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Issues to do in Dorset with children: 45 days out

Issues to do in Dorset with children: 45 days out

She sells sea shells on the ocean shore โ€“ and one of many many causes to go to Dorset with children is having the ability to stroll on the very seaside of the tongue tornado and seek for the oceanโ€™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, making an attempt to earn sufficient for the household to stay on โ€“ alongside the best way, discovering an ichthyosaur, a plesiosaur and different dinosaurs, serving to contribute to the understanding of extinction, central to the idea of evolution.

Having felt the fun of unearthing a dinosaur bone on the Isle of Wight, the Jurassic Coast is all the time excessive on my UK household vacation wishlist. Discovering fossils is barely the beginning of the countyโ€™s sights, although simply probably the greatest issues to do in Dorset with children โ€“ Iโ€™ve rounded up my decide of the very best.

Go seaside combing in Dorset

When youโ€™re hoping to seek out fossils, the Jurassic coast is the place to begin.ย Charmouth is without doubt one of the finest locations to go beachcombing in Dorset โ€“ the customer centre runs guided fossil-hunting walks.

And Lyme Regis, website of Mary Anningโ€™s well-known finds, is one other straightforward spot to begin with children: it could possibly get busy however youโ€™re assured to see ammonites at the least with the fascinating fossil shelf often called the Ammonite Pavement.

Take a look at a few of the finest issues to do in Lyme Regis with children and our day exploring the Ammonite Pavement right here

Issues to do in Dorset with children: 45 days out

Seatown is one other excellent place to spy ammonites and so theyโ€™re often straightforward to gather, which is right with children. Stick with the foreshore quite than the cliff bases as these are crumbling which could be harmful.

Or head to Kimmeridge Bay, which can be great for rockpooling โ€“ simply watch the tides when youโ€™re exploring, in addition to the cliffs, that are crumbling in locations right here too.

Whilst youโ€™re there, head to the Etches Assortment in Kimmeridge itself โ€“ 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.ย There are additionally household occasions and actions on through the college holidays.

For extra recommendations on fossil trying to find newbieโ€™s, together with the right way to keep secure and the place to look (and why you donโ€™t must take a hammer), take a look at this recommendation from the Jurassic Coast Belief.

Hit the seasideย 

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

For family-friendly seashores, youโ€™re spoiled for alternative: Weymouth has a stretch of golden sand and delicate waves to paddle in (plus some conventional seaside enjoyable), and thereโ€™s a dog-friendly space year-round โ€“ plus it has overwhelmed off the competitors to boast Dorsetโ€™s finest ice cream, at Rossiโ€™s (a favorite since 1937) and Boho Gelato.

Swanage seaside has its personal sheltered bay with family-friendly swimming areas โ€“ though canine should not allowed from Might 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 best way from Sandbanks to Hengistbury Head. Not forgetting Lyme Regis too for its personal tempting seaside.

West Bay โ€“ now endlessly often called the seaside from Broadchurch โ€“ has these dramatic cliffs as a scenic backdrop, with sand on the fringe of the nice shingle seaside.

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

South Seashore is one among Studlandโ€™s extra peaceable spots โ€“ Knoll seaside is the most well-liked (be careful for the naturist part) with 4 miles of seaside to discover inย the character reserve of Studland Bay.

For concepts of the right way to entertain children on the seaside, take a look at my put up of the very best seaside actions or click on right here for particulars of extra dog-friendly seashores in Dorset

Beside the ocean in Dorset

Whatโ€™s higher than wandering alongside the seaside? Heading beneath the waves โ€“ and there are many alternatives to dive into the deeps with out getting moist โ€“ 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 UKโ€™s solely colony of fairy penguins.

In addition to an enormous number of marine creatures, thereโ€™s an outside rockpool and also youโ€™ll discover short-term actions throughout college holidays, such because the Halloween โ€˜a-scariumโ€™ spooky path, plus an journey playground and mini golf to find.

You’ll want 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 large numbers of fish, in fact) on the 12 themed environments of The Oceanarium in Bournemouth.

Thereโ€™s an Journey Quiz Path to finish, and children can measure themselves in opposition to a penguin (in addition to watching them waddle).

Hold an eye fixed out on the dayโ€™s actions for talks and feeding instances, 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.

Take a look at my Bournemouth Oceanarium evaluate after our go to throughout a wet day in Bournemouth with children

RockReef Pierzip Line

When youโ€™re visiting Bournemouth with older children, you may even fly over the waves (and make imagine youโ€™re going to maintain going below) with the RockReef Pierzip Line.

Working fromย a 25m excessive platform, you pace the 250 metres all the way down to the seaside in 30 seconds โ€“ and because itโ€™s a twin zipwire, you may race a pal down. Appropriate for youths over 1.3m.

