Days Out

Museums, Attractions & Gardens

Beaulieu

Beaulieu’s postcode for your satnav is SO42 7ZN or take Junction 2 of the M27.

Beaulieu is a family attraction at New Forest. Visitors can visit the National Motor Museum or Beaulieu Abbey, the impressive Palace Home or simply enjoy a walk around the grounds and gardens where little ones may come across some fairy houses! Other attractions for children include a play area, mini motor cars and the ‘Skytrain’.

Bournemouth Aviation Museum

10am-5pm, Daily.

B3073, Merritown Ln, Christchurch, BH23 6BA.

A unique attraction in Dorset which provides inquisitive little ones with an interactive and ‘hands on’ experience. Flying enthusiasts will get to see many air craft cockpits on display and actually sit inside some of them.

£10 Adults £5 Children. For more information contact 01202 473141.

Bournemouth Gardens

Westover Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5AH.

Beautiful gardens within a short walk from the seafront. A fantastic FREE activity for the entire family. Regular events and activities happening at the gardens through out the year which you can find in our Events Calendar.

Bournemouth Natural Science Society & Museum

39 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, BH1 3NS.

Opening hours – Most Tuesdays throughout the year from 10am-4pm (last entry 3.30pm)

A fascinating Natural history museum in a Victorian building, with fossils, minerals and an Egyptology collection as well as a large garden to explore. They also host Young Explorer Meetings for children aged 7-12.

Entry donations welcome.

For more information please call 01202 553525.

Brownsea Island

Poole Harbour, BH13 7EE.

Brownsea Island is part of the Nations Trust there are Free family trails*, natural play area, guided walks,  an outdoor centre, including a natural mini-golf course plus Junior Ranger Days.

Most activities are FREE of charge but normal admission rates apply.

*self-led – print at home or collect your trail sheet at the center.

Compton Acres

164 Canford Cliffs Road Poole, BH13 7ES.

*Winner of Dorset Tourism Awards, 2018, Gold Award for Cafe / Tearooms of the Year*

Beautiful gardens with many rare and colourful plants to explore. Delicious Cafe and Tearooms as well as gifts and plants shop. All in one place.

For more information contact 01202 700778.

Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle, Wareham, BH205 EZ.

A Mumbler Must National Trust property surrounded by a beautiful village with the same name. Corfe Castle hosts events for children all year round, which often are FREE.

Also visit the Model Village Gardens and Cafe.

*NEW* Quiet Hour every Saturday 9-10am booking required.

For more information contact 01929481294.

Hengistbury Head

Hengistbury Head, Bournemouth, BH6 4EN.

A beautiful nature reserve in Bournemouth, which offers may outdoors activities, from nature walks, cycling, kayaking and more. Also regular learning and educational events, toddler activities, and arts and crafts.

For more information contact 01202 451618.

Kingston Lacy

Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 4EA.

This National Trust property is definitely a must. You’ll be able to visit the stunning Bankes family home, enjoy the tranquility of it’s gardens, or venture into the unspoilt countryside for a truly invigorating outdoors experience.

Family events regularly scheduled throughout the year.

For more information contact 01202883402.

Kingston Maurward Animal Park and Gardens

Kingston Maurward, Dorchester, DT2 8PX.

A great opportunity for a family day out. Explore the beautiful gardens, get to feed a rare animal breed or enjoy a delicious snack at the cafe. Special events and activities happening regularly throughout the year.

For more information contact 01305 215003.

Lulworth Castle

East Lulworth, Wareham BH20 5QS.

Lulworth estate is without doubt one of the most beautiful places in the UK.

Whether you choose to paddle in the beautiful crystalline waters at Lulworth Cove or walk around the magnificent Durdle Door; or perhaps exploring Lulworth Castle, ‘the most beautiful castle in the south’, the options are endless. This is definitely a ‘Mumbler Must’ for families with children of any age.

For more information contact 01929 400352.

Museum of East Dorset

23-29 High St, Wimborne BH21 1HR.

Opening hours – Monday – Saturday 10am-4.30pm

The Museum of East Dorset is a local museum in the town of Wimborne Minster and occupies a historic Grade II* listed building as well as gardens and a tea room.

For more information please contact 01202 882533.

Poole Museum CLOSED FOR 2023

PLEASE NOTE POOLE MUSEUM IS CLOSED ALL OF 2023 FOR RENOVATION PURPOSES.

Poole Museum, 4 High St, Poole BH15 1BW.

Poole Museum holds collections that showcase Poole’s cultural heritage. These collections area available to all. The museum welcomes families and has a dedicated area for arts and crafts for young visitors on the third floor as well regular FREE events during the school holidays.

For more information contact 01202 262 600.

Red House Museum and Gardens

10am-4pm Wednesdays to Saturdays and 12pm-4pm Sundays.

Red House Museum & Gardens, Quay Road, Christchurch, BH23 1BU.

A former Georgian workhouse, the Red House is now a museum exploring the story of Christchurch from before the Ice Age to modern times. The Red House has a charming shop and a café, Throughout the year, we also run a programme of fun, family-friendly events.

Please call 01202 482860 for more details.

Tank Museum

Open Daily 9am-5pm.

Linsay Rd, Bovington, Wareham, BH20 6JG.

The Tank Museum brings history to life, with the world’s best collection of tanks and explosive live displays. Take part in a range of family activities – dressing up, free trails, puzzles and games. Including an outdoor play area and inside soft play.

For more information contact 01929 405096.

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