Dorset offers a wealth of opportunities for a superb family holiday.
Starting with the coastline, there are some beautiful beaches and bays. Lyme Regis and Sandbanks are two excellent examples. With it being a well-established holiday destination there are several excellent seaside resorts. Bournemouth is the largest, but with its seven miles of sandy beaches you’re still more than likely to find plenty of space for building those sandcastles! Swanage is also a quaint seaside resort catering for all the family’s needs. These towns are great places to explore in themselves and there are some excellent eateries to seek out too.
If you prefer to keep yourself busy by the beach then there’s a host of activities available for everybody. Water sports including coasteering, sailing and kayaking are available in several locations along the Dorset coast. Why not try windsurfing at Sandbanks or how about rock pooling at Mupe Rocks? The choices are endless along this coastline! As its name would suggest then the Jurassic Coast is the perfect place to hunt for fossils and there are plenty of places you can be sure to find your own rocky chunk of history. Chesil Beach, Durdle Door and Lulworth Coves are all beautiful locations in which to hunt out those fossils, or just relax on the beach if you prefer!
Once you head inland the fun doesn’t stop there. With some historical buildings like Maiden Castle hill fort, Corfe Castle and the historic county town of Dorchester there’s plenty to see for those who want to experience life in the county in times gone by.
With its beautiful countryside and heathland there’s also plenty to keep nature lovers happy too. The Sika cycle trail offers an excellent opportunity for getting the family out and about on bikes and involved in the natural world. The heathland in Purbeck Hills is an ecologically important place and holds many rare species in this unique heathland environment.
Whatever you decide to do and wherever you decide to go in Dorset you won’t be disappointed!
Things to do
Lulworth Castle and Park
Built in 1608 this superb castle has plenty of history to explore. With informative and interesting displays inside you can learn about its previous residents. There’s also a children’s activity room to keep them well occupied and also you can climb the castle tower and remark at the beautiful views. Set in a scenic park and woodland this offers the perfect place for a picnic after all the historical exploration!
Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park, Purbeck
Especially for children younger than 8 years old this farm offers a perfect opportunity for the younger ones to learn about what goes on down on the farm. With play areas and regular animal activities such as feeding and milking thrown in to the mix you can be sure hours of fun will be had. There are excellent family friendly catering facilities on site too.
Moors Valley Country Park, East Dorset
Set in 1000 acres of parkland there’s so much on offer here for all the family. Take your bikes or hire them there and explore the numerous cycle paths. With tree top trails and adventure playgrounds there’s plenty of opportunities for fun! Some of the activities are also educational; check out what’s on in the school holidays as they often arrange some great activities and learning events for children.
From March to November why not check out Sandworld. This unique display of some of the best sand sculptures in the world will leave you amazed at the complexity and intricacy of their work. With themed displays and a chance to have a go yourself this is a really great day out!
Getting to Dorset
By car Dorset can be accessed from London via the M3 motorway. Whilst this motorway doesn’t continue on to Dorset take the M27 and then the A31 and you’ll arrive at your destination. Heading from the north a similar end route can be taken but the A34 will bring you down to the M3 and so avoiding London and all its traffic!
By rail there is a good train service provided by South West Trains. Direct trains from London’s Waterloo station will take you to Bournemouth, Dorchester and Weymouth.
By air, Bournemouth has its own airport and also Exeter and Southampton offer more options being only a short drive away.