The 20 best places to visit in Dorset and Bournemouth town
1. The Tank Museum 900 x 581
An immense day out for the whole family. Immerse yourself in the world of tanks, their history and learn about the vital role these awesome machines have played for over one hundred years. Get up close and personal with the world’s largest collection of over 300 awe-inspiring tanks.
2. Bournemouth beach
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Sun? Check. Sand? Check. Sea? Check. Bask on miles of relaxing, golden sand and gentle sea at Bournemouth Beach. Kick back all day with your family with ice cream, fun and swimming. Take advantage of the close proximity to restaurants and bars to top off a perfect day out at the seaside.
3. Secret Dorset beaches
Google maps – South Beach
Want to hit the beach but want to go somewhere quieter? Check out the secret and secluded beaches of Dorset. Take a walk and relax in awe of the natural beauty of Church Ope Cove in Portland or on South Beach whilst looking out to Old Harry’s Rock and the hustle and bustle of the other beaches of Poole Bay.
4. Monkey World
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Swing in the treetops with the world’s most amazing primates. Home to the famous faces of TV’s ‘Monkey Business and ‘Monkey Life’, you will get to meet some of the most fascinating and most endangered monkeys and primates in the world at this incredible rescue sanctuary.
5. New Forest
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Just across the Hampshire Dorset border, take a walk through the New Forest and its enchanting small villages and towns. Experience miles of untouched forest and its local inhabitants; the donkeys and horses as they roam free across the heathlands or, stop for a classic pub lunch in small villages like Burley or Beaulieu.
6. Dorset Adventure Park
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In the mood for some fun family competition? Want to finally show the family who is boss? Get down to Dorset Adventure Park and race each other over acres of massive inflatable waterpark obstacles, monkey bars and slippery mud trails. There is something here for the whole family to get involved in.
7. Bournemouth town
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Love shopping? Love eating out as a family? There is something for everyone in Bournemouth town centre. From top class restaurants to live shows, you will love looking around Bobby’s Department Store and the art galleries, catching a show at The Pavilion or grabbing a bite to eat at one the town’s many restaurants.
8. The Blue Pool
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In the heart of the beautiful Ilse of Purbeck, this unique and awe-inspiring natural phenomenon will fascinate anyone who visits it. With its ever-changing colourful appearance, sometimes turquoise, sometimes green; you will love walking around the pool, through the woodland surrounding it and visiting the team rooms for a spot of lunch.
9. Moors Valley Country Park
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You will love a family day out at Moors Valley Country Park. Fly through the treetops at Go Ape, race each other on the cycle trails, tour over 800 acres of woodland and forest on a Segway and play with the kids on the outdoor play areas. Whatever you are into, there is something for everyone here.
10. Lulworth Cove
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Do you enjoy rock pooling? Want to try some watersports? Love searching for fossils? Or, do you just enjoy relaxing with some proper Dorset ice cream? Then it is time to visit Lulworth Cove. This UNESCO World Heritage beach and cove has something for everyone and will leave you speechless with its crystal-clear blue water and immense uniqueness.
11. Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park
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Something for the whole family at this fun-filled farm park. Pet cute animals, watch the unique spectacle of pig racing, follow the dinosaur trail, bounce around on a bumpy tractor ride and race around in pedal go-karts. A great day out for everyone at this fun outdoor family park.
12. Upton Country Park
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With over 140 acres of gardens, shoreline and woodland, you will love spending time in the quiet and serenity of this Green Flag award winning green space. Take a look around the Grade II listed Uptown House, get moving with some dog training, play with the kids at Spurrier’s Play Park or grab some tea and cake at the team rooms.
13. Hengistbury Head
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Take in the stunning panoramic views of the Ilse of Wight, Christchurch Harbour and Bournemouth Beach from this secluded and beautiful nature reserve. One of the most important sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSI) in England, you will discover the natural beauty of the Dorset coastline from one spot, conveniently located near Christchurch.
14. Highcliffe castle
15. Bournemouth Aviation Museum
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Fly high with some of the world’s most iconic aircrafts. Get a hands-on experience and sit in the cockpits of these amazing planes. Let your imagination fly you across the skies as you imagine what it is like to take control of passenger plane or of a fighter jet.
16. Adventure Wonderland
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You’re late – there is no time to wait! Meet the Mad Hatter, Alice and the Queen of Hearts as you explore this family fun adventure park. Twist in the turbo teacups, get lost in the hedge maze and pet the ponies at Shetland World at this fun themed family park.
17. Christchurch Priory
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You’re late – there is no time to wait! Meet the Mad Hatter, Alice and the Queen of Hearts as you explore this family fun adventure park. Twist in the turbo teacups, get lost in the hedge maze and pet the ponies at Shetland World at this fun themed family park.
18. Quay Leisure Boat Hire
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Fancy a boat trip together down the River Stour? Well, you can with ease with Quay Leisure Boat Hire’s self-drive hire boats. No licence is needed to explore the water ways near Christchurch, just you and your family enjoying the quiet river and its natural beauty. Turn up, hire a boat and explore.
19. Old Harry Rocks
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Part of the Jurassic Coast and sitting at the southern end of Studland Bay, don’t miss out on seeing this natural wonder. Walk along the South West Coast Path to view Old Harry Rocks or kayak up to it from one of the nearby beaches. It’s a must-see whichever way you see it.
20. Durdle Door
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Part of the Lulworth Estate, as you walk along the cliff path and first see the UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will be taken back by its sheer immensity. The hole has been formed by natural erosion caused by powerful waves over thousands of years. A view which has become synonymous of the region and inspired so many.
21. Stonehenge
Visiting the awe-inspiring Stonehenge offers a unique experience with an unparalleled view into the ancient culture and traditions of the UK. With beautiful views of the Wiltshire countryside, you and your family will love getting up close and involved with one of the most impressive examples of prehistoric architecture in the world.