken gardens, in addition to wandering previous lily ponds and over rope bridges as you discover too. In winter, there are usually festive illuminations too.

A view down to the waves and beach to the rock arch of Durdle Door in Dorset - exploring the coast is one of my best things to do in Dorset with kids

Durdle Door

Some of the iconic sights of Dorset, the limestone arch of Durdle Door is 10,000 years previous, with the waves crashing beneath and a lovely shingle seaside alongside.

There’s a cliff path down, in addition to steps to the seaside or you possibly can view the arch from the clifftop coast path.

Unsurprisingly, it’s a massively common spot and might get very busy in summer season or on sunny weekends so plan your visits accordingly.

Lulworth Open air

For energetic households, Lulworth Open air is tough to beat – you possibly can attempt something from snorkeling to kayaking and cliff diving, archery, mountaineering, mountain biking and orienteering.

It’s set between lovely Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door so it’s also possible to get to take in a few of Dorset’s finest surroundings.

Durlston Nation Park

The most effective of the countryside and the coast mixed, Durlston Nation Park is on the nook of the Isle of Purbeck searching to Swanage, with some beautiful strolling trails to find throughout the 320 acre website.

For those who go to on the proper time of yr, you might even spot dolphins (April/Could and October/November are finest), seals and basking sharks within the waves. There are additionally common household occasions, path explorer books to purchase, in addition to concepts for a mini-beast safari.

And at Durlston Fort, you’ll find reside wildlife cameras in addition to a fossil room plus rangers to supply extra info.

View over dry stone wall and hills above Anvil Point Lighthouse in Durlston Park - one of the great days out with kids in Dorset

Upton Nation Park, close to Poole

A grand mansion sits on the coronary heart of Upton Nation Park, simply outdoors Poole, but it surely’s the woodlands that are most tempting for teenagers. (the home does open on Sundays and financial institution holidays for many of the yr when you fancy peeking inside although).

There’s a nice play space made utilizing pure wooden, or when you’re visiting in summer season (or typically throughout surprising heatwaves), a splash fountain to assist cool off within the Walled Backyard.

The cycle routes additionally type a part of the Castleman Trailway, the previous Southampton to Dorchester railway line was a mild 16.5 mile biking and strolling path.

The Tunnel Tree Tops, west Dorset

This award-winning excessive ropes course has 11 totally different parts up within the bushes of the 15 acres woodland, from rope bridges and walkways to zipwires.

Appropriate for age 6+ and taller than 1.2m, the Tunnel Tree Tops is a part of an Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence – though your coronary heart may be racing too quick to absorb all of the surroundings as you might have enjoyable within the bushes. Should be prebooked.

Animal points of interest

Creatures nice or small love Dorset, whether or not you’re searching for unique animals or cattle, equally beloved by smaller youngsters, to not point out some memorable animal interactions.

Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre

House to chimpanzees, orangutans and gibbons (amongst others), Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre has rescued animals from world wide and helps work towards the primate smuggling commerce.

With over 250 rescued and endangered primates, it’s the largest group of chimpanzees outdoors of Africa, together with three teams of orangutans. Tickets should be prebooked and guests are requested to put on masks if they can.

Try my evaluate of a household day trip at Monkey World Dorset

Gibbon like those found among the rescued primates at Monkey World in Dorset - one of the best days out in Dorset with kids

Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park

A wonderful day trip for youthful youngsters particularly, you’ll find cattle galore together with alpacas, play areas, a woodland stroll, actions together with tractor trailer rides and goat feeding, plus pig exercising to see.

There’s additionally a dinosaur roar path at Farmer Palmers Farm Park in addition to additional household actions throughout faculty holidays.

For those who’re searching for issues to do in Dorset within the rain, it’s additionally residence to some enjoyable indoor points of interest too. Tickets should be prebooked.

For extra concepts of issues to do in Dorset within the rain with youngsters, take a look at my high picks

Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park

Head to the Dorset Heavy Horse Centre for tractor and pony rides, and an opportunity to feed cattle.

Throughout your go to, you’ll additionally study concerning the historical past of heavy horses, who’ve carried armoured knights, pulled canal boats and extra over the previous thousand years.

Abbotsbury Swannery

Ordinarily, the very last thing I’d advocate is to strategy a nesting swan – however when you’ve at all times needed to see cygnets up shut, Abbotsbury Swannery is the one place the place you possibly can safely get near a colony of nesting Mute Swans.

Open from March to October, when you go to from the tip of Could to the tip of June, you possibly can see eggs hatching and the child swans being born.

There’s additionally a Large Swan maze and different household actions to entertain.

You may also get a reduction on Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens (scroll up for extra) when you purchase tickets to each. Abbotsbury Kids’s Farm needed to shut due to Covid restrictions and sadly won’t be reopening.

