HomeUK TravelIssues to do in Dorset with youngsters: 45 days...

Issues to do in Dorset with youngsters: 45 days out


She sells sea shells on the ocean shore – and one of many many causes to go to Dorset with youngsters is having 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.

A view across Kimmeridge Bay on the Jurassic Coast at sunset - fossil hunting tops my list of the best things to do in Dorset with kids

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Born in Lyme Regis, in Dorset, she spent her life looking for fossils to promote to vacationers, making an attempt to earn sufficient for the household to stay on – alongside the best way, 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 joys 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 simply the beginning of the county’s sights, although simply top-of-the-line issues to do in Dorset with youngsters – I’ve rounded up my decide of one of the best.

Go seaside combing in Dorset

If you happen to’re hoping to seek out fossils, the Jurassic coast is the place to start out. Charmouth is among the greatest 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 simple spot to start out with youngsters: it may possibly get busy however you’re assured to see ammonites no less than with the fascinating fossil shelf generally known as the Ammonite Pavement.

Take a look at a number of the greatest issues to do in Lyme Regis with youngsters and our day exploring the Ammonite Pavement right here

Girl sorting fossils on stones on Charmouth beach in Dorset - fossil hunting is one of the best things to do in Dorset with kids

Seatown is one other excellent place to spy ammonites and so they’re normally simple to gather, which is right with youngsters. Keep on with the foreshore moderately than the cliff bases as these are crumbling which may be harmful.

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

When 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 through the college holidays.

For extra recommendations on fossil trying to find newbie’s, together with tips on how to keep secure and the place to look (and why you don’t must 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 greatest 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 will not be 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 best way from Sandbanks to Hengistbury Head. Not forgetting Lyme Regis too for its personal tempting seaside.

West Bay – now ceaselessly generally known as the seaside from Broadchurch – has these dramatic cliffs as a scenic backdrop, with sand on the fringe of the advantageous 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 be able to attain from Mudeford Quay.

South Seaside is one among 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 tips on how to entertain youngsters on the seaside, take a look at my submit of one of the best 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 beneath 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 dwelling 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 college holidays, such because the Halloween ‘a-scarium’ spooky path, plus an journey playground and mini golf to find.

You must 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 enormous numbers of fish, after all) 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).

Hold a watch out on the day’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 evaluation after our go to throughout a wet day in Bournemouth with youngsters

RockReef Pierzip Line

If you happen to’re visiting Bournemouth with older youngsters, you may even fly over the waves (and make consider you’re going to maintain going beneath) with the RockReef Pierzip Line.

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

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

Splashdown, Poole

If you happen to’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 light to high-speed thrills.

Some enterprise outdoor and have black holes and there’s a minimal top restriction of 1m. Children can’t go on the slides with dad and mom. Tickets have to be prebooked, you may’t purchase them at Splashdown itself.

Dorset Waterpark

It is a waterpark with a distinction: as a substitute of the standard 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 distinct set of obstacles, with classes lasting an hour (half an hour per lake).

Minimal age is six, and also you do should 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 there’s additionally a mud path course if you would 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.

Take a look at Coastal Cruises working from Poole, taking you alongside the Jurassic Coast and to Swanage.

Or staff 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 now not working as of mid October 2024

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

Get outdoor in Dorset with youngsters

Dorset is justifiably well-known for its coast and seashores however there are many possibilities to get outdoor 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. Properly most likely.

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

Plus, after all, loads of locations to stroll, cycle or watch the surroundings from a slim gauge steam prepare – 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 dwelling to uncommon and unique species from all over the world, so it feels such as you’re leaving the UK far behind as you wander via 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 can 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 crucial iconic sights of Dorset, the limestone arch of Durdle Door is 10,000 years previous, with the waves crashing beneath and a stupendous shingle seaside alongside.

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

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

Lulworth Outdoor

For energetic households, Lulworth Outdoor is difficult to beat – you may attempt something from snorkeling to kayaking and cliff diving, archery, mountain climbing, mountain biking and orienteering.

