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40 Best Stops Between Swanage and Studland
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Wanderlog staff
Updated • updatedApr 7, 2023
Updated • updatedApr 7, 2023
How long is the drive from Swanage to Studland?
The direct drive from Swanage to Studland is 3.7 mi (6 km), and should have a drive time of 7 mins in normal traffic.
If you’re going on a road trip from Swanage to Studland, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Bournemouth, Weymouth, New Forest National Park Hampshire, Poole, Dorchester, Salisbury, Brockenhurst, Christchurch, Lymington, and Wimborne Minster, as well as top places to visit like Maiden Castle and Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, or the ever-popular SEA LIFE Weymouth.
Visiting Swanage or Studland? See our Swanage Trip Planner and our Studland Trip Planner.
3.7 mi
Total Distance
7 mins
Drive Time
40 stops
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Top cities between Swanage and Studland
The top cities between Swanage and Studland are Bournemouth, Weymouth, New Forest National Park Hampshire, Poole, Dorchester, Salisbury, Christchurch, and Wimborne Minster. Bournemouth is the most popular city on the route. It's less than an hour from Swanage and less than an hour from Studland.
1
Salisbury
Salisbury, a medieval cathedral city in Wiltshire, England, is renowned for its historical and cultural attractions. Just 9 miles south of the famous Stonehenge, Salisbury boasts a majestic 13th-century cathedral with a towering spire and an original copy of the Magna Carta. The city's charming streets are lined with independent shops and diverse dining options, including acclaimed eateries like The Old Ale and Coffee House and Fisherton Mill Cafe.
23% as popular as Bournemouth
1 hour off the main route, 51% of way to Studland
2
Weymouth
Weymouth, a charming seaside town in Dorset, southern England, is known for its sandy beach lined with colorful beach huts and Georgian houses. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the harbor from attractions like the Jurassic Skyline and Victorian Nothe Fort. The town is also home to Weymouth Sealife Park, featuring a variety of marine life.
90% as popular as Bournemouth
42 minutes off the main route, 51% of way to Studland
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2
3
Dorchester
Dorchester, located in Dorset, England, is a charming market town with a rich historical heritage. It is positioned between Poole and Bridport on the A35 trunk route and sits on the banks of the River Frome. The town boasts an array of Georgian and 17th-century buildings and is famously associated with Thomas Hardy, whose former residence Max Gate can be found on its outskirts.
26% as popular as Bournemouth
37 minutes off the main route, 51% of way to Studland
4
Wimborne Minster
Sacred & Religious Sites
Libraries
Wimborne Minster is a charming market town located in Dorset, South West England. It is home to the Church of England church of the same name and is situated at the meeting point of the River Stour and River Allen. The town offers a peaceful lifestyle and is part of the South East Dorset conurbation. In addition to its picturesque surroundings, Wimborne hosts an annual folk festival that spans four days during the summer.
12% as popular as Bournemouth
32 minutes off the main route, 52% of way to Studland
5Khánh N — Google reviewMatt W — Google reviewRobert A — Google reviewCP — Google reviewNicholas M — Google reviewClaire — Google reviewJo — Google review
New Forest National Park
Mentioned on
National park
Nature & Parks
Forests
New Forest National Park, located in Hampshire and Wiltshire in southwest England, became a national park in 2005. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, ancient trees, ponies, small towns and villages. The area offers tranquility amidst the urban sprawl of southern England. The park includes the former South Hampshire Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty within its borders.
I spent a truly lovely week here. There are so many amazing walks to do, wildlife to see & ponies, donkeys & cows roaming freely. It is a truly beautiful area of the country & I highly recommend a visit.
Sally M — Google review
This is truly a place you should visit at least once when in the UK. We had a short 3-day cycling trip here. Everything was wonderful — from the scenery to the people. Just a note: you should prepare an offline map before coming, as in some areas the signal is very weak and you can hardly use online maps.
The rebirth of Foxlease Park, nice to see it back up and running, volunteered here back in February? And it was just nice to see it with life and music...
Nice little room in the coach house, could do with an extra pillow, but nice time.
When the sun dips behind the trees and the light softens, the New Forest becomes pure magic. Walking along winding paths — sometimes straight through the woods — feels effortless with the fresh scent of nature all around.
25 km passed without me even noticing, just chilling, absorbing the atmosphere, and enjoying the calm. Perfect time of day to visit if you want peace, beauty, and that grounding forest energy.
⭐️ Highly recommend: come in the late afternoon, slow down, and let the forest do the rest #newforest
Went there with my father now 94, loved the cars, remined him of the old days, we used to have fords then.
Only comment is the coffer shops when busy seems to take forever. otherwise great place to visit.
The New Forest is a brilliant place for families, especially with kids. The free-roaming ponies, donkeys, and other animals make it feel magical, and places like the Wildlife Park add more chances to see deer, otters, and birds. There are plenty of easy walking trails too, such as at Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary, and lots of open spaces that are perfect for picnics.
Camping is well set up with designated sites, ranging from rustic fields to family-friendly spots with toilets and showers. Wild camping isn’t allowed, but the official sites give you space for kids to play and a good base to explore. Shops are small village stores or farm shops rather than big supermarkets, and toilets are generally available at visitor centres, though sometimes basic.
The park doesn’t really have a big lake for swimming or boating, and indoor play options are limited, so it’s very much an outdoor destination. If you’re prepared for nature, fresh air, and a slightly rustic feel, the New Forest is a wonderful family escape where children can explore freely and see animals up close.
Beautiful place to go loads of open spaces for people to walk and cycle. Large areas for children play.
Beautiful river at brockenhurst where you can often see horses and foals, cattle and sometimes donkeys and pigs.
Gorgeous place, well worth a visit if you appreciate nature. The ponies are such a treat to see. It’s also great for beginner cyclists as it has the Old Railway route created by Cycling UK. I felt like I was in a renaissance oil painting at times because the sights were so beautiful. Make sure to get out early to admire the sights as it gets very busy in August.
10% as popular as Bournemouth
58 minutes off the main route, 52% of way to Studland
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6Khánh N — Google reviewMatt W — Google reviewRobert A — Google reviewCP — Google reviewNicholas M — Google reviewClaire — Google reviewJo — Google review
New Forest National Park
Mentioned on
National park
Nature & Parks
Forests
New Forest National Park, located in Hampshire and Wiltshire in southwest England, became a national park in 2005. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, ancient trees, ponies, small towns and villages. The area offers tranquility amidst the urban sprawl of southern England. The park includes the former South Hampshire Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty within its borders.
I spent a truly lovely week here. There are so many amazing walks to do, wildlife to see & ponies, donkeys & cows roaming freely. It is a truly beautiful area of the country & I highly recommend a visit.
Sally M — Google review
This is truly a place you should visit at least once when in the UK. We had a short 3-day cycling trip here. Everything was wonderful — from the scenery to the people. Just a note: you should prepare an offline map before coming, as in some areas the signal is very weak and you can hardly use online maps.
The rebirth of Foxlease Park, nice to see it back up and running, volunteered here back in February? And it was just nice to see it with life and music...
Nice little room in the coach house, could do with an extra pillow, but nice time.
When the sun dips behind the trees and the light softens, the New Forest becomes pure magic. Walking along winding paths — sometimes straight through the woods — feels effortless with the fresh scent of nature all around.
25 km passed without me even noticing, just chilling, absorbing the atmosphere, and enjoying the calm. Perfect time of day to visit if you want peace, beauty, and that grounding forest energy.
⭐️ Highly recommend: come in the late afternoon, slow down, and let the forest do the rest #newforest
Went there with my father now 94, loved the cars, remined him of the old days, we used to have fords then.
Only comment is the coffer shops when busy seems to take forever. otherwise great place to visit.
The New Forest is a brilliant place for families, especially with kids. The free-roaming ponies, donkeys, and other animals make it feel magical, and places like the Wildlife Park add more chances to see deer, otters, and birds. There are plenty of easy walking trails too, such as at Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary, and lots of open spaces that are perfect for picnics.
Camping is well set up with designated sites, ranging from rustic fields to family-friendly spots with toilets and showers. Wild camping isn’t allowed, but the official sites give you space for kids to play and a good base to explore. Shops are small village stores or farm shops rather than big supermarkets, and toilets are generally available at visitor centres, though sometimes basic.
The park doesn’t really have a big lake for swimming or boating, and indoor play options are limited, so it’s very much an outdoor destination. If you’re prepared for nature, fresh air, and a slightly rustic feel, the New Forest is a wonderful family escape where children can explore freely and see animals up close.
Beautiful place to go loads of open spaces for people to walk and cycle. Large areas for children play.
Beautiful river at brockenhurst where you can often see horses and foals, cattle and sometimes donkeys and pigs.
Gorgeous place, well worth a visit if you appreciate nature. The ponies are such a treat to see. It’s also great for beginner cyclists as it has the Old Railway route created by Cycling UK. I felt like I was in a renaissance oil painting at times because the sights were so beautiful. Make sure to get out early to admire the sights as it gets very busy in August.
10% as popular as Bournemouth
58 minutes off the main route, 52% of way to Studland
7Khánh N — Google reviewMatt W — Google reviewRobert A — Google reviewCP — Google reviewNicholas M — Google reviewClaire — Google reviewJo — Google review
New Forest National Park
Mentioned on
National park
Nature & Parks
Forests
New Forest National Park, located in Hampshire and Wiltshire in southwest England, became a national park in 2005. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, ancient trees, ponies, small towns and villages. The area offers tranquility amidst the urban sprawl of southern England. The park includes the former South Hampshire Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty within its borders.
I spent a truly lovely week here. There are so many amazing walks to do, wildlife to see & ponies, donkeys & cows roaming freely. It is a truly beautiful area of the country & I highly recommend a visit.
Sally M — Google review
This is truly a place you should visit at least once when in the UK. We had a short 3-day cycling trip here. Everything was wonderful — from the scenery to the people. Just a note: you should prepare an offline map before coming, as in some areas the signal is very weak and you can hardly use online maps.
The rebirth of Foxlease Park, nice to see it back up and running, volunteered here back in February? And it was just nice to see it with life and music...
Nice little room in the coach house, could do with an extra pillow, but nice time.
When the sun dips behind the trees and the light softens, the New Forest becomes pure magic. Walking along winding paths — sometimes straight through the woods — feels effortless with the fresh scent of nature all around.
25 km passed without me even noticing, just chilling, absorbing the atmosphere, and enjoying the calm. Perfect time of day to visit if you want peace, beauty, and that grounding forest energy.
⭐️ Highly recommend: come in the late afternoon, slow down, and let the forest do the rest #newforest
Went there with my father now 94, loved the cars, remined him of the old days, we used to have fords then.
Only comment is the coffer shops when busy seems to take forever. otherwise great place to visit.
The New Forest is a brilliant place for families, especially with kids. The free-roaming ponies, donkeys, and other animals make it feel magical, and places like the Wildlife Park add more chances to see deer, otters, and birds. There are plenty of easy walking trails too, such as at Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary, and lots of open spaces that are perfect for picnics.
Camping is well set up with designated sites, ranging from rustic fields to family-friendly spots with toilets and showers. Wild camping isn’t allowed, but the official sites give you space for kids to play and a good base to explore. Shops are small village stores or farm shops rather than big supermarkets, and toilets are generally available at visitor centres, though sometimes basic.
The park doesn’t really have a big lake for swimming or boating, and indoor play options are limited, so it’s very much an outdoor destination. If you’re prepared for nature, fresh air, and a slightly rustic feel, the New Forest is a wonderful family escape where children can explore freely and see animals up close.
Beautiful place to go loads of open spaces for people to walk and cycle. Large areas for children play.
Beautiful river at brockenhurst where you can often see horses and foals, cattle and sometimes donkeys and pigs.
Gorgeous place, well worth a visit if you appreciate nature. The ponies are such a treat to see. It’s also great for beginner cyclists as it has the Old Railway route created by Cycling UK. I felt like I was in a renaissance oil painting at times because the sights were so beautiful. Make sure to get out early to admire the sights as it gets very busy in August.
10% as popular as Bournemouth
58 minutes off the main route, 52% of way to Studland
8
Christchurch
Christchurch is a charming town and civil parish located on the south coast of Dorset, England. It has a population of around 31,372 people. The town is adjacent to Bournemouth in the west and bordered by the scenic New Forest in the east. Christchurch has a rich history intertwined with smuggling folklore, including tales of bandits using caves for illegal activities near Lymington.
22% as popular as Bournemouth
40 minutes off the main route, 54% of way to Studland
9
Poole
Poole, a charming coastal town in southern England, is famous for its expansive natural harbor and beautiful sandy beaches. The Old Town area boasts elegant Georgian houses and the fascinating Poole Museum, spread across four historic buildings including the medieval Scaplen’s Court. Visitors can embark on boat trips from Poole Harbour to explore the scenic Brownsea Island, renowned for its lush woodlands, nature trails, and diverse wildlife like red squirrels.
58% as popular as Bournemouth
23 minutes off the main route, 56% of way to Studland
10
Bournemouth
Bournemouth, located in Dorset, England, is a coastal resort town known for its warm and swimmable beach that stretches for seven miles. The lively Victorian pier offers arcade games and bars, while pastel beach huts and a charming promenade complete the classic British seaside scene. Established in 1812 as a health resort, Bournemouth has evolved into a vibrant town with two universities and the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC), hosting world-class music acts.
Most popular city on this route
23 minutes off the main route, 57% of way to Studland
Best stops along Swanage to Studland drive
The top stops along the way from Swanage to Studland (with short detours) are Bournemouth Pier Amusements, The Needles Landmark Attraction, and SEA LIFE Weymouth. Other popular stops include New Forest National Park, Old Sarum, and Oceanarium.
