Wanderlog
  • Log in
Guide contents
Map layers
•

Overview
Top cities between Wareham and Swanage
Best stops along Wareham to Swanage drive
Pin

39 Best Stops Between Wareham and Swanage

When is your trip?
–

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Wanderlog logo
Wanderlog staff
Updated
• updatedMar 31, 2023

How long is the drive from Wareham to Swanage?

The direct drive from Wareham to Swanage is 11.2 mi (18 km), and should have a drive time of 16 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Wareham to Swanage, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Bournemouth, Weymouth, New Forest National Park Hampshire, Poole, Salisbury, Brockenhurst, Christchurch, Wimborne Minster, and Lyndhurst, as well as top places to visit like SEA LIFE Weymouth and Air-time Beach Shop, or the ever-popular Shearwater.

Visiting Wareham or Swanage? See our Wareham Trip Planner and our Swanage Trip Planner.
11.2 mi
Total Distance
16 mins
Drive Time
39 stops
Cities / Attractions
I'll never travel to Swanage without this trip planner again
Learn more
What users say about the app
Love love love! ❤️ Planning travel has actually been fun instead of tedious because of this app.
J
Julie G.
Exactly what I needed to plan a trip. I can’t imagine anyone not loving this app!
J
Jen S.
Wanderlog makes planning a trip so effortless. Seriously, this app does it all!
B
Brad C.
This site and app let me do all the planning for our 15 day trip in a little over 6 hours! I can’t recommend it enough!
A
Amanda W.
Amazing!! The organization this app provides has taken a huge weight off my shoulders.
G
Garrett V.
This is the crème de la crème of planning apps! Don’t think about it - just click download right this minute.
C
Chris C.
I'll never travel without this trip planner again
Available on the App Store

Top cities between Wareham and Swanage

The top cities between Wareham and Swanage are Bournemouth, Weymouth, New Forest National Park Hampshire, Poole, Salisbury, Christchurch, Wimborne Minster, and Lyndhurst. Bournemouth is the most popular city on the route. It's less than an hour from Wareham and less than an hour from Swanage.
1

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
14 minutes off the main route, 31% of way to Swanage
2

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
22 minutes off the main route, 35% of way to Swanage
Need a place to stay?
Where
When

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

When
–

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

When
–

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Travelers
2
Rooms and guests
Rooms
1
Adults
2
Children
0
Travelers
2
3

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
33 minutes off the main route, 40% of way to Swanage
4

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
58 minutes off the main route, 43% of way to Swanage
5

Lyndhurst

Lyndhurst, located in Hampshire, England, is a significant village and civil parish within the New Forest National Park. It's often referred to as the 'Capital of the New Forest' and is home to the New Forest District Council and Court of Verderers. With a rich history dating back to William the Conqueror's royal hunting forest designation in 1079, Lyndhurst attracts numerous tourists who come to explore its shops, cafes, and museums.
9% as popular as Bournemouth
47 minutes off the main route, 44% of way to Swanage
I'll never travel to Swanage without this trip planner again
Learn more
I'll never travel without this trip planner again
Available on the App Store
6

New Forest National Park

Mentioned on 
+178 other lists 
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.
Khánh N — Google review
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.
Matt W — Google review
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
Robert A — Google review
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.
CP — Google review
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.
Nicholas M — Google review
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.
Claire — Google review
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.
Jo — Google review
25% as popular as Bournemouth
51 minutes off the main route, 46% of way to Swanage
7

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
19 minutes off the main route, 46% of way to Swanage
8

New Forest National Park

Mentioned on 
+178 other lists 
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.
Khánh N — Google review
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.
Matt W — Google review
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
Robert A — Google review
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.
CP — Google review
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.
Nicholas M — Google review
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.
Claire — Google review
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.
Jo — Google review
25% as popular as Bournemouth
51 minutes off the main route, 46% of way to Swanage
9

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
36 minutes off the main route, 47% of way to Swanage

Best stops along Wareham to Swanage drive

The top stops along the way from Wareham to Swanage (with short detours) are Bournemouth Pier Amusements, Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre, and The Tank Museum. Other popular stops include New Forest National Park, Old Sarum, and Oceanarium.
1

