Clay pigeon shooting in the North Dorset countryside, including lessons, courses and events, starting from just 1-hour.
Tel: 07914 918395
Address: Ram’s Hill, Sturminster Newton, DT10 1HD
This is the only place in the world with a colony of nesting swans that you can visit. There are two mass feedings each day which are not to be missed! A swan maze is a great challenge for all the family and there are lots of special events throughout the year.
Tel: 01305 871130
Address: New Barn Rd, Abbotsbury, Weymouth DT3 4JG
Outdoor adventure company offering lots of activities, including paddleboarding, coasteering, mobile climbing wall and lots more.
Tel: 07870 659081
Address: Unit 10 Waterfront, Portland Marina, DT5 1DX
Tel: 01305 848363
Follow this free trail to find a series of geocaches, placed by the local juniors at Bincombe Valley School, which tell some of the area’s history. The trail is available to download online, and more information about geocaching can be found on the website, or through your phone’s app provider.
Tel: 01305 269512
Address: Various around Littlemoor, Weymouth
Blagdon Fruit Farm in Weymouth is a perfect location for pick-your-own!
As well as delicious strawberries and other fruits, they have a lovely tearoom for cream tea and cakes, as well as outdoor seating and lawn games.
Tel: 07557 337679
Address: Coldharbour, Chickerell, Weymouth DT3 4BG
A vibrant complex in the middle of Dorchester, offering various shops and eateries, as well as lots of events and activities, particularly for children. In the summer the fountains are on, so that children can have hours of fun in the sunshine!
Tel: 01305 267777
Address: 3 Copper St, Dorchester, DT1 1GH
This hidden little gem is a walled plot that has been left wild for more than 40 years! The secret garden hosts lots of events throughout the year, so look out for these too. Open Thursday – Saturday.
Tel: 07927 132148
Address: Garden Wood, Wareham, BH20 7PG
This National Trust castle is over 1000 years old and is brilliant for exploring, offering some stunning views at the top. There’s a good tearoom and the village of Corfe itself is also worth a wander with lots of unique little shops and a great play park.
Look out for seasonal events too.
Tel: 01929 481294
Address: The Square, Corfe Castle, Nr Wareham, BH20 5EZ
Offering a wide range of activities along the Jurassic Coast, including rafting, archery, coasteering, climbing, bushcraft and more! Booking and further information online.
Tel: 01929 422480
Address: Cobbler’s Ln, Swanage, BH19 2PX
Explore the Purbeck National Nature Reserve by bike, with views and adventures around Studland Bay, Corfe Castle, Old Harry Rocks and more, it won’t disappoint. There’s also the opportunity for more testing mountain biking routes!
Tel: 01929 481606
Address: Purbeck Park, A351, Wareham, BH20 5DW
This wet & wild amusement park has a water park and mud trail, both suitable for children and adults. There are two beautiful lakes set in woodland with stunning views across the Purbeck countryside, just a stone’s throw from Corfe Castle.
Tel: 01929 505030
Address: Arfleet Mill Lakes, Studland Road, Corfe Castle, BH20 5JG
Beautiful clifftop nature reserve with a visitor centre in a renovated castle. Durlston CP puts on lots of activities, especially during school holidays! Pay & display parking, but free entry to the park.
Tel: 01929 424443
Address: Lighthouse Rd, Swanage, BH19 2JL
This community farm on Portland has free entry and free parking. Open every day from April-October. There are lots of animals, including wallabies, goats, ducks, chickens, geese, pigs, owls and more, with cups of food available to buy and feed to them.
Tel: 07810 485351
Address: Glacis, Portland, DT5 1FR
This all-weather attraction is perfect for under 8s. There are animals, go-karts, ride on tractors, parks, dinosaurs and softplay, plus much more!
Visits need to be booked, which can be done online.
