Family Days Out in Dorset

Xtreme Falconry

Putlake Adventure Farm

Putlake is based on a real working farm, with animals, tractor rides, outdoor play equipment, pedal Go-Karts, picnic areas, trampolines, birds, a pet centre & tearooms.  The farm boasts a new aviary this year and baby lambs in the spring.

The Lighthouse, Poole

Come and enjoy this theatre and watch some lovely shows from headliner comedians to children’s pantomime.

Nothe Fort, Weymouth

Historic Fort on the Jurassic Coast.  Built by the Victorians with a network of underground passages.  Extensive events for you to enjoy from Artillery Firing Days to Ghost Hunts, find out more by visiting Nothe Fort.

The Tank Museum

Located near the army base at Bovington and close to Monkey World.  You can enjoy a good day out at the museum even if you are not mechanically minded.  The kids will love the displays, look out for Tiger Action Days and Model Shows held throughout the year.  A lovely cafe is on site or you can use the picnic area.  The museum is all under over to perfect for a rainy day.

Jurassic Skyline

Sealife tower offers 360 degrees views over Weymouth Bay.

Sealife Centre, Weymouth

A fantastic day out for the kids or those who are interested in the sea and the creatures that live in it.  Look out for supermarket vouchers for bargain days out.  Park in the Lodmoor Car Park to access.

Sandworld Sculpture Park, Weymouth

Amazing sculptures made from Weymouth sand (voted best sand castle sand in the country)

Sandsfoot Castle

Ancient castle ruins overlooking Weymouth Bay.  This Tudor castle was built as part of the nations defences by Henry VIII.  You can see the remains if you walk along the Rodwey Trail.

Moors Valley

Lovely day out and you only pay for the car park.  Woodland walk with themed climbing adventures, mini steam railway open through the season, excellent outdoor sandy play area.  Some areas welcome pets, you can bring a picnic or enjoy the café. Only need to pay for car parking for a full day of adventure.  It does get busy in the summer but the park is very large.  Moors Valley is also home to Go Ape climbing.

Go Ape

Adventure through an assault course high up in the trees.  I have done this and its great fun, not for those terrified of heights but for those of us who are a little scared, its perfect.  Fun zip lines and some easy routes.

Abbotsbury Swannery

The only swannery in the world for nesting mute swans. Set up by monks from at least the 1300’s.  Also see Abbotts Gardens nearby

Monkey World

Ape Rescue Centre. A whole day out with entry. Rescued monkeys, apes and orangutans. Superb outdoor play café

Farmer Palmers

Large adventure farm with tractor rides, indoor soft play, café, slides, bouncy castle, lamb feeding, milking and a variety of animals.

Weymouth Pavilion

Excellent theatre with regular shows.  Including pantomine and childrens shows.

Abbottsbury Childrens Farm

Large adventure farm with tractor rides, indoor soft play, café, slides, bouncy castle, lamb feeding, milking and a variety of animals.

Weymouth Museum

Home to a fantastic range of historical items from the Weymouth area.

Pirate Mini Golf

Located next to The Sealife Centre with plenty of parking.

Margaret Green Animal Rescue Centre

Visit this lovely rescue centre, located at the foot of the Purbeck Hills. Annual dog show.

Plaza Cinema, Dorchester

Opened as a single screen cinema but now boasts 4 screens. Two of which are capable of showing 3D films.

Cumulus Outdoor Adventure

Offers a full range of outdoor services and adventure experiences. If you like the outdoors and you’re up for a challenge, or perhaps you would just like to experience something a little different, Cumulus Outdoors will provide you with what you’re looking for.  Activities include coasteering, kayaking, climbing, fishing and archery.

Mega Paintball

Paintballing is great for special events such as birthday celebrations. Mega Paintball in Dorchester, is set in 65 acres of woodland with varying terrain, offering a fun outdoor activity.

Adventure Wonderland

Mini theme park with over 30 rides that are ideal for younger children.  Soft play area, pets corner, café.

Old Crown Courts and Cells, Shire Hall

Contains the Georgian Crown Court and Cells which saw the trial of the Tolpuddle Martyrs in 1834, along with witnessing thousands of other trials until its closure in 1955. Adults £9.50, children £5, OAP £7.50

Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park and Rescue Centre

Whilst visiting, be sure to take advantage of the FREE Heavy Horse Wagon Rides, Tractor and Trailer rides and even the chance to Drive a real Farm tractor!! There is always a busy timetable of hands on interaction with the farm animals including over 20 rescued heavy horses, donkeys, pigs, sheep, alpacas, rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, snow dogs and many more!

Swanage Railway

Beautiful example of a steam railway, chugging through the Purbeck countryside from Corfe Castle to Swanage.  All aboard for a fantastic trip to the seaside and back.  Look out for Christmas Lights Special or dine on the Devon Belle.

Kingston Lacey

Kingston Lacey is a National Trust Treasure suitable for all ages.  The house is open most of the year and the gardens are beautifully laid out, especially gorgeous in Spring and Summer.  Children will enjoy the games provided free of charge on the lawn or an Easter Egg Hunt through the woods.  A cafe and toilets are on site with plenty of parking.

Corfe Castle

A whole day of fun to be had.  First the National Trust managed ruins, with events throughout the year.  The village itself is worth exploring, quaint olde pubs, historic church and wild Corfe Common.  Guests can also visit the Model Village and town museum.