Shearwater

Mentioned on 
8 lists 
Lake
Nature & Parks
Bodies of Water
Shearwater is a picturesque destination offering short lakeside strolls and longer walks around the estate. The route to Heavens Gate provides stunning views, while the trail through the woods leads to the charming Shear Water lake, where visitors can spot adorable cygnets with their parents. Families can enjoy biking on paved paths, feeding ducks and swans, and exploring walking trails in the forest.
Great lakeside area to have a walk! Certain parts of the path are closed due to forestry work but it’s a nice area regardless. The tea room unfortunately closed permanently but there is a parking lot nearby
Matt N — Google review
Miles of walks set in beautiful scenery. Stunning forest and lake views. Car park over the road and newly reopened cafe selling hot and cold drinks, snacks and ice creams.
Marie S — Google review
Lovely place to visit just be careful when park DO NOT PARK ON THE ROAD! Even though everyone else is you will get a lovely yellow packet from the council
Ann-Marie B — Google review
Lovely walk but do not park on the road as you will get a parking fine!
Lucy S — Google review
Lovely spot for walks and a picnic. Cafe at the entrance. Car park fills up quickly and whilst parking on the road might seem perfectly harmless, you will get a parking ticket as Wiltshire Country Council deems it an urban clearway. The signage is almost non-existent. We and dozens of others were caught out by this - no-one was parking there thinking they would try and get away with it, the truth is no-one realised. Sad and ridiculous.
Justin A — Google review
Great walks. Dogs can go off lead once your away from the lake (there's loads of paths to take) and the little cafe is great for relaxing with a bite to eat and a drink afterwards.
James J — Google review
Great place for a walk, cycle, kids play in the woods ...
Iker B — Google review
This place is truly beautiful and perfect for a family stroll, complete with the opportunity to feed the ducks. Keep in mind that parking can be a bit challenging on busy days and weekends, but it's definitely worth a visit.
Andrew M — Google review
4.6
(266)
•
4.5
(176)
Warminster, UK, USA
2

SEA LIFE Weymouth

Mentioned on 
+26 other lists 
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.
Steven P — Google review
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.
Clare B — Google review
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.
Gethin S — Google review
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
Ernesto — Google review
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.
Brad R — Google review
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!
Peters P — Google review
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.
K.A. B — Google review
4.3
(6429)
•
3.9
(3483)
Lodmoor Country Park, Weymouth, DT4 7SX, United Kingdom
http://www.visitsealife.com/Weymouth/
+44 1305 761070
Need a place to stay?
Where
When

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

When
–

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

When
–

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Travelers
2
Rooms and guests
Rooms
1
Adults
2
Children
0
Travelers
2
3

Air-time Beach Shop

Outdoor activity organiser
Tours
Jurassic Coast Activities organised a day out on the water trip to Durdle Door. The equipment was of good quality and the leader, Tim, was excellent. There was some rock hopping along the way and the view from the kayaks was spectacular. This is a great way to see the Jurassic coast from a different angle.
Took a kayak trip to Durdle Door from Lulworth Cove we had a great time. The equipment provided was very good, it was well organised and Tim the leader was excellent. We went out in double sit on top Kayaks which were pretty stable so should be ok for most people and we did a bit of rock hopping along the way. A great way to see the Jurassic coast from a completely different angle.
Mel H — Google review
Great place for a day off. The views are spectacular and the beach is very clean and beautiful. The prices for food and drinks are very good. Totally recommended
Mihaela M — Google review
Brilliant visit... awesome paddle in bathtub warm water and swam out under Durdle Door which was really special!
Matt V — Google review
Fantastic experience, the staff and the guides were amazing! Super friendly and knowledgeable. The paddle was great, it was not calm so there were some solid waves, which we definitely appreciated given that we are experienced paddlers. It was also very nice to learn about the area and the terrain. On that note, the setting was nothing short of spectacular. Overall I would definitely reconend checking these guys out.
Cole H — Google review
We had a light traffic jam on the way and the instructor patiently waited for us. He was very friendly, humorous and encouraging. There were a few opportunities to jump from the cliff at different heights. The only downside is that the shower wasn't available at the end of the tour which was quite inconvenient. Still recommend it though!
Nguyet N — Google review
We were a group of 4 signed up for coasteering and it was great fun! Nige our instructor was very friendly, approachable and kept the whole adventure fun and light hearted. On our exploration, we saw a couple of caves, swam a decent bit and did several jumps. It was all enjoyable, greatly recommended!
Hai M — Google review
I did the kayak trip along the coast. It was an awesome trip. My guide was Tim, who sat in the same boat like me (we were a group of 10 people, in 5 kayaks). Stunning scenery along the coast, we went to Durdle Door and through the archway. Tim was an awesome guide, very knowledgeable and thought me a lot of technique to improve my amateur paddling skills. 5*
Felix M — Google review
A group of mad friends and I had an awesome time coasteering with Jurassic Coast Activities last Saturday morning lead by Andy and Chris who were very professional with regard to instructions and safety but at the same time ensuring that our whole group had a great time. It was quite windy so there as a lot of swell but that didn't put us off, the rougher the better for us. The event was quite physically challenging for that reason and we all got out knowing we'd worked hard but the banter was brilliant. Everyone really enjoyed it. Lulworth Cove is a beautiful spot, after the even we were able to go and eat fresh crab and other local delicacies at a cafe in the cove. Highly recommend the event and this organisation. Well done guys!!
Servevast M — Google review
4.5
(126)
•
5.0
(608)
10 Bowleaze Coveway, Weymouth, DT3 6RY, United Kingdom
https://www.air-time.co.uk/
+44 1305 457860
4

