What seasonal passes are worth the investment for families in Dorset?
There are so many places to explore in Poole and the rest of Dorset, that you could probably visit a different attraction every weekend in a year. But there are many good reasons why families tend to buy an annual pass to one or two attractions. For example:
- If you have a toddler at home and you are always looking for things to do to keep them entertained. We all know sometimes you just need to get out of the house.
- If you have more than one child and you find an attraction that makes everyone happy. Even more so if there’s a large age gap between them.
- It can always be useful to have a ‘safe’ option that you can visit any time without much planning or expense. For example, you could take the kids for a quick play after school without worrying about getting ‘your money’s worth’ on the ticket.
- The grandparents or favourite auntie would like to buy a gift? A seasonal pass is an environmentally-friendly alternative to plastic toys and they can be enjoyed by the entire family.
So we’ve asked our community of local parents which Family Seasonal / Annual Passes they’ve used and loved in Dorset. We’ve included their answers below.
5 Top-rated family passes:
- ⭐️Farmer Palmer’s: We aren’t surprised this came as the most loved family pass in Dorset. There are so many indoors and outdoors things to do at Farmer Palmer’s you have plenty of entertainment guaranteed for the entire year. Plus seasonal activities! From £24 (child) and £50 (adult). Click here for more information.⭐️
- Moors Valley: Although the entry to the park is FREE, you can buy a very reasonable year pass for the car park. All hours season ticket is £58, but cheaper options available. Find more here.
- Merlin Passes: Allows you access to many attractions in the UK, including The London Eye, Alton Towers, and Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park. Or you can buy only the Season Pass to Weymouth SEA LIFE park, which gives you incredible value. From £18.95 individual pass, but many options available. More information here.
- Dorset Pass: A great option during the school holidays if you are planning to visit several attractions in Poole over consecutive days. It also includes Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park! From £25 (child) and £40 (adult pass). You can find more here.
- National Trust: A family favourite that allows access to gardens, cycling routes and stunning properties in the UK. National Trust sites often host activities during the school holidays which are FREE for ticket holders. From £78 a year for families with 1 adult. You can find more information here.
Other recommendations:
- Avon Heath Country Park – £30
- Upton – £40 (up to 2 cars)
- Compton Acres – From £37.50 per family with a single adult.
- Poole Beach and parks resident parking permit – £140
- Adventure Wonderland – From £69 (child) and £79 (adult)
- Paultons Park – Individual £132
- Monkey World – From £25 (child), £35 (adult) and £90 (family)
And a bit further away
- New Forest Wildlife Park – From £35 (child), £50 (adult) and £150 (family)
- Marwell Zoo – £42 (child 2+), FREE (under 2’s) and £62 (adults)
We hope you find this useful. But as always, please leave us your comments here.