1Steven P — Google reviewClare B — Google reviewGethin S — Google reviewErnesto — Google reviewBrad R — Google reviewPeters P — Google reviewK.A. B — Google review•
SEA LIFE Weymouth
Mentioned on
Nature & Parks
Aquarium
SEA LIFE Centre Weymouth is a renowned tropical paradise in the heart of a vibrant city, offering family-friendly exhibits with a variety of sea creatures. Visitors can explore coral caves, lagoons, and ocean depths to marvel at sharks, stingrays, otters, seahorses, and giant crabs. The park is known for its great conservation work and features rescued sea turtles, seals, penguins (including Fairy Penguins), sharks, rays, and more.
Lovely aquarium. We had an amazing time. The fish have plenty of space and seem happy, as do the penguins and other animals.
Staff were friendly. Facilities were clean and well cared for. We came out of season, but I can imagine it would be amazing in the summer. They have lots of activities for kids, including a little water play area.
Lisa P — Google review
Went here on a lovely sunny and warm day which is great as a lot of the attractions are outside and ideal for young kids that can play in the play park and water splash areas.
Not as many inside tank areas as in other sea life centres.
Good access for wheelchair users.
Blue badge parking adjacent to the premier Inn car park.
Wheelchair accessible toilets are quite small.
I had a good time at Sea Life, everything was clean and the exhibits were well presented. That said, I’d recommend going on a weekend when the full experience is available. Visiting on a Monday meant only the drinks section of the gift shop (located at the exit) was open, and the food kiosks were shut, which was a letdown if, like me, you fancy a drink and a bite to eat during your visit.
The signage could definitely be improved. We had to exit through the Shark section just to find our way out via the gift shop, and we weren’t the only ones, other visitors ended up following me through the same confusing route.
Overall, it was a decent few hours out, but for a smoother, more complete visit, especially with family - I’d say stick to the weekend.
We visited on a weekday in early November and spent just over 2 hours here. We were very surprised at the size of the site and the large variety of animals housed here.
The aquarium is spread out over a few buildings, each housing a themed exhibition from rock pools to rainforests and coral reefs. Each exhibit includes detailed information signs and screens providing more information about the animals and marine life houses here. They also host a variety of free talks and feeding sessions throughout the day and we found these to be very informative. Our highlight was visiting the seals in their open-air pool with underwater viewing area.
In addition to the aquarium exhibits, there are also a variety of play areas and other attractions which would certainly keep younger visitors entertained (and could easily extend the visit from a few hours to a day out). There is also a gift shop and cafe at the exit.
The site is fairly flat and there are tarmac paths throughout which would make it very accessible for prams, buggies and wheelchairs. There are also lots of signs and maps dotted around the site (as well as the free map they give you when you enter) so you can easily find the exhibits you are looking for. You are also able to pop out and return later in the day if needed.
The staff here were all very friendly and helpful and also incredibly knowledgeable. They were a credit to Sea Life and made us feel very welcome.
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Sea Life Weymouth and would happily return in future.
Perfect place to visit with family or if you love sea life. It’s not as big as the one in London which I visited before, but it’s still a really nice one. If you can, try to get there around 1 PM so you can catch all the feeding times. The place is small but very well designed, and you don’t really need a guide. Just grab a map from the entrance and you’ll easily find your way around.
The one thing I felt was missing was food. There were souvenir shops everywhere, but a coffee machine or a small snack corner inside would’ve been great. The only spot for a warm drink was the cafeteria at the exit. Other than that, it’s a fun and relaxing experience
We had a lovely visit to the Sea Life Centre in Weymouth. The staff were really friendly and welcoming, and the whole place was clean and well looked after. The kids enjoyed seeing all the different sea creatures, and it was a fun family day out overall.
That said, we were quite frustrated that none of the refreshment shops were open until the very end. By the time we reached the exit café, it was a bit too late. For the price of the tickets, we were expecting a bit more from the experience. Still, we had a great time and made some nice memories.
Very accessible for a scooter user, only one bridge by the otters wasn't but there was another way around.
The aquariums are indoors but you go outside to get to each one and to see the penguins and otters, be aware of this and have a poncho with you!
This is a really small Sea Life, 2 hours and you will have seen everything.
The animals and fish appear well cared for. The staff are well informed, courteous and friendly. The cafe by the gift shop served good coffee and had a fair selection of snacks available.
4.3
(6429)
3.9
(3490)
Lodmoor Country Park, Weymouth, DT4 7SX, United Kingdom
2Paul — Google reviewLes R — Google reviewAndrew T — Google reviewZodiac — Google reviewSuhas T — Google reviewMuhammad A — Google reviewAlison T — Google review•
Maiden Castle
Mentioned on
Castle
Sights & Landmarks
Maiden Castle, located on the outskirts of Dorchester, is an expansive Iron Age hillfort with multiple ramparts that was built in the 1st century BC. It is the largest and most complex Iron Age hill fort in Britain, occupying a significant portion of the horizon. The site was densely populated with roundhouses and roads during its heyday, dating back to around 500 BC.
Beautiful and energetic place, lots of historical secrets, it's quite high, and it was challenging for me to walk on the left side of the hill. I definitely recommending main path 😁
Benia S — Google review
This is a really stunning site not just a visit history but also to visit some of the wildlife. I saw a wonderful apex predator bird flying and doing it's thing for some 15 minutes and was just mesmerised. I tried to get some picture of the bird, not sure if anyone can make out what it is from them.
This is very calm and peaceful place (can be best to dress for windy conditions though) and I feel incredibly grounded here.
This is a fabulous Iron Age fort that has various walking tracks up and around it. Best to keep dogs on a lead nearer the higher ridges as there are sheep grazing. There are lovely views of the surrounding countryside and Dorchester to the north. Come in from the south and visit the gorgeous church in the hamlet of Winterborne Monkton. The church is really worth a visit. Open at the weekend after 9am.
Dramatic Iron Age hillfort, one of the largest of its type in Europe, free to visit and well managed by English Heritage.
A reasonably sized free parking area is situated a short distance from the base of the hillfort. The paths are quite clearly marked, though unsurfaced, so take care if visiting after rain. It takes a good 20 minutes to fully explore the site and complete a full circuit of the ramparts. On a clear day, the walk to the top is rewarded with impressive views over Poundbury and the surrounding countryside.
Sheep graze the site to control the grass, so dogs must be kept on leads. Information boards around the site explain more about its history and features, though some of these had been damaged by sheep when I visited in April 2025.
Good for a walk. Amazing views. There is no shop or store so bring your own food and drink.
Car park was small. Weekdays it's fine. It's a good place to visit.
Historical place with beautiful countryside views. Well behaved sheeps outside the fence as well
Visited October 2025. Small car park with free parking. Quiet, nice walk up the hill. The place is signposted with useful and interesting literature concerning the history of the castle. Be careful, can get slippery in winter/Autumn months even if its not raining, due to condensation. Easy walk. A good 2/3 hours would be more than enough. Also I would recommend getting a picnic while you admire the views of sheep meadows, fileds and the town in the distance.
One of the best hillforts you will see. As you walk around the edge of it with big drops on one side its easy to see for miles around. There's a pit hidden there with numerous stones used for sling shots. A lovely place to walk. If you take a dog have it on a lead because of the sheep.
4.6
(988)
4.5
(394)
Maiden Castle Rd, Dorchester, DT2 9PP, United Kingdom
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3Patrick A — Google reviewWarren H — Google reviewPenny S — Google reviewMike F — Google reviewP_Addler — Google reviewJane J — Google reviewPen 9 — Google review•
Dorset Museum & Art Gallery
Mentioned on
Museum
Art gallery
The Dorset Museum & Art Gallery in Dorchester is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. It boasts an impressive collection of Iron Age artifacts from Maiden Castle, local fossils, and a significant assortment of Thomas Hardy's effects. The museum offers diverse galleries covering archaeology, art, and history. Visitors can explore the largest Thomas Hardy memorabilia collection globally, generously bequeathed by his second wife Florence Hardy.
A fantastic evening Jane Austin event with a four course meal & museum tour cost £40.
Optional Drinks flight £35. Petit four & coffee extra.
We were both very surprised at the size of the museum., which had a large range of different artifacts and pieces of art.
Gainsborough, Elizabeth Frink 😮. Mosaics, axes etc .
The Jane Austin area was compact but interesting also had 2 areas for trying on costumes which everyone seemed to have a laugh & enjoy.
We spend a good hour on our museum tour but only really scratched the surface as so much to see & read.
Our tour guide was lovely, passionate & very informative.
The food for the evening was amazing 😋.
Staff were all very personable and professional.
There are more events like this later in the year and We would highly recommend them.
Julie S — Google review
This is a very impressive local museum with many top quality display areas but, for me, the visit was spoiled by the arcane charging system. We live 170 miles from Dorchester and were visiting solely to see the museum's current entertaining and informative Jane Austen exhibition. At the cash desk, I was frankly shocked to find that this would cost us £15 each. As avid museum visitors, we found such a charge for a local museum, albeit a rather good one, pretty extraordinary. I was already feeling grumpy when the very pleasant young woman at the till insisted that I must give my full name and email before I could have a ticket. I suggested that it was very unusual for museums to demand personal details before selling a ticket but she explained, very politely, that she could not issue a ticket without these. This left me totally bemused until I later received an email with a link allowing me to claim an annual museum pass. Neither of us had seen any obvious indication at the desk that even the casual visitor had to buy an annual pass to get in, and this was not explained by the assistant. Living so far away, we would certainly not be visiting again within a year and, in my opinion and based on my experience of local museums, £15 is an eyewateringly high price for a single entry. The most liberal local authorities offer free entry, as does my home town of Bedford to its equally impressive Higgins museum and gallery. Some charge £3 to £6 or £7. I would associate £15 with a major collection, which, lovely though it is, this is not
Being a history lover (weirdly it bored me at school 55-60yrs ago) I enjoyed my couple of hours here , especially the Roman mosaics, Victorian hall and the library. The building itself is also worth a second look especially the windows. The cafe looked nice but I didn't use it so can't comment , likewise the toilets.
Spent the day in Dorchester and explored the Dorset Museum & Art Gallery - truly fantastic! This museum is one of the best we've visited, with four floors of surprises around every corner…
What a fantastic place!! There is so much to see, from the prehistoric Dorset coast to Thomas Hardy connections. We were interested in the travelling Gladiators in Britain exhibition which was brilliant. Make sure you allow plenty of time to look round but the ticket does allow you to go back within 12 months.
Very disappointed that it closes at 17:00 hours yet at 16:10 they refused to let me enter because I was 10 minutes late and they needed to close the rooms. Also the cafe doors were locked. So you don’t close at 5:00, you close as soon as the last person leaves as long as it is before closure time. The woman just said come back tomorrow. I won’t bother!! Be aware that traffic getting in to and out of Dorchester is horrendous. I saw the beautiful church next door and got to wander around the local shops. Everyone else I met was friendly and helpful. Shame.
Great museum, lots of Jurassic coast fossils and sea dinosaurs. A fantastic collection of archaeological finds from local locations, Bronze and Iron Age, Roman and Medieval. Human skeletons and fascinating local history including Roman mosaics, funny phalluses and a hoard of Roman coins. Enjoyed the art gallery too especially the Alfred Wallis paintings.
Ticket is valid for a year.
Staff friendly & knowledgeable We were directed to exactly the section we were most interested in - Thomas Hardy.
Fabulous collection, wish we had more time
4.5
(1258)
4.5
(575)
High W St, Dorchester, DT1 1XA, United Kingdom
4
Higher Bockhampton
Mentioned on
Building
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Sites
Hardys Cottage is a charming abode that served as the birthplace of renowned English writer Thomas Hardy. The historic building houses a visitor centre and boasts an idyllic garden. With its quaint ambience, visitors can immerse themselves in the legacy of one of England's most celebrated authors.
4.5
(617)
Dorchester, DT2 8QJ, UK, USA
5Donna S — Google reviewH S — Google reviewMichael S — Google reviewElisabeth C — Google reviewChristopher H — Google reviewJemD H — Google reviewDavid M — Google review•
Athelhampton House & Gardens
Mentioned on
Nature & Parks
Gift shop
Athelhampton House & Gardens is a Tudor mansion from 1485 located near the historic town of Dorchester. The gardens feature formal architecture and picturesque woodland scenery, with the Great Court showcasing pyramid-shaped yew trees. The house itself dates back to Tudor times and offers tours featuring grand fireplaces, classic and modern art, and historical attire. It also serves as a unique wedding venue, accommodating guests in the river cottage.
Stopped off to break up our journey home and so glad that we did. Beautiful gardens and so well laid out. The gardens are a good walk round and plenty of places to stop, rest and enjoy. House visit costs extra but well worth viewing. Lots of 'oh wow' moments, amazing craftsmanship and a very free and relaxed feel to the house.
The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable and they have a friendly house cat.
Food is nice with a lot of produce coming from their own garden, prices are usual for these type of places.
Overall one of the nicest house and gardens we've visited. Visiting the whole place can take anything from a quick half day to an easy three quarter day including lunch.
P A — Google review
Lovely gardens with beautiful flowers and water features. The tea room is light and airy with a tasty menu. Good clean facilities and plenty of car parking. Their is also an interesting house to visit on the grounds but on this occasion we didn't go in.
We recently visited Athelhampton House & Gardens for a family day out, but decided not to go inside the house itself, as we had newborns and a toddler with us. Instead, we enjoyed the beautiful outdoor spaces. We spent a relaxing time in the secluded picnic area before exploring the impressive grounds, which featured a lovely walled garden, several water features, and plenty of exotic plants to admire.
For lunch, we purchased food from the restaurant. Because we were sitting outside, the staff had to specially cater for us, as they normally only serve food indoors. This meant our meals came in takeaway containers, which wasn’t ideal, but understandable. My wife ordered two sandwiches (Cheese & Pickle, and Chicken Mayo) with side salads and drinks. The total came to nearly £30, and while the sandwiches were tasty, I felt they were a bit overpriced at £8-9 each.
That said, the staff were polite and very attentive, and we had a lovely afternoon overall. We’d definitely consider coming back in the future - especially when we’re not navigating the gardens with a double pushchair!