Shillingstone Station

$$$$cheap
Cafe
The visit to Shillingstone Station was truly enjoyable. Exploring the signal box provided a great experience, with an informative guide who answered all questions knowledgeably. It was fascinating to witness how things operated before computers became prevalent. The station has undergone significant improvements since my last visit a decade ago, and I won't wait as long for another trip. Additionally, the café at the station is exceptional; one can choose between sitting on the platform or inside a carriage while enjoying their meal and drinks.
This is a little gem of a museum and well worth a visit for a hour or so. The cafe is cute and there’s loads of seating both inside and out. Dropping in as part of you day out is highly recommended.
Nigel L — Google review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fantastic Family Day Out - Great Progress Since New Year! Visited as a family on Wednesday and had a brilliant time! The volunteers were incredibly friendly and helpful throughout our visit. The signal box talk was particularly fascinating - really brought the railway heritage to life. It's amazing to see how much work has been completed since our last visit on New Year's Day. You can really see the dedication and progress being made toward getting a full steam train service running again. The passion of the volunteers really shines through. The station cafe is a lovely touch - good selection of snacks, sandwiches and drinks at very reasonable prices. Great that you can choose to sit inside, outside, or even aboard one of the carriages for that authentic railway experience! While passenger services aren't running yet, this is still absolutely worth a visit. Perfect for railway enthusiasts and families alike. Looking forward to seeing the continued progress and hopefully riding behind steam in the future! Highly recommend supporting this wonderful heritage railway project.
Travelmad999 — Google review
Nice little cafe at this dis-used station. Friendly volunteers running it. Lots of things to have, hot & cold drinks, soup, sausage rolls, pasties, sandwiches, treats, homemade cake. You can eat and drink on the static train carriages. Museum is interesting and there's a few static carriages with various displays. Worth a visit for an hour or so.
Matt- F — Google review
An exceptional day out for all train enthusiasts, a brilliant return to a bygone era run by hardworking and dedicated volunteers who've worked their bums off to make the station into what it is today. The ONLY slight gripe is that charging £4.40 for a pasty is ever so slightly expensive but there we go, it's a minor gripe.
John E — Google review
We have visited frequently, and the cafe is run by friendly volunteers, and very homely. Usually a selection of cakes and sausage rolls / pasties and sandwiches. Good mug of tea too. There is the railway shop selling mostly rail related books with an overspill in a carriage outside. There is another carriage you can take the cafe food into, and benches outside. Don't miss the hidden garden at the end of the platform up the path; lovely views across the hills. Popular with walkers, cyclists and motorcyclists.
JL P — Google review
So pleased that our accomodation host at Bowling Green Farm mentioned this Dorset Rail heritage initiative to us. Fabulous place, stacked with information & displays and 'cake on a train'! Great little souvenir shop too. Friendly & efficient staff/ volunteers. Pleased to have been.able to support this initiative in its infancy. Hope to be able to travel on the line, in years to come.
N W — Google review
Well worth a visit. Quirky and well thought out and restored. Lovely garden, nice little tea rooms in a buffet carriage, lots of memorabilia, a small railway museum and it's on the trailway, so it's a good stop off for walkers and cyclists. Kids play area to keep the smaller humans amused too.
Lynda E — Google review
Lovely old school cafe, very nostalgic and cosy. Pasties are lovely.
BKY — Google review
4.7
(206)
•
4.4
(119)
St Patricks Industrial Estate, Station Rd, Shillingstone, Blandford Forum DT11 0SA, United Kingdom
http://www.shillingstone-railway-project.org.uk/
+44 1258 860696
5

Gold Hill Museum

Mentioned on 
8 lists 
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
Rog E — Google review
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.
Andy H — Google review
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? 😉
Isabell B — Google review
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.
Geraldine B — Google review
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.
Simon H — Google review
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.
Angela L — Google review
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 😂
Andrea M — Google review
4.6
(401)
•
4.6
(322)
Gold Hill, Shaftesbury, SP7 8JW, United Kingdom
http://www.goldhillmuseum.org.uk/
+44 1747 852157
I'll never travel to Swanage without this trip planner again
Learn more
I'll never travel without this trip planner again
Available on the App Store
6

