Family Activities
Listed below are some family activities we know to be popular, including things if the weather lets you down or you are here in the winter. We have tried to list them geographically, those nearest first. Further information/leaflets on any of the listed activities and special events can be obtained from the Dorchester Tourist Office by calling 01305 267 992.
We would definitely recommend that you have a day at Lyme Regis, there is so much to do with great places to eat, fossils, museums, shops etc. It is a lovely town but busy in the summer months so we recommend you get up and get there early!
A trip north to Haynes Motor Museum, Fleet Air Arm Museum and a good walk round Cadbury Castle keeps the boys happy!! Or a day east to Bovington Tank Museum, Monkey World, there is just so much to do and none of it is that far away, you will have to come back!!
Lulworth:
Lulworth Castle, Durdle Dor and Lulworth Cove are all well worth a visit, keep an eye on their web site to see what is happening when you are staying, Jousting Tournaments regularly through the summer, Famous family Music Festival - BESTIVAL (August) , charity events and family entertainments.
- The Lulworth Estate
- www.lulworth.com
- Tel: 01929 400 352
Abbotsbury Swannery, Tithe Barn, Tropical Gardens:
Children's farm, barn and soft play area, great for the under 5's. Look out for hatching time, easter events, etc. Colonial Restaurant in Gardens.
- Abbotsbury Swannery
- www.abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk
Kingston Maurward:
With wonderful gardens this house just east of Dorchester also has a great Children's and farm animal areas in a wonderful location.
Monkey World:
Ape rescue centre, children seem to really enjoy going here.
- Monkey World
- www.monkeyworld.co.uk
Terracotta Warriers Museum:
The only museum outside China dedicated to the amazing Terracotta Warriers.
- Terracotta Warriers Museum
- www.terracottawarriors.co.uk
Weymouth White Water:
Take a ride on a rib, various rides for all ages.
- Weymouth White Water
- Tel: 01305 781 146 or 07899 892 317
Sea Life Centre - Weymouth:
A sea life park and marine sanctuary. Indoor and outdoor attractions.
- Sea Life Centre - Weymouth
- www.sealifeeurope.com
The Tank Museum at Bovington:
Military tank museum.
- The Tank Museum at Bovington
- www.tankmuseum.org
Haynes Motor Museum:
All weather fun packed day for the whole family.
- Haynes Motor Museum
- www.haynesmotormuseum.co.uk
Adventure Wonderland Park:
With Wild Thing the giant indoor Aztec adventure play centre (under 10's). A great day out whatever the weather, about 40 minutes away. Open all year.
- Adventure Wonderland Park
- www.adventurewonderland.co.uk
- Tel: 01202 483 444
Escot, Ottery St Mary, Devon EX11 1LU:
A really exciting day out just west of Honiton, masses to do. Award Winning Small Visitor Attraction 2009/10.
- Escot
- www.escot-devon.co.uk
- Tel: 01404 822 188
Treasure Trails
Recommended by guests, this is a fantastic way to entertain a group of all ages from 8 and over, see parts of Dorset you would never get to otherwise, highly imaginative and of varying difficulty and constantly being updated, these trails can be downloaded or purchased at Dorchester Tourist Office. 2010/11 Tourism Excellence Award.
email: dorset@treasuretrails.co.uk Tel: 07867 800897
Dinosoraurland Fossil Museum:
Coombe St, Lyme Regis, a wonderful privately owned attraction, great introduction to the Jurassic Coast before you head off to find those fossils.
- Dinosoraurland Fossil Museum
- Tel: 01297 443 541
Crealy Adventure Park:
A really fun day out with rides, massive indoor slides etc. 1 hr away max (under 10's), April - September.
- Crealy Adventure Park
- www.crealy.co.uk
Longleat:
The house, wild life park, maize etc, all make this a really good all round family day out. Approx 1 hr away.
Motor Museum at Beaulieu:
World famous museum, rides and drives for all the family plus the acclaimed James Bond experience!
- Motor Museum at Beaulieu
- www.beaulieu.co.uk
Visitor Attractions that are Green Tourism Members:
Swanage Railway:
A fun way to get to the Purbeck coast, Easter to October half-term with some Santa Specials in December.
- Swanage Railway
- www.swanagerailway.co.uk
Farmer Palmers Farm Park:
A little way away but great for younger groups: Situated our side of Poole at Organford this is a highly popular, multi award winning attraction mainly focused at the Under 8 age range. Plenty to do both inside and out and open nearly all year, well worth a visit.
- Farmer Palmers Farm Park
- www.farmerpalmers.co.uk
- Tel: 01202 622 022
If you are after specific activities for certain ages then please feel free to ask, we will be happy to help as there are too many to list here!