One of the best houses to visit. You are left alone to walk around at your own pace and time. Was greated just inside the house with a very nice lady who had a lovely bubbling personality. The gardens are very good and large. The food in the restaurant is very good and reasonably priced. Well worth a visit and we'll worth the entrance price.
The house has an amazinly preserved Tudor kitchen, rivalling Hampton Court's. The rest of the house is also gorgeous with lots of original Tudor elements, along with later additions and adaptations. The gardens are stunning, with lots of little nooks and almost secret little gardens all cobbled together; perfect for exploring one sunny afternoon.
The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Lovely little restaurant and gift shop too.
Spacious car park, with some electric charging points.
A very interesting house and gardens not too big or too small just right.
The house has 29 rooms to view and the gardens take about an hour to view.
You can take photos I. The house most unexpected.
The tea room is lovely and allows dogs, they are also allowed in the gardens but not in the house.
Plenty of parking including enough space for us to park our 6.36m long motorhome.
All the staff were very friendly and you are encouraged to ask questions of them.
I would really recommend his house and garden.
Lovely gardens even in the rain. The cafe is nice and has a decent size menu. The staff are lovely and the gardener is very knowledgeable
Lovely gardens with many quiet corners. River Piddle runs through. If you drive ev you can get one hour of free charging in the parking area.
4.6
(1221)
4.5
(953)
Athelhampton Rd, Puddletown, Dorchester DT2 7LG, United Kingdom
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6Rob S — Google reviewAgnes K — Google reviewJon B — Google reviewCharlie B — Google reviewThomas M — Google reviewAnushan V — Google reviewRick ) — Google review•
Sandbanks Ferry Terminal
Ferry terminal
Transportation
Ferries
The Sandbanks Ferry Terminal offers a charming and efficient way to cross the estuary, connecting you to the stunning landscapes of Studland and Swanage. Whether you're walking, cycling, motorbiking, or driving a car or camper van, this ferry ride is not only time-saving but also budget-friendly for foot passengers. After hopping on the bus from Poole to reach the terminal, I enjoyed a delightful journey across the water before exploring the scenic coastal path leading to Old Harry Rocks.
Delightful little ferry from Sandbanks across the estuary to the other side (Studland / Swanage) wether you are walking, cycling, motorbiking, car or camper it sure does save a lot of time. The cost for foot passengers is very good value for money £1 for a return journey. I caught the bus from Poole to the ferry terminal, caught the ferry and then took the coastal path to Old Harry Rocks! Beautiful area and scenery esp on a warm autumn's day. Great views and photo opportunities from the top deck.
Mo A — Google review
If you're on a motorbike, buy your ticket before you cross! They put you on at the front and off you go.
Great place to visit and admire the views. It doesn't matter if you are traveling on a ferry to the other side or just watching the ferrry from the shore. Both activities are fun :)
Well run. People managing the queues. Doesn’t always save time though v roving round.
It's a great place for photography but we got there a bit late
Great, really easy to cross to Shell Bay, and the prices are pretty reasonable
Beautiful beach with views of boats and ferries
A nice little trip across the water to start your holiday. It usually involves a lot of queueing and waiting, but is good fun once you are on board. Prices are reasonable for cars, bikes and people, but if you are driving a medium-sized camper van, then they charge the same amount as a lorry even if you only take up the same footprint as a large car, which makes it too expensive to use.
4.4
(121)
4.3
(1489)
Sandbanks, Poole, BH13 7QN, United Kingdom
7Gavin J — Google reviewS P — Google reviewYoYo — Google reviewRashid A — Google reviewPratik P — Google reviewEric K — Google reviewJKM C — Google review•
Bournemouth Pier
Mentioned on
Sights & Landmarks
Piers & Boardwalks
Bournemouth Pier, originally built in 1856 as a small jetty, has evolved into a Victorian pier featuring an amusement arcade, a variety theatre, and a cafe. Spanning over 1000ft long, it has been rebuilt multiple times due to storms and wartime precautions. Positioned at the heart of Bournemouth's beach, the pier serves as a starting point for seaside walks and offers various shops and attractions along its length.
Bournemouth Beach: The Perfect Spot for Family and Friends
Bournemouth Beach is an exceptional destination for those looking to enjoy quality time with family and friends. With its seven miles of golden sand and consistently high rankings among the UK's top beaches (even voted #1 in the UK by TripAdvisor in 2024), it offers ample space for relaxation and play.
The beach is well-equipped with amenities to ensure a comfortable visit, including cafes, restaurants, kiosks, and readily available toilets with baby changing facilities. Lifeguard patrols are active from early April to late September, providing peace of mind. For added convenience, beach huts, deckchairs, sunbeds, windbreaks, and parasols are available for hire.
Beyond the sun and sand, Bournemouth Beach and its surrounding area offer a wealth of activities. The iconic Bournemouth Pier is a hub of entertainment, featuring:
* RockReef: An indoor activity attraction with climbing walls, high ropes, and the world's first pier-to-shore zip wire, offering a thrilling experience for all ages.
* Amusement Arcades: Classic seaside fun for all the family.
* Key West Bar & Grill: A popular spot for food and drink.
For those looking to explore further, the Bournemouth Land Train runs along the promenade, making it easy to travel between different sections of the beach, including to Boscombe Pier. The nearby Lower Gardens also offer a beautiful green oasis with mini-golf and tropical greenhouses.
Whether you're building sandcastles, taking a refreshing dip in the "warmest sea temperatures in the UK," or trying out watersports like paddleboarding or surfing, Bournemouth Beach provides a fantastic backdrop for memorable moments with loved ones. It's a place where relaxation meets excitement, ensuring a great time for everyone.
Parth K — Google review
The pier itself is alright. Although, other than the zip line, restaurant and doughnut stand, there is nothing of interest for adults. A couple rides for the kids but is a bit pricey.
The amusement arcade at the start of the pier are very busy due to them being the only decent one in the area.
Great view from it though
A beautiful sandy beach and pier with the feeling of the Mediterranean to it. Plenty of eating places and things to do. Excellent for evening walks and just for relaxing. I would highly recommend to visit during summer with the good weather and longer days. Ideal for families and for those who want to chill!
The view was absolutely stunning — the sea, the fresh breeze, and the peaceful atmosphere made it such a relaxing experience. There’s something magical about being near the water. We really enjoyed our time there and would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting the area. A perfect spot for a calm walk or just to take in the beauty of the coast!
Beautiful spot with stunning sea views and a relaxing atmosphere. Great place for a walk, photos, or just enjoying the ocean breeze. There are fun activities nearby, plus cafés and ice cream stalls. Perfect for families, couples, or anyone visiting Bournemouth!
The beach is beautifully maintained and provides a perfect balance between relaxation and activity. Families appreciate the safe swimming waters, lifeguard-patrolled zones, and gentle waves that make it ideal for children. Those seeking adventure can enjoy water sport such as surfing, while the picturesque pier adds a touch of classic seaside charm with arcades, cafés, and entertainment.
Too expensive, only.
Three kids rides at the £3 for 1 token it's only about three , to four little rides rides and a duck pik up is a skydive cable?Go is from Endo pair back to beach.Edge but not open the big will is great sea life aquarium centre what's fantastic sandy beaches restaurant on pier bloody expensive
Great day out here, love the soft sand, clear waters, most people ruin it by leaving their trash behind, don't be that guy. Many reasonable places to stay and eat, cheaper and more options in town centre for some things, for accommodation a bit away from the sea front is cheaper. Didn't get on the observation wheel so can't comment. The weekend was way too busy and there were too many crowds but it could be because there were cheer leading competitions in the area, you can avoid them by moving further along the coastline or doing a week day visit. For those keen walkers you can walk from the coach/ train station to the sea front too.
4.4
(14245)
3.6
(2328)
Pier Approach, Bournemouth, BH2 5AA, United Kingdom
8Luke O — Google reviewPARKER M — Google reviewMinkee C — Google reviewStacey D — Google reviewElle F — Google reviewRobin C — Google reviewMark W — Google review•
Oceanarium
Mentioned on
Aquarium
Outdoor Activities
The Oceanarium, situated on Bournemouth Pier, is a captivating aquarium that provides an educational and entertaining experience for visitors. It offers a variety of activities such as feeding sessions with reef sharks, stingrays, turtles, otters, and penguins. The aquarium showcases diverse marine species including Nemo's friends - the clownfish, sharks, crocodiles, reptiles, and seahorses.
Great place! I really liked it! Everything is clean and there are great conditions for the pets! The fish are so beautiful! Turtles, sharks and rays... children can see everything very closely! The penguins are so curious and you can watch them for hours. Thanks for the wonderful and positive moments to all the staff. I will definitely bring my daughter and grandchildren here. I recommend it to everyone!💖
Jelena В — Google review
Great oceanarium to see a large variety of sea creatures including sharks penguins and a giant turtle! There is a small kids area halfway round for a little break and a couple of cafes with small areas to eat. It is a bit of an odd layout and there can be a bit of a wait for the lift to get to the buggy park. Having the tunnel to see the sharks being fed is great fun. It took us about 1.5 hours to go round and listen to one of the talks.
I went to the oceanarium for their shark feeding experience and it was so much fun! The guide, Lucas, was very nice and explained the whole process very well. After the experience I walked around the rest of the oceanarium and the place as a whole is very interesting with a lot of animals I haven't seen at other aquariums or ocenariums. Over all a fantastic place to visit!
A visit to Bournemouth Aquarium proved you can spend time while making the most of the town, making it an excellent choice for families particularly those with young children. The compact yet thoughtfully designed space offers an engaging mix of marine life and educational content, ideal for a half-day excursion regardless of the weather.Accessibility is a standout feature: a dedicated pram park, full wheelchair compatibility, and clear stair routes ensure smooth navigation for all visitors. The staff are courteous, well-informed, and deliver informative feeding talks throughout the day, adding real value to the experience. A Blue Light discount is also available, which is a welcome gesture. Minor areas for improvement include inconsistent hand sanitiser availability and a need for slightly better overall cleanliness. The on-site café offers convenient refreshments but has limited seating and premium pricing. The small indoor play area caters well to toddlers but feels restrictive for children aged 7 and above.Crowds build quickly, and some viewing areas can feel cramped during peak times. Visiting early or on a weekday will provide a more relaxed and immersive experience.Verdict: A well-executed, family-friendly attraction with strong educational value and thoughtful accessibility. Minor operational tweaks would elevate it further such as more interactions and more sea life. Highly recommended especially for little ones.
I just wanted to take the time and probably ramble a little on how amazing Chris was with my son when we came for the penguin experience. It was my son’s 10th birthday present, so had a lot of high expectations.
A little back story my son Nicholas fell in love with penguins at Bournemouth oceanarium and had a small penguin teddy since he was a baby. And his love has just grown over the years. When I saw that you had this experience I knew it would an amazing present for him.
I want sure what to expect but still what expectation I did have were far exceeded!! Chris was amazing, friendly, kind and patient. His knowledge was mind blowing and we learnt so much. You can honestly see and feel the love and care Chris has for all the animals you have.
This is a great day out! Loads to learn and see and the team are amazing!
We went for the Penguin Keeper Experience and it was incredible and so worth the money!! Chris was friendly and he was amazing at showing us around, teaching us things and giving us the best experience possible, thank you. We got a private tour of the aquarium, got to feed the fish and otters and most importantly got a lot of time with the penguins. It was such a fun date morning and I would highly recommend ! 🐧
Loved every minute here.
At first apprehensive about comming as ut looks small but dont let that deceive you.
It's got loads to see and do here with many educational boards and things to do. Loved the penguins and the shark tunnel. The jellies were cool to see to and the cute kids play area too.
Located on thr beach iys a lovely little side quest of your at the beach or just passing through. Staff were helpfull and kind.
I really liked this place!
When it was suggested that we visit I was sceptical as I am in my 50's and thought this would just be for the kids. In the end I spent over 3 hours here- looking at the penguins , sharks, fish and other creatures that were there. They all seem to be will looked after, and I thought it was really worth the entrance fee.
4.2
(6869)
3.9
(3279)
Pier Approach, Bournemouth, BH2 5AA, United Kingdom
9Steven — Google reviewLeah — Google reviewVanja B — Google reviewNickrapo — Google reviewJohn T — Google reviewStephen S — Google reviewESTHER — Google review•
Bournemouth Pier Amusements
Mentioned on
Video arcade
Outdoor Activities
The Bournemouth Pier Amusements video arcade features classic arcade games, as well as various food stalls. It is situated on the waterfront and was extremely busy when we visited on Sunday 24th April. The atmosphere was festive, with Christmas lights strung overhead. We were very happy to find that there are now less plastic and paper bags used for change, as this is a major environmental issue being addressed by Covid and Transference.
Traditional arcade with loads of 2p machines and grabbers. Don't think I've ever been to the pier without popping in for a quick go on something. Staff are lovely and there's always people on hand to help with issues. Games for all ages. Popular and busy all year round. Good value. Clean.
Ingrid S — Google review
Great pay out on a diverse range of fun machines. After getting what I wanted, I tried to get rid of my remaining 2p coins, only to come out with 2 more prizes!
I like coming here with my partner to play pinball, however the machines are set-up completely incorrectly! Currently, there are 3 positioned in the corner all at an angle. There’s only room for one person to play a machine at a time, otherwise you’re bumping shoulders.
I also wish they’d kept some of their older cabs from days gone. Getting rid of Sega Rally was a huge mistake!
I liked it here, deffo not that cheap, most games has really short rounds and to continue playing after you die you need to add more coins, but it is like any other arcade hall. I thought they had a good selection of games racing Sims and shooters. Even some cooler simulations, claw machines and other classics etc... make sure to bring cash as the card machine there charges you £1.99 to take out cash. But if you have any notes they trade them for coins for free. Most machines take contactless with a few exceptions.
Fantastic place to take the kids, we spent a lot of time playing all the machines and enjoying the whole pier area, I needed help while in the amusements with directions and places to go so I asked a worker within the amusements called Kevin, he was brilliant! He was very kind and helpful and helped me with all my questions regarding the area. He even told me of local eateries and places to take the kids within the Bournemouth area. I totally recommend visiting this area of Bournemouth
Team member Danny showed some of the most heart warming acts of kindness I have ever seen. You made Mums visit to the arcade today in Bournmouth extra special awarding her a toy dragon!