Tel: 01202 622022
Address: Farmer Palmers, Wareham Rd, Organford, BH16 6EU
Watersport and adventure company in the Purbecks – offering kayak tours, foraging & feasting, bushcraft, children’s adventures and loads more!
Tel: 01929 761515
Address: The Hutquarters, Middle Beach Car Park, Studland, BH19 3AP
The largest area of green space in Poundbury, it features sports pitches, a brilliant play park, outdoor gym equipment and a lovely little cafe, as well as hosting a weekly Parkrun event.
2-hours free parking is available on most of the roads surrounding the park (although check the signs!). There are toilets next to the cafe and the park is very buggy friendly.
Address: 1 Peverell Ave East, Poundbury, Dorchester, DT1 3RH
This unique setting enables you to spend time with animals, including walking alpacas! Camping is also available. Animal interactions need to be pre-booked.
Tel: 07554 675543
Address: Bridevalley Farm, Higher Kingston Russell, DT2 9ED
The Hardy’s Birthplace visitor centre is fully accessible and offers informative displays, a lovely cafe and free entry! You can download trails to explore Thorncombe Wood, including a selection of routes and children’s scavenger hunt.
Tel: 01305 251228
Address: Dorchester, DT2 8QH
Archery, axe throwing and bushcraft in a secluded and rustic woodland setting. Lots of booking options available to suit everyone!
Tel: 07752 302010
Address: Tolpuddle Ball, Dorchester Rd, DT2 7HB
Company offering guided walks and fossil hunting, along with outstanding local knowledge and stunning views! Book onto an existing walk, or enjoy an experience just for your family.
Tel: 07900 257944
Address: Various locations, tbc on booking.
This novel take on crazy golf, is played with footballs! No booking is required, open 7 days a week, 10am – 5pm.
Tel: 07564 034567
Address: A3052, Lyme Regis, DT7 3UE
This free attraction is brilliant for all ages. There’s some animals, outdoor play area, softplay, cafe and lots of opportunities for exploring the grounds.
Free entry & free parking.
Tel: 01305 215000
Address: Kingston Maurward Gardens and Animal Park, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 8PY
Outdoor company offering lots of activities, holiday clubs, short courses and more. Activities include coasteering, paddle boarding, bushcraft and more.
Tel: 01929 423031
Address: Prospect Business Pk, Victoria Ave, Swanage, BH19 1EJ
A brilliant, local, laser tag company offering open play, themed events, parties, team building, mobile hire and loads more! Look out for the themed events each school holiday too.
Tel: 07848 801573
Address: Langton Long, Blandford Forum, DT11 9HT
Lovely PYO farm, with strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackcurrants, redcurrants and gooseberries. Follow them on social media for opening times and fruit availability, however, generally open 10am – 5pm daily.
Tel: 07798 743877
Address: Soldiers Road, Norden, Corfe Castle, BH20 5DU
This absolute haven includes meadows, woodland and harbour views, perfect for some time away from it all! Open all year round, with parking and free entry.
Tel: 01305 264620
Address: Lorton Ln, Weymouth, DT3 5QH
Visit the castle to enjoy spectacular views, then enjoy the grounds with its woodland walks and play areas. Free entry for English Heritage members. Tickets are best booked in advance.
Tel: 01929 400352
Address: East Lulworth, Wareham, BH20 5QS
An enthusiastic outdoor activity company, based within the Lulworth Estate, offering a variety of activities, including family-specific adventures. Look out for the extra events put on during school holidays too!
Tel: 01929 400155
Address: Main Rd, West Lulworth, Wareham, BH20 5RQ
Blast through the waves or enjoy a more sedate cruise along the Jurassic coast! Join a trip, or charter your own, for a truly amazing experience. All passengers must be at least 5.
Tel: 07971 258515
Address: The Harbour, West Bay, Bridport, DT6 4HA
This nature reserve is right on the edge of Blandford, so easy to get to, but still tranquil. Well-kept paths and lots of good places to explore, plus a play area make it ideal for a family day out.
