Family Weekend Getaways in Dorset

With its Jurassic Coast, rolling countryside, and charming villages, Dorset is a fantastic destination for a family weekend getaway.

Below are ten carefully selected locations and activities for a memorable family break in late April 2025, focusing on family-friendly accommodations, attractions, and sunset viewpoints for a well-rounded experience.

Each option includes practical details to help you plan, tailored to families seeking a mix of adventure, relaxation, and scenic beauty.

1. Weymouth – Seaside Fun and Sandy Beaches
• Why: Weymouth’s golden sandy beach, gentle waves, and traditional seaside vibe make it a family favourite. The town offers attractions like SEA LIFE Weymouth and the Sandworld Sculpture Park, perfect for kids.
• Activities: Build sandcastles on Weymouth Beach, visit SEA LIFE for marine encounters, or take a donkey ride along the promenade. For a sunset, head to the Esplanade (flat, accessible) for views over Weymouth Bay (~8:33 PM in late April 2025).
• Accommodation: The Royal Hotel Weymouth (family rooms, sea views, from ~£80/night) or Littlesea Holiday Park (caravans, indoor pool, kids’ clubs, from ~£60/night for a family of 4).
• Travel: 2.5 hours by car from London (M3/A31). Direct trains from London Waterloo to Weymouth (3 hours). Free parking at the beachfront (limited).
• Tips: Book SEA LIFE tickets online for discounts. Rossi’s ice cream is a must-try. Ideal for younger kids with its safe swimming areas.
2. Bournemouth – Vibrant Coastal Resort
• Why: Bournemouth boasts seven miles of sandy beaches, a lively pier, and family attractions like the Oceanarium and Adventure Wonderland theme park (ages 3-10).
• Activities: Explore Bournemouth Pier’s arcade, visit the Oceanarium, or cycle along the promenade. For a sunset, try West Cliff (5-minute walk from the pier, accessible) for panoramic sea views.
• Accommodation: The Nici (luxury hotel, kids’ club, pool, from ~£120/night) or Ocean Beach Hotel & Spa (budget-friendly, pool, from ~£70/night).
• Travel: 2 hours by car from London (M3/M27). Direct trains from Waterloo (2 hours). Paid parking at the beach (~£2/hour).
• Tips: Adventure Wonderland reopens in 2025 with new rides. Book a family pass for the pier zip line for older kids.
3. Lyme Regis – Fossil Hunting Adventure
• Why: A historic coastal town perfect for budding palaeontologists, with fossil-rich beaches and a charming harbour. Ideal for families with curious kids.
• Activities: Join a guided fossil walk at Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre (book ahead, ~£15/adult), explore the Dinosaurland Fossil Museum, or relax on Lyme Regis Beach. Sunset at The Cobb harbour wall (flat, accessible) offers views over Lyme Bay.
• Accommodation: Coombe Street Cottage (dog-friendly, sleeps 6, from ~£115/night) or The Royal Lion Hotel (family rooms, from ~£90/night).
• Travel: 3 hours by car from London (M3/A303). Trains to Axminster (3.5 hours) then a 10-minute taxi. Paid parking at Holmbush Car Park (~£3/day).
• Tips: Visit in low tide for fossil hunting. The Cobb Arms is great for family dinners.
4. Corfe Castle – Historic Village Escape
• Why: A picturesque village with the dramatic ruins of Corfe Castle, offering history and adventure for all ages. The surrounding Purbeck Hills are ideal for walks.
• Activities: Explore Corfe Castle (National Trust, interactive trails, ~£12/adult), ride the Swanage Railway steam train, or hike to Old Harry Rocks. Sunset from West Hill (15-minute walk, moderate) showcases the castle’s silhouette.
• Accommodation: Manor Farm House (self-catering, sleeps 8, from ~£150/night) or The Bankes Arms (inn with family rooms, from ~£85/night).
• Travel: 2.5 hours by car from London (M3/A31). Trains to Wareham (2.5 hours) then a 15-minute taxi. Free parking at the castle.
• Tips: Book castle tickets online. The village tearooms serve kid-friendly cream teas.
5. Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door – Jurassic Coast Wonders
• Why: Iconic coastal landmarks with stunning scenery, perfect for active families who love nature and geology.
• Activities: Hike the short trail from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door (30 minutes, moderate), try kayaking with Lulworth Outdoors (~£30/person), or rockpool at Lulworth Cove. Sunset at Durdle Door’s cliff-top (20-minute walk, steep) is breathtaking.
• Accommodation: Lulworth Lodge (family rooms, sea views, from ~£100/night) or YHA Lulworth Cove (budget, dorms, from ~£50/night for a family).
• Travel: 2.5 hours by car from London (M3/A31). Trains to Wool (3 hours) then a 10-minute taxi. Paid parking at Lulworth Cove (~£5/day).
• Tips: Avoid peak summer crowds; April is quieter. Pack a picnic for the cove.
6. Swanage – Sheltered Bay Retreat
• Why: A family-friendly beach in a sheltered bay, with activities like pitch-and-putt and a steam railway, ideal for a relaxed coastal break.
• Activities: Swim at Swanage Beach (safe for kids), play Jurassic Footgolf, or stroll Swanage Pier. Sunset from Swanage Bay (flat, accessible) offers calm sea views.
• Accommodation: The Lookout (self-catering, sea views, sleeps 4, from ~£120/night) or Swanage Holiday Park (caravans, play area, from ~£65/night).
• Travel: 2.5 hours by car from London (M3/A31). Trains to Wareham (2.5 hours) then a 20-minute bus (X53). Paid parking at the beach (~£3/day).
• Tips: Book the steam railway in advance. Try fish and chips at The Fish Plaice.
7. Bridport and West Bay – Coastal and Cultural Hub
• Why: A vibrant market town near the dramatic cliffs of West Bay, offering a mix of culture, history, and outdoor fun.
• Activities: Explore West Bay’s cliffs (seen in Broadchurch), visit Bridport Museum, or fossil hunt at the beach. Sunset from West Bay Cliffs (short walk, accessible) is cinematic.
• Accommodation: Bluebells Cottage (self-catering, sleeps 6, from ~£130/night) or The Bull Hotel (family rooms, from ~£90/night).
• Travel: 3 hours by car from London (M3/A303). Trains to Dorchester South (3 hours) then a 20-minute taxi. Paid parking at West Bay (~£2/hour).
• Tips: Visit on market day (Saturday) for local crafts. The Station Kitchen in West Bay is a quirky dining spot.
8. Dorchester – Historic Market Town
• Why: A central base with quirky museums and historic sites, ideal for families who enjoy culture and countryside.
• Activities: Visit the Dorset Teddy Bear Museum, explore Maiden Castle (Iron Age hillfort, free), or picnic at Borough Park (play area, splash pool). Sunset from Hardy’s Monument (15-minute drive, 10-minute walk) offers 360-degree views.
• Accommodation: The Old Dairy (self-catering, sleeps 4, from ~£110/night) or Premier Inn Dorchester (budget, family rooms, from ~£60/night).
• Travel: 2.5 hours by car from London (M3/A31). Direct trains from Waterloo (2.5 hours). Free parking at Borough Park.
• Tips: The Dinosaur Museum is a hit with kids. Try The King’s Arms for family meals.
9. Poole – Harbour and Island Adventures
• Why: Europe’s largest natural harbour, with beaches, boat trips, and family attractions like Brownsea Island.
• Activities: Take a boat to Brownsea Island (National Trust, ~£8/adult), visit Poole Museum (free), or play at Sandbanks Beach. Sunset from Sandbanks (flat, accessible) overlooks the harbour.
• Accommodation: Sandbanks Peninsula Cottage (self-catering, sleeps 6, from ~£140/night) or Holiday Inn Express Poole (family rooms, from ~£75/night).
• Travel: 2 hours by car from London (M3/M27). Trains to Poole (2 hours). Paid parking at Sandbanks (~£4/day).
• Tips: Book Brownsea boat tickets early. The Quay’s restaurants are family-friendly.
10. Studland – Nature and Beaches
• Why: A tranquil coastal area with four miles of beaches at Studland Bay, perfect for nature-loving families.
• Activities: Explore Studland Bay (National Trust, shallow waters), hike to Old Harry Rocks, or visit Knoll Beach’s play area. Sunset from Swyre Head (20-minute walk, moderate) offers Purbeck views.
• Accommodation: The Pig on the Beach (luxury, family rooms, from ~£150/night) or Studland Bay Caravan Park (play area, from ~£70/night).
• Travel: 2.5 hours by car from London (M3/A31). Trains to Wareham (2.5 hours) then a 15-minute taxi. Free parking at Knoll Beach (National Trust members).
• Tips: Check for dolphin sightings (April is good). The Pig’s restaurant is a treat but book ahead.