For extra concepts of the very best issues to do in Bournemouth with children, take a look at my high picks

Splashdown, Poole

When youโ€™re on the lookout for waterparks in Dorset, Splashdown in Poole is nice whether or not youโ€™re visiting Dorset with toddlers or older children, with the Rickyโ€™s Reef for youthful ones, Buccaneersโ€™ SplashZone for below 8s ย and 13 flumes starting from light to high-speed thrills.

Some enterprise open air and have black holes and thereโ€™s a minimal top restriction of 1m. Children canโ€™t go on the slides with dad and mom. Tickets have to be prebooked, you mayโ€™t purchase them at Splashdown itself.

Dorset Waterpark

This can be a waterpark with a distinction: as an alternative of the standard flumes and splashzones, the parkโ€™s two lakes have inflatable obstacles in addition to different hurdles like wobbly bridges, floating stepping stones and steadiness beams. Every lake has a distinct 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 have to be prebooked.

Dorset Waterpark just isn’t removed from Corfe Citadel, at Dorset Journey Park, and thereโ€™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 operating from Poole Quay, together with the ferry toย Brownsea Island.

Take a look atย Coastal Cruisesย operating 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 withย 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

Take a look at my video of our cruise from Poole to get a style of what youโ€™ll see

Get open air in Dorset with children

Dorset is justifiably well-known for its coast and seashores however there are many probabilities to get open air 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 top of his nostril โ€“ and purple prickles throughout his again. Properly in all probability.

One of many areas for the string of Forestry England Julia Donaldson trails, itโ€™s nonetheless residence to each a Gruffalo and the Gruffaloโ€™s Little one, alongside the kidsโ€™s Play Path, in addition to different household trails.

Plus, in fact, loads of locations to stroll, cycle or watch the surroundings from a slender gauge steam practice โ€“ 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 around the globe, so it feels such as youโ€™re leaving the UK far behind as you wander by way of this woodland valley.

Thereโ€™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 could possibly 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

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

Thereโ€™s a cliff path down, in addition to steps to the seaside or you may view the arch from the clifftop coast path.

Unsurprisingly, itโ€™s a vastly in style spot and might get very busy in summer season or on sunny weekends so plan your visits accordingly.

Lulworth Open air

For lively households, Lulworth Open air is tough to beat โ€“ you may attempt something from snorkeling to kayaking and cliff diving, archery, mountaineering, mountain biking and orienteering.

Itโ€™s set between stunning Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door so you may as well get to absorb a few of Dorsetโ€™s finest surroundings.

Durlston Nation Park

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

When you go to on the proper time of 12 months, you possibly can even spot dolphins (April/Might 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 Citadel, you will discover stay 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 surelyโ€™s the woodlands that are most tempting for youths. (the home does open on Sundays and financial institution holidays for many of the 12 months when you fancy peeking inside although).

There’s a nice play space made utilizing pure wooden, or when youโ€™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 become a mild 16.5 mile biking and strolling path.

The Tunnel Tree Tops, west Dorset

This award-winning excessive ropes course has 11 completely different components up within the timber 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 โ€“ though your coronary heart is likely to be racing too quick to absorb all of the surroundings as you have got enjoyable within the timber. Have to be prebooked.

Animal sights

Creatures nice or small love Dorset, whether or not youโ€™re on the lookout for unique animals or livestock, equally beloved by smaller children, 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 around the globe and helps work in opposition to the primate smuggling commerce.

With over 250 rescued and endangered primates, itโ€™s theย largest group of chimpanzees outdoors of Africa, together with three teams of orangutans. Tickets have to be prebooked and guests are requested to put on masks if they’re able to.

Take a look at 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 Palmerโ€™s Farm Park

A superb day trip for youthful children particularly, you will discover livestock galore together with alpacas, play areas, a woodland stroll, actions together with tractor trailer rides and goat feeding, plus pig exercising to see.

Thereโ€™s additionally a dinosaur roar path atย Farmer Palmers Farm Park in addition to additional household actions throughout college holidays.

When youโ€™re on the lookout for issues to do in Dorset within the rain, itโ€™s additionally residence to some enjoyable indoor sights too. Tickets have to be prebooked.

For extra concepts of issues to do in Dorset within the rain with children, 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 livestock.

Throughout your go to, youโ€™ll additionally be taught in regards to 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 Iโ€™d advocate is to strategy a nesting swan โ€“ however when youโ€™ve all the time needed to see cygnets up shut, Abbotsbury Swannery is the one place the place you may safely get near a colony of nesting Mute Swans.

Open from March to October, when you go to from the top of Might to the top of June, you may see eggs hatching and the newborn swans being born.

Thereโ€™s additionally a Large Swan maze and different household actions to entertain.

