Things to do over the Bank Holiday in Dorset?

[WhenDoISleep]

We are on holiday in Dorset (based in Swanage), are there any recommended things to do / events over the long weekend? Googling brings up plenty, but recommendations of the top things would be great. DC are 10 & 7.

Also, is it possible to see any of the Bournemouth Air Show from the Swanage seafront?

Lulworth/Durdle Door are gorgeous.
Durlston Country Park
Corfe Castle
Worbarrow Bay has a great beach.
Dorset Adventure Park (water park but you might need to book)
Bowling/ Splashdown at Tower Park near Poole.
There's a dinosaur themed crazy golf near Bournemouth but I can't remember what it's called.

I don't know about seeing the Air Festival from Swanage but you know it's next weekend not this?

Durdle door, Corfe Castle - lots of great coastal path walks.

We've just got back from Dorset and had a lovely time!
I'd recommend Corfe Castle and Durdle Door.
There's also a Tank Museum, Monkey World and Water Park all nearby.
I'm sure I read that there was an open air cinema too .. might need to check that though!

Yes I know the Air Festival is next weekend, we are there next week as well, so just planning ahead.

Bad news for you is the Sandbanks ferry is broken, so it's a long drive round to Bournemouth or Poole.

You could get a very decent view of the Airshow from Studland beach (South End near the cafe, the North is the nuddy beach) or Ballard Down above the Old Harry Rocks, and there may well be cruises from Swanage harbour.

The weather is going to be great. Swanage beach is lovely. Or if you need entertainment, try Monkey World, Swanage Railway, The Tank Museum, the coastal path, Kimmeridge for fossil hunting, Tyneham Village for abandoned nostalgia, Bournemouth for druggies, drunks, the homeless and stag parties.

I'm tempted by the Open Air cinema at Corfe Castle.

We've been to Swanage before so have done some of the key things in the area but are not sure if there is anything special on over the BH weekend - we went last year during May half-term and the DC loved the Pirate Festival, so anything like that would be good.

The steam festival is this weekend

Ooh, I forgot about Tyneham Village, that's one place we haven't visited. I fancy Monkey World for the DC but DH is not keen.

We have done the railway before (DC love it). We didn't do it on our visit last year but might suggest it plus the Castle again this time - can persuade DH with the prospect of a cream tea at the tea rooms at the Model Village.

Do Lulworth and Durdle Door late in the afternoon, you won’t get in and parked during the day

You can't see the Bournemouth Airshow from Swanage.

Don't forget Wareham Wednesday's!

warehamwednesdays.org/

It's the Pirate Invasion this week; it's a hoot. Lots of people in the river, water balloons etc!

If you do go to Monkey World, the play equipment is great for DC's of your age. I would go there first, it's right at the end of the park and work your way back to the entrance. You won't be fighting the crowds to the same extent.

There is a country fair (or possibly fayre!) in Harman's cross on Monday. You could combine it with a trip on the steam train?

Just to warn you though if you travel anywhere by car over the bank holiday, traffic will be hideous. So be prepared!

Also, you can't see the air show from Swanage beach. You can see a bit from studland shell bay, but as pp said it's next weekend.