Swans at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset - an unusual day out with kids in Dorset

Dorset Falconry Park, close to Dorchester

House to over 100 birds of prey, together with owls, in addition to eagles, hawks and falcons, you possibly can see them fly at two organised reveals in the course of the day, in addition to after they’re being exercised in between.

There are additionally falconry experiences on supply at Dorset Falconry Park, together with ones for households. Tickets for common admission don’t must be prebooked, though test earlier than you go to because it isn’t at all times open until you might have an expertise booked.

Donkey and Llama strolling

How to boost a stroll by the countryside – take a donkey with you as you go. Donkey Strolling Adventures close to Beaminster enables you to roam the lanes and byways with a donkey.

Select between a a five-mile trek with a pub cease, or shorter two-mile walks together with a cream tea (the donkeys will count on you to share). Appropriate for aged 4+ and should be prebooked.

Or for one thing a little bit totally different, you might go for a stroll with an alpaca on the border of Dorset and Wiltshire – Alpaca Journey runs classes of round 90 minutes, with 30-40 minutes strolling with the alpacas. Should be organized upfront.

RSPB Arne

This beautiful nature reserve overlooking Poole Harbour is a good place to discover with nature-loving youngsters, in addition to infants and toddlers – there are buggy-friendly paths as you seek for wildlife, together with a low ropes course for barely older youngsters.

It’s the one place the place all six of the UK’s native reptiles could be discovered, plus birds galore, and there are sometimes kids’s trails throughout holidays that can assist you discover the heathland and historic woodland.

Red squirrel with a nut sitting on autumn leaves, like those which can be found on Brownsea island, a lovely day out in Dorset with kids

Go to Brownsea Island

For extra native animals, take a ferry from Poole or Sandbanks over to Brownsea Island, residence to endangered purple squirrels – good for teenagers to scurry round as properly.

Well-known too because the birthplace of Scouting, there are particular calming walks if you wish to wind down plus a household squirrel path and different actions like den constructing.

Try my evaluate of a day exploring Brownsea Island with youngsters

Castles and historic homes

Corfe Fort

Hint a thousand years of historical past on the now ruined Corfe Fort – not least the very fact it impressed Kirrin Fort within the Well-known 5 books.

With its homicide holes, secret locations and tales of treachery and treason, to not point out hearsay of royal dying and its place within the Civil Conflict, it’s good to let imaginations run wild.

Try my evaluate of a day trip at Corfe Fort with youngsters

A view towards the ruined towers of Corfe Castle in the Purbeck Hills against a blue sky - exploring is one of the best things to do in Dorset with kids

Portland Fort

Corfe’s youthful cousin, Portland Fort – nonetheless a venerable 470-something years previous – was constructed by Henry VIII to guard towards French and Spanish invasion.

Children can costume up, discover a Tudor kitchen and uncover its personal wartime historical past, from the Civil Conflict to the Second World Conflict. Tickets don’t need to be prebooked but it surely’s suggested at peak occasions.

Kingston Lacy

This lovely English nation home has a much more dramatic historical past than the elegant façade would possibly recommend – remodelled to appear like a Venetian palace, its former proprietor was additionally a famend Egyptologist so you possibly can see the most important personal assortment of historic Egyptian artefacts at Kingston Lacy too.

House to paintings by Rubens, Van Dyck, Titian and Brueghel, it has additionally been referred to as the South West’s ‘nationwide gallery’, whereas the large property is residence to Iron Age hill forts, the world’s oldest pedigree herd of Ruby Crimson Devon cattle, and gardens so spectacular that Queen Victoria despatched her gardeners right here to get inspiration.

There’s a woodland path and walks galore too. Restricted numbers are allowed in the home so be sure to get one of many timed tickets on arrival when you’d prefer to go inside.

Highcliffe Fort, Christchurch

Highcliffe Fort was constructed within the 1830s and has performed host to royalty over time – however with youngsters’ trails and a few spectacular rooms to find, it’s additionally a fantastic place to go to with household in Dorset.

In addition to the formal gardens and woodlands within the grounds, there’s additionally a seaside and nature reserve to discover. You’re beneficial to prebook tickets, with restricted numbers allowed inside the home itself.

Nothe Fort

Inbuilt 1872 to guard Portland’s harbour, Nothe Fort sits on the mouth of Weymouth harbour and now homes a group of weapons, mannequin ships and submarines.

There’s additionally a kids’s path across the fort to get youngsters exploring as they spot mice, in addition to info on evacuees in the course of the warfare.

The cannon continues to be fired each different Sunday (with a show of musketry on alternate Sundays) by the Fort Artillery, simply as when you’d stepped again to Victorian occasions.

