Dorset
West Dorset is characterised by rolling chalk hills stretching down to the sea and soaring cliffs, while the east features hills bleak and high, fertile valleys and cultivated woodlands.
Dorset also boasts two of the country’s finest holiday resorts, Weymouth and Bournemouth, where children can build sandcastles on some of the best beaches in England. The Jurassic coastline has generated a mesmerizing natural attraction for children - England’s very own ‘Land That Time Forgot’. Inland the county represents rural England at its most appealing, a peaceful, unspoilt area embracing small market towns and attractive villages that are devoted to the life and times of Thomas Hardy.
Things to do in Dorset for kids
Abbotsbury Swannery
The village of Abbotsbury is home to 3 fantastic family friendly attractions; The Abbotsbury Swannery, The Subtropical Gardens and the Children’s Farm can all be visited with one great value passport ticket. At the Abbotsbury Swannery you can safely walk amongst the swans and help to hand feed them. At the Children’s Farm young children can spend hours cuddling guinea pigs, bottle feeding baby goats, and playing in the indoor soft play area.
Bournemouth
With seven miles of safe, gently shelving golden sands, the wide beaches of Bournemouth are ideal for families. Bournemouth also has some fantastic family attractions on offer. The Oceanarium lets even the smallest faces get up-close-and-personal with stingrays, sharks and other awesome marine life. The Bournemouth Balloon provides a unique experience with spectacular views 250 feet in the air. On a good day you can see up to 20 miles away and children under 2 years old go free.
Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park
Award winning Farmer Palmers Farm Park is designed specifically for children 8 years and under. There is a great mix of indoor and outdoor activities to get involved in so whatever the weather there is plenty to do. The animals on site range from typical farm yard animals, pigs, cows, sheep, ponies, to the more household guinea pigs and rabbits. In the Animal Barn there is a full timetable of hands-on animal events to keep the children entertained.
Lulworth Castle and Park
Walk in the footsteps of Kings and Queens as you enjoy wide open spaces, historic buildings and stunning landscapes. Lulworth Castle has been owned by the same family for over 365 years, follow their fortunes and fate from 1608 to the present day and discover the fascinating history in the castle displays. Visitors can build their own castle in the children’s activity room or climb the castle tower and take in the unrivalled views across the Purbecks.