Buggy and wheelchair friendly.
Address: Milldown Nature Reserve, Blandford Forum, DT11 7UF
This primate rehabilitation centre is a good day out for animal lovers. There are various talks throughout the day, as well as a big outdoor play area and refreshments.
Prebooking is advised and the venue is completely cashless.
Tel: 01929 462537
Address: Longthorns, Wareham, BH20 6HH
Opportunity for complete novices, to pros, to enjoy tall ship sailing around Portland. Trips start from just two hours, so a perfect introduction! Take advantage of their family discount too.
Tel: 01929 289019
Address: Portland Marina, Osprey Quay, DT5 1DX
The North Dorset Trailway is a well-maintained path, of around 14 miles, from Sturminster Newton to Spetisbury. It’s ideal for walkers, runners, cyclists, horse riders and is accessible for buggies and wheelchairs.
There are various car parks along the route, including free parking in Spetisbury. For more detailed information, please see its dedicated website.
Tel: 01258 456970
Hop on First’s 501 or X52 services to explore Weymouth & Portland without worrying about car parking! Timetables and more information are available on First Bus website.
Tel: 0345 646 0707
The stunning countryside across this part of Dorset offers loads of options for walking, cycling and exploring. There’s lots to discover, including open-top bus rides and RSPB parks.
There’s lots of information online for the best walks, parking and all the other bits you might need for a great day out.
A family-friendly farm with tractor rides, animals, outdoor play areas and a giant indoor softplay. Camping is also available during the summer months. There’s a cafe for refreshments, as well as interactive experiences, like bottle feeding animals.
Recommended for children 0-10 years.
Tel: 01929 422917
Address: High St, Langton Matravers, Swanage, BH19 3EU
RSPB Arne is absolutely stunning with open heathland, ancient woodlands and far-reaching views. There’s a lovely cafe and gift shop, as well as play area onsite. Minimal entrance fees apply for non-members.
Tel: 01929 553360
Address: Arne Rd, Wareham, BH20 5BJ
This RSPB site in Weymouth will keep the whole family entertained. Look out for seasonal activities too!
You can even hire explorer backpacks for £3 with lots for little ones, like binoculars, bug catching nets and identification cards.
Tel: 01305 778313
Address: Radipole Lake Visitor Centre, Weymouth, DT4 7TZ
A small, friendly sailing school, specialising in family-friendly education. Offering RYA courses, dinghy hire and sailing for pleasure. Suitable for ages 8+.
Tel: 01258 880512
Address: Ferry Rd, Studland, BH19 3BA
Offering a variety of sightseeing and fishing trips, from Weymouth harbour. Enjoy the iconic sights along the Jurassic Coast or take a deep-sea trip!
Tel: 07833 492948
Address: Trinity Rd, Weymouth, DT4 8TJ
This restored Victorian pier still provides entertainment in Swanage, including pier visits, history talks and a whole host of children’s activities during the holidays.
Tel: 01929 425806
Address: Pier Approach, Swanage, BH19 2AP
Angling and sightseeing trips along the lovely Jurassic coast, suitable for all ages & abilities! Prices start from just £10.
Tel: 07932 557376
Address: Pier Approach, Swanage, BH19 2AP
Symondsbury Estate offers lovely walks, waymarked cycle routes, a yummy cafe, brilliant local events and much more.
Tel: 01308 424116
Address: Manor Yard, Mill Ln, Bridport, DT6 6HG
Walk the land, sleep under the stars and enjoy time with lovely ponies. This unique company offers lots of different options, suitable to everyone.
Tel: 07825 877308
Lovely day out for all the family. There are some walks that are very easy to follow, a small park and a yummy cafe.
Entrance fees apply, but you can also buy annual passes.
Tel: 01929 558150
Address: Furzebrook Road, Wareham, BH20 5AR
This tearoom is based on a working farm, it has delicious cakes and the opportunity to explore, visiting the farm’s animals. There is also a popular savoury menu.
