Write review
See reviews
Print this page
Lake District family holidays >
Jersey family holidays >
- HOTELS - Dorset\'s top child friendly hotels
Baby listening, babysitting, play areas… Our top list of family hotels in Dorset
more - DAYS OUT - Top attractions in Dorset
Abbotsbury swanery, Corfe Castle, Monkey World and many more days out in Dorset
more - HOLIDAY PARKS - Self Catering Holiday Villages
With its fine beaches Dorset boasts some of the best Holidav Parks in the Country
more - PUBS - Our pick of Dorset pubs
A great selection of child friendly pubs in Dorset that welcome families
more
Lake District family holidays >
Jersey family holidays >
Family holidays to Dorset
There's something for the whole family in South West England – including the stunning shallow sandy blue flag beaches in Dorset which are perfect for families with young children. For older kids and parents alike; as well as the littlies there are 95 miles of Jurassic Coastline to discover, heaps of fun family attractions as well as picturesque villages and the historic towns of Dorchester and Poole to visit. This area also boasts the beautiful seaside towns of Weymouth and Lyme Regis which are worth a visit. So let’s get going and check out some of the terrific fun sights for the entire family.
Family days out in Dorset
When staying in Dorset do visit:
Weymouth Sea Life Park - With indoor and outdoor watery attractions including the world's most poisonous sea creatures at 'Venom', touch pool, splash lagoon and sanctuaries for seals, turtles, otters and penguins.
Abbotsbury Swannery & Children's Farm - Enjoy exploring three brilliant attractions: the world famous swannery, the beautiful sub-tropical gardens and the wonderful children's farm.
Monkey World - There’s lots of monkey business here with a 65 acre ape rescue centre that's home to 150 primates of 15 different species. Keep the kids busy all day in the woodland walk, pets encounter and play areas. Fun and smiles guaranteed all day!
Durdle Door - This is not to be missed as it is one of the most photographed landmarks along the Jurassic Coast. The rock arch allows the sea to rush in and is part of the Dorset & East Devon World Heritage Site.
The New Forest - Time to discover the forest's hidden gems on foot, bicycle or by horseback and get right up close to nature together.
Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset - Don’t miss this thousand-year-old castle rising above the Isle of Purbeck which dates back to the time of William the Conquerer!
Teddy Bear Museum, Dorchester, Dorset - Edward Bear’s family of people-sized bears…the young ones will love these cute and cuddly teddies!
Abbotsbury Children's Farm, Abbotsbury, Dorset - More fabulous fun especially for the younger ones.
Dinosaur Museum, Dorchester, Dorset - Perfect for those adventurous discoverers as they get up close and personal in the only museum on mainland Britain solely devoted to dinosaurs!
Child friendly accommodation in Dorset
Many families enjoy the freedom and flexibility of choosing self-catering accommodation when holidaying with kids; which makes good sense! Check out several options from holiday parks, apartments, bungalows and even some of the family run hotels that offer kitchen facilities- all designed with your comfort and sanity in mind! Especially look at those places that offer extras in the way of family entertainment, kid’s clubs, swimming pools, indoor and outdoor play-grounds. And baby-sitting? Definitely!
Here’s some to get you started!
Britmead House, Bridport - A family run hotel close to the harbour and beach. World Heritage Dorset Coastal Path; Bournemouth - A great family hotel that caters for kids with a large outdoor pool and close to “Kids Zone” safe beaches! Perfect! Moonfleet Manor, Weymouth -There is a fabulous outdoor play-ground with swings, slides and climbing frame; and an indoor play area to keep littlies occupied. Chesil Beach is right on the doorstep as well!
Family restaurants and local cuisine
A taste of Dorset; renowned for its farm-grown food boasts some of the finest locally produced food in the country. Do stop by one of the many independent retail outlets in the region; be it a specialist food shop, a farm shop or a village store with locally produced goods for either smoked meats, blue cheese, organic meat and vegetables, specialty breads or anything else. Local food means you can be sure of its origins, quality and taste; as well as supporting Dorset’s local community and environment. Perfect! For those fussy little tuckers; tuck into some good old fish and chips at either…
Berties Fish and Chip Restaurant - A traditional family run fish and chip shop; take-a- way or dine in; it’s up to you!
Bistro on the Beach - Join the many that flock here and enjoy the buzz and informality of this friendly place that offers real value for money. Best of all; you can’t dine much closer to the beach!
Adam and Eve's Café and Food Store - A very family friendly dining experience with wholesome and fresh food. Scrumptious!
Dorset – useful tips
Dorset is fantastic for that family escape; whether it be for a weekend, a week or what-ever! There is plenty to keep you occupied. Whatever you're looking for you’ll find it here! Guaranteed!