Need to entertain some little ones? Dorset is home to countless attractions perfect for all the family! Find out more about the best Places to Visit with Kids in Dorset
Discover five of the best things to do in Dorset this summer, from exploring Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove to spotting red squirrels on Brownsea Island. Travel through Purbeck on the Swanage Railway, enjoy peaceful art and gardens at Sculpture by the Lakes, or watch fireworks illuminate the Dorset coast. Whether we are planning family days out, romantic escapes or unforgettable coastal adventures, these summer experiences showcase some of the very best places to visit in Dorset.
Abbotsbury Swannery, located near the village of Abbotsbury in Dorset, England, is the world’s only managed colony of nesting mute swans. Spread over 25 acres along the Fleet Lagoon, sheltered by Chesil Beach, it hosts around 600 free-flying swans.
Here are details of five family-friendly picnic spots, focusing on their features, accessibility, and suitability for families. These spots are near bike trails or easily reachable by car, with ample amenities for a practical picnic outing.
Find out more about what you can see and do at Christchurch's beautiful quay, from relaxing boat trips along the River Stour, to a fun family day at the splash park.
For Dorset residents & visitors seeking a delightful day out without venturing too far from home, Lymington presents itself as the perfect coastal escape. This charming Georgian market town, nestled on the edge of the New Forest and blessed with one of the Solent's most picturesque harbours, offers an irresistible blend of maritime heritage, boutique shopping, and culinary delights that feels refreshingly unhurried compared to busier Hampshire destinations.
Discover Dorset's hidden beaches, from secluded coves to peaceful bays, offering stunning scenery, clear waters, and fewer crowds.
Highcliffe offers the perfect escape for those seeking a blend of natural beauty, fascinating heritage, and quintessentially English seaside charm without the lengthy journey to more distant destinations.
Discover the Jurassic Coast that stretches along Dorset's coastline, offering a living timeline of 185 million years of Earth’s history, laid bare in its cliffs, beaches, and fossils.
Discover our experience at Ember Haus, Litton Lakes' lakeside sauna retreat, where wood-fired heat, cold water immersion and beautiful Dorset countryside create a truly memorable wellness experience.
Find a variety of bike trails in Dorset catering to different skill levels and preferences, from scenic coastal routes to woodland paths and challenging mountain bike tracks.
Dorset's attractions have everything you need for fun-filled family days out. From waterparks and wildlife sanctuaries, to museums and climbing centres, there's something for everyone in Dorset.
Find details of the many beautiful beaches and coves that Christchurch has to offer along the coastline of Dorset, England. From the ancient headland of Hengistbury Head to the picturesque sandbanks at Mudeford Beach, the coastline offers many stunning views at each of the beaches in Christchurch.
Discover everything you need to know about visiting Hengistbury Head, including walking routes, beaches, wildlife, parking, the land train and nearby attractions in Christchurch, Dorset.
Find out more about the best playgrounds to take the little ones in Christchurch, Dorset. From the playpark-waterpark combo at the beautiful Christchurch Quay, to the charming riverside spot at Tuckton, there's bound to be somewhere perfect for your family day out.
See our list of popular landmarks in Dorset, all offering amazing experiences - these attractions range from natural wonders to historical sites and family-friendly outings.
Discover the Swanage Railway in Dorset. Learn about routes, stations, history, tickets and why it's one of the best family days out in Swanage.
Discover the best cinemas in Dorset, including the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area - essential knowledge for any local film buff. With a variety of excellent films displayed in these venues weekly, movie-goers are bound to enjoy the immersive experiences these locations offer.
Explore Dorset's best sandy beaches with our complete guide, featuring family favourites, hidden gems, watersports and beautiful coastal scenery across the Jurassic Coast.
Discover Tree of Strings Festival in Abbotsbury, where world-class musicians, emerging talent and a passion for music education come together for a unique weekend of live performances, creativity and community in the heart of Dorset.
The Fine Foundation Wild Chesil Centreis a family-friendly visitor centre managed by Dorset Wildlife Trust, located on Portland Beach Road, halfway along the causeway between Weymouth and Portland. It serves as a gateway to the iconic Chesil Beach and Fleet Lagoon, an 18-mile shingle beach and wildlife-rich tidal lagoon, part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.
Alum Chine Beach showcases all the qualities that make Dorset's coastline so beautiful: pristine sands, lapping turquoise waves and charming beach huts. Its Blue Flag status speaks to its safe and clean shores, whilst its vibrant promenade and lush, subtropical gardens ensure there is something for everyone.
Experience one of Dorset's biggest cultural weekends at the free Arts by the Sea Festival 2026 in Bournemouth. Taking place on 25-26 September, this award-winning festival fills Bournemouth Gardens and the town centre with spectacular outdoor performances, live music, street theatre, art installations, dance and interactive experiences. With its 2026 ELEMENTAL theme celebrating creativity, sustainability and community, Arts by the Sea is one of the highlights of the Dorset events calendar.
Find out more about the beautiful Avon Beach, overlooking the scenic blue waters of Christchurch Bay. Perfect for both bathing and watersports, it has everything you need for a fun and memorable day at the beach.
Christchurch Castle is the remains of a large Norman castle, part of the important history of Christchurch, Dorset. The mound-top keep and tower once dominated the town. Norman House is a 12th century riverside chamber block located close to the Christchurch Castle, and is a great example of domestic Norman architecture. Norman House is part of English Heritage - it was built around 1160 and provided living quarters for the Lord of Christchurch.
If you're looking for an outdoor adventure that gets everyone laughing, climbing, splashing and making memories together, Dorset Adventure Park is hard to beat. Whether you're bouncing across the inflatable Waterpark, tackling the muddy obstacle course or simply soaking up the stunning views of Corfe Castle, it's a day out that's packed with excitement from start to finish-and one you'll be talking about long after you've washed the mud off.
Discover the charming Mudeford Quay and the host of seaside activities it offers, from crabbing with the family, to attending one of its annual seafood festivals.
Celebrate the beginning of 2027 with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s New Year’s Day Viennese Gala at Lighthouse, Poole. Taking place on Friday 1 January, this uplifting afternoon concert features sweeping Strauss waltzes, lively polkas, orchestral favourites and vocal performances from soprano Claudia Boyle. Expect famous pieces including The Blue Danube, Emperor Waltz and Offenbach’s Can-Can during an elegant musical celebration inspired by Vienna’s traditional New Year concerts.
Discover why Dorset Adventure Park is one of the most exciting family attractions in Dorset. Take on the giant inflatable waterpark across two lakes, conquer the muddy obstacle trail and enjoy an action-packed day beneath the stunning backdrop of Corfe Castle. Whether you're visiting with family, friends or celebrating a special occasion, it's a fun-filled outdoor adventure packed with laughs, splashes and unforgettable memories.
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