FAMILY FRIENDLY ATTRACTIONS IN WEST DORSET

Info: There is so much for families to do at the Fort!  You can explore the maze of underground tunnels, visit the Victorian Gun Deck, sit in a WW2 gun high up on the Ramparts, discover the secret underground Nuclear Bunker and enjoy stunning 360 degree views of the Jurassic Coast.

FREE ANNUAL PASS INCLUDED IN ENTRY FEE!

Nothe Fort Review: Dorsetmums Blog

Address: Nothe Fort, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UF

Website: Nothe Fort

Info: Foxdown Farm is a small, friendly children's farm with a variety of traditional large and small farm animals to view, feed and interact with.  They offer pre-bookable up close and personal feeding tours and general admission entry.  Children will enjoy small animal handling of guinea pigs and rabbits plus there’s a refreshments cabin selling snacks, cake and cream teas.

Address: Foxdown Children’s Farm, Marshwood, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 5QB

Website: Foxdown Farm

Info: Abbotsbury Swannery is the only place in the world where you are able to walk through a large colony of nesting mute swans.  While you're there you can also enjoy other activities like the kids pedal go karts, a play area, giant maze and the mass feeding at noon and 4pm.

Abbotsbury Swannery Review: Dorsetmums Blog

Address: Abbotsbury Swannery, New Barn Road, Abbotsbury, Nr Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 4JG

Website: Abbotsbury Swannery

Info: The amazing subtropical gardens has a wonderful mixture of formal and informal flowers, ponds, stunning view points, a sculpture trail and Burma rope bridge.  Facilities include toilets with a baby change, restaurant, gift shop and plant centre.

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens Review: Dorsetmums Blog

Address: Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Bullers Way, Abbotsbury, Nr Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 4LA

Website: Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

Info: There's over 1000 marine creatures to see at SEA LIFE plus the Caribbean Cove play area and a fun splash zone.  

SEA LIFE Adventure Park Review: Dorsetmums Blog

Address: SEA LIFE Adventure Park, Lodmoor Country
Park, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 7SX

Website: SEA LIFE Weymouth

Info: Enjoy stunning formal gardens set in 35 acres, visit the many farm animals and let the children run around the play park and new indoor play barn.  Facilities include a café and gift shop.

FREE ENTRY!

Kingston Maurward Review: Dorsetmums Blog

Address: Kingston Maurward, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8PY

Website: Kingston Maurward Animal Park & Gardens

Info: Vurlands Animal Farm strives to provide a fun and adventurous day out for all the family.  They have a large selection of animals including guinea pigs and rabbits, tortoises, poultry, wallaby's, donkeys, sheep, pigs, goats, alpacas and rheas.  There's also a fab soft play, outdoor play area, willow maze, pedal go karts and tea room.

Address: Vurlands Animal Farm, Coast Road, Swyre, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 9DB

Website: Vurlands Animal Farm

Info: Discover the local fish and marine life of the Jurassic coast in an exciting interactive environment with the possibility of being able to handle certain live specimens.

Address: Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium, The Cobb, Lyme Regis, DT7 3JJ

Website: Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium

Info: Dorset Foot Golf offers the perfect blend of football and golf, providing an exciting and competitive activity for children and adults of all ages. The 18 hole hillside course has fantastic sea views over West Bay and the Dorset coastline and a range of challenging obstacles including tractor tyres, tunnels, ramps, hoops, bunkers and even local coastal landmarks like Durdle Door! The course is open all year round and you can book your game online and kick off an unforgettable experience!

Address: Dorset Foot Golf, Highlands End Holiday Park, Eype, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 6AR

Website: Dorset Foot Golf

Please note: Online booking is unavailable during the winter period, please visit the Park SPAR shop to pay.

Info: Tabby Terrace is a beautifully furnished café where you can relax and enjoy drinks, light lunches or homemade cakes whilst being in the company of adorable cats.

Tabby Terrace Review: Dorsetmums Blog

Address: Tabby Terrace Cat Café, Antelope Walk, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1BE

Facebook: Tabby Terrace

Info: Seal's Cove is a fun indoor activity venue. The Reef Soft Play has a multi level play frame with tunnels, fun obstacles and super slides. The Jurassic Ridge Climbing Centre has several climbing walls and there is also a cafe serving drinks, cakes and light lunches.

Address: Seal's Cove, Shoe Lane, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3EX

Website: Seal's Cove

Info: 100 Giggles is a soft play cafe in the heart of Poundbury.  The venue is suitable for children aged 5 and under and has a two story play frame, tunnels, obstacles and ball pit.  There’s also a café and seating area for parents to relax.

