What to do in Dorset?

[Pl242]

Hi. All being well we (me, DH and two DC aged 2 and 4) are spending a week in Dorset, mid August. We will be staying near Dorchester. Any recommendations on things to do and see? Thanks in advance

Monkey world- Wareham
Day out in Lyme regis (lovely beach and family friendly)
Weymouth (your children will LOVE the beach there and so close to Dorchester)
Swanage- great little tradition seaside place ideal for young children
Studland Beach for the day with a picnic is beautiful
I'd avoid Lulworth cove and durdle door - its stunning but so much walking for kids and gets absolutely heaving with crowds in summer
There is a seaworld in Weymouth and also a small aquarium in Lyme Regis
Nothe Fort is a good visit in Weymouth too (your children may be a little young for it)
You can go on boat trips in Weymouth and see the dolphins and seals
Plenty of family friendly walks all round the area you're staying in (have a quick Google)
Day out in Wareham where you can rent a small boat and take it down the river with snacks
Farmer Palmers petting farm and outdoor activities (near Wareham)
The list goes on and on

You'll have a wonderful time here!

Swanage steam railway is a fab trip
The model village with cafe in Corfe Castle is brilliant for adults and young children

I just keep remembering places sorry haha

The Dorset teddy bear museum in Dorchester itself.

The dinosaur museum in Dorchester

The swannery at Abbotsbury. There was also a big soft play in the village, but I think that hasn't survived Covid. The sub tropical garden is nice too.

Dorset Falconry Centre just to the south east of Dorchester; there are demonstrations of birds of prey flying.

www.visit-Dorset.com is a good source of what’s on and things to do.

A walk on golden cap. Stunning scenery of the Jurassic coast.

Kimmeridge fossil museum and searching for fossils on the beach

If you’re near Weymouth go and eat at the Crab House Cafe. Did that during the brief respite last summer and it was lovely. Sat outside and looked at the sea and even the children didn’t moan!

Weymouth town itself, however, seemed full of aggressive drunks and I wouldn’t be going back there in a hurry.

The Tank Museum at Bovington.

Thank you everyone. Lots of ideas to think about.