Dorset family holiday- July

[WednesdayAllTheWay]

Has anyone visited or lives in Dorset and can recommend a good area? We have activities planned so I think Corfe Castle, Wareham or Swanage areas would be good to stay (self catering) in terms of those activities, do you think those would be nice?

Branksome Chine is another lovely beach. Also take a trip around Sandbanks to see the fabulous properties there! You can take the ferry from there across to Studland. Brownsea Island is another place to visit - interesting wildlife including red squirrels.

We stayed at Chideock Grange cottages a few miles east of Lyme Regis last year. Was very nice and a good location. They're not on the usual booking sites so good availability.

Branksome and Sandbanks beaches beautiful and easy to find space as so many people want to be by the pier. However my gc liked the games on the pier so it may be worth a quick visit (there’s a climbing wall too and a zip wire), couple of crazy golfs nearby. Bournemouth town itself a bit sad now, as is Poole now.

My favourite place in the world! Had many happy holidays there both family type ones when DD was little and quieter walking/pub type now it's just the 2 of us.

Top tips:
Corfe Castle Model Village
Get the Purbeck Breezer bus to save on parking costs especially at Lulworth which is very pricey now
Rib rides from Lulworth to Durdle Door
Crabbing at Kimmeridge
Lyme Regis is lovely - read Remarkable Creatures before you go (about Mary Anning the fossil hunter)

Personally love Swanage and think it has everything for a family holiday but it can get busy.

Abbotsbury the Swannery

I love the Old world charm of Swanage. They have a great festival beginning of August.
From Swanage can do boat trips to Brownsea Island and to Poole. I recommend both for the amazing coastal views.
There is also the steam train to Corfe which is fun.
Swanage is a great base.