Sculpture by the Lakes

Mentioned on 
+12 other lists 
Botanical garden
Nature & Parks
Sculpture by the Lakes is a sprawling 26-acre park featuring stunning sculptures by Simon Gudgeon nestled amid beautifully landscaped gardens. This unique sculpture park and art gallery offers visitors an opportunity to escape into a magical world where nature and art merge flawlessly. Unlike traditional galleries, Sculpture by the Lakes provides an outdoor setting that allows enthusiasts to appreciate awe-inspiring works of art without feeling enclosed.
19/09/2025 - A very beautiful and peaceful place. We came from Cambridgeshire to visit during our holiday and it was truly worth it. The peace and tranquility of the gardens and grounds was astounding. The sculptures were incredibly beautiful and I loved the QR codes besides them for more information. The cafe had lovely cakes and selection of drinks, the waitresses were lovely, chatty and gave excellent service. The gift shop had some lovely local items to sell, we purchased some local cider and local handmade soap and all very reasonably priced (we are used to Cambridge prices!). My boyfriend (now fiance) proposed to me whilst we were here in the gardens and it was truly so special I'll never forget it
Katie W — Google review
It’s a beautiful place to visit, especially on a summer’s day. Very peaceful and relaxed, you can take you time wandering around the lake - at least two loops to do both halves of the path and see everything. There’s also a small kitchen garden with flowers, vegetables and fruit which is pretty to see. Excellent food and drinks in the onsite cafe - would recommend the sticky ginger cake - but you can also get takeaway sandwiches from the pantry or bring in your own picnic. The tickets were a little on the expensive side at £16.50pp (if you book online there’s a £1.50 discount) but understand they are very focused on conservation and ecology, which probably comes with higher maintenance costs. All in all a nice day out.
Beth P — Google review
Great place for an enjoyable stroll. Lovely lakes setting, interesting sculptures, some you can sit on. Dogs are allowed through the majority of the area. Great cafe too for lunch. Plenty of parking.
Steve H — Google review
Truly amazing place. The whole experience has been well thought through and implemented. From the opening sculpture reminding how important nature is to our wellbeing to the carefully placed seating where you can sit and enjoy the calm. A number of the sculptures are interactive and I particularly enjoyed the one where you lay flat on a suspended round cushioned platform to watch the clouds drift by to the sound of water, the gentle rustling of trees and the watch the wildlife. Sculpture by the Lakes well exceeded my expectations.
Phil J — Google review
Peace and tranquility. I have visited twice now and have been very impressed both times. While there were many more people there the second visit, it still didn't feel crowded. This is a wonderful place to visit to breathe deep and unload. Sit by the river or lay on the grass, wander through the formal gardens and read the plaques in the path. There are many places to sit and ponder or just enjoy the sculpture. The whole place is cleverly laid out and the art is thought provoking. I will be going back again and again.
Paul F — Google review
The sculpture park was relaxing and visually stimulating venue. I loved how tranquility of it was. The vibe of the place is incredible, very chilled, but with a lot to see and great walking around looking at all the art The place is incredible. The coffee was good in the cafe and we had a picnic.
Hug D — Google review
Wow, what a lovely, relaxing and visually stimulating venue. I loved how tranquil it was, the vibe of the place is incredible, very chilled, but with a lot to see. Being a huge owl fan I loved the many barn owl sculptures. I also loved the metal egg swing bench near the river and the large round swing bed/seat near the lake. The place is incredible. The coffee was good and the Kinder brookie was excellent too.
Glyn S — Google review
Had a amazing day here walking around their lake. Awesome sculptures set in and around their grounds. Coffee shop and restaurant food looked amazing but didn't eat there. But take your own food and have a picnic at one of the seating area's. We went on a week day out of school holidays so it didn't feel busy.oh and if you book online you pay £15 instead of £16.50
Wayne — Google review
4.7
(1368)
•
4.5
(1590)
Pallington Lakes, Dorchester, DT2 8QU, United Kingdom
http://www.sculpturebythelakes.co.uk/
+44 7720 637808
7

