I've lived in Dorset for a few years but until now I'd never actually visited Badbury Rings which sits between Wimborne Minster and Blandford Forum.

Badbury Rings is an Iron Age hillfort which dates from around 800 BC and was in use until the Roman occupation of 43 AD.  All that remains of the hillfort today are three rings that would have helped defend its residents.

There is a large car park which is free for National Trust members, just scan your card at the machine to receive a ticket.  For non-members the parking fee is or £1.50 for an hour or £4 for all day*.

As you approach the entry gate you will see a map of the area and suggested routes.  We decided to follow other walkers, past the friendly grazing cows and up onto the rings.  After a little deliberation of which way to go we decided to walk through to the middle woodland area where we found a stone marker post and then walked out to the rings on the other side where we then decided to go anti-clockwise.  The sweeping views from the top of the rings are just incredible and the children loved going up and down the numerous steps again and again.

We had such a fantastic time with the kids but next time we'll do the 1 ½ hour circular walk which we saw on the entry gate.  Depending on the time of your visit you may see protected wildlife such as ground-nesting birds, orchids and the Red Ruby cows which belong to the Kingston Lacy Estate.

If you need a treat before or after your visit then I’d recommend heading to Pamphill Dairy which is about a 5 minute drive away.  Not only will you find my favourite homemade ice cream but there is also a lovely restaurant, farm shop, butchers, pet shop and an outdoor play area for the children to enjoy.

Good to know:

• Entry to Badbury Rings itself is free.

• There are no toilet facilities.

• It is recommended by the National Trust that dogs be kept on leads, especially if animals are grazing nearby.

*Car park prices are correct at the time of writing in December 2024 and may be subject to change in the future.

For more information and suggested walking routes, please visit the National Trust Badbury Rings.

If you need more ideas on places to visit in Dorset then please take a look at some of our other blog posts below.

Bluebell Woods and Pamphill Dairy

Steamer Point Nature Reserve 

Tout Quarry Nature Reserve

Longham Lakes Circular Walk

Lawrence of Arabia Trail

RSPB Arne

Where to see Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Free or low cost things to do in Dorset with kids

Crazy Golf Courses in Dorset

Panto is my favourite Christmas tradition with the family and Jack and the Beanstalk at the Bournemouth Pavilion is full of glitz and glamour, chart topping songs, special effects, mayhem, family friendly gags and plenty of audience participation!

The story is set in Boggy Bottom and the villainous Fleshcreep needs to get his hands on a cow to feed the scary giant.  When Jack’s mum needs to sell Daisy the Cow to pay the bills she’s taken off to market and sold to a disguised Fleshcreep for a bag of magical beans.  Of course they’re just normal beans until a sparkly fairy works her magic and a huge beanstalk appears!

Every panto has to have a Dame and Jacks mother has extravagant costumes and plenty of cheeky gags.  Jacks brother is Silly Simon and any scene with him in is hilarious.

Jacks best friend is a brave Princess and she gets kidnapped by Flashcreep and taken to the giant, so Jack offers to go find her and save Daisy the Cow from being eaten.

In the interval you can collect your 3D special effects glasses from the foyer and you’ll know when to use them.  This was a highlight for me and I really enjoyed listening to the kids screeching when certain parts made you jump.

The whole cast are just brilliant including the fairy, the King (who has the hots for Jacks mum) and the dancers, some of which are adorable and very professional children.  And we can’t forget Daisy the Cow with her top performance.

Jack and the Beanstalk is running until Sunday 5th January 2025 with evening and matinee performances.  For more information and tickets, please visit Bournemouth Pavilion.

Dorsetmums was invited for the purpose of a review however all words are my own.