Tel: 01929 480519
Address: East Creech, Wareham, BH20 5AP
The Ranch offers lots of opportunities for interaction with animals, including preschooler sessions and yoga with goats! Look out for their seasonal activities too. All information, and booking on their website.
Address: Coombe Valley Road, Weymouth, DT3 6NL
These fossilised dinosaur footprints at Keates Quarry are well worth a visit for a dinosaur lover! Believed to be made by a brachiosaurus, it was amongst the largest land animals to have ever lived.
National Trust car park – free for members.
Tel: 01929 450002
Address: Durnford Drove, Langton Matravers, Swanage BH19 3HG
This free garden is perfect with or without kids. There is a lovely cafe, some farm animals and a small playpark.
Free entry and free parking.
Just down the road is also Moreton Ford, for a paddle in the sunshine!
Tel: 01929 462243
Address: The Walled Garden, Station Rd, Moreton, DT2 8RG
This nature reserve is an abandoned stone quarry which has been turned into a sculpture park, with more than 60 scultpures to find! There’s stunning views and it’s a haven for wildlife. A perfect, free, day out for the family.
A trail leaflet can be downloaded from the council’s website.
Tel: 01305 826736
Address: Tradecroft Industrial Estate, Portland, DT5 2LN
High-ropes and zip wire adventure course, through stunning woodland! Advance bookings only.
Requirements for taking part: 6+, 1.2m+ & under 18 stone.
Tel: 07776 508106
Address: Westover Hill, Axminster Rd, Charmouth, DT6 6BY
Tyneham & Worbarrow – where time stopped.
This abandoned village was never reinhabited and makes for a really interesting visit. Left exactly as it was when the residents were evacuated.
Generally, open weekends and holidays, check before travelling.
Address: MOD Ranges, Tyneham, East Lulworth, BH20 5QF
Wareham Boat Hire offers motor boats, kayaks, canoes, rowing boats and paddle boards, for hire, on the River Frome, in Wareham, as well as a number of boat trips.
No previous experience required, life jackets and buoyancy aids available for all.
Tel: 01929 550688
Address: Wareham Boat Hire, Abbots Quay, Wareham, BH20 4LW
Wareham Forest offers endless opportunity to explore and adventure! There are a number of car parks, for easy access to the forest, including the Sika car park which is perfect for little ones practicing riding their bikes, or a buggy walk. All the parking is free – more information and routes are available on Foresty England’s website.
Tel: 0300 067 4600
Address: Wareham, BH20 4ER
Climb aboard for a relaxing cruise along the River Frome, from Wareham Quay. Look out for special themed cruises too!
Tel: 07838 267802
Address: The Quay, Wareham, BH20 4LP
Wareham Walls surround the heart of the town, dating from the 9th century. You can still access a lot of the route, now home to a variety of local wildlife. The walk itself is about 1 mile and signposted, although you can download a trail map from the council website. The walk is pretty level and has benches along the route.
Tel: 01929 557237
Address: Wareham Quay, BH20 4LP
This company offers a selection of coaching courses, star awards and river trips around the West Bay area. The two-hour guided tours are a perfect way to see some stunning parts of Dorset. Booking is required. Suitable for ages 4+.
Tel: 07875 643700
Address: Fisherman’s Green, The Harbour, DT6 4HA
During the summer season your little one can enjoy a donkey ride along Weymouth beach! Rides start from the little hut near to the pavilion, from 11am – 5pm.
Note: Riders must be under 16 and less than 45kg.
Tel: 07968 206745
Address: Weymouth Beach, The Esplanade, DT4 7AN
This bike and classic car night would be a winner for little wheel lovers! Displays of bikes, American, Classic and Performance cars will provide a lovely free evening out.
Thursdays 6-8.30pm (April-September)
Address: Jubilee Clock, The Esplanade, Weymouth, DT4 7AT