Planning Your Family Weekend Getaway

• Timing: Late April 2025 offers mild weather (~10-15°C) and fewer crowds than summer. Sunset is ~8:30-8:35 PM; arrive 30 minutes early for golden hour. Use www.suncalc.org for precise times.
• Weather: Dorset enjoys ~1,800 sunshine hours yearly, but spring evenings can be chilly. Pack waterproofs and layers. Check www.metoffice.gov.uk for forecasts. Coastal spots like Weymouth are sunnier.
• Itinerary Example:
• Friday: Arrive in Weymouth (2.5-hour drive from London). Check into Littlesea Holiday Park. Evening stroll and sunset at the Esplanade. Dinner at The George Inn.
• Saturday: Morning at SEA LIFE, lunch at Rossi’s, afternoon sandcastle building. Drive to Chesil Beach (10 minutes) for sunset. Return for arcade fun at the pier.
• Sunday: Visit Nothe Fort, then drive to Lulworth Cove (40 minutes) for a short hike to Durdle Door. Picnic lunch, return home by 4 PM.
• Budget Tips: Book accommodations 2-3 months early for deals (check www.sykescottages.co.uk for last-minute cottages). National Trust sites (e.g., Corfe Castle) are free for members. Tesco Clubcard vouchers work at some attractions.
• Accessibility: Weymouth, Bournemouth, and Lyme Regis offer flat, wheelchair-friendly sunset spots. Corfe Castle and Durdle Door involve steeper walks; call ahead for accessibility options.
• Transport: Driving is easiest (M3/A31 from London). South Western Railway serves Weymouth, Bournemouth, Dorchester, and Poole from Waterloo. National Express buses from Victoria Coach Station stop at Bournemouth and Poole.

Tailored Recommendations

• For Young Kids: Weymouth and Swanage have safe beaches and gentle activities. Littlesea Holiday Park and Swanage Holiday Park offer play areas and pools.
• For Older Kids/Teens: Lyme Regis (fossil hunting) and Lulworth (kayaking) suit adventurous types. Bournemouth’s zip line and Poole’s watersports are hits.
• For History Buffs: Corfe Castle and Dorchester’s museums offer rich heritage. Stay in self-catering cottages for a homely feel.
• For Nature Lovers: Studland and Lulworth provide trails and wildlife. The Pig on the Beach or YHA Lulworth Cove are immersive bases.