Old Wardour Castle

Mentioned on 
+14 other lists 
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.
Brian M — Google review
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.
Kane R — Google review
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!
Louisa B — Google review
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!
Paul S — Google review
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.
Andrea R — Google review
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.
P_Addler — Google review
​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 !!!
Florin D — Google review
4.7
(1815)
•
4.5
(389)
Tisbury, Salisbury, SP3 6RR, United Kingdom
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/old-wardour-castle/?utm_source=Google%20Business&utm_campaign=Local%20Listings&utm_medium=Google%20Business%20Profiles&utm_content=old%20wardour%20castle
+44 370 333 1181
8

The Tank Museum

Mentioned on 
+33 other lists 
Army museum
Museums
The Tank Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone fascinated by military history. Nestled within the Bovington military base, just a short drive from Dorchester, this impressive museum showcases an extensive collection of over 300 tanks that span from World War I to modern-day vehicles. Visitors can easily spend an entire day exploring the vast array of exhibits housed in spacious buildings, each dedicated to different eras and advancements in tank technology.
We recently visited the Tank Museum and it turned out to be one of the best museum experiences we've had in a long time. It’s a fantastic place for both kids and adults, offering something engaging for everyone. The entrance fee is very reasonable, and the fact that you can return for free within the next 12 months is a great bonus. I also suggest booking tickets online to save a few pounds. The museum itself is thoughtfully designed, with various areas that are both educational and enjoyable to explore. As suggested on their website, you really do need at least 4 hours to fully appreciate everything, it’s a place worth taking your time in. The café even has a soft play area, which is a brilliant addition for families with young children. The gift shop is another highlight, with a wide range of items at very good prices. Although we unfortunately missed it, the live tank action displays held on certain school holiday Mondays through Thursdays sound like an incredible experience and are definitely on our list for the next visit. Overall, I highly recommend the Tank Museum. It’s a memorable day out, well worth the time, and excellent value for money.
M M — Google review
Loved it here. The displays are amazing. The film about some of the veterans is so loving and even my husband was moved to tears by their stories. The entrance ticket lasts for a whole year and we are planning to return again next spring. Excellent day out. We'll be back! Oh and buy your tickets in advance, saves a few pounds.
Kay L — Google review
The Tank Museum is an amazing place to spend time with the family. There’s so much to see — from historic tanks to interactive exhibits — and it’s both educational and entertaining for all ages. The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful, making the visit even better. It’s very easy to get to, with plenty of parking available. You’ll definitely want to allow at least three hours to explore everything properly. Highly recommended!
A L — Google review
We visited midweek during the October half term school holidays with our 8 year old twins, was worried that with them not being self pronounced armoured fighting vehicle fans, that they may not be entertained for much longer than say 30mins, as last time I visited was a little less than half a century ago! 😳 And it was very bare bones... I needn't have worried the place has grown exponentially, the car park was full, but inside it felt comfortably spacious with loads to do for a very excitable pair of monkeys, who grew more and more interested in what they were seeing. There are loads of looped films explaining the ins and outs of Tank design, Tanks through the ages, Tanks in the movies! You name it there was something for everyone who even has a modicome of interest in the subject. Would highly recommend with over 350 tanks on site of every size and shape and some over a hundred years old! loads to do and see! And a fab gift shop to boot with gifts and toys to suit every pocket! A fab day out had by all, we even saw some real modern tanks driving on the roads outside the museum as its in an active army camp! 5*
Michael S — Google review
Perfect for both tank enthusiasts and those who just enjoy a good museum with lots of physical things to see. The museum is well deserved of its legendary status amongst the military enthusiast community. I’d say it is very child friendly with lots of space, things to do and see as well as an extremely reasonably priced canteen. I went in a day when the Tamiya hall was closed, although entirely my fault due to it being the remembrance weekend. Despite this I still felt I had a lovely time and felt I had seen a lot. I will certainly be back, especially due to the ticket sale lasting for 12 months.
Tom A — Google review
I've been meaning to go for several years now, it was absolutely fantastic everything I dreamed of and more! Getting up close and personal with past giants of military machinery. The variety of tanks on show are breathtaking especially for me the WW2 tanks seeing a tiger 1&2 Vs what the allied forces had to try and combat the German behemoth's. Worth every penny will love to visit over and over again.
Callum C — Google review
Absolute must visit place, came here during Tiger day and it was well worth the price. Amazing event showcasing the history on the Tiger I tank and some other notable tanks during the time period, museum itself is very good with actual tanks on display. The staff are also kind and informative. Also had a ride in a personnel carrier around the field which was extremely fun and worth it.
Kevin M — Google review
The Tank Museum was the highlight of our trip for my husband. When we entered we were greeted nicely and got our tickets there. The staff member explained how to get to the exhibits, she was very friendly. The museum was laid out very well, it was easy to follow. Each tank on display had information on when it was made, reasons for it and how it had been used in history. For someone who is not a tank enthusiast, it was still interesting and I enjoyed myself. We were able to be there when they had the vehicle conservation centre opened (only at certain time of day), located a short walk from the museum entrance. It’s like a giant tank parking lot but they have a map of which tank is where and there was a very helpful staff member my husband was asking questions to. There is a cafe inside as well as a nice souvenir shop with clothes, toys, Lego and more! There are toilets available. I would definitely recommend! My husband’s one critique would be to add more of a walkway over the Tank storage (vehicle conservation centre) so people can see the tanks better. And more copies of the tank layout to look at.
Vanessa B — Google review
4.9
(15710)
•
4.8
(5210)
R A C Tank Museum, Linsay Rd, Bovington, Wareham BH20 6JG, United Kingdom
https://www.tankmuseum.org/
+44 1929 405096
9