You may as well get a reduction on Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens (scroll up for extra) when you purchase tickets to each. Abbotsbury Kidsโ€™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 may see them fly at two organised reveals through the day, in addition to once theyโ€™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 donโ€™t have to be prebooked, though test earlier than you go to because it isnโ€™t all the time open except you have got an expertise booked.

Donkey and Llama strolling

How to boost a stroll by way of the countryside โ€“ take a donkey with you as you go. Donkey Strolling Adventures close to Beaminster helps 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 have to be prebooked.

Or for one thing slightly completely different, you possibly can go for a stroll with an alpaca on the border of Dorset and Wiltshire โ€“ Alpaca Journeyย runs classes of round 90 minutes, with 30-40 minutes strolling with the alpacas. Have to be organized upfront.

RSPB Arne

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

Itโ€™s the one place the place all six of the UKโ€™s native reptiles could be discovered, plus birds galore, and there are sometimes kidsโ€™s trails throughout holidays that will help 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 โ€“ good for youths 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.

Take a look at my evaluate of a day exploring Brownsea Island with children

Castles and historic homes

Corfe Citadel

Hint a thousand years of historical past on the now ruined Corfe Citadel โ€“ not least the very fact it impressed Kirrin Citadel 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 demise and its place within the Civil Conflict, itโ€™s good to let imaginations run wild.

Take a look at my evaluate of a day trip at Corfe Citadel with children

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 Citadel

Corfeโ€™s youthful cousin, Portland Citadel โ€“ nonetheless a venerable 470-something years previous โ€“ was constructed by Henry VIII to guard in opposition to French and Spanish invasion.

Children can gown up, discover a Tudor kitchen and uncover its personal wartime historical past, from the Civil Conflict to the Second World Conflict. Tickets donโ€™t need to be prebooked but it surelyโ€™s suggested at peak instances.

Kingston Lacy

This stunning English nation home has a much more dramatic historical past than the elegant faรงade may recommend โ€“ remodelled to seem like a Venetian palace, its former proprietor was additionally a famend Egyptologist so you may see the most important non-public assortment of historic Egyptian artefacts at Kingston Lacy too.

House to art work by Rubens, Van Dyck, Titian and Brueghel, it has additionally been known as the South Westโ€™s โ€˜nationwide galleryโ€™, whereas the massive property is residence to Iron Age hill forts, the worldโ€™s oldest pedigree herd of Ruby Crimson Devon cattle, and gardens so spectacular that Queen Victoria despatched her gardeners right here to get inspiration.

Thereโ€™s a woodland path and walks galore too. Restricted numbers are allowed in the home so ensure you get one of many timed tickets on arrival when youโ€™d prefer to go inside.

Highcliffe Citadel, Christchurch

Highcliffe Citadel was constructed within the 1830s and has performed host to royalty over time โ€“ however with childrenโ€™ trails and a few spectacular rooms to find, itโ€™s additionally an amazing place to go to with household in Dorset.

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

Nothe Fort

In-built 1872 to guard Portlandโ€™s harbour, Nothe Fort sits on the mouth of Weymouth harbour and now homes a group of weapons, mannequin ships and submarines.

Thereโ€™s additionally a kidsโ€™s path across the fort to get children exploring as they spot mice, in addition to info on evacuees through the battle.

The cannon remains to be fired each different Sunday (with a show of musketry on alternate Sundays) by the Fort Artillery, simply as when youโ€™d stepped again to Victorian instances.

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

Lulworth Citadel and Park

The seventeenth century constructing was initially supposed as a searching lodge to entertain royalty and the aristocracy โ€“ Lulworth fort has been restored after a fireplace in 1929 and you’ll discover inside, in addition to wandering by way of the parkland.

There are woodland walks and a kidsโ€™s playground too, with some household actions through the holidays. Tickets have to be booked upfront. Entrance is free to English Heritage members.ย ย 

Athelhampton Home and Gardens

This Tudor manor home dates again 500 years โ€“ good in case your children love being transported again to the previous, plus there areย household occasions on some weekends.

Itโ€™s the gardens that are more likely to seize most youngstersโ€™s imaginations at Athelhampton Home although, with yew timber clipped into topiary pyramids within the walled gardens, a fifteenth century dovecote and likelihood to stroll alongside the riverside, in addition to previous fountains and ponds.

Museums in Dorset with children

The Tutankhamun Exhibition, Dorchester

Though you mayโ€™t see the actual artefacts recovered from Tutankhamunโ€™s tomb (these are actually on show in Egypt, besides for infrequent loans to exhibitions), you may see these incredible recreations on the Tutankhamun Exhibition.

Thereโ€™s additionally a recreation of the pharaohโ€™s tomb on the day that Howard Carter entered it, again in 1922, so you may relive the fun of his discovery.