It’s set between lovely Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door so you can too get to absorb a few of Dorset’s greatest 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 looking to Swanage, with some beautiful strolling trails to find throughout the 320 acre website.

If you happen to go to on the proper time of yr, you might even spot dolphins (April/Could and October/November are greatest), 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 could find stay wildlife cameras in addition to a fossil room plus rangers to supply extra data.

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, nevertheless it’s the woodlands that are most tempting for teenagers. (the home does open on Sundays and financial institution holidays for many of the yr if you happen to fancy peeking inside although).

There’s a nice play space made utilizing pure wooden, or if you happen to’re visiting in summer time (or typically throughout sudden 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 changed into a delicate 16.5 mile biking and strolling path.

The Tunnel Tree Tops, west Dorset

This award-winning excessive ropes course has 11 completely different parts 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 – though your coronary heart may be racing too quick to soak up all of the surroundings as you have got enjoyable within the timber. Should be prebooked.

Animal sights

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

Residence to chimpanzees, orangutans and gibbons (amongst others), Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre has rescued animals from all over the world 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 have to be prebooked and guests are requested to put on masks if they can.

Take a look at my evaluation 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 superb day trip for youthful youngsters particularly, you could 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 further household actions throughout college holidays.

If you happen to’re searching for issues to do in Dorset within the rain, it’s additionally dwelling to some enjoyable indoor sights too. Tickets have to 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 be taught 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 suggest is to strategy a nesting swan – however if you happen to’ve all the time wished 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, if you happen to go to from the tip of Could to the tip of June, you may see eggs hatching and the child swans being born.

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

It’s also possible to get a reduction on Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens (scroll up for extra) if you happen to purchase tickets to each. Abbotsbury Youngsters’s Farm needed to shut due to Covid restrictions and sadly is not going to be reopening.

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

Dorset Falconry Park, close to Dorchester

Residence 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 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 normal admission don’t have to be prebooked, though verify earlier than you go to because it isn’t all the time open until you have got an expertise booked.

Donkey and Llama strolling

How to boost a stroll via the countryside – 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 anticipate you to share). Appropriate for aged 4+ and have to be prebooked.

Or for one thing somewhat completely 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 prematurely.

RSPB Arne

This pretty nature reserve overlooking Poole Harbour is a superb 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 may be discovered, plus birds galore, and there are sometimes youngsters’s trails throughout holidays that can assist you discover the heathland and historical 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, dwelling to endangered crimson squirrels – excellent 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.

Take a look at my evaluation of a day exploring Brownsea Island with youngsters

Castles and historic homes

Corfe Citadel

Hint a thousand years of historical past on the now ruined Corfe Citadel – 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 loss of life and its place within the Civil Warfare, it’s excellent to let imaginations run wild.

Take a look at my evaluation of a day trip at Corfe Citadel 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 Citadel

Corfe’s youthful cousin, Portland Citadel – 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 Warfare to the Second World Warfare. Tickets don’t should be prebooked nevertheless it’s suggested at peak instances.

Kingston Lacy

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

Residence to art work by Rubens, Van Dyck, Titian and Brueghel, it has additionally been referred to as the South West’s ‘nationwide gallery’, whereas the massive property is dwelling to Iron Age hill forts, the world’s oldest pedigree herd of Ruby Purple 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 ensure you get one of many timed tickets on arrival if you happen to’d wish to go inside.

Highcliffe Citadel, Christchurch

Highcliffe Citadel was constructed within the 1830s and has performed host to royalty through the years – however with youngsters’ trails and a few spectacular rooms to find, it’s additionally an excellent 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 really helpful to prebook tickets, with restricted numbers allowed inside the home itself.

Nothe Fort

In-built 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 youngsters’s path across the fort to get youngsters exploring as they spot mice, in addition to data on evacuees through the struggle.

The cannon remains to be fired each different Sunday (with a show of musketry on alternate Sundays) by the Fort Artillery, simply as if you happen to’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 17th century constructing was initially meant as a looking lodge to entertain royalty and the aristocracy – Lulworth fortress has been restored after a hearth in 1929 and you’ll discover inside, in addition to wandering via the parkland.