Durdle Door

Mentioned on 
+101 other lists 
Rock
Nature & Parks
Geologic Formations
Durdle Door, located on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, is a natural limestone arch that is widely photographed. The beach nearby is known for its stunning limestone arch separating it from ManoWar Bay and attracts fossil hunters, snorkelers, and swimmers. Access to the beach involves a walk down from a pay and display car park at the top of the cliff. Visitors can drive or take a challenging walk to Durdle Door for sunset photos and enjoy breathtaking views of the coast.
The best views and the clearest water not counting Cornwall of course. The must see place to be. Don’t take any trolleys and prepare for a long walk from the car park. No wheelchair access, don’t even try.
Gagik G — Google review
Durdle Door is a rock formation in the form of an arch, located in Dorset, England.🌟 The place is very interesting, visited by thousands of tourists. 🚶‍♂️👣 The entire area, called the Jurassic coast, is privately owned, but with public access.👐 The rock arch is 61m high.😯🙆‍♂️ This is one of my favorite places with the most impressive landscape in England.👌👌
Exploring I — Google review
One of the best view to enjoy... Very mesmerising view it gives and worth to travel for. Never miss the place. Should really once in your life time. Parking is available at the top.. And need to walk down a bit to get to the spot and steep on the way
Sharoon N — Google review
What an absolutely stunning place! The view of the iconic stone arch and the turquoise water is truly breathtaking — pictures don’t do it justice. The walk down to the beach is a bit steep, but totally worth it once you reach the shore. It’s a great spot for relaxing, taking photos, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature. I’d recommend wearing comfortable shoes and bringing some snacks or a picnic — the atmosphere is so peaceful you’ll want to stay for hours. If you’re lucky with the weather, you’ll catch an amazing sunrise or sunset. Overall, it’s a must-visit place in the UK — calm, scenic, and unforgettable.
Md I — Google review
An absolutely stunning piece of natural beauty. The walk down the cliff path provides breathtaking views before you even reach the iconic arch. The beach is lovely, and taking a dip in the clear (and bracingly cold!) turquoise water is an unforgettable experience. Pro Tip: Get here at sunrise! We beat the crowds and had the place almost to ourselves. It was absolutely magical and serene. The experience would be completely different in the middle of a busy day. Highly, highly recommend an early start!
Ammar Z — Google review
What a spectacular! Visited in October, not quite sunny but still perfect to enjoy myself sitting on the shores and looking over such a beautiful natural landscape right in front of me. So thankful to experience and see Durdle Door with 👀.
Minh L — Google review
This year I visited Durdle Door for the first time. The last week of August I went there, and I really loved the place. The scenic beauty is absolutely stunning and truly mesmerizing. It was a bit too crowded because of the holidays, but overall it’s a beautiful spot worth visiting. 🌊✨
Loka_loka — Google review
Amazing views and a truly natural marvel. Well worth a visit. There ia quite a steep, chalky loose gravel path, not very accessible for people with mobility restrictions.
Riz P — Google review
4.8
(6633)
•
4.5
(4337)
Wareham, BH20 5PU, UK, USA
10

Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre

Mentioned on 
+40 other lists 
Zoo
Nature & Parks
Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre in Dorset is a haven for over 250 rescued and rehabilitated primates, including chimpanzees, orangutans, gibbons, monkeys, lemurs, and slow lorises. The park offers an educational yet entertaining experience for families with adventure playgrounds for kids and insightful exhibits about the primates' past hardships.
A great place to visit. Good price. Fascinating to spend time watching many different breeds. Keeper talks are informative and interesting. They know so much about each individual monkey & their back story. Some real characters there. A pleasant day out. Really enjoyed it. Would go again
Jane S — Google review
Fantastic family day out! The monkeys and apes are so happy and clearly very well cared for. Food and drinks are reasonably priced but you could take your own picnic. Monkey world is even better than we expected.
Sally G — Google review
At first I was a bit reticent coming here as I thought it was a zoo but turned out it’s a rescue centre. I was surprised to see how spacious their space is and how many toys they have. It seems like they take good care of them which is good. The monkeys seemed to be happy too. It was great to see them all! The park is huge and you can spend half a day or more if you take your time.
Damien V — Google review
Well what can I say, this is a great attraction and by visiting you will hear some sad stories about how the apes and monkeys have been treated while at the same time doing good by providing money to keep the monkeys in food and 5* accommodation. The staff are very knowledgeable and answer all your questions, thank god for people like this that have a passion the welfare of all the apes and monkeys in their care. Please go and visit this place is open all year round apart from Christmas Day . Thank you monkey word for what you do.
Mark S — Google review
Had a great day out at monkey world. We were lucky that the weather was so good and the park so quiet. You can't can't escape the fact that these beautiful animals aren't in the wild - with infinite space around them - but they also wouldn't be alive. The space they have feels generous - and engaging for them to have fun. Monkey World treads a delicate line carefully - and has created an educational and enjoyable day out. We watched monkeys play and interact not just with each other but with us too. They are incredible to watch. Good job Monkey World. Keep doing a great job.
Phillip L — Google review
Excellent. I went with family who watch the show every evening. We all throroughly enjoyed it. It was a lot more walking than we all thought but there was so much to see. We listed to a chimpanzee talk and you can really tell how much all the staff care about the animals they have. All of the enclosures looked clean and tidy but in a natural monkey sort of way! My only moan is that the map is terrible. I could not figure out the map at all. There were other people who struggled to as they asked me for help! Worth the visit. There were lots of play areas for kids and the big one (I think it's called the orangutan park maybe) looked great. Plenty of space for picnics and for little ones to run around. A great day out.
Lauren — Google review
This brought back such wonderful memories of visiting here with my grandparents when I was small. There are so many different monkeys across a pretty large park. There were lots of children around and they all seemed to be enjoying it, just as I did when I was young. I definitely recommend coming to monkey world for a fun filled day out.
Coralie P — Google review
Our Daughter has always wanted to visit Monkey World, so not to disapoint her, as She still had a Weeks Holiday left from work, Me and My Wife Decided to journey to Poole from North Wales, booked into a Travel Lodge for a few nights, and it was a very enjoyable experience for the three of us. It was a very Hot Day, lots of walking, but there's a few kiosks where you can get Cold Treats. Plenty to see, and amuse you too. Yes, would recommend visiting this Wonderful place. Good parking facilities too.
Ken G — Google review
4.7
(12343)
•
4.6
(6393)
Tout Hill, Longthorns, Wareham BH20 6HH, United Kingdom
http://www.monkeyworld.org/
+44 1929 462537
I'll never travel to Swanage without this trip planner again
Learn more
I'll never travel without this trip planner again
Available on the App Store
11