Part of Nothe Fort with views out to sea, Weymouth - one of the most unusual historic sites to visit in Dorset with kids

Lulworth Fort and Park

The seventeenth century constructing was initially supposed as a looking lodge to entertain royalty and the aristocracy – Lulworth citadel has been restored after a fireplace in 1929 and you’ll discover inside, in addition to wandering by the parkland.

There are woodland walks and a kids’s playground too, with some household actions in the course of the holidays. Tickets should be booked upfront. Entrance is free to English Heritage members.  

Athelhampton Home and Gardens

This Tudor manor home dates again 500 years – good in case your youngsters love being transported again to the previous, plus there are household occasions on some weekends.

It’s the gardens that are prone to seize most kids’s imaginations at Athelhampton Home although, with yew bushes clipped into topiary pyramids within the walled gardens, a fifteenth century dovecote and probability to stroll alongside the riverside, in addition to previous fountains and ponds.

Museums in Dorset with youngsters

The Tutankhamun Exhibition, Dorchester

Though you possibly can’t see the true artefacts recovered from Tutankhamun’s tomb (these at the moment are on show in Egypt, besides for infrequent loans to exhibitions), you possibly can see these incredible recreations on the Tutankhamun Exhibition.

There’s additionally a recreation of the pharaoh’s tomb on the day that Howard Carter entered it, again in 1922, so you possibly can relive the fun of his discovery.

Whereas the exhibition isn’t giant, it’s an effective way to study extra concerning the discovery of the tomb: higher for older youngsters as there’s not a fantastic deal that’s interactive. It’s value understanding too that no photographs are allowed inside.

Signpost to several Dorchester Museums including the Dinosaur and Teddy Bear Museum - some of the best things to do in Dorset with kids on a rainy day

The Tank Museum, Bovington

With 9 totally different galleries, the museum tells the story of tanks – and different armoured autos – from the First World Conflict onwards, however with loads to maintain even youthful youngsters entertained, together with interactive actions and the prospect to go for a journey in one of many museum’s autos.

In addition to greater than 300 on show, you’ll discover exhibitions to inform the tales of the folks behind their invention and who’ve pushed them all through historical past on the Tank Museum.

Bournemouth Aviation Museum

In case your youngsters love all issues transport, Dorset can be residence to the Bournemouth Aviation Museum the place you possibly can sit contained in the cockpit of quite a lot of planes and helicopters, in addition to getting arms on with among the interactive shows, to not point out a flight simulator.

As an added bonus, it’s close to the airport for some added airplane recognizing! The plane are all outside, so the museum sometimes closes in dangerous climate, notably if there are excessive winds.

The Dinosaur Museum, Dorchester

Set not removed from the Jurassic Coast, the place Mary Anning famously discovered her ichthyosaur fossil, the Dinosaur Museum is the right place to study extra about these prehistoric creatures – together with the prospect to the touch fossil shows (together with tooth, heads and poo!) and even scent the breath of a T-Rex.

There are additionally numerous interactive shows too, with puzzles, digital flashcards and an excavation pit to make your individual discoveries.

Hengistbury Head Customer Centre

The proper place to go to to find extra concerning the space’s wildlife and geology, the Hengistbury Head Customer Centre is filled with interactive shows and makes a fantastic start line when you’re planning to move to Dorset’s nature reserves or go fossil looking.

You may also discover the character reserve across the centre, and hop on the little land practice for some nice views of Christchurch harbour (the land practice doesn’t run throughout winter months).

The beach and sand dunes at Hengistbury Head near Bournemouth in Dorset

Dorset Teddy Bear Museum, Dorchester

Dorchester appears to specialize in quirky museums – in addition to historic Egyptian artefacts and dinosaurs, you possibly can uncover a household of people-sized bears, plus a group of teddies from antiques to present TV favourites (from Winnie the Pooh and Paddington to Sooty) on the Dorset Teddy Bear Museum.

They’re all organized in a Victorian constructing, arrange as a home – so you possibly can uncover Edward Bear and his household going about each day bear life with their very own assortment of teddies. Solely open at weekends and through faculty holidays.

Different Dorset household points of interest

From Dorset theme parks to loopy golf galore, steam trains and open-top buses, there are many different methods to entertain youngsters in Dorset.

Journey Wonderland, Bournemouth

Reopening 2025 after renovations and with new points of interest deliberate

This Dorset theme park is themed round Alice in Wonderland, and has been named one in all Dorset’s high household points of interest – in addition to rides, there’s a maze, the Wild Factor indoor play, tender play and different actions, all geared toward households with kids aged 3 to 10.

There are some minimal top restrictions (and some most heights!) however Journey Wonderland is a good choice with youngsters of various ages.

