Day out between Bristol and Poole

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We'll be travelling from South Wales to nearby Poole. Don't want to get to Poole until the evening so looking for somewhere en route (or not too far off) to go for a day out. We have a 4 year old and 18 month old. We've got Bristol Zoo or The Wild Place as back up options but I don't know what there is further south than that. Thanks!

Stonehenge?
You can get in with English Heritage pass (or 2nd year Cadw pass).
There's actually quite a few interactive bits to see too.

Longleat?

Try the website www.whatshalfway.com/

Monkey World in Bovington?

Or Farmer Palmers which is close to the Poole end

farmerpalmers.co.uk/

Paulton's Park.

Longstanton Spice Museum

Monkey world

Thanks everyone, will have a look at all these suggestions!

Fleet air arm museum at Yeovilton?

Dyrham Park just off the A46 north of Bath.
Concorde museum at Patchway, north Bristol.
We The Curious in Millennium Square, Bristol
M Shed on Bristol harbourside.

Longleat is about halfway (though I'm not sure what the booking arrangements/extortionate entrance prices are like now, it's a few years since we were there). (Note - I've just looked at the prices and almost fainted - I'm sure they used to do lots of offers but I can't see any on the website...)

There's also Shaftesbury, Frome, or Blandford Forum if you wanted town sort of places - there are lots of other great places en route but it looks as if a lot of them are closed, presumably due to COVID-19 :(

With little ones those sort of ages, Paulton's or Monkey World or Bristol Zoo might be your best bet...

@Gilmoregale I've just looked at Longleat prices and had a similar reaction. Then looked at Paulton's which is even more!

I've just had a look at Paulton's prices. Good lord. I need a strong cup of tea with about six sugars after that!!! It makes Longleat look like amazing value for money (and to be fair it is, or used to be, an enjoyable day out, even though I'm not generally a huge fan of zoos and wildlife parks; there was definitely lots to do for all ages). There is also Wookey Hole near Wells but that's a bit of a diversion from the M4/M5....(though after today's rampantly nonsensical traffic on that last road, a diversion might not be such a bad idea!) Good luck, anyway, whatever you decide.

We've just got back today from a place called Old Down Country Park just outside Bristol which was awesome. Animals to feed, adventure playground, toddler playground, cafe, gardens - it was really lovely. And less than £30 for a family ticket. Also used it as a stopover on our way home from holiday.

Should have said - just off the M5 so not too far out of your way.

Stourhead National Trust is on route

Upton Park is near Poole and you just have to pay for parking which isn’t expensive.

Farmers palmers is also great for a day out but more pricey!

Ooh yes old down country park!!’ LOVE it there and annoyed I didn’t think of it myself!

Good tip on Old Down - have added to "list of places to visit not too far away and not National Trust". (Just as NT properties are so busy this year.) Thanks!

Puxton Park? We live in Bristol but haven't been there for ages cos DS is a teen. But it was always a good day out. Lots of my childminder friends go there still.

When are you travelling? Parking at and around Bristol Zoo is awful at the best of times.

You can use tesco vouchers for longleat if that works for you. We really love Longleat.

Stourhead is beautiful

Wild Place
Old Down Farm
Puxton Park
Tyntesfield

All near the motorway. Bristol Zoo is lovely but Wild Place is more convenient.

Use the Norden park and ride near Corfe Castle to take the steam train to Swanage ands back. Swanage is lovely for the beach , fish and chips and general pottering around.

Or just drive straight there and park, fir a cheaper option.

Or if travelling via M5, spend some time in Weymouth.