Address: 100 Giggles, 179 Bridport Road, Poundbury, Dorset, DT1 3AH

Facebook: 100 Giggles

Info: Gone Potty art studio has lots of fantastic pottery to paint plus a lovely free play area for under 5’s. Choose from one of the many pieces or pop in with your baby to create a baby/hand print keepsake.

Address: Gone Potty, 12a Frederick Place, St Thomas Street, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8HQ

Website: Gone Potty

Info: Athelhampton is one of England's finest Tudor Manor Houses.  The Great Hall, the heart of the House, was built in 1485.  Explore the historic house, breathtaking gardens and restaurant which serves light lunches and cream teas.

Address: Athelhampton House, Athelhampton Road, Puddletown, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7LG

Website: Athelhampton

Info: Hidden away in Bowleaze Cove is a fun park with lots of entertainment for the whole family including rides for younger children, bumper cars, amusement arcade, indoor soft play, seaside food and drink and much more.

Address: Southside Funfair, Bowleaze Coveway, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 6PW

Website: Southside Funfair

Info: Lodmoor Country Park covers 350 acres and features recreation areas, an outdoor gym, play park, a cafe and the Rio Grande Model Railway.  Attractions within the Country Park include SandWorld, SEA LIFE Centre and Pirate Adventure Mini Golf.

Address: Lodmoor Country Park, Preston Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 7SX

Website: Weymouth Town Council

Info: Visit The Walled Garden for a stroll around the beautiful gardens and to visit the Dovecote Café. Children will also enjoy the play area and animals which include goats, chickens, rabbits, ferrets and pigs. Through the year there are numerous family friendly events, and during the school holidays children can often enjoy themed trails and bug handling experiences.

Address: The Walled Garden, Station Road, Moreton, Dorset, DT2 8RH

Website: The Walled Garden

Info: Sunnyside Studio is a cosy, creative space where participants of all ages can craft, play, and explore at their own pace. Participants choose a craft from the shelves and decorate it however they like, with paints, materials, and plenty of freedom to be creative. The studio also includes a small immersive role-play area. Sessions last up to 2 hours, and once a craft is finished, participants are welcome to enjoy free play or time in the studio until the end of their slot.

Address: Sunnyside Studio, Unit 8, Basepoint, 15 Jubilee Close, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 7BS

Website: Sunnyside Studio

Info: The gardens are set within 8 acres of land, featuring ponds and lakes which are surrounded by plants, trees and flowers.  Visit the tropical house to see exotic plants and visit the museum to read about local history.  Facilities include a restaurant and gift shop.

Address: Bennetts Water Gardens, Putton Lane, Chickerell, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 4AF

Website: Bennetts Water Gardens

Info: Situated right next to the SEA LIFE Adventure Park is an exciting and unique themed 18 hole adventure golf course with galleons, treasure chests and gunpowder barrells.

Address: Pirate Adventure Mini Golf, Lodmoor Country Park, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 7SX

Website: SEA LIFE Weymouth

Info: Globalls is a glow-in-the-dark indoor mini golf experience in Weymouth town centre, perfect for friends, families and groups. Step inside a world of colour, towering animals and dinosaurs, and playful competition designed to be shared by all ages.

Address: Globalls, 68 St Thomas Street, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8EL

Website: Globalls

Info: The bespoke soft play has been specifically designed and the colours handpicked to ensure a safe, calm and enjoyable play environment for children aged 7 years and under.

Address: Nikki's Little Play Cafe, 4 Pope Street, Brewery Square, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1GW

Website: Nikki’s Little Play Cafe

Info: SandWorld is a unique attraction with huge detailed sand sculptures covering a different theme each year.  There is also a play sand pit, have a go sculpture area, fill a sand bottle area, cafe and gift shop.

Sandworld Review: Dorsetmums Blog

Address: Sandworld, Preston Beach Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 7SX

Website: SandWorld

Info: The venue offers a thrilling experience for enthusiasts of all levels and features a diverse range of climbing challenges.

Address: The Hangout Climbing, Unit 2, 1 South Way, Portland, Dorset, DT5 2NJ

Website: The Hangout Climbing

Info: Sticks & Bones is a family friendly games bar with board games, retro arcade games, escape room, hot food and a licensed bar.

Address: Sticks & Bones, Hope Square, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8TR

Website: Sticks & Bones

Info: Step into a new world and leave reality behind. Each of the immersive escape rooms drops you into a unique story and your mission is simple: work together, solve the mystery, and find your way out.