Whereas the exhibition isnโ€™t massive, itโ€™s a good way to be taught extra in regards to the discovery of the tomb: higher for older children as thereโ€™s not an amazing deal thatโ€™s interactive. Itโ€™s price figuring out too that no images 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 completely different galleries, the museum tells the story of tanks โ€“ and different armoured autos โ€“ from the First World Conflict onwards, however with loads to maintain even youthful children entertained, together with interactive actions and the prospect to go for a trip in one of many museumโ€™s autos.

In addition to greater than 300 on show, youโ€™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 children love all issues transport, Dorset can be residence to the Bournemouth Aviation Museum the place you may sit contained in the cockpit of a wide range of planes and helicopters, in addition to getting arms on with a few of the interactive shows, to not point out a flight simulator.

As an added bonus, itโ€™s close to the airport for some added aircraft recognizing! The plane are all open air, so the museum often closes in dangerous climate, significantly 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 proper place to be taught extra about these prehistoric creatures โ€“ 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 in regards to the spaceโ€™s wildlife and geology, the Hengistbury Head Customer Centre is filled with interactive shows and makes an amazing start line when youโ€™re planning to go to Dorsetโ€™s nature reserves or go fossil searching.

You may as well discover the character reserve across the centre, and hop on the little land practice for some nice views of Christchurch harbour (the land practice doesnโ€™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 concentrate on quirky museums โ€“ in addition to historic Egyptian artefacts and dinosaurs, you may 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.

Theyโ€™re all organized in a Victorian constructing, arrange as a home โ€“ so you may uncover Edward Bear and his household going about every day bear life with their very own assortment of teddies. Solely open at weekends and through college holidays.

Different Dorset household sights

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

Journey Wonderland, Bournemouth

Reopening 2025ย after renovations and with new sights deliberate

This Dorset theme park is themed round Alice in Wonderland, and has been named one among Dorsetโ€™s high household sights โ€“ in addition to rides, thereโ€™s a maze, the Wild Factor indoor play, comfortable 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 children of various ages.

Swanage Railwayย 

This pretty heritage steam railway chuffs by way of the countryside alongside the previous Southern Railway line between Swanage and Norden, stopping on the ruins of Corfe Citadel โ€“ so you may as well use it as a extra uncommon technique to get from A to B as properly.

Look out for the companies marked with an โ€˜Oโ€™ when the particular Commentary Automobile can be operating, with its large home windows for the very best views, in addition to particular themed companies 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 keeperโ€™s dwelling has numerous shows and interactive displays, together with โ€˜Into The Darkishโ€™, taking you on a stormy sea journey.

There are additionally fabulous views from the highest of the lighthouse, though guests have to be 1.1m tall (and in a position to climb unaided) so this isnโ€™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 method across the 18 holes, together with some fiendishly difficult challenges.

Connected to Weymouth Sea Life Centre, thereโ€™s half-price entry for annual go holders or you should purchase separate entry โ€“ tickets have to be prebooked, parrot non-compulsory.

Mr Mulliganโ€™s Bournemouth

This loopy golf course is actually out of this world โ€“ and because the intergalactic course (assume area invaders quite than sci-fi) at Mr Mulliganโ€™s is all indoors, itโ€™s an amazing 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 isnโ€™t open year-round however time your go to to Sandbanks proper, and these 18 holes have probably the greatest viewsโ€ฆ when you can drag your eyes from the course.

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

Corfe Citadel Mannequin Village

When youโ€™re planning a go to to the ruins of Corfe Citadel (and even when youโ€™re not), you may transport your self again to the times when the fortโ€™s partitions nonetheless stood, in 1646 earlier than it was destroyed within the Civil Conflict.

Corfe Citadel mannequin village reveals folks visiting the church, standing by the moat and usually getting on with life within the village, whereas there’s 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 Nineteen Fifties on this award-winning mannequin city โ€“ 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.

Thereโ€™s a Mannequin City Path for youths to observe as they discover, or they’ll eye up the miniature Nineteen Fifties college and examine 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 a good way to discover with children, as a extra scenic method of getting from A to B or to absorb a few of the highlights in a single journey.

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

You may 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 children

There are self-catering cottages galore in Dorset, together with seaside and countryside choices. Take a look at the decide of locations to remain in Dorset with children from Plum Information, that are all vetted so solely the very best make the lower.

Dorset Hideaways has locations to remain which can be simply minutes from Charmouthโ€™s seaside so that you by no means must 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.

When you desire a household pleasant resort, take a look at these concepts from reserving.com.

For extra concepts of UK days out with children, 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 put up incorporates affiliate hyperlinks โ€“ any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee

Photos courtesy of Depositphotos

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