Things to Do in Dorset

Dorset's coast and countryside give it an unusually wide spread of days out, from fossil-hunting on the beach at Charmouth to boat trips along the water at Lyme Regis. Bournemouth and Poole cover the bigger family attractions and indoor activities, useful for wet afternoons or school holidays, while smaller towns like Wareham and Bridport tend towards farms, pottery studios and local trails.

Families with younger children will find soft play, animal encounters at places such as Foxdown Childrens Farm, and craft sessions like Hot Pot Pottery scattered across the county rather than in one spot, so it's worth checking which town suits your base. Older kids and groups are better served by laser tag, treasure trails and skateparks around Dorchester and Poole, while seasonal outings such as pumpkin picking add another reason to explore beyond the coast.