There are woodland walks and a youngsters’s playground too, with some household actions through the holidays. Tickets have to be booked prematurely. Entrance is free to English Heritage members.  

Athelhampton Home and Gardens

This Tudor manor home dates again 500 years – excellent 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 more likely to seize most kids’s imaginations at Athelhampton Home although, with yew timber clipped into topiary pyramids within the walled gardens, a 15th century dovecote and likelihood to stroll alongside the riverside, in addition to previous fountains and ponds.

Museums in Dorset with youngsters

The Tutankhamun Exhibition, Dorchester

Though you may’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 may see these improbable 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 may relive the joys of his discovery.

Whereas the exhibition isn’t giant, it’s an effective way to be taught extra concerning the discovery of the tomb: higher for older youngsters as there’s not an excellent deal that’s interactive. It’s price 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 completely different galleries, the museum tells the story of tanks – and different armoured autos – from the First World Warfare onwards, however with loads to maintain even youthful youngsters entertained, together with interactive actions and the possibility to go for a trip 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 individuals 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 also be dwelling to the Bournemouth Aviation Museum the place you may sit contained in the cockpit of quite a lot of planes and helicopters, in addition to getting fingers on with a number of 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 outdoor, so the museum sometimes 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 – together with the possibility to the touch fossil shows (together with tooth, heads and poo!) and even odor the breath of a T-Rex.

There are additionally varied interactive shows too, with puzzles, digital flashcards and an excavation pit to make your personal 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 stuffed with interactive shows and makes an excellent place to begin if you happen to’re planning to move to Dorset’s nature reserves or go fossil looking.

It’s also possible to discover the character reserve across the centre, and hop on the little land prepare for some nice views of Christchurch harbour (the land prepare 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 concentrate on quirky museums – in addition to historical 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.

They’re all organized in a Victorian constructing, arrange as a home – so you may uncover Edward Bear and his household going about day by 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 youngsters in Dorset.

Journey Wonderland, Bournemouth

Reopening 2025 after renovations and with new sights deliberate

This Dorset theme park is themed round Alice in Wonderland, and has been named one among Dorset’s high household sights – in addition to rides, there’s a maze, the Wild Factor indoor play, smooth play and different actions, all aimed toward households with youngsters aged 3 to 10.

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

Swanage Railway 

This pretty heritage steam railway chuffs via the countryside alongside the previous Southern Railway line between Swanage and Norden, stopping on the ruins of Corfe Citadel – so you can too use it as a extra uncommon technique to get from A to B as properly.

Look out for the companies marked with an ‘O’ when the particular Statement Automotive can also be working, with its enormous home windows for one of the 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 crimson 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 varied shows and interactive displays, 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 have to be 1.1m tall (and in a position to climb unaided) so this isn’t one to aim 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 approach across the 18 holes, together with some fiendishly difficult challenges.

Connected to Weymouth Sea Life Centre, there’s half-price entry for annual move holders or you should purchase separate entry – tickets have to be prebooked, parrot non-obligatory.

Mr Mulligan’s Bournemouth

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

Enable 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 top-of-the-line views… if you happen to 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 Citadel Mannequin Village

If you happen to’re planning a go to to the ruins of Corfe Citadel (and even if you happen to’re not), you may transport your self again to the times when the fortress’s partitions nonetheless stood, in 1646 earlier than it was destroyed within the Civil Warfare.

Corfe Citadel mannequin village reveals individuals 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 Warfare 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 telephone field.

There’s a Mannequin City Path for teenagers to observe as they discover, or they will eye up the miniature Fifties college 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 may be an effective way to discover with youngsters, as a extra scenic approach of getting from A to B or to soak up a number of the highlights in a single journey.

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

You’ll be able to 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. Take a look at the decide of locations to remain in Dorset with youngsters from Plum Information, that are all vetted so solely one of the best make the reduce.

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

If you happen to 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 revealed 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 submit accommodates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee

Photos courtesy of Depositphotos

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