Just booked a week at campsite in Dorset for summer holidays.

[OhMyStarryEyedSurprise]

What outdoors local gems are there in Dorset? We might do a couple of days out somewhere but I'm really asking for must-see or must-do activities in the Dorset area. Any regular Dorset holiday makers or Dorset locals want to share their knowledge or experience?

Campsite is in Swanage, Dorset if anyone knows around there at all? Very rural. Can't wait!

Any recommendations or advice for must-see places very welcome as the furtherst we've ever been down south was London.

Hit me with your Dorset gems please!

If you are venturing into Poole or Bournemouth, check the weekly fireworks schedule and time your visit to coincide.

The open top buses are good for getting around, especially as the bus gets priority on Sandbanks ferry, beats sitting in the queue.

Also the train service west to Weymouth or east to Poole, Bournemouth or Brockenhurst for the New Forest, from Wool or Wareham is very good.

There's weekly fireworks?! No way! I've heard Sandbanks is beautiful too.

Corfe Castle has lots of events throughout the year including battle re-enactments, outdoor cinema and theatre. Also there's a children's quiz and trail. Combine it with a visit to the model village and/or Dorset Waterpark. They have an inflatable assault course at the waterpark which my tween dc loved.
There are some lovely walks (plus a tea room) at The Blue Pool near Wareham.

Sculpture by the lakes don't allow under 14 year olds in!

No one has mentioned Splashdown in Pool yet. Good for a really rainy day. We Kayaked in Wareham as well. Loved Corfe castle, they had a big themed event when we went. Lots of SUP hire places on the coast, Weymouth probably best for sailing. Cycling in Moors valley park and the New Forest. Lots of beautful coastpath. Have fun!

Thanks everyone been making a long list and trying to plan the days out/ look at costs . Does anyone know when the fireworks are on or when Swanage has it's carnival/fair please? Might be worth adding a day or two on if it's near our holiday!

Thanks so much.
Been making lists and planning week out.
Does anyone know when the fireworks are on in Poole/Swanage or when Swanage carnival is on please? Might be worth adding a few nights on to do these things!

www.brenscombeoutdoor.co.uk/family-activities. Another one - this is an outdoor activity centre near Corfe Castle, I think you asked up thread for one😁

I’m not very good at adding links but if you type that address in the search bar it will come up.

Enid Blyton lived around studland and a lot of the locations for The Famous Five books were based around parts of Poole harbour.
Boat trips around Poole harbour
Brownsea island is NAT trust and has scouting connections

Poole fireworks: www.letsgoout-bournemouthandpoole.co.uk/whats-on/category/fireworks/

And if we're on crazy golf, our favourite is Sandbanks. Weymouth is good, Swanage is okay but sometimes just a bit crowded. We've done them all...!

If you can persuade your DC to walk, walk from Swanage centre to Durlston Castle along the coast and then cut back to Swanage. Beautiful coastline and you can stop at the visitor centre for lunch to break it up.