Address: The Great Big Escape, 6 Brewery Square, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1HX

Website: The Great Big Escape

Info: The Palm House is a unique cafe and pre-school play centre, based in an Edwardian glasshouse in the heart of Weymouth. It provides a safe, creative environment where children can play, whilst parents relax. Whether indoors or outdoors, the wide range of toys, equipment, books, puzzles and games will keep children entertained. Extensive menu of homemade food, including children’s meals, pancakes and waffles, breakfasts and lunches. The Palm House also hosts regular craft workshops and featured fun weeks.

Address: The Palm House, Melcombe Regis Car Park, Commercial Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 7DW

Facebook: The Palm House

Info: Situated in beautiful woodland on the outskirts of Charmouth, The Tunnel Tree Tops is a high ropes obstacle course, built for the whole family. The high ropes course comprises of numerous rope and wooden elements, all designed to test your nerve and increase your adrenaline levels.

Address: The Tunnel Tree Tops, Westover Hill, Axminster Road, Charmouth, Dorset, DT6 6BY

Website: The Tunnel Tree Tops

Info: Skatepark with a range of ramps, skateshop, café and lounge area.

Address: Front Skatepark, Preston Beach Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 7SX

Website: Weymouth Skatepark

Info: 2020 Skate & Ride is a not for profit indoor skate park suitable for beginners as well as advanced riders.

Address: 2020 Skate & Ride, Unit 2A Corbin Way, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3UX

Website: 2020 Skate & Ride

Info: The quarry was worked commercially from 1780 to 1982 and limestone remnants leftover from this work have been used to create sculptures across the site. There are estimated to be over 70 sculptures to discover in the abandoned stone quarry which include a mythical canine called ‘Roy Dog’.

FREE ENTRY!

Tout Quarry Nature Reserve Review: Dorsetmums Blog

Location: Tout Quarries, Portland, Dorset, DT5 2LN

Website: Portland Town Council

Info: The Gardens are located close to Dorchester Town Centre and can be entered via by a number of gates. Within the stunning gardens are tennis courts, enclosed play park with summer splash pad, fitness equipment, refreshment and snack kiosk, toilets and a bandstand which hosts live music and special events.

FREE ENTRY!

Address: Borough Gardens, Cornwall Road, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1RG

Website: Dorchester Town Council

Info: There’s always something fun to do at the award-winning West Bay Discovery Centre. Staff love seeing their visitors playing: they can shelter boats from a storm, build a cliff and identify West Bay’s fishing catch or the local wildlife and feel in the hidey-hole” for creatures from the sea.

The hands-on interactive activities are designed to provide a shared learning experience for families and are popular with all ages. This free visitor centre is perfect for families, especially on rainy days.

Address: West Bay Discovery Centre, Chapel on the Beach, West Bay, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 4HY

Website: West Bay Discovery Centre

Info: Visit the Centre to see amazing fossil collections and find out how to discover your own fossils on the beach. Guided fossil hunting walks are very popular and the rangers are happy to look at your finds and answer any questions you may have.

FREE ENTRY!

Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre Review: Dorsetmums Blog

Address: Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, Lower Sea Lane, Charmouth, Dorset, DT6 6LL

Website: Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre

Info: Castletown D-Day Centre is an authentic recreation of the busy wartime dockyard that once occupied its location on the Isle of Portland. Discover original WW2 artefacts, weapons and wartime vehicles, see a full size replica Spitfire suspended in flight, aim a Bofors 40mm gun, try on military uniforms, handle real decommissioned weapons and climb inside the battle-scarred Sherman tank.

Address: Castletown D-Day Centre, Admiralty Buildings, Castletown, Portland, Dorset DT5 1BD

Website: Castletown D-Day Centre

Info: Discover amazing galleries which take you on a journey spanning 250 million years and explore Dorset’s natural world, archaeology, history, art, and culture.

Address: Dorset Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XA

Website: Dorset Museum

Info: Beaminster Museum is a fascinating museum of life in this area of West Dorset, from Jurassic fossils through pre history and what the Romans did around here, right down to the recent past.

FREE ENTRY!

Address: Beaminster Museum, Whitcombe Road, Beaminster, Dorset, DT8 3NB

Website: Beaminster Museum

Info: Step back in time to discover 180 million years of rocks and fossils, 2000 years of people, 800 years of ropemaking… and 1 tiger!

FREE ANNUAL PASS INCLUDED IN ENTRY FEE!

Address: Bridport Museum, 25 South Street, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3NR

Website: Bridport Museum

Info: The museum tells the harrowing story of the Martyrs arrest, trial and punishment leading to modern day unionism.

FREE ENTRY!