Thank you so much, you don't know how lovely your gesture was.
Give this man a pay rise! We'll done Danny!
Absolutely rammed, 2p machines didn't have a lot of prizes in when we got there so maybe they don't refill them quickly enough.
The pier itself was closing by 6pm which is weird for the middle of the summer holidays.
I loveeee this arcade!! It’s great! Everything is really cheap- most of the games are £1 and there’s a mixture of coins and contactless so there’s something for everyone. Great variety of games as well! When I’m back in Bournemouth I’m going straight there 👾🕹️!!
4.1
(1276)
4.5
(9046)
W Undercliff Promenade, Bournemouth, BH2 5AA, United Kingdom
10Kirsty J — Google reviewClaire — Google reviewPB — Google reviewCarmen S — Google reviewDavid H — Google reviewMumtominibeasts — Google reviewRoy T — Google review•
Bournemouth International Centre
Mentioned on
Live music venue
Conference center
Conference & Convention Centers
Nestled along the stunning south coast, the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) stands out as a premier venue for both conferences and entertainment. With an impressive capacity of up to 10,000 guests, it features four versatile halls that cater to a diverse range of events including concerts, comedy shows, exhibitions, and even sports activities. The BIC is not just about large-scale gatherings; it also plays host to the annual Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival each October.
With a multi-storey car park next door, you're ok for somewhere to park, but I would suggest you pay for your parking before you leave the event to get out quicker. We only took about 20 minutes but I have heard stories about taking an hour to get out. The venue itself is very nice, modern and well-managed. I have seen many bands play there, and always had a good experience. Staff are helpful. Easy to get in and out of.
Kazandra1 — Google review
First time in a long time going to the BIC, went to watch Tom Grennan. No issue with the queue, staff were all friendly and polite, dealt amazingly with a couple of medical emergencies in the crowd. Wasn't ridiculously hot or packed. Great night, will be back!
Have visited twice over the last few months. First time was to see Adam Ant. This visit wasn’t great. I queued for ages for merch. There was no organisation from the sellers and they just stuck to the middle. In the end I gave up. Second visit was to see five. The merch sellers were much more organised , so I’m guessing this is down to the artists more than the venue? Other than that bar staff work hard and are helpful. Prices are what are to be expected for a venue place. Plenty of toilets too which were handy. I think the experience here depends on who you are seeing but can’t fault any other staff or cleanliness of the place.
I have been going to the bic for years now and seen lots of bands here. Recently scissor sisters and chase and status. It's a third the size of most big arena venues meaning even in the furthest seats or standing places you'll get a better view than the O2 or Birmingham. Atmosphere is always great, bar staff could be quicker but it's busy so to be expected.
Great night watching Australian Pink Floyd. Love the BIC. It was our second time there. Seating was great. Staff helpful.
Great Venue. Within walking distance of many nearby hotels and near the Pier. Saw John Bishop here. Funny Down to earth Man. My wife and I don't usually buy food or drink at concert venues as we find its usually expensive. At the end of the event we saw there was a big queue to pay for parking, a big queue to get into the carpark next door and a bigger wait to get out of the car park. As an alternative have a look for Beacon Road Car Park. A short walk away and we noticed it was almost empty as we walked back to our hotel.
Graduation 🎓 day for Bournemouth uni and it was great, venue had plenty of parking 🅿️ next door so convenient but a little pricey but the cost of convenient parking.
The inside was great, clean had bars and the staff and security were on form!
Don’t be surprised by the pleasant building and friendly service of this local venue, but we were also impressed by the quality of the concert, especially how clean the bass guitar sound was. We had pre-booked parking, and experienced no queue in or out, even though the reg recognition didn’t work. Only wish is a cup holder for our wine. Brilliant night out without travelling far. Highly recommended.
4.4
(5851)
4.1
(1330)
International Centre, Exeter Rd, Bournemouth, BH2 5BH, United Kingdom
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Bournemouth Parks - Lower Gardens
Mentioned on
Park
Nature & Parks
Gardens
Bournemouth Parks - Lower Gardens is a beautifully maintained Victorian-designed green space just a few minutes' walk from the shoreline. It features gorgeous floral displays, an aviary, mini-golf course, and a large rock garden. The park also hosts regular live music performances at the bandstand and seasonal events such as open-air art exhibitions in summer and Christmas Tree Wonderland in winter. Visitors can enjoy picnics amidst plenty of green space.
Beautiful park. Has lower and high parks. This takes you yo Bournemouth Beach, the pier, cafes, and amusements.
Has ice cream stores and coffee shops.
Has crazy golf coarse. Loving stream along the park walk.
Really nice family day out.
Hug D — Google review
A town that has, sadly, lost its place as a gem for holidays. Run down hotels, overflowing bins, overrun with deliveroo Just Eats etc. delivery bikes. An edgy atmosphere down by the pier... not a policeman in sight. Avoid
Always love walking around the gardens. If you fancy a longer walk you can walk through the gardens all the way to Westbourne centre.
Food: We ordered Cod and chips. The portions were large and everything tasted good. We were hungry after a day of travelling and walking around so as usual I forgot to take before photos.
The beers were welcome as well.
Service: The service was excellent with all of the staff friendly and pleasant to deal with. Our server explained the menu and the what ‘scraps’ were.
Bournemouth Lower Gardens is a delightful spot for both locals and visitors. The gardens are well-maintained and offer a peaceful escape with their lush greenery and scenic pathways. It’s a perfect place for a leisurely stroll, enjoying the fresh air, or having a picnic.
The gardens are equipped with various facilities, including ice cream kiosks and seating areas, making it convenient to relax and enjoy the surroundings. There’s also a mini-golf course and an aviary, adding to the charm and providing entertainment for all ages. 
The atmosphere is calm and inviting, with plenty of spots to sit and unwind. Whether you’re looking to read a book, people-watch, or simply enjoy nature, the Lower Gardens offers a serene environment.
Overall, Bournemouth Lower Gardens is a must-visit for anyone in the area. It’s a beautiful and tranquil place that adds to the charm of Bournemouth
Lovely & lively gardens well worth visiting. Lots of kiosks selling snacks & ice cream.. Well maintained.
Beautiful, interesting. Plus, one end is the lovely but busy beach, the other end that great value for money institution, Wetherspoons.
Visited here while staying in Bournemouth,
Lots of greenery and open spaces with lots of benches and places to rest, and a peaceful relaxing area, a small river runs through it, there is a crazy golf style putting area here, and some kiosks one small one sells ice-cream and some snacks etc, there's another larger one that sells food and hot and cold drinks with seating and tables outside it, there's up steps or by the slope an aviary with lots of different birds in, when this new aviary was built years ago now, they inadvertently made it with double layers of mesh that caused people to not be able to see the birds very well if at all, this has now been changed and adults and children alike can enjoy seeing them again,
Take a visit when you're in Bournemouth, it's definitely worth it,
4.6
(5389)
4.6
(2108)
Westover Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5AH, United Kingdom
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Russell Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
Mentioned on
Art gallery
Museums
The Russell Cotes Art Gallery & Museum is a captivating historic house located in Bournemouth, England. Built by Merton Russell-Cotes as a birthday gift for his wife Annie in 1901, this extravagant Art Nouveau-style villa overlooks the sea and showcases the couple's love for art, travel, world cultures, and natural history. The museum features an impressive collection of British art, along with oriental souvenirs gathered from around the globe by the Russell-Cotes family.
What a unique place! This beautiful building was lovingly created by Merton Russell Coates and his wife Annie. It has now been donated to Bournemouth as a museum. There are many beautiful paintings and sculptures, but the building itself is worth a visit. And what a beautiful garden and terrace! I decided to find out more about these people. This is an amazing story of a couple who traveled the world collecting all the treasures. I am absolutely delighted! I recommend everyone to visit this place and touch the history of this house and its history!
Jelena В — Google review
Art gallery and museum in a well thought out Victorian setting, and thoughtful inclusiveness.
Such a beautiful architectural building and gardens blending old and contemporary, located on the seafront pedestrian walkway half way up the hill east of the Promenade, with large public car park a minutes walk away.
Wonderful modern cafe and charming sea views.
All the staff were very friendly, welcoming and helpful.
Well worth a visit, allow a couple of hours.
Entry charge to the galleries, but the cafe and shop are free to enter.
A real find! Not only does this gallery have an incredible main collection, it often has well curated special exhibitions - at the moment there is one on May Morris, which is well worth catching. The building itself is absolutely stunning, and a big reason to visit.
All of the architecture is so interesting you'll spend half your time staring at the walls, ceiling and incredible views.
The gallery has a number of paintings by Edwin Long, which are beautiful. I couldn't help but buy a number of prints.
And the tea room makes a lovely sandwich too!
This was my second visit and I'll be back again, no doubt.
An absolute highlight of my tour of Bournemouth and the surrounding areas, I just happened to go on a day when entry was free, however, I would definitely have happily paid full price, I did in fact make a donation. Once you get to the main museum part of the building, you will find a collection like no other. It is part art gallery, part museum rolled into one building that is as stunning on the outside as it is on the inside. My one tip would be, don't forget to look up at the ceilings in every room (they're nearly as wonderful as the collection)
We easily spent 2+ hours between the cafe and visiting the many rooms. It's amazing how much these people collected and what was considered acceptable in those days to be displayed to visitors. Those who appreciate the arts and crafts of the Victorian period will appreciate what's to be found here. Lifts are available to get you to most places in the building.
The jewel in Bournemouth's art and architecture crown. Fascinating Victorian collection in the home gifted to the town by Sir Merton and Lady Russell-Cotes. As well as the museum of the house there is extensive art galleries for the collection of paintings and sculptures and a exhibition gallery with regularly changing exhibits and displays. The cafe area, gift shop and family history introduction video's and displays, as well as the gardens are all free of charge. Just ask at reception.
You'll spend hours and still discover some artifact you missed from last time.
A five star rating is not enough for this museum and art galleries. Definitely more than a 'rainy day' alternative, the views of the beach, sea and purbeck hills are spectacular.
A truly delightful and almost hypnotic museum and art gallery, definitely a must-visit in Bournemouth. The Russell Cotes Art Gallery, with its extensive history, holds the unique distinction, not only of its blend of classic and contemporary art forms and styles, but how they seamlessly blend the two together in a fantastically visceral way. The staff are also very helpful and kind too. Definitely a place to get lost in if youre in the area!
if you love arts and history, this museum carried so much stories in objects and beautiful architecture. i would suggest to take the tour that usually happens in designated hour, the guide was really insightful and clearly a wonderful storyteller.
4.7
(2282)
4.6
(2291)
Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum East, W Cliff Promenade, Bournemouth BH1 3AA, United Kingdom
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National Trust - The Needles Old Battery & New Battery
Mentioned on
affordable
Museum
The National Trust's Needles Old Battery, dating back to 1862, offers visitors a chance to explore recreated rooms, an underground tunnel, and original guns. Perched above the iconic Needles Rocks, it provides stunning views of the geological formation. The tea-room in an old look-out tower serves refreshments with dramatic vistas of the rocks and Dorset in the distance.
The Needles Old Battery feels like a lookout post at the edge of the world. The views are amazing, though it must have been quite a lonely place to live. The exhibition is great, with a mix of history and scenery. Don’t miss the underground observation room. The long, dark passage leading to it is a bit spooky but worth it. And be sure to walk up the slope to the rooftop. The sea view on the other side is just as stunning!
Issac — Google review
Love a National Trust, and if you are doing Tennyson Down it is definitely worth stopping by the Old Fort. I really liked how they have restored parts of the site and brought it to life. It is not very big so it does not take long to go around, but it is nice to wander through and the views of the Needles are amazing and were the real highlight. They also have a tea room, which to be honest was not that great, a bit of a shame given how lovely some other National Trust tea rooms are. It could have been something really charming like the one at the lighthouse in Dorset. The walk to the fort was another highlight and is so beautiful with lots of wildlife. A really stunning area.
an incredible couple of hours spent here. We got a return on the cable car, £10 per adult. Really good price. Had beautiful views of the ocean coming down, we then went straight onto the boat ride, again incredibly priced. 20 mins out to sea and a view of the needles, beautiful sights. We were lucky enough to have stunning weather. Cable car back up to the top after a lovely walk along the beach and then made our sand jars and played crazy golf. Hasn't changed since I came when I was little.
Beautiful autumn day for a hike and this didn't disappoint. Stunning views of the Needles. Well worth the trek. You can also drive but why would you if you can manage the coastal path then do. It's beautiful.
It took about 30 min with kids to wander along to here from the car park (tell them you’re an NT member for £2 off).
Did it on a hot and sunny day but lovely views on the way and from the battery. Interesting displays and the tunnel down is cool, if not pretty narrow!
Place to get a coffee and plenty of places to sit and eat a picnic.
Worth a visit especially if an NT member.
Great history about the Fort listed. I recommend a visit if you go. Not too expensive to get in but it is a national trust place so it's a must do if you have a membership.
Very windy when I went so be prepared when walking along the cliff top.
There is an enclosed walk way to a view advantage point inside the cliff, at some points this is narrow so I wouldn't recommend if you are claustrophobic
A bit of a walk from the 'Needles Attraction' but it's on a fairly level road. There's not much at the Old Battery but it's worth a look if you're a NT member. Probably not worth the entrance if not. If you pick a decent day, the views are spectacular though.
Very interesting area to visit, you can walk but I recommend taking the open top bus to get there - great views. There is a cafe and shop.
