Days out in Dorset
Dorset is perhaps best known as a fossil hunters paradise, the home of the Jurassic Coast, and the setting of Thomas Hardy's novels where its spectacular natural scenery is celebrated. It’s a county where you can enjoy the peaceful and laid-back atmosphere of quaint villages, dotted with thatched cottages or attractive beaches. Don’t get us wrong, it’s nice to relax, but Dorset offers plenty more besides. There is a real wealth of entertainment and attractions in the county, making it a great place to visit as a family.
We're lucky enough to have four Haven holiday parks situated near two charming Dorset towns - Weymouth and Poole. So, not only are there plenty of restaurants, pubs and beaches nearby, but also thrilling activities to enjoy with your family. There are animals to meet, dinosaurs to discover, castles to explore, thrilling rides and sports of all sorts. Read on to find out our best days out in Dorset and discover some of the finest spots to enjoy with your kids.
1. Putlake Adventure Farm, Swanage
Address: High St, Swanage BH19 3EU
Perfect for the little ones, this cute little farm has enough to fill a morning on a sunny day. Putlake is a proper working farm with lambs and calves to feed and guinea pigs to cuddle. The tractor rides are a real novelty which your kids are bound to love. The farm also has a playground, go-karts, trampolines and if you get peckish, tearooms or picnic areas.
There's also a massive soft play area indoors, so your tiny tots can let off some steam going down the colourful slides and climbing through the tunnels while you keep an eye on them from the safety of the cafe!
2. Burngate Stone Carving Centre, Swanage
Address: Kingston Road, Swanage BH19 3BE
This is a great one for a wet afternoon! Why not try something a little different at Burngate Stone Carving Centre? They run two hour sessions for both adults and children where you can choose your own subject, sketch it out with encouraging words of help and advice from the expert, then execute the carving with as little or as much help as you need.
Try carving a flower, name, or your favourite animal – it makes for a great gift! In the hands of the lovely, friendly staff, you’re bound to have a pleasant experience with your loved ones to treasure for years to come.
3. Brownsea Island Dorset, Poole
Address: (Poole Ferry Terminal) Poole BH15 4BB
This fantastically unspoilt island in Poole Harbour is managed by the National Trust and provides one of only a very few chances in South West England to see a Red rather than a Grey Squirrel. The island can be found inside Poole Harbour – one of the largest natural harbours in the world – and makes for one of the best days out in Dorset. You can enjoy some lovely woodland walks in the nature reserve which is home to a variety of species and is often so quiet you can hear nothing but bird song.
4. Littledown Miniature Railway, Bournemouth
Address: Bournemouth BH7 7DA
Take a ride back in time in the beautiful setting of Littledown Park. Littledown Miniature Railway runs for 1/3 mile through the wooded area where eagle-eyed passengers may well spot both squirrels and rabbits. A variety of different vintage locomotives are used to haul the trains which will be sure to excite miniature train spotters!
There's no age limit on the trains but please be aware that there are limited hours and days, so make sure that you check in advance. Make sure to check out the nearby paddling pool and playground afterwards, as well as the duck pond to count the ducks.
5. Lemur Landings, Poole
Address: Tower Retail Park, Tower Park Leisure Complex, Poole BH12 4NY
If the kids need to burn off some excess energy, then your next stop should be Lemur Landings in Poole. This indoor play centre has a multi-level climbing frame, featuring slides, tunnels, and a ball pool.
There are ample tunnels to explore, bridges to cross, and plenty of clambering up, sliding down, and running around. The food at the cafe is a bargain too, so why not stay for lunch?
6. Tank Museum, Wareham
Address: Linsay Rd, Bovington, Wareham BH20 6JG
For days when the weather isn’t playing ball, there’s also plenty of indoor fun available in Dorset. Learn the story of tanks throughout history at this fantastic museum in Bovington and look around a massive display of armoured vehicles.
The museum does a great job of taking you right from the start of their introduction into warfare to their varied modern-day usage so you really can understand the decisions made and their impacts. There’s plenty of interactivity and you can even take part in a trench experience. It’s tons of fun for you and your little soldiers!
7. Adventure Wonderland, Christchurch
Address: Merritown Ln, Hurn, Christchurch BH23 6BA
If a family theme park is what the kids crave, then Adventure Wonderland will make for a super fun day out. It may not be as polished as larger theme parks but there are hardly any queues and the heart and character of this place really shines through.
With over 30 family rides and attractions, the park takes its inspiration from Lewis Carol's Victorian children’s book Alice in Wonderland. Your kids can participate in soft play and meet the likes of Alice, Mad Hatter, Mr Rabbit, the Cheshire Cat and the Queen of Heart.
Start planning your Great British break
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Important information
Brand new holiday homes from £34,995
Holiday home price is for a new 3-bedroom ABI New Horizon holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 19 July 2024, price is available at all parks, excluding Church Farm, Cala Gran, Kiln Park, Littlesea, Lydstep Beach, Penally Court, Perran Sands, Rockley Park, Seashore, Seaview and Thornwick Bay.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
New holiday homes from £33,995
Holiday home price is for a new 3-bedroom Willerby Ellerton Extra holiday and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
From 12 July 2024 the holiday home price is reduced from £37,995 to £33,995 and will remain at this price until all available stock is sold.
The holiday home price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024 this price is available at Berwick, Burnham-on-Sea, Devon Cliffs, Doniford Bay, Hafan y Mor, Kent Coast, Lakeland, Marton Mere, Presthaven, Primrose Valley, Reighton Sands, Seton Sands and Weymouth Bay.
Haven reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time. Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Pre-owned holiday homes from £19,995
Holiday home price is based on a Bronze Grade pre-owned holiday home 6 years or older and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024, price is available at all parks, excluding Cala Gran, Church Farm, Cardigan View, Cleethorpes Beach, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Golden Sands, Haggerston Castle, Kiln Park, Littlesea, Lydstep Beach, Orchards, Penally Court, Perran Sands, Rockley Park, Riviere Sands, Seashore, Seaview, Skegness and Thornwick Bay.
Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence.
Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Let2offset - make no site fee payments until 2031
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
“Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed or equivalent or superior grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. It is available across 40% of eligible Parks and applies when letting a new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home (or equivalent or superior grade for 15 weeks.
An example of how “Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Primrose Valley with a monthly site fee of £585.00 (includes purchasing discount of £45) and monthly letting income of £803.67. The monthly difference equates to £218.67, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2024 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Atlas Sahara 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.