Address: Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum, Tolpuddle, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7EH

Website: Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum

Info: Built in the 1540's to protect against French and Spanish invasion, Portland castle stands overlooking the Harbour. Stroll around the Castle and enjoy relaxing in the Captains Tea Room.

Address: Portland Castle, Liberty Road, Castletown, Dorset, DT5 1AZ

Website: English Heritage Portland Castle

Info: The Keep Military Museum aims to educate, inspire and to honour the sacrifices made by the members of our Regiments. Displays cover four floors and take you on a 300 year journey through military history. Artifacts have amazing stories to tell, some will surprise you! Don’t forget to visit the roof for panoramic views of Dorchester and the Dorset countryside.

Address: The Keep Military Museum, Barrack Road, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1RN

Website: The Keep Military Museum

Please note: The Keep Military Museum is currently closed for essential building works.

Info: Shire Hall Courthouse brings over 200 years of justice and injustice to life. Walk in the footsteps of people whose lives were forever changed in the historic court. Immerse yourself in the cells before ascending to the dock. Facilities include toilets, cafe and gift shop.

FREE ANNUAL PASS INCLUDED IN ENTRY FEE!

Shire Hall Review: Dorsetmums Blog

Address: Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1UY

Website: Shire Hall Dorset

Info: Discover 200 million years of history, from the remarkable discoveries of the fossil hunter Mary Anning, to the many writers who have found inspiration in the town. Lyme Regis Museum is an architectural gem over-looking Lyme Bay and the Jurassic Coast, full of the rich historical and cultural history of the town.

Address: Lyme Regis Museum, Bridge Street, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3QA

Website: Lyme Regis Museum

Info: Portland Museum has an astonishing collection that reflects the history and people of this distinctive island community. Discover exhibits and stories about dinosaurs, fossils, shipwrecks and smugglers, stone carving, seafaring, groundbreaking scientists and world-famous authors.

Address: Portland Museum, 217 Wakeham, Easton, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1HS

Website: Portland Museum

Info: First recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, Mapperton has been part of the Dorset landscape for nearly a thousand years. Today the house, gardens and wider estate remain a family home and the owners are proud to share this with visitors from around the world. Explore the gardens, discover the history of the house, walk the wider estate or experience the Wildlands.

Address: Mapperton, Beaminster, Dorset, DT8 3NR

Website: Mapperton

Info: The Museum combines life sized reconstructions of dinosaurs with fossils and dinosaur skeletons to create an exciting hands on experience.

Address: Dinosaur Museum, Icen Way, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1EW

Website: Dinosaur Museum

Info: From the earliest antique teddy bear to today's TV favourites you will find them all waiting to greet you in the museum.

Address: Teddy Bear Museum, Eastgate, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1JU

Website: Teddy Bear Museum

Info: A unique exhibition displaying exact facsimiles of some of the Royal Mummies and the amazing stories that surround them.

Address: Mummies Exhibition, Armarna Centre, Alington Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1UW

Website: Mummies Exhibition

Info: The Exhibition offers a travel back in times of ancient Egypt where you can discover the amazing recreation of Tutankhamun's Tomb, treasures and much more.

Address: Tutankhamun Exhibition, 25 High West Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1UW

Website: Tutankhamun Exhibition

Info: The museum is one of the only museums outside China exclusively dedicated to the amazing Terracotta Warriors.  The displays have been created to give an insight into China 2200 years ago.

Address: Terracotta Warriors Museum, High East Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1JU

Website: Terracotta Warriors Museum

Info: Brewery Square is a vibrant shopping and eating complex in the heart of Dorchester town centre. Explore a range of eateries, clothes stores, cinema, escapr rooms, and play café.

Address: Brewery Square, 3 Copper Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1GH

Website: Brewery Square

Info: Cinema Under the Stars is a 20 seater cinema with bar upstairs. Enjoy a hidden haven where film, food and community come together.

Address: Fox and Owl, 55 Broad Street, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3QF

Website: Fox and Owl

Info: Cosy 1933 picture house with 4 screens showing mainstream releases including 3D films.

Plaza Cinema Review: Dorsetmums Blog

Address: Plaza Cinema, 31-32 Trinity Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1TT

Website: Plaza Cinema

Info: Cinema with 3 screens plus a bar and cafe area which overlooks the Brewery Square fountains.

Address: Odeon, 3 Drayhorse Yard, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1GA

Website: Odeon

Info: 18 hole mini golf course challenging players of all ages and set with amazing views of the Cobb, beach and coastline to Portland.

Address: Lister Gardens, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3JP

Website: Lyme Regis Town Council