4.6
(1722)
4.4
(1333)
West High Down, Alum Bay, PO39 0JH, United Kingdom
14Mohammad K — Google reviewArthur R — Google reviewJanet S — Google reviewKaren A — Google reviewSaron T — Google reviewBleubirdy99 — Google reviewRithuTheExplorer V — Google review•
The Needles Landmark Attraction
Mentioned on
Historical landmark
Nature & Parks
The Needles Landmark Attraction in Alum Bay is a family-friendly destination with a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. From the unique chairlift offering stunning views of the iconic Needles Rocks and Trinity Lighthouse to sand filling shops, adventure golf, boat trips, and a traditional carousel, there's something for everyone. Visitors can also explore artisan offerings at the Alum Bay Glass Studio and Isle of Wight Sweet Manufactory.
The Needles Landmark Attraction is an amazing place to visit with stunning views and plenty to enjoy for all ages. The cable car ride down to the beach is absolutely breathtaking, offering panoramic views of the cliffs, sea, and the iconic Needles rocks. The attractions and shops are fun and family-friendly, and the area is well organized with great facilities. The mix of natural beauty and adventure makes it a perfect day out. A must-see experience when visiting the Isle of Wight — unforgettable and worth every moment!
Harsha J — Google review
The Needles Landmark Attraction is absolutely worth visiting – a true highlight of the Isle of Wight! The views are breathtaking, and the chairlift ride is an unforgettable experience, offering stunning sights of the cliffs, sea, and the famous Needles. It’s something everyone should try at least once.
There are a couple of small areas that could be improved. The food section could offer a bit more variety and quality, and clearer signage for the beach path (especially placed above the queue area) would make things easier for visitors. That said, the chairlifts themselves were excellent – smooth, safe, and such a unique way to take in the scenery.
Overall, a fantastic attraction that I would highly recommend to anyone visiting the Isle of Wight. Don’t miss it!
Lovely place to visit on the Ilse of Wight. It was a very windy day on our visit to the Needles. We took a trip on the cable car that takes you down to the foreshore,what an experience it was as your lowered over the cliff edge. There is plenty of things to do to keep the kids occupied and the area is disabled friendly. There is a lovely coffee shop selling tea and coffee,soft drinks and cakes ect. A couple of gift shop also. Toilets on site are clean. Large car park. £6.00 per vehicle, £4.00 if a member of the National trust. Also there is a beautiful glass shop.
We went in a bank holiday. Narrow roads leading to the site along with many coaches and cars. We paid £6 for the car park and disabled were allowed to park at the bottom on the field but it was still a mobility navigation issue getting down to the main road. It was very busy. We walked through there gates and had an ice cream with flake. There were many tables with seating but these were mainly full with people eating the various foods (curry was in the air) and picnics. As we walked through the site along- the chair lifts were on the right and the queue to get in was vast. We stood on the platform at the end overlooking the needles . We don’t use the telescope but the pictures bought it closer. For us it was hot and crowded and we stayed about 1.5hrs. Makes the parking expensive . Didn’t know about the boat trip.
Lots of fun for the whole family. Recommend a ride on the chair lift to Alum Bay where you will find the beautiful coloured sands. There are steps down to the beach. You can also get a boat to The Needles to see them from the sea. There are cafes, shops, crazy golf and rides to go on.
This view is simply unforgettable and so relaxing! The vast blue sky, the sea, and the dramatic green cliffs make for pure natural beauty. The best part was the unexpected rainbow over the water—it was truly amazing! Highly recommend a visit here for the stunning views.
You have to visit The Needles when you come to Isle of Wight!
We loved our The Needles visit! We paid £10 each for return tickets for the chairlift option to get down to the small Needles beach! Totally worth it saves us from climbing up and down the steep staircase!
And then when we got to the bottom of the beach, we paid another extra £9 each for a 20mins boat ride which is also another must do, the boat guide was excellent and very knowledgeable on the whole of the needles landmark!
Amazing views and a fun place to visit. The chairlift ride is the highlight, giving you fantastic views of the Needles and the bay. Easy to get around, plenty of parking, and great for photos.
4.3
(14952)
3.6
(4889)
Alum Bay New Rd, Alum Bay, Totland Bay PO39 0JD, United Kingdom
15Tim C — Google reviewJ L — Google reviewDan W — Google reviewPeter C — Google reviewJoanne F — Google reviewAnita M — Google reviewElizabeth H — Google review•
National Trust - Mottistone Gardens
Mentioned on
affordable
Garden
Nature & Parks
Mottistone Gardens, located in West Wight near Brighstone, is a captivating Mediterranean-style garden surrounding an Elizabethan manor house. This National Trust property offers a delightful experience with its colorful floral displays, fragrant herbaceous borders, and hidden pathways to explore. Visitors can enjoy the enchanting scenery throughout the seasons, from blankets of spring flowers to vibrant autumn foliage.
Fantastic gardens with beautiful flowers and the potential for a red squirrel sighting (provided no loud dogs are around). Truly a top tier national trust location
Christopher — Google review
Nice location for a family day out when it's warm. Not too big, took us around an hour or so, small cake and coffee stall. The seating is outdoors and there is some cover. Unfortunately we didn't get to see inside the house 😔 but the gardens were lovely and we saw all the squirrels.
This is a lovely garden and gateway to the Downs behind. We have been coming here for many many years. The gardens are adapting to climate change so look different to what they were a few years ago. Some areas look a little less cared for than of late but again perhaps understandable. The cafe too is a shadow of a few years ago, with now a more standard NT offering rather than stand out (no savoury ploughman’s with their own produce). The staff are all very friendly & helpful so top marks there.
A fabulous experience, one of the best National Trust properties I’ve visited.
The gardens are absolutely spectacular especially with one of the viewpoints overlooking the sea in the foreground.
A must visit when either driving or cycling on the island.
We love walking over the downs from Freshwater Bay to Mottistone. The gardens are always beautiful. Many flowers still in bloom in autumn.
Really pretty house and gardens, the book shop is in the house it's with lots of books, the gardens are impeccable, the little cafe was lovely with pleasant friendly service and delicious food
Had an enjoyable hour or two at peaceful Mottistone - borders being kept well and eye-catching seasonal pumpkins and squashes on display. Lovely dahlias and herbaceous plants with glimpses of the sea. Despite press reports about volunteer gardeners being sacked by the NT, those that remain were friendly and welcoming.
What a lovely place, small but perfectly formed. We loved our visit. Beautiful gardens and such friendly volunteers. Definitely worth a visit.
4.6
(1218)
4.5
(481)
Mottistone, Newport, PO30 4ED, United Kingdom
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16Mark — Google reviewWendy — Google reviewCarrie — Google reviewSandra L — Google reviewTom D — Google reviewBen D — Google reviewAdam W — Google review•
Tapnell Farm Park
Mentioned on
Sights & Landmarks
Farm
Tapnell Farm Park is a farm-themed amusement park located near Yarmouth in West Wight. It offers a variety of activities for visitors, including go-kart rides, sledge slides, and play areas. The park features a petting zoo with farm animals as well as exotic creatures like wallabies and meerkats. Additionally, there are indoor and outdoor attractions such as soft play areas and adventure activities like zip wires and trampolines.
We visited here when we were on holiday. It is a fantastic place to take your children. We have a 1 and 3 year old and they had the best time. The indoor soft play was fantastic and clean. As it was a hot day there was plenty of things to do while keeping out of the sun. Especially the shaded picnic area which was outside. My toddler loved the go karts and the inflatable obstacle course. Lots to do and see. Would totally recommend coming here!
Kat H — Google review
We had a brilliant family day out at Tapnell Farm on the Isle of Wight! As two adults and two children, we found there was so much to keep everyone happy. The kids loved meeting the animals, racing around the adventure play areas, and splashing about at the fantastic Aqua Park – definitely a highlight of the day! We also enjoyed a lovely meal at The Cow restaurant, which had delicious food and a really friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Everything was clean, well organised, and set in such a beautiful location. A perfect mix of fun, food, and fresh air – we can’t wait to come back!
A great day out for kids of all ages. we only spent the afternoon here and with only one 5 year old that was fine. But with more kids or older ones I think you could easily spend the whole day here.
Loved it here. So much to do for the kids. Football golf was a huge success with my footie crazy boys. The animal park was great, we especially loved feeding the wallabies.
We went off peak One of my party was a wheelchair user, all the staff was super helpful, as we went in off peak season we didn't have to queue for anything, a very child friendly place, And that is so much to keep them entertained for hours we ate at the restaurant the cow. The food is amazing.
Great place for the kids. Went with a toddler and plenty to do and enjoy. Was very clean and everything looked extremely well kept. Animals were happy, selection of animals inside and out. Inside and outside play areas so would be good in all weathers. Didn’t go in the soft play as the weather was lovely but this also looked great. We went in March so was quiet and brilliant that we got to use everything without any waits. Meant we didn’t have to book either but it is slightly cheaper buying online, £1. Also very good that there were no extra charges for some of the play equipment unlike some park farms. Shop and cafe and plenty of parking.
A fantastic place for a day out for a family with children of all ages, whatever the weather. With helpful friendly staff, reasonable prices to eat and drink or space to bring your own food but crucially plenty of space it is hard to fault as a children’s farm.
We only did the Aqua Park but it was a fantastic experience for an hour with plenty to do and very little queueing for each obstacle. Perfect for a hot day, though the option of wetsuits means colder days would be catered for too.
4.7
(2648)
4.6
(1024)
Tapnell Farm House, Newport Rd, Yarmouth PO41 0YJ, United Kingdom
17Mary C — Google reviewCharlotte C — Google reviewJamie C — Google reviewMonica R — Google reviewSPH — Google reviewRebecca M — Google reviewJohn H — Google review•
West Wight Alpacas & Llamas
Mentioned on
Sights & Landmarks
Farm
West Wight Alpacas & Llamas is a unique animal attraction on the Isle of Wight, home to around 60 alpacas, 13 llamas, and various other animals. Visitors can wander around the farm to meet the animals and also enjoy a walking experience with them. The farm features a cafe and shop for visitors to relax in after their visit.
Wonderful
Venue.
Well cared for animals.
Too many alpacas to count and lots of babies.
Llamas, donkeys, goats pigs and rabbits also in residence.
Great to feed them and see in beautiful countryside setting.
Lovely well stocked shop.
Friendly helpful lady in
The shop.
It was a shame the cafe was closed. Might be worth having cold drinks and water in the shop.
Recommend a visit.
Heather S — Google review
A lovely place to bring the kids for some fresh air and fun. Our children absolutely loved feeding the alpacas, goats and donkeys. There are many different animals to say Hi to. Dogs are not allowed in but there is a little cafe in car park where they do a great mocha and latte.
Our visit coincided with a new baby alpaca being born... amazing to be that close to nature at its best. Well worth a visit to this lovely place. Really friendly and helpful staff too. You can buy tubs of food as you go in to feed the animals.
Came here having been recommended by our AirBnB host. We had a lovely walk with Gilbert, Friday and Fidget the alpaca’s, led by our guide Laura. Laura was incredibly informative and interactive, answering all our questions with a smile! We also saw a 3 hour old alpaca baby which was a real treat! It’s clear this farm is looked after by a real tight-knit family and all the animals are well loved. Thank you so much for having us!
Had a lovely walk with the Alpacas. The lady who was the guide for this was really good, told us lot's of stuff and came up with great parings between the guests and their Alpacas.
There is also a number of other animals you can see (and feed if you like), a small shop and a small tea shop.
The parking can be a bit confusing as to the right you suddenly feel like you're parking in a private area. Could also do with an extra toilet.
Lovely experience! Totally worth your money! Thank you so much gummy bear for allowing us to walk you! Great service and really nice people!
What a great farm, my 5yr old daughter and all the adults absolutely loved it, the animals were all amazing and very cute, the way the alpacas 'speak' is just too sweet. An absolutely must visit if you're on the IoW
Happy well cared for animals, they are certainly eager for the food which can be purchased upon entry for £2. Great fun meeting the llamas, alpacas and goats.
I absolutely love it, great experience for all the family, especially if you do the walking with them. All the staff were knowledgeable about everything and enthusiastic as well.
Highly recommended.
4.7
(832)
4.5
(637)
Wellow Alpaca Stud, Main Rd, Yarmouth PO41 0SZ, United Kingdom
18Jennifer P — Google reviewStephanie W — Google reviewRoy P — Google reviewTavis H — Google reviewJames P — Google reviewGillian H — Google reviewSarah — Google review•
Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park
Mentioned on
Nature & Parks
Farm
The Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park is a conservation center and family attraction featuring rare-breed heavy horses, blacksmith displays, and a petting zoo. Visitors can enjoy heavy horse carriage rides, pony grooming, animal petting, and daily demonstrations. The park also offers adventure activities, play barns, vintage fairground rides for children. With its rich history dating back 1,000 years, the center provides educational experiences such as tractor rides and learning about farm animals.
Three generations had a wonderful day here at Heavy Horse Farm. Once you've paid your entrance fee, all the activities and attractions (and there are SO many!) are free. It's not just about the horses, there are so many other things to enjoy too. You can bring a picnic as we did. It's a very safe space for children to just have a great fun day. My granddaughter who's autistic, was treated with kindness and allowed to help with the feeding and leading.
Maggie W — Google review
What a fantastic gem of a place. The horses all have their own characters and are so well looked after. The staff here are all so friendly and knowledgeable and more than happy to spend time talking to you. There’s so much to do here for both adults and kids. We had the best time here thank you so so much.
My last visit was back in 2015 with my then 8yr old daughter, so it was only fair that I took my now 9yr old son to the same Horse Farm.
It was lovely to see that it had some new improvements, but it was lovely to see it still had lots of the same things when I last visited.
The horses all looked well loved and cared for, and its great to offer activities and mini history sessions to teach the new generations of the importance of our horses and how they helped Shape the world we live in today.
My son loved the same things as my daughter, feeding the horses, riding the pedal go-cart, petting the rabbits and reading and listening to the history of the horses.
It was a shame we didn’t get to go on a horse and cart ride, but that was our fault as we didn’t arrive til 12:30pm and with it being the summer holidays.
The staff were all friendly, the main man, who seemed to be here there and everywhere was great, I believe it was the same gentleman who let my daughter sit in the front of the horse and cart ride.
The facilities were clean and reasonable.
We didn’t eat here, but the cakes looked good.
