Bovington Tank museum - other things to do in the area oh wise AIBU ones please.

[FoxRedGreySquirrel]

DH & DS have booked a few days away to visit Bovington tank museum, possibly going to head to the Jurassic coast, Monkey World maybe.

Know this isn’t AIBU but it’s a busy old place and full of knowledgeable MNetters who might know the area to add further suggestions of what they can both do, restaurant recommendations, other places to visit etc.

They’re going to stay in Bournemouth, close to the pier. Four days.

Any other places you’ve been to in the area for this short trip would be really appreciated.

I know AIBU posting here but it’s the summer holidays so hope you’ll have mercy!

Anyone?

What age is DS?

trip to Brownsea island, Moores valley park. Paultons Park. New forest is very close.

The climbing place and zip line at the end of Bournemouth pier is well worth a visit

Thank you both!

DS is 16.

Bit of a MH break for DS who has had an awful time at school over the past few years. Thought it would be good for DH & DS to go together and do their own thing.

Monkey World is brilliant, and depending on the age of DS I would also recommend Blue Pool. Brownsea Island is lovely but if you are not National Trust members it can be pricey as you have to pay for ferry and entrance on the island.

Sandbanks and Bournemouth beaches are beautiful. Also for some green space which is more low key, try Upton Park. You only have to pay for the car park, its a nice walk and there is a play area, mini golf etc.

Just seen age of DS. Still recommend Monkey World - went with my 2 DS (both in early 20s).

Zim Braai is a great place to eat in Bournemouth too.

at 16 I would try watersports (windsurfing, paddle boarding. ) in Poole Harbour by Sandbanks or by Mudeford , big area to play in and water quite shallow.

my favourite restaurants are by Christchurch/ Mudeford - noisy lobster or Christchurch harbour hotel.

Lulworth cove /durdle door are very dramatic. My son still remembers them from my mini break with him and has asked to go back.

love dorset!
Corfe castle is great.
Durdle door is beautiful but get there very very early before it gets rammed.
kimmeridge or charmouth good for fossils
rent a stand up paddle board or kayak on Knoll beach
Tyneham Village - ghost village near the tank museum. abandoned during WW2 when the mod took over the area. Spooky.

Hive beach cafe for lunch - amazing seafood with an incredible view
and watch Far from the Madding crowd before you go to get in the Dorset mood.

And there’s a water park thereabouts which I hear good things about (DS was too small at the time)

White buck at Burley in New Forest is a nice pub lunch.

If they like cars then Beaulieu motor museum could be a good option too

That’s not far from me so I’d suggest
monkey world
lulworth cove
swanage and Corfe castle
paultons park
beaulie motor museum

All good ideas above. Splashdown is always popular with the teens I know, and Monkey World is great. Twynham is a really nice walk, and it is a town that got abandoned in WWII so they could pretend to bomb it and develop weapons, if he is particularly interested in military stuff. And second paddleboarding or windsurfing in the harbour.

Lawrence of Arabia's home is not far from the Tank Museum. Cloud Hills. Tiny, fascinating place.

If he’s into military history etc then Fleet Air Arm museum is less than an hour away so might be a good day trip.

Brownsea Island is nice and so is the RSPB reserve in Arne (if he likes going for walks/nature etc).

There are loads of options for water sports etc if that’s something he’d be interested in. Something like an introductory sailing course would be fun if they have a couple of days available: https://www.intotheblue.co.uk/experiences/learn-to-sail/

Monkey World is great, even for teenagers (I’m in my mid 30s and I enjoyed it 😂).

If you’re looking for food recommendations then ‘The Jerk Shak’ at the Scott Arms is great and has wonderful views (it’s a Jamaican BBQ every Saturday and Sunday).

I can’t thank you ALL enough!

I know we shouldn’t be mushy on AIBU but your suggestions (every one of you) have been so bloody brilliant!

DS LOVES cars, how did you know! 😆 The car museum sounds just up his street!

Cars, tanks, fossils, monkeys! It’s all there! DH & DS both love the thought of strolling along the Jurassic coast too, after seeing tanks & cars!

Are there any restrictions for fossil hunting on the beach?

And the WWII village, absolutely just up their street!

Thank you!

No fossil hunting restrictions- just avoid any roped off cliff areas & being a small hammer.

@FoxRedGreySquirrel you want to be careful about fossil hunting under the cliffs in some places, rock falls can be common

Also, if you’re willing to go a bit further afield then Lyme Regis is about an hour away and great for fossil hunting (you can either do a guided session or just buy a kit in one of the fossil shops and have a go).

I’ve also done mackerel fishing trips from Weymouth which are good.

The Swanage steam train is fun and does a trip to Corfe Castle.

’Go Ape’ Moors Valley might be a good option if he likes activity/adventure trips (it’s pretty close to Bournemouth).

I’d also agree with Twynham- especially if he’s into military history etc (it’s a nice walk and a really interesting story).

I hope they have a fab time I took DS to this part of the world when he had been through a tough time and it was a lovely healing adventure

Ooh Moors Valley do segways as well which is fun, you go all round the forest