Top Holiday Attractions in Dorset - what to do, where to go and what to see
If you are heading to Dorset for a cottage holiday or self catering short break we have compiled some of the must see places and the best things to do. Whether you are looking for some family fun, visit relaxing and peaceful gardens or immerse yourself in the history and culture of Dorset then take a look at some great ideas below.
And, if you are still to book your self catering accommodation we have listed some great Dorset cottages and apartments close to the attractions and available direct from independent owners and leading holiday operators.
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Farmer Palmers Farm Park, Poole
Attractions in Dorset
Farmer Palmers Farm Park offers lots of hands-on fun with the animals for children up to 8 years old. Undercover straw mountain, indoor soft play area and a tractor trailer ride all add to the fun.
Corfe Castle, Wareham
Attractions in Dorset
Explore this ruined castle with a long and fascinating history as a fortress, prison and home. The Castle View Visitor Centre has hands-on displays and children are encourages to touch castle artefacts and try on replica medieval clothing.
Wimborne Model Town and Gardens, Wimborne
Attractions in Dorset
Built well over 50 years ago, the magnificent 1/10th scale models continue to surprise and amaze visitors from all over the world with their superb quality and realism. There are also award winning gardens and play houses.
Avon Heath Country Park, St Leonards
Attractions in Dorset
Enjoy a day at Dorset's largest country park, walking or cycling in the beautiful heathland and woods. Special events include pond dipping; Easter egg trails; bug hunts; den building; orienteering; animal tracks and signs and dawn-chorus walks.
Abbotsbury Swannery, Weymouth
Attractions in Dorset
Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset is unique. It is the only place in the world where you are able to walk through the heart of a colony of nesting Mute Swans. A visit to the Swannery is considered one of the best things to do in Dorset.
Studland Beach and Nature Reserve, Studland
Attractions in Dorset
This beautiful area is well known for its long sandy beaches and shallow water ideal for playing. The heathland close by is a National Nature Reserve and is the perfect place to spot birds and wildlife.
Dorest County Museum, Dorchester
Attractions in Dorset
Explore Dorset wildlife, geology and social history in interactive exhibitions and audio-visual displays. Galleries to visit include one devoted to Dorset writes including Thomas Hardy and the archaeology gallery.
Lulworth Castle, Wareham
Attractions in Dorset
Lulworth Castle which is 400-years-old is now a museum that offers tours, family days and special events from early spring to late autumn. The castle is often referred to as a "mock" castle, as it was actually built as a hunting lodge. There is plenty to entertain children at this historic building. After viewing the house, which has lots of exhibitions, take a woodland walk and feed the animals at a nearby farm.
Kingston Maurward, Dorchester
Attractions in Dorset
A formal Edwardian garden with a stunning ornamental take in front of the 18th Century mansion house. The animal park has a collection of miniature Shetland ponies, as well as donkeys, rabbits and guinea pigs.
Brownsea Island, Poole
Attractions in Dorset
Just a short boat journey (not National Trust) from Poole or Sandbanks, the island offers spectacular views, a peaceful setting for walks and picnics, a rich variety of habitats for wildlife including the rare red squirrel and a varied and colourful history
Upton Counrty Park, Poole
Attractions in Dorset
Upton House has pretty, formal gardens that lead into woodland, meadow and a saltmarsh teeming with wildlife on the edge of Poole Harbour.
Monkey World, Wareham
Attractions in Dorset
Monkey World offers sanctuary for over 160 primates including gibbons, orang-utans and chimpanzees. You can learn how they live and more. Pets corner and an adventure play area as well.
Swanage Railway, Swanage
Attractions in Dorset
Enjoy a nostalgic steam-train journey through magnificent countryside and the village of Corfe Castle, offering good views of the historic ruins. Pass through the eastern gateway to the World Heritage Jurassic Coast.
Oceanarium Bournemouth, Bournemouth
Attractions in Dorset
Explore the secrets of the ocean and some of the world's most amazing waters. Come face to face with a vast array of colourful creatures from stingrays, sharks and exotic fish to piranhas, chameleons, green turtles and tortoises.
Tank Museum, Bovington
Attractions in Dorset
The Tank Museum brings the history of tanks and tank crew to life. Supported by the world's best collection of tanks & action packed live displays. The Tank Museum is the museum of the Royal Tank Regiment & Royal Armoured Corps.
The Dorset Teddy Bear Museum, Dorchester
Attractions in Dorset
This is a delightful unusual museum where the teddy bears are life-size. See the teddy bear family at work, rest and play. A large selection of teddy bears can be bought at the period shop. From the earliest antique teddy bears to today's TV favourites they are all waiting to greet you in this enchanting Teddy Bear Museum.
Durlston Counrty Park, Swanage
Attractions in Dorset
A country park with wildflower meadows; downland; cliffs; sea and a wealth of wildlife. There is also a visitor centre for local information.
The Dinosaur Museum, Dorchester
Attractions in Dorset
The award-winning Dinosaur Museum combines fossils, skeletons and life-size dinosaur reconstructions with video, hands-on and computer displays. This is fascinating fun for all the family.
Looking for Accommodation close to Dorset
If you are looking to spend a short break or holiday in Dorset there is a lot of great quality self catering accommodation, ranging from apartments and cottages to lodges and chalets, to choose from. Of course, you will also find some lovely guest houses, bed and breakfast and hotels in Dorset. Find out more by using the links below:
- Self catering cottages and apartments in Dorset
- Lodges in Dorset
- Holiday parks in Dorset
- B&B and Guest House in Dorset
- Hotels in Dorset
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