Easy to find and lots of parking spaces.
Thoroughly enjoyed my visit again and will continue to recommend it to anyone who is holidaying in the area.
I also got a lovely head hug from UNO 🥰
A really good, fun day out. We took our daughter for her 2nd birthday and we all loved it. The staff are incredibly friendly and welcoming and full of fascinating information and you can tell they have a genuine passion for the animals. It was great to step back in time and see the vintage machinery, the old farm ways and the world war Mockups. All related to horses through the years. What was really nice was the free rides and games dotted about and refreshing that there wasn't an extra fee for these.
There is a western themed cafe with a really good choice of food and kids menu and the portions are really generous. I had the ploughman's and was not disappointed. We spent a full day here and will definitely come back to this hidden gem.
A Wonderful Day at Dorset Heavy Horse Centre
From the moment we arrived, the warmth and friendliness of the staff made us feel completely at ease. Everyone was welcoming, helpful, and clearly passionate about what they do. A special mention goes to Richard, the owner, whose deep knowledge and enthusiasm for the heavy horses truly brought the experience to life. His informative talks added so much value and made the visit both educational and enjoyable.
The entire day was a delight—peaceful, well-organised, and full of charm. Whether you're an animal lover, a history enthusiast, or just looking for a pleasant countryside escape, this place ticks all the boxes. Highly recommended for families, couples, or anyone wanting a unique and memorable outing.
Really excellent. My 3 year old loved it and was entertained for nearly 4 hours. The day was well rhought through choreographed with friendly, helpful and knowledgeable staff offering a variety of talks and activities. Although the horses are the star attraction, there's other animals and things to do in the old way tgat is becoming a lost art. Spoiler alert, you'll leave feeling a lot better than when you enter.
The Farm was well worth a visit. The heavy horses are beautiful and it was worth going just to see them. The talks were interesting and informative. The WW1 trench was unexpected but educational.
There are a lot of play areas and animals for children to enjoy and it is certainly a place I would take grandchildren if I had them!
We turned up on spec and had no problem getting in, however we were warned that the previous day coach parties filled the place up. So, I would book in advance in the future.
I’d definitely recommend this place for families with little children, children can feed animals & brush ponies’s hair, wagon ride, & tractor ride, & so much more activities.
They also have a very sweet staff with so much information about different kinds of horses, breeding, & wagon history.
if i were the owner i’d add pony rides for double fun.
& thanks again everyone was so sweet 🙏🏻
Love from Kuwait 🇰🇼❤️
4.7
(1360)
4.5
(1191)
Edmondsham Road, Verwood, BH21 5RJ, United Kingdom
19Andy H — Google reviewJenny B — Google reviewLaura A — Google reviewPeter B — Google reviewVeronica C — Google reviewCat M — Google reviewAlison C — Google review•
Shaftesbury Abbey, Museum and Garden Trust
Mentioned on
Museum
Abbey
Shaftesbury Abbey, Museum and Garden Trust is a historic site with stunning views of Blackmore Vale. Established by King Alfred the Great in AD888, it was a significant Benedictine nunnery for over 650 years. Although much of the abbey was destroyed during Henry VIII's reign, visitors can explore its remains through the onsite museum and gardens.
Shaftesbury Abbey, Museum and Garden Trust is a beautiful and peaceful historic site full of charm and heritage. The ruins of the abbey are fascinating, set within stunning, well-kept gardens that create a calm and reflective atmosphere. The museum offers interesting exhibits that tell the story of the abbey’s rich past and its role in English history. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, adding warmth to the visit. A wonderful place to explore, combining history, nature, and serenity — truly deserving of five stars!
Harsha J — Google review
The Abbey ruins and small museum are well worth a visit on a day out in Shaftesbury. Entry is free but there is the opportunity to make a donation. The ruins are well presented and there is plenty of information available plus places to sit on a nice day. There is a gift shop that sells ice cream, books etc. The museum is small but interesting. All in all its pleasant if not spectacular. Makes a part of a good day out in the town.
Shaftesbury Abbey was a lovely addition to our family afternoon outing (We have a toddler and baby). The museum provided a really helpful insight into the Abbey, it’s long history, and what it would have been like to live and work there. What’s left of the Abbey after it was destroyed has been really thoughtfully displayed with information about each section of the original buildings. The gardens are beautiful, well kept with areas cordoned off for safety and to preserve Abbey remnants. There were activities for children in the museum including a wooden Abbey puzzle, dress up basket and interactive screen. There was a peaceful and respectful atmosphere and we enjoyed our visit.
Great reception and employees! Beautiful visit and very interesting history. Well explained, concise and dynamic. Beautiful garden and overall very interesting!
Free entry. Interesting, tranquil spot close to the historic town centre. Great views from the entrance and close to Gold Hill (Hovis ad)
It’s a very old museum, there is a free Gide and free entrance it’s full of history about nuns and religion, the stuff are very friendly and happy to talk with you about the all long history about Abbey and Gardens.
We were greeted by a very friendly and knowledgeable volunteer, who gave us an intro to the history of the Abbey, and asked if our kids would like to do the scavenger hunt/quiz which lead us nicely around the grounds and kept the kids engaged. It was short and sweet, and a lovely stop on our walk around Shaftesbury!
Absolutely stunning location, perched high on a hill overlooking the medieval town of Shaftesbury. The museum will be open again in April 2024 as its only open April to October each year. Whilst standing at the locked gates I saw the ghost of a nun wearing a white habit. I looked this up later and found that style of dress was worn there in the 1500’s! This validates my sighting. I will return when it opens in April. Went in August and it was a beautiful, not too hot day. Lovely volunteers and relaxing garden. Highly recommended!
4.7
(273)
4.5
(160)
Park Walk, Shaftesbury, SP7 8JR, United Kingdom
20Rog E — Google reviewAndy H — Google reviewIsabell B — Google reviewGeraldine B — Google reviewSimon H — Google reviewAngela L — Google reviewAndrea M — Google review•
Gold Hill Museum
Mentioned on
Museum
Cultural center
Specialty Museums
Nestled at the summit of the iconic Gold Hill, the Gold Hill Museum is a charming destination that invites visitors to explore local history through its captivating exhibitions. Housed in two beautifully restored buildings—once a priest's residence and a lodging house for market traders—the museum showcases an array of artifacts that tell the story of Shaftesbury from its early days, dating back to Alfred the Great, right up to contemporary times.
Visited gold hill today in Shaftesbury and popped in to the museum
Des E — Google review
Interesting town museum which has objects and documents of the town and its industries. It’s larger than it looks and you can spend some time rambling around the rooms. The building was the priest’s house and then a pub. There’s a small shop and a garden with good views over the valley
If you are fit enough you really need to walk Gold Hill which was made famous by the Hovis adverts. The museum is at the top of the hill, it is small, free to enter and full of interesting stuff. Is one of those places where you can breeze through and see a few things that interest you or spend ages looking at everything. Sadly we've got to the age where we recognised some of the exhibits from grandparents homes. The staff were friendly and helpful and we enjoyed the visit.
Picturesque views:) Small little village. It was very windy and rainy day when I visited so couldn’t explore much but managed to take a few nice shots, I think? 😉
Wonderful little gem. It's free to enter, with option to donate at the start/finish. Two floors of themed rooms with reference to Shaftesbury and the area. Very interesting, learnt loads. Well laid out with lots of information and very friendly and helpful guides on hand. Excellent
Unfortunately we didn't see outside due to the torrential rain, but the inside displays were a dry, great distraction.
Fantastic little bit of history with plenty for the kids to do.
Beautifully presented with a sprinkle of humour 👌
All for a donation. So please do sa it's run by volunteers.
Gold Hill, Shaftesbury. We visited here on the way back from a week in Dorset. It is simply Stunning! So picturesque and pretty. There was also a Christmas Market with plenty of stalls and shops to browse around. A truly beautiful place and well worth a visit.
A very interesting and well layed out museum, walking through the different rooms in the building you get a learn about the history of shaftesbury and see aftifacts dating back. Also told here is the story of the peach family who made a difference in their shop here. It's free to enter here and certainly adds a nice touch to gold hill. Please note the manaquin next to the fire truck was very life like 😂
4.6
(401)
4.6
(322)
Gold Hill, Shaftesbury, SP7 8JW, United Kingdom
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21Marija B — Google reviewJamie W — Google reviewAnita N — Google reviewAly R — Google reviewWill U — Google reviewSarah H — Google reviewJC A — Google review•
Insight Activities (New Forest)
Mentioned on
Outdoor activity organiser
Tours
When exploring the New Forest, there's no shortage of exciting activities beyond just walking and cycling. Insight Activities offers a thrilling experience with their Medieval Trio package, where you can immerse yourself in woodland archery, crossbow shooting, and axe throwing amidst stunning rural scenery in Fordingbridge. This adventure is perfect for families or groups celebrating special occasions like stag and hen parties. For those seeking even more action, Calshot Activities Centre is a fantastic destination that caters to all ages.
As a group of ladies who normally do afternoon tea this was going to be something different 😂
We had an absolutely amazing time. Nick was a fantastic teacher, so patient and good fun.
Most of us had no experience and by the end there was real progress, it was unbelievable
Our collective talent was definitely archery . Us axe throwing was hysterical but with Nick and Glens help we all managed to successfully throw.
The setting is gorgeous in the woods
We all agreed it was money so well spent we laughed all morning
Will definitely be back I’m taking my family
Thanks again
Emma W — Google review
We were looking for a fun outdoor activity for a while. Archery was new to us. Our instructor Glenn was brilliant! Very safe environment, surrounded by trees and wanted squirrels :) I think we just became an experts in archery! Definitely will come back! Thank you!
We had an absolutely fantastic afternoon at Insight Activities, and a huge part of that was thanks to Glenn. His guidance and support throughout both axe throwing and archery made the experience not only great fun but also easy to pick up and enjoy. Glen struck the perfect balance of being professional, knowledgeable, and encouraging, while also keeping the atmosphere relaxed and full of laughs.
A few weeks ago a group of us went to Insight Activities and did the MedievalTrio for my daughter’s birthday. It was absolutely brilliant! Nick who taught us, so knowledgeable and fun, we all had a great time. Good value for money as well! Thank you!
We visited Insight Activities for a family session of Archery. 2 adults and 2 kids, 8 & 6yr olds. Nick was fab coaching us all, straightforward simple instruction with slight adjustments throughout the session to help hone what little skill we had! The kids absolutely loved it and now we’re researching local clubs to pick it up as a new hobby.
Adults equally enjoyed the challenge and had a little friendly competition whilst the kids shot at a zombie. Something for all of us. Worth noting not to be put off by the rain, there’s a couple of sheltered areas. Thanks again for a fun filled afternoon Nick!
A really excellent day for the family or any sort of group really. Glenn was our course instructor - he was outstanding. Clearly a high degree of knowledge but importantly very approachable and made the day all the more fun. Highly recommend. Picture here of the kids and Glenn.
We had an excellent morning doing the Medieval Trio. Our instructor was great and made it so fun, and gave us really helpful tips to help our archery skills. The crossbow and axe throwing were great too. Would recommend to anyone- three people in their 30s and two in their 60s loved it!
Great day out for my team. It was fun and interactive and lovely setting in the forest. Nick was a great instructor and very good at what he does. Thanks again. The whole team thoroughly enjoyed it
5.0
(879)
4.9
(1650)
Insight Activities, Fordingbridge, SP6 3DA, United Kingdom
22Khánh N — Google reviewMatt W — Google reviewRobert A — Google reviewCP — Google reviewNicholas M — Google reviewClaire — Google reviewJo — Google review
New Forest National Park
Mentioned on
National park
Nature & Parks
Forests
New Forest National Park, located in Hampshire and Wiltshire in southwest England, became a national park in 2005. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, ancient trees, ponies, small towns and villages. The area offers tranquility amidst the urban sprawl of southern England. The park includes the former South Hampshire Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty within its borders.
I spent a truly lovely week here. There are so many amazing walks to do, wildlife to see & ponies, donkeys & cows roaming freely. It is a truly beautiful area of the country & I highly recommend a visit.
Sally M — Google review
This is truly a place you should visit at least once when in the UK. We had a short 3-day cycling trip here. Everything was wonderful — from the scenery to the people. Just a note: you should prepare an offline map before coming, as in some areas the signal is very weak and you can hardly use online maps.
The rebirth of Foxlease Park, nice to see it back up and running, volunteered here back in February? And it was just nice to see it with life and music...
Nice little room in the coach house, could do with an extra pillow, but nice time.
When the sun dips behind the trees and the light softens, the New Forest becomes pure magic. Walking along winding paths — sometimes straight through the woods — feels effortless with the fresh scent of nature all around.
25 km passed without me even noticing, just chilling, absorbing the atmosphere, and enjoying the calm. Perfect time of day to visit if you want peace, beauty, and that grounding forest energy.
⭐️ Highly recommend: come in the late afternoon, slow down, and let the forest do the rest #newforest
Went there with my father now 94, loved the cars, remined him of the old days, we used to have fords then.
Only comment is the coffer shops when busy seems to take forever. otherwise great place to visit.
The New Forest is a brilliant place for families, especially with kids. The free-roaming ponies, donkeys, and other animals make it feel magical, and places like the Wildlife Park add more chances to see deer, otters, and birds. There are plenty of easy walking trails too, such as at Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary, and lots of open spaces that are perfect for picnics.
Camping is well set up with designated sites, ranging from rustic fields to family-friendly spots with toilets and showers. Wild camping isn’t allowed, but the official sites give you space for kids to play and a good base to explore. Shops are small village stores or farm shops rather than big supermarkets, and toilets are generally available at visitor centres, though sometimes basic.
The park doesn’t really have a big lake for swimming or boating, and indoor play options are limited, so it’s very much an outdoor destination. If you’re prepared for nature, fresh air, and a slightly rustic feel, the New Forest is a wonderful family escape where children can explore freely and see animals up close.
Beautiful place to go loads of open spaces for people to walk and cycle. Large areas for children play.