Swanage Railway 

This beautiful heritage steam railway chuffs by the countryside alongside the previous Southern Railway line between Swanage and Norden, stopping on the ruins of Corfe Fort – so it’s also possible to use it as a extra uncommon strategy to get from A to B as properly.

Look out for the providers marked with an ‘O’ when the particular Remark Automobile can be working, with its big home windows for the most effective views, in addition to particular themed providers on the Swanage Railway year-round.

Portland Invoice Lighthouse

There are few higher locations to study life in a lighthouse and the sensation of being out in a stormy sea than a go to to Portland Invoice Lighthouse. The well-known purple and white striped tower has stood since 1906 however there was a lightweight on this website for over 500 years, serving to mariners navigating the coast right here.

The previous lighthouse keeper’s dwelling has numerous shows and interactive reveals, together with ‘Into The Darkish’, taking you on a stormy sea journey.

There are additionally fabulous views from the highest of the lighthouse, though guests should be 1.1m tall (and capable of climb unaided) so this isn’t one to try with toddlers.

The red and white striped Portland Bill Lighthouse in Dorset against a blue sky - a great day out in Dorset with older kids

Pirate Journey Golf, Weymouth

This mini golf course places the swashbuckle into journey golf, with pirate ships, treasure chests and gunpowder barrels as you’re employed your manner across the 18 holes, together with some fiendishly difficult challenges.

Connected to Weymouth Sea Life Centre, there’s half-price entry for annual go holders or you should buy separate entry – tickets should be prebooked, parrot optionally available.

Mr Mulligan’s Bournemouth

This loopy golf course is really out of this world – and because the intergalactic course (assume house invaders fairly than sci-fi) at Mr Mulligan’s is all indoors, it’s a fantastic choice for a wet day in Dorset.

Permit round an hour for the 18-hole course (relying on the variety of gamers) which sees you attempt to putt previous aliens and spaceships. Over-18s solely after 8.45pm however in any other case households are welcome to tackle the problem.

Sandbanks Loopy golf

This seaside loopy golf course isn’t open year-round however time your go to to Sandbanks proper, and these 18 holes have among the best views… when you can drag your eyes from the course.

There’s a smaller sister mini golf course in Poole with 12 holes (additionally closed in winter) which has its personal sneaky challenges too.

Corfe Fort Mannequin Village

For those who’re planning a go to to the ruins of Corfe Fort (and even when you’re not), you possibly can transport your self again to the times when the citadel’s partitions nonetheless stood, in 1646 earlier than it was destroyed within the Civil Conflict.

Corfe Fort mannequin village reveals folks visiting the church, standing by the moat and customarily getting on with life within the village, whereas there may be additionally a fairy backyard, life-size Civil Conflict troopers on guard plus different actions for households (and dealing shares if anybody misbehaves).

English model village showing a pub and old-fashioned cars - there are two model villages in Dorset for a day out with kids

Wimborne Mannequin City

Step again to the Fifties on this award-winning mannequin city – a 1:10 scale mannequin of Dorset market city Wimborne Minster, there are over 100 retailers, banks and cafes filled with tiny gadgets, plus a river system and even a ringing cellphone field.

There’s a Mannequin City Path for teenagers to comply with as they discover, or they’ll eye up the miniature Fifties faculty and evaluate it to their very own classroom earlier than exploring the gardens.

Metropolis Sightseeing Bournemouth open-top bus

Hop-on hop-off bus excursions could be an effective way to discover with youngsters, as a extra scenic manner of getting from A to B or to absorb among the highlights in a single journey.

The Metropolis Sightseeing open-top double deckers go away from Bournemouth Pier and Poole Quay, travelling across the Sandbanks peninsula in addition to Poole Quay.

You possibly can select 24h and 48h tickets, and the whole loop takes round 90 minutes. Runs from late March to late September.

The place to remain in Dorset with youngsters

There are self-catering cottages galore in Dorset, together with seaside and countryside choices. Try the choose of locations to remain in Dorset with youngsters from Plum Information, that are all vetted so solely the most effective make the minimize.

Dorset Hideaways has locations to remain which are simply minutes from Charmouth’s seaside so that you by no means have to stroll far along with your finds. Or Sykes Vacation Cottages additionally has a different assortment of locations to remain in Dorset, together with locations to remain alongside the coast.

For those who choose a household pleasant resort, take a look at these concepts from reserving.com.

For extra concepts of UK days out with youngsters, take a look at my round-up from throughout the nation

**First printed 2018, up to date 2024**

PIN FOR LATER: THINGS TO DO IN DORSET WITH KIDS

The best things to do in Dorset with kids - from beachcombing for fossils to historic castles, monkeys and marine life, as well as exploring the beautiful UK countryside.

Disclosure: This publish accommodates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee

Photographs courtesy of Depositphotos

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