5 Great Days Out in Dorset for you and your family

Whether you live in the beautiful county of Dorset, or are just visiting for a holiday, here are some fun and educational places to discover. To help you plan your trip, or to find even more interesting locations, download our free Great Days Out app today!

Studland Beach

A glorious slice of natural coastline in Purbeck featuring a four-mile stretch of golden, sandy beach, with gently shelving bathing waters and views of Old Harry Rocks and the Isle of Wight. Designated trails through the sand dunes and woodlands, allow for exploration and spotting of deer, insects and bird life as well as a wealth of wild flowers. Studland was the inspiration for Toytown in Enid Blyton’s Noddy.

Corfe Castle

One of Britain’s most majestic ruins, the castle controlled the gateway through the Purbeck Hills and has been an important stronghold since the time of William the Conqueror. Defended during the Civil War by the ardent and virtuous Lady Bankes, the castle fell to treachery from within, and was substantially destroyed afterwards by the Parliamentarians. Many fine Norman and Early English features remain.

Corfe Castle

Portland Castle

The history of this fortress, which overlooks Portland harbour, is diverse and fascinating. Built by Henry VIII to defend the anchorage against possible French and Spanish invasion, its squat appearance is typical of the artillery forts built in the early 1540s.

The Tank Museum

The Tank Museum in Dorset holds the world’s largest collection of tanks and armoured fighting vehicles. In the bursting programme of live action displays, you can witness the awesome power of tanks in action. The entire collection of this museum is a Designated Collection of national importance.

The Tank Museum

The Dinosaur Museum

Britain’s original Dinosaur Museum combines fossils, skeletons and life-size dinosaur reconstructions with hands-on, interactive and cinematic displays to inform and entertain. Reconstructions include the newly interpreted T rex, Deinonychus, Stegosaurus and Triceratops. As well as dinosaurs there are displays on prehistoric mammals featuring particularly the mammoth. The Dinosaur Museum has frequently been featured on TV including Blue Peter and the Tweenies. It has been cited as one of Britain’s top ten family museums in recent years.

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