Beautiful river at brockenhurst where you can often see horses and foals, cattle and sometimes donkeys and pigs.
Gorgeous place, well worth a visit if you appreciate nature. The ponies are such a treat to see. It’s also great for beginner cyclists as it has the Old Railway route created by Cycling UK. I felt like I was in a renaissance oil painting at times because the sights were so beautiful. Make sure to get out early to admire the sights as it gets very busy in August.
10% as popular as Bournemouth
58 minutes off the main route, 52% of way to Studland
23Allan — Google reviewAdam M — Google reviewAndrea M — Google reviewColin W — Google reviewLinds — Google reviewR C — Google reviewRosemary J — Google review•
Furzey Gardens
Mentioned on
Garden
Nature & Parks
Nestled near Minstead, Hampshire, Furzey Gardens is a 10-acre woodland garden established in 1922. It boasts year-round displays with stunning spring and summer blooms, as well as enchanting Fairy Doors hidden throughout for young visitors to discover. This social enterprise supports individuals with learning disabilities across the region, making every visit impactful. The tranquil atmosphere offers winding paths, vibrant autumn hues, and thatched tea rooms for a relaxing escape from everyday life.
A lovely garden to spend a few hours walking around. We visited on a sunny day and our 3 year old daughter had fun looking for the fairy houses. A bonus was the Jurassic event, which had dinosaur related artwork around the grounds to also find.
You can easily spend a few hours here, and there is also a nice cafe / gift shop that serves hot drinks, cakes and cream tea. Plenty of onsite parking too.
Niraj S — Google review
The gardens are located down a fairly narrow lane. There is a reasonable car parking, but which could easily become overwhelmed at busy times so plan your visit accordingly. Entrance is by a “suggested donation” of £10 per adult. The gardens are OK with a number of wooded walks to enjoy. Currently, there is a “dinosaur” theme going on, probably in anticipation of the forthcoming school summer holiday. There is a nice cafe for refreshments. These are not the prettiest of gardens, but have some pleasant walks and great for children to explore and run around.
With a 16th century cottage and wonderful food and drink at the coffee shop what more can you ask, but you are also transported to a gorgeously laid garden with hidden fairy secrets throughout. There is also a walk through the wild meadow garden over a small stream. We visited in October and the Autumn colours were visible throughout. During the summer months this will be a must see.
What a magical place this is... Ideal if you've got children who love fairy tales or just want to visit a magical place. A nice walkable path adorns the surrounding flowers and pond with plenty of picture opportunities for adults. A play area for children and a nicely filled café for a rest at the end. Highly recommend a visit.
A lovely area that is easy to walk around in a morning or afternoon.
We enjoy going there on our own and with our grandchildren. It has a good children's play area that is spread out and very natural. They also put on displays during the year that add interest. The annual pass is well worth getting.
I wish I didn't have to leave this place! Luckily, there's a house inside the grounds that you can rent out of you're like me and want to stay there for a while. Maybe one day, I'll take up that amazing offer!
The staff are amazing, you can tell they're all very happy where they work and are proud to say they work there!
Even the people who volunteer are happy!
I just love that they employ people with disabilities there too, I have worked with people who have disabilities and find them to be the most wonderful people, but where I worked with them, it was in a centre, not like a proper job place, so I love this place even more because they really do give people who have disabilities a proper purpose and let them into the working world instead of them being in an activity centre where they can do stuff that kids do, here they get to make jams and chutneys, gardening and all sorts of real life work, instead of being in the same mundane four walls.
Well done to furze gardens 👏 you have nailed it!
They also get to interact with the public, all ages, which is another brilliant experience for them.
Definitely done right!
The grounds are extremely well looked after, very clean all round and no weeds - that I know of but then I don't know my gardening haha if there were weeds, they were pretty ones lol!
It's literally like being in wonderland!
Lovely themes too, to keep the children entertained! And they also get to learn lots too!
I cannot recommend his place enough!
If heaven is a place on earth, it's here!
This is a lovely place to visit with children to appreciate nature or take a peaceful stroll, and they also serve delicious cakes, including a renowned Dorset Apple cake, with the added benefit of supporting a good cause. It's also a lovely setting for a wedding venue.
Loved this garden. It had something for all ages and interesting paths to explore with beautiful plants. The lily pond was just beautiful. Children have ample play areas and a dinosaur hunt. The café has a good choice of food and drinks and all the staff have smiles! The gardens give great opportunities to those with learning difficulties and the plants you can purchase as you leave have all been caringly potted up by the trainee gardeners. I'd highly recommend a visit!
4.7
(1502)
4.5
(578)
School Ln, Minstead, Lyndhurst SO43 7GL, United Kingdom
24Brian M — Google reviewKane R — Google reviewLouisa B — Google reviewPaul S — Google reviewAndrea R — Google reviewP_Addler — Google reviewFlorin D — Google review•
Old Wardour Castle
Mentioned on
Castle
Sights & Landmarks
Old Wardour Castle, located near Tisbury in Wiltshire, is a partially ruined 14th-century fortified residence with turrets and panoramic views. The castle was once known for its lavish entertainment and comfortable living. It suffered severe damage during the English Civil War, leaving behind imposing remains. The site offers a glimpse into the history of the area and provides visitors with an opportunity to explore its picturesque surroundings.
We tried to get inside so many times, but we always arrived by the time it was closed. Still beautiful, but the inside was worth the wait! The grounds are beautifully maintained, the staff is lovely and the castle is stunning and a lot bigger than it looks! The ground floor is pretty accessible but the stairs are very steep, so people with mobility issues might have a problem viewing the upper floors. There is an accessible bathroom as well as other facilities.
Kleo — Google review
Well worth a visit with your English Heritage membership.
Quite a lot of the castle remains despite it getting blown up during the Civil War... Can spend a good couple of hours exploring the building and grounds.
It's not really all that important site, but there is an interesting audio tour worth doing that explains about a lot of the history of the building and those who owned it.
As ever, the staff in the little shop / café were extremely nice and very friendly.
Most interactive castle that I’ve ever been to! It was really fun to look around all of the rooms and the stairs are still intact in most of the castle so exploring the rooms and where all of the people used to be was wonderful. The views from the top of the castle were fantastic and would definitely recommend. Staff in the office were really lovely and friendly too.
The drive up is a little fun…think one way road but it’s actually two ways. Great English Heritage site and really enjoyed our time here! Was really quiet too.
We had a great time exploring the castle and grounds, not sure why we hadn't been before! Well worth a visit but would suggest bringing a picnic there is no cafe and the little shop there had sold out of all cold drinks after the bank Holiday!
A Magical and Romantic Historical Gem!
Old Wardour Castle is an absolute treasure! From the moment you arrive, the breathtaking setting—nestled among rolling hills, lush forests, and a serene lake—feels like stepping into a fairy tale . The ruins are beautifully preserved, offering a fascinating glimpse into medieval history while still evoking the grandeur of its past .
What makes this place truly special is its romantic atmosphere. Whether you're exploring the spiral staircases, admiring the panoramic views from the towers, or discovering hidden nooks like the charming grotto, every corner feels enchanting . The 18th-century banqueting pavilion by the lake adds an extra touch of elegance, making it a dreamy spot for weddings and photography .
The site is perfect for a peaceful day out—bring a picnic, wander the grounds, and soak in the history. The staff are friendly, and the information boards provide just the right amount of detail without overwhelming visitors. Plus, the drive up to the castle is an experience in itself, with stunning scenery at every turn .
If you love history, architecture, or simply beautiful landscapes, Old Wardour Castle is a must-visit. Even in ruins, it’s one of the most picturesque and atmospheric places I’ve ever been. Highly recommend!
Although a little hard to drive to down those narrow single country lanes, it is a lovely place! The audio guide is great to get an overview of the history. But even without it is a stunning location.
Visited today it was a little further a field than what I expected and lots of bendy narrow roads to get to. I enjoyed the audio tape that came with the ticket and the displays dotted around. There was even a trail and some fun activities for kids sort of like a “ would you rather…” tale. Enjoyed the grounds And the beautiful forest too. Liked that you could go all the way up to the 4th floor and see the amazing views. It is also dog friendly, dogs were in the castle with their owners! A lovely place for a picnic. You could even fish I think from one of the many jetties over the lake . I also noticed the #WessexRidgeway goes right past there. Definitely worth a visit. @thewobbleyOwl came with me.
Old Wardour Castle is a ruined 14th-century castle located in the beautiful countryside of Wiltshire, England, near the village of Tisbury. Known for its unique hexagonal design and rich history, it is a popular site managed by English Heritage.
The road to drive there is a bit narrow (one lane), tricky if incoming trafic, but once there is well worthy
Superb place !!!
4.7
(1815)
4.5
(389)
Tisbury, Salisbury, SP3 6RR, United Kingdom
25VIC — Google reviewMartin — Google reviewCherrie P — Google reviewShaun W — Google reviewJo K — Google reviewChloe O — Google reviewColin L — Google review•
New Forest Wildlife Park
Mentioned on
Wildlife and safari park
Outdoor Activities
Nestled in ancient woodland, New Forest Wildlife Park is a haven for diverse wildlife and endangered species. Visitors can engage in keeper experiences and explore the Nature Trail that winds through the wooded grounds, offering glimpses of otters, wolves, lynx, wallabies, and owls. The park also houses a variety of animals ranging from the massive Eurasian Bison to the tiny Harvest Mouse.
Visited today with my otter-obsessed teenage daughters (13 & 15) for a keeper experience with the Giant Otters and the Asian Short Clawed Otters.
We had the best day! Ali (our keeper) was so friendly and knowledge. Since it was a quiet day (lots of rain previously), she arrived with fish for the otters, but also food for the ferrets, polecats and deer (this ended up being a favourite as we got to hand feed and stroke the most beautiful fallow deer!)
The park is fantastic. The enclosures really feel like part of the surroundings, and none of the animals seemed stressed (unlike in some zoos!). They do a lot of rehabilitation work, and support rescue organisations with rehoming etc.
Honestly, I wish we’d come sooner! If you have kids that love animals, definitely visit. They have fantastic play areas as well as it being pretty accessible, and unlike some places is family-owned, so every visit matters.
We will definitely return - probably for another keeper experience as we’ve been spoiled now. Thank you to the team there (including the really lovely lady at the entrance!) - you’re a credit to the park 🫶
Lorna M — Google review
Visited New Forest Wildlife Park and had a great time exploring the grounds. Loved seeing beautiful animals like lynx and wolves up close in natural-looking enclosures. The park is peaceful, well maintained, and set in a lovely forest environment. Staff were friendly and knowledgeable.
Perfect spot for families or anyone who enjoys wildlife and nature walks. Highly recommend for a relaxing and interesting day out!
We booked a Keepers Experience for 2 of us for 2 hours. Ben was out keeper and it was his first time. He did extremely well. Very knowledgeable and friendly. We got to feed so many varieties of animals. It was very interesting. Highly recommend.
We had a lovely day. My chukcren especially enjoyed listening to the keeper talks and watching the animals being fed. Would have been 5 stars but there were a few animals which are not there currently which I was unaware of. May have missed this info on their website. Also was quite a cold day so would have been good to have been able to order hot drinks half way round.
An amazing wildlife park with beautiful well cared for animals and excellent knowledgeable friendly keepers.
We visit most weeks as annual member holders and throughly enjoy it just as much every time- and always see something different! The keeper talks are always informative and interesting and learn something new.
Their conversation work is amazing and it’s brilliant to see all the animals thriving. If I had to choose a favourite animal it would be the elusive Eurasian otter Chestnut but closely followed by the noisy Giant otter family- but love all of the animals.
I will continue to visit as frequently and renew when the year is up- I’m very excited to see what they have planned next. Keep up the great work.
A lovely few hours spent here today. My granddaughter loved seeing so many well cared for animals up close. The young man doing the deer talk was really good and he interacted with the children. We could like to come back and do a keeper experience as this looked really good.
My granddaughter drew sketches and wrote notes on the animals and she is only 6! A great day out.
A brilliant morning out. We bought our tickets in advance on the website so it was quick to get in. It was brilliant to see all of the otters and to see them being fed at 11 was a highlight as a keen otter lover. Place was quite easy to walk around and explore with no real steep inclines. Got to get close to the deer and were even able to pet one! It was disappointing to not see the wallabies not sure where they were hiding. There’s lots of things and places to keep kids entertained and overall a really good value experience.
Well maintained Wildlife Park with lots to see and do on site.
Currently they have a Japanese Sika deer, some Fallow deer, a large number of otters, Scottish wild cats, Lynx, Wolverine, European Bison, Wild Boar, Wallabies
Soon they will have wolves.
Red deer currently in quarantine so on show shortly.
Worth every penny of the admission fee. Very educational too.
4.5
(4058)
4.2
(1569)
Deerleap Ln, Southampton, SO40 4UH, United Kingdom
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26James — Google reviewAlice B — Google reviewJustina L — Google reviewEH21 — Google reviewR W — Google reviewAnfisa E — Google reviewJames B — Google review•
Longdown Activity Farm
Mentioned on
Nature & Parks
Farm
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Longdown Activity Farm is a family-friendly destination featuring farm animals, a trampoline barn, soft play area, produce shop and tearoom. Visitors can participate in daily activities such as feeding kid goats, calves and ducks, meeting pigs, and cuddling with baby rabbits, chicks and piglets at the baby animal encounter. The farm also offers tractor and trailer rides for an enjoyable afternoon.
What a great place! Very friendly staff, lots to do! We fed baby goats, calves, held chicks, it was fantastic! If you love feeding animals then this is the place for you! We also went on a tractor ride and me and my kids couldn’t stop laughing on it! It was a bumpy ride but one of the best tractor rides we have been on! If you then want your kids to let off some steam there is a huge play area with trampolines and a zip line! There is also a larger (cycle) go cart area as well as a smaller mini tractor area so it’s not just for little kids. There were donkeys ducks horses and the sweetest little piglets ever - so pleased we went as this is a gem!
