8 of the best Family Attractions in Dorset
Dorset is home to some incredible family attractions, all within a short drive of our West Dorset Leisure Holidays parks. From farmyards for the little ones, to obstacles courses for adventurous teenagers, there is so much to see and do.
To help you choose, we have handpicked just some of our favourite family days out!
Moors Valley Country Park
Moors Valley Country Park is the ultimate day out for outdoor loving families. Children will love exploring the adventure play parks, where they can clamber over animal themed climbing frames and obstacles hidden amongst the forest. If you’re feeling adventurous brave the ‘Go Ape’ high ropes course, which takes you through the trees or try an exhilarating Segway ride along the trails. For the more faint hearted, enjoy a gentle walk through the park, a quiet picnic by the lake or a trip on the miniature steam railway.
Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park
The Heavy Horse Farm Park offers families the opportunity to learn about rare breeds of horse and the roles they played throughout history. Get up close to more than 20 beautiful horses and experience their sheer size and grandeur for yourself. Throughout the day there is a range of activities to participate in, including horse drawn carriage rides through the picturesque grounds, pony rides as well as feeding farm animals. There is also a play area as well as a display of vintage caravans, trucks and wagons.
Abbotsbury Swannery
Abbotsbury Swannery is a 25-acre site, located on the Fleet Lagoon with beautiful views towards Chesil Beach. It is the only sanctuary in the world where you can walk within touching distance of nesting mute swans and learn about these magnificent and regal creatures. During the spring hatching season you can watch the fluffy grey cygnets find their feet and there is even the opportunity to get hands on and help the ranger’s feed the colony of more than 600 swans!
Splashdown
Pack your swimmers and head to Splashdown in Poole for an action packed day with the family. With 13 exhilarating water slides and designated splash zones for little ones, there is something for all ages to enjoy. Experience a leisurely ride on an inflatable tyre down the Mississippi Drifter or take on the ‘screamer’ if you think you’re brave enough! During the warm months there are a number of outdoor flumes as well as a sun terrace, to relax and spend time with the family.
Sandworld
Weymouth boasts one of the only sand sculpture festivals in the UK, with works of art created by some of the worlds leading sand sculptors on display. As you walk around Sandworld you will see everything from historical figures and animals to scenes from some of your favourite movies all created from sand. Let your imagination run wild and bring your own creations to life in one of the sand pits, where you can try your hand at creating a masterpiece!
Nothe Fort
Take a step back in time and explore The Nothe Fort, which was built to protect the port of Weymouth from invasion. Learn about the important role it played in our history and see first hand some of the artillery that was used to defend the coast. If you’re brave enough, take a trip down into the underground tunnels, which are said to be haunted and walk through the exhibits, which have been lovingly restored to give a glimpse into what life would have been like in the bygone era. Little ones can search the exhibits for mice, which are hidden throughout the fort.
Dorset Mud Trail
Get dirty on the Dorset Mud Trail, one of Dorset’s most unique family attractions! Work together to negotiate more than 30 obstacles over a 3km course, including ropes, swings, cargo nets and monkey bars! The adventure trail is suitable for children 4 and above and perfect for getting the kids into the great outdoors!
If you’re looking fore a full day of activities, why not combine the mud with the Dorset Waterpark, which is located on the same site. You will face even more obstacles, this time floating on a picturesque lake over looking Corfe Castle.
Oceanarium
Dive deep into the underwater world at Bournemouth Aquarium and watch beautiful marine creatures, such as sharks, fish and turtles as they swim through the large tanks and displays. Learn more about each of the magnificent species on show and the Oceanarium’s conservation efforts through a range of interactive displays and talks from the team of experts. Little ones can follow the adventure trail, where they can answer questions as you wander around the displays and there’s also a kids play zone to tire them out at the end of the day!
For more inspiration exciting activities to try with the family during your holiday in Dorset, visit our Holiday Planner.
West Dorset Leisure Holidays
West Dorset Leisure Holidays are a family run group of 5 holiday parks on or near the Jurassic Coast in Dorset. The parks offer excellent accommodation and facilities and each of them is unique, so you are bound to find one to suit you. Accommodation includes lodges, caravans, glamping and pitches for touring & camping.
Facilities include Martin’s Bar & Restaurant, Highlands End Leisure Club, the Little Fire Station Soft Play and park nature trails. The parks are family friendly, dog friendly and are situated in beautiful coastal and countryside locations with a great range of places to visit and things to do nearby. We have caravan and lodge holiday homes for sale across all 5 parks. Find out more here, or check availability and make a booking.
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