Tabetha H — Google review
Loved it! Took my 7 year old daughter today and a fantastic place to visit. All the staff are friendly and the animals well kept and cared for. Feeding the animals is a great experience for the children. The play area is great to relax and watch the kids have fun with seating for picnics. The tractor trailer tour is fun and free! Plenty of emphasis on hygiene and the toilets were very clean when I visited.
Overall, I'd say a great place to visit for families with children of primary school age. You can easily go for the whole day but to be honest if not it's perfect for say 3 to 4 hours for a half day. Admission price is very reasonable and I feel excellent value for money. In summary, if you're in the area it's definitely worth a visit and my daughter can't wait to return.
Amazing!
We went with our 22 month old a couple of days ago. It was brilliant. Activities every half hour or so. You can spend hours here easily. It's well laid out, and tailored for the kids. There's quiet zones for the kids and a huge park and ride on toys, and go karts! There's also a gift shop with indoor play, and a cafe, and a farm shop. Very reasonably priced given what's included.
Fully recommend if you have children, and even if you don't we would still go!
Had a brilliant day out today with family, the youngest being 18 months old. Not too many animals but a fair bit of interaction with them which was nice. Lots of seating for picnics and resting, a nice big play area and trampolines, (not for over 90's tho) and the tractor ride was a "hang on for dear life" experience which we all thoroughly enjoyed, including the baby, lol. Am definitely coming back here again
Really brilliant day spent here with my almost 2 year old son. We went on the tractor ride, met lots of characters and fed lots of animals. The ducks all seemed a bit cramped but all of the other animals seemed to have lovely, clean and spacious areas. It was very sweet to be able to bottle feed the kids (baby goats 🐐) and ducks. It was a smaller site than I originally thought so managed to go around lots of times. Most of the staff were absolutely lovely, friendly and helpful.
What a great day out! With our lad who is just coming up to two years old, we had hours of fun. We went on a sunny Tuesday morning and turned out to be not busy at all. There was something different around every corner which included feeding goats, petting area, tractor rides and lots more, all included in the price. With friendly staff I Would highly recommend if you are thinking of going
We had such a fantastic day at Longdown Activity Farm with my 3-year-old son! He loved bottle-feeding the baby goats and calves, feeding the ducks, and exploring all the activities — from the brilliant sandpit and ride-on tractors to trampolines, play areas and even a tractor ride. There’s so much to do that kids never get bored! The animals all look well cared for and happy, not sad at all, which made the experience even more enjoyable. The staff are friendly, everything is clean and well-organised, and I really appreciated the many hand-washing stations with soap and sanitiser throughout the farm. A perfect family day out — we can’t wait to come back!
Superb day out. We go here every year. Lovely staff, plenty to do, hands on petting and fun for hours..well priced, not too busy amd an amazing farm shop to grab some treats. Perfect for toddlers up to big kids like us lot. Thanks guys. Always fun and a great mix with the park, tractor ride, petting, and not too much walking too. A gem of a place. See you next year 😊
4.6
(2653)
4.3
(785)
Deerleap Ln, Ashurst, Southampton SO40 7EH, United Kingdom
27Andy T — Google reviewM J — Google reviewLynn ( — Google reviewWarren H — Google reviewMatthew B — Google reviewAstrid H — Google reviewJo K — Google review•
Arundells
Mentioned on
Temporarily Closed
Historical place museum
Sights & Landmarks
Arundells is a historic medieval house located in Cathedral Close, Salisbury. It was the former residence of British Prime Minister Edward Heath until his passing in 2005. The house has been open to the public since 2008 and offers a glimpse into its late 13th-century heritage as well as personal items and custom furnishings commissioned by Heath.
Whatever your opinion of the late Sir Edward Heath, this is a fascinating place to visit, full of his impressive collections from around the world. The delightful garden backs on to the River Avon and has superb views over to the cathedral.
Simon R — Google review
Absolutely fascinating, a chance to see the man as well as the politician. The story of the man away from politics, his wartime experiences, music & travel were all fascinating. The volunteer were very informative adding a little more information in Ted Heath's character and what it was like for him when he lived at Arundells.
A very happy experience last Thursday on a wet and miserable June day. The entry for house and garden was reasonable, £10, especially as the ticket is valued for entry for another 12 months.
As many reviewers have said, the room stewards were very knowledgeable and welcoming.
Lots of reading material in each room and fascinating facts to learn. Particularly interesting was the room containing information about Heath’s war record.
His books, music, paintings and sporting achievements indicate an erudite Prime Minister worthy of his position.
The former home of Prime Minister Edward Heath. His last residence, filled with lots of photos and his collections.
Great room guides sharing the history.
The garden is quite tranquil.
It cost us £10 each to enter and has a small souvenirs. Worth it though for the upkeep.
Lovely Georgian house, inside has been modernised but some aspects remain. Inside is all about ex PM Edward Heath and the items he collected or was presented when in office. Lovely garden runs out to the river and there's part of his yacht with a tragic tale.
Looks good 👍 from the outside unfortunately couldn't afford to go in this time no money but got some photos disabled accessible toilets in and outside cathedral parking very tricky brilliant views
Beautiful, historic house of a true statesman. Lovely stewards, very friendly and helpfull
Absolutely fascinating house with wonderful volunteers. Steeped in history and as Ted Heath left it full of his possessions including paintings, photos, books, his piano and gifts from all the dignitaries that he met. The garden is beautiful. It was a privilege being able to visit this house and gardens.
4.8
(177)
4.7
(444)
59 Cathedral Close, Salisbury, SP1 2EN, United Kingdom
28Matthew B — Google reviewLynn ( — Google reviewRog E — Google reviewWin T — Google reviewPaul P — Google reviewAndrew Y — Google reviewJohn — Google review•
St Thomas’s Church
Mentioned on
Church
Sights & Landmarks
Churches & Cathedrals
St. Thomas’s Church is a historic landmark in Salisbury, dating back to the 13th century when it was established as a chapel for workers constructing the nearby cathedral. It has since evolved into a beautiful medieval church nestled within the city's historic center. The church boasts a rich history and is closely linked to Salisbury Cathedral. Visitors are drawn to its stunning stained glass windows, which add to its allure and provide insight into traditional English church architecture. Despite undergoing significant reconstruction, St.
Visiting family and went to the Sunday service🙂
Lovely welcome and very fulfilling service.
All new to us Belfast Presbyterians!🙂
Wonderful historical building and friendly congregation.
We loved the tea and coffee afterwards and chatting to the reverend and the organist.
We will be attending in the future when we visit!
Brian M — Google review
Fantastic quiet church ⛪️ lovely and so peaceful lovely and clean disabled accessible to small steps however there is an entrance parking tricky however Sainsbury's is the best place lots of parking free plus disabled bays
Popped in as we were walking around the town.
Lovely church, so peaceful and welcoming.
Plenty to see, so much history.
An old church with lots of history to see. Best to get a guided tour to discover what's there
St Thomas Church is located in centre of Salisbury. This church has long history. It was founded in the early 13th century and rebuilt in the 15th century by the city's prosperous merchants. Above the chancel arch is a large doom painting
from the late 15th century or early 16th.
Despite all the history, I love the interior which is very touchy. Make me feel I'm living in the history. You can even feel the smell of old wood in the atmosphere.
Beautiful church inside and out.
Nice little cafe inside as well.
Delightful location right in the heart of the city.
No parking facilities so suggest parking outside the city and use the very good park and ride service.
While not at the scale of the nearby cathedral, St. Thomas's Church is still well worth the 10 minute walk from the former. It's a great space, with brilliant windows and - as with many churches - has a lot of historical details. Plus, it has the definite advantage of being less visited by Russian assassins than the cathedral!
Great little church, excellent guides who will tell you all about the Doom Scroll. Would recommend a visit
4.8
(298)
4.6
(354)
St Thomas's Square, St Thomas Square, Salisbury SP1 1BA, United Kingdom
29Brian M — Google reviewCall L — Google reviewClaire — Google reviewJackie R — Google reviewBaris O — Google reviewE M — Google reviewNeil M — Google review•
Old Sarum
Mentioned on
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Old Sarum, located two miles north of present-day Salisbury, is an ancient hill fort with a rich history dating back to the Iron Age. It was once home to a Norman cathedral and a strategically positioned castle built by William the Conqueror in 1075. The site also housed a Roman fort and later became a bustling town settlement under Saxon rule. However, by 1220, the inhabitants were relocated to New Salisbury, leading Old Sarum into decline.
We parked withput charge, in a small layby next to the lane off the main road opposite the Harvester. We didn't pay to go into the central area but thoroughly enjoyed exploring and finding out more about this fascinating ancient monument. Excellent interpretation panels and fantastic views. Photos don't do the size, scale and magnitude of the earthworks justice.
Alyson L — Google review
Worth a visit, especially if you have the English Heritage membership and have been to nearby Stonehenge.
There isn't a lot left of the old castle, but it is in a nice, elevated position overlooking the "new" Salisbury Cathedral.
We spent an hour or so looking around the ruins and admiring the lovely autumnal colours in the surrounding countryside.
There is a small shop on site, it sells the usual memorabilia and EH stuff (always seems to be a new mead variation to buy).
The staff members were friendly and helpful, we had a pleasant conversation.
About 25 car parking places, the road up to it is quite steep and narrow, but there are passing points on every corner.
One of my favourite days out, this place had such beautiful views, great history and the people who worked here were very welcoming, up for a chat and overall friendly, also got some ice cream which i was quite happy they had a decent amount of vegan options. You can easily spend a good few hours here just walking around and reading everything, even just sat relaxing. Great place for dogs to come and run about, even children and it was fun watching the sky divers. i'd love to revisit here in the future. (For anyone wondering, you pay for the small middle part over the bridge, all the outer bits you can walk around for free)
Staff super friendly and helpful. Lovely to explore and learn. Only managed few photos as having fun with kiddies exploring. Little gift shop and picnic benches. Beautiful views and dogs welcome on leads.
Interesting place to visit. Cadw free entry. Has toilets and visitirs centre/shop does hot and cold drinks. Friendly staff. Car park free. Original cathedral foundations on the outer ward. Inside the inner castle is well described on info plaques. Stunning views of Salisbury.
Beautiful views of the surrounding area and the town of Salisbury. You can see the cathedral clearly from one of the walls. Lots of history related to kings of the past. Highly recommend if you’re a tourist buff and it doesn’t take too long to explore.
Incredible, eerie, lovely place to take an autumn walk. Literally layers upon layers of history. Hiking around the perimeter of the hillfort is a must for the beautiful views across Salisbury and the Wiltshire countryside.
Another fabulous and well preserved piece of important history. There were plenty of information boards around the site and we found the guidebook very helpful. The staff were very willing to answer any questions we had and, in fact, went above and beyond. A real credit to the organisation.
4.5
(3462)
4.2
(1721)
Castle Rd, Salisbury, SP1 3SD, United Kingdom
30Kathrin S — Google reviewDiane C — Google reviewSam T — Google reviewMike H — Google reviewColin B — Google reviewGavin B — Google reviewJules M — Google review•
Boscombe Down Aviation Collection
Mentioned on
Museum
Military Museums
Specialty Museums
Located in Hangar 1 at Old Sarum Airfield, the Boscombe Down Aviation Collection offers a captivating display of fighter jets and historic aircraft. Visitors can explore the collection of aircraft, cockpits, weapons, and model aircraft associated with the Boscombe Down site. The museum provides guided tours and interactive experiences, allowing guests to sit in the cockpits of various jets such as the Meteor NF11 jet fighter and Canberra T4 bomber.
An absolutely brilliant museum. Full of fascinating and unusual aircraft and with the bonus of being able to get up close to the cockpits and interiors. The volunteer staff are amazingly knowledgeable and friendly and every corner of the hangars is dripping with history.
Don’t ignore the Royal Flying Corps section in the north hangar- the contents therein would be worth the price of admission alone such is their rarity and interest.
This was an unplanned visit due to a last-minute change of route on our journey to Poole. I’m so glad of that change as this is one of the most interesting places I’ve ever visited. Bravo!
Oliver H — Google review
Absolutely amazing place. Really cool planes with access to almost all of them- a dream for boys of all ages. The staff is incredibly nice and knowledgeable and enthusiastic and passionate. Most of them were either flying one of these planes themselves or were engineers, hence you can learn a tone about aviation. If you lucky you can also watch skydivers from hanger 3. Best museum we ever visited.
We loved the hands on aspect of the museum, you are allowed to climb in the cock pits of some planes, and the staff so friendly and knowledgeable, we leant alot about the history of the spit fire and Lancaster, plus some other interesting planes. The 12 and 8 year olds loved it too. Thank you.
Fabulous place to visit!
A great place for kids and adults alike to get the opportunity to get up close with aircraft from the past.
There are few places where children are encouraged to climb into displays in a museum but here they certainly are!
The staff are incredibly friendly and always up for a chat.
Would recommend visiting to anyone!
What a lovely experience! This collection of planes and helicopters, including a great number of aircraft cockpits which you are invited to climb into is worth a visit. The staff are all volunteers who do their roles with such passion and all have a wealth of experience that they are very willing to share with you.
A surprisingly large collection from what we expected. Comprehensive collection of mainly cold war jets and cockpits with nearly all fully accessible within historic hanger.
New flying corp section newly opened.
Located on the edge of Old Sarum airfield with free parking.
Refreshments and food available outside plus also brewery tap room.
Great afternoon at this place. Lots of history and boards to read but also they let you climb into the cockpits of the planes that are open! Absolutely amazing staff who are all volunteers and most are retired pilots themselves so well worth a visit!
What a wonderful gem of a museum. A total delight to go round and very interesting too. The staff were so friendly and knowledgeable, which added to the enjoyment. Being able to climb into various aircraft cockpits was so much fun too.
The hanger was built in WW1, so it's very cold and I'd recommend a coat/jumper.
An absolute must vist, If you're in the area. Only £12.50 to go round too.
4.8
(1057)
4.8
(762)
Hangar 1 Old Sarum Airfield, Old Sarum, Salisbury SP4 6DZ, United Kingdom
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