Royal Signals Museum

Mentioned on 
2 lists 
Museum
History Museums
Military Museums
The Royal Signals Museum offers an engaging and interactive experience, exploring the rich history of military communications and codes. From Napoleonic times to the present day, visitors can delve into the fascinating stories of the Royal Signals, with particular emphasis on World War I and II. The museum showcases captivating displays on dispatch riders, their motorcycles, and an impressive display team. It houses a variety of well-preserved historical machines while also providing a pleasant café and friendly staff.
Surprised that it is actually on an army base so the driver has to provide ID and a phone number. A very interesting museum, I learnt a lot. There is a lot of reading but any military fan would absolutely love it. Displays were engaging and well thought out. I actually enjoyed seeing all the displays dedicated to women and the one dedicated to animals that served during the wars. There were quite a few interactive stations., even a shooting gallery. Would recommend maybe for adults and older children. Met Jack and Ryan “The storyteller” in the shop, had a good conversation with them. They sadly are not in my #SconeAsIn Gone group! Anyway, the museum is worth a visit.
P_Addler — Google review
Excellent place and highly recommend a visit if communication, history etc interests you. You will need to park just outside the camp entrance and go in to present ID etc, if you are disabled display the badge and you can park closer. The museum is closed to the entrance, go straight there, lots of parking as well as disabled spaces. Entrance fee is very reasonable and the gift shop well stocked. There is a lift between the floors, there is a cafe that serves a great selection of food and freshly prepared if required. The exhibition is very well laid out and a good history. A very good layout in groups of the actual equipment which in itself is quite rare. I was quite surprised to see a Tele D Mark V set which I have. There are a number of excellent video history or explanation shows and have seats. There are also a number of interactive exhibits so you can check your knowledge on points of hacking to light up model of Pegasus bridge. All the staff were extremely polite and helpful
Abi S — Google review
Pretty nice little museum with plenty of hands on things to do. The staff were nice. Also not just wanted to say clean bathrooms but then it is a military base so pretty on point. NOTE: you do have to present your ID and get a photo taken to enter.
London A — Google review
Comprehensive history of the Royal Signals told with displays and a lot of radios! Technology covered includes visual signalling right through modern digital sat comms for special forces. A number of hands on exhibits including a driving simulator. Small cafe offering food and drinks. Gift shop. Toilets and friendly staff. If you're over 16 take photo ID to sign into Blandford Camp.
Chris R — Google review
A lovely visit. I really enjoyed the exhibits. Plenty for children to look at..maybe age 6 plus. Allow time to go through security...the driver needs photo id.
Hilary G — Google review
We were completely stunned by how big and high-quality the exposition is. It's a little gem. Plan more than 2 hours and if you have a boy, you're not getting out any time soon 😉 They even have a virtual gun shooting range.
Michał P — Google review
Loved this museum. Came across a sign on route to another destination. Upon return back to caravan we visited here. Loved the sign in with security and Loved seeing the camp with it being an active camp my kids loved seeing soldiers. The museum its self had plenty of parking and though being in a smaller building there was so much to see. Loved the peices on show. Especially loved the driving simulator and the shooting range. Staff were lovely and helpful and for a tenner per adult kids free a bargain and a cracking day out to be had.
Robin C — Google review
Well worth a visit if you're in the area. Although smaller in size to Bovington Tank Museum it's beautifully laid out and the process of entering a working army base is well catered for by the security staff
Paul F — Google review
4.6
(609)
•
4.6
(193)
Blandford Camp, Blandford Forum, DT11 8BJ, United Kingdom
http://www.royalsignalsmuseum.co.uk/
+44 1258 482248
12

Old Sarum

Mentioned on 
15 lists 
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.
Brian M — Google review
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)
Call L — Google review
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.
Claire — Google review
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.
Jackie R — Google review
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.
Baris O — Google review
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.
E M — Google review
Nice little wonder around was surprised that it was free with our Cadw membership If you are turning up you know what to expect but was definitely worth a vist. Another pile of stones listed hahaha
Robert P — Google review
4.5
(3463)
•
4.2
(1721)
Castle Rd, Salisbury, SP1 3SD, United Kingdom
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/old-sarum/?utm_source=Google%20Business&utm_campaign=Local%20Listings&utm_medium=Google%20Business%20Profiles&utm_content=old%20sarum&utm_source=Google%20Business&utm_campaign=Local%20Listings&utm_medium=Google%20Business%20Profiles&utm_content=old%20sarum
+44 370 333 1181
13

Boscombe Down Aviation Collection

Mentioned on 
20 lists 
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.
Kathrin S — Google review
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.
Diane C — Google review
It’s one of the most best aviation museums in the uk. Boscombe down aviation collection is very family friendly, informative, interactive, very historic and the ticket prices are very fair. Also you can go in a lot of different cockpits of different types of military aircraft. Also if you are lucky they sometimes bring out their Hawker t1 and turn on its engines. The location is great for people who live near by but it pretty hard to get to if you live far away but, I don’t mind. It is also really close to RAF Boscombe down which is pretty cool. If you love going into the cockpits of planes Boscombe aviation would be GREAT for you!!!! 。◕‿‿◕。
Coo R — Google review
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!
Sam T — Google review
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.
Mike H — Google review
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.
Colin B — Google review
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!
Gavin B — Google review
4.8
(1057)
•
4.8
(762)
Hangar 1 Old Sarum Airfield, Old Sarum, Salisbury SP4 6DZ, United Kingdom
http://boscombedownaviationcollection.co.uk/
+44 1722 323636
14

Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park

Mentioned on 
18 lists 
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.
Jennifer P — Google review
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 🥰
Stephanie W — Google review
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.
Roy P — Google review
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.
Tavis H — Google review
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.
James P — Google review
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.
Gillian H — Google review
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 🇰🇼❤️
Sarah — Google review
4.7
(1360)
•
4.5
(1191)
Edmondsham Road, Verwood, BH21 5RJ, United Kingdom
https://www.dorset-heavy-horse-centre.co.uk/
+44 1202 824040
15

Arundells

Mentioned on 
+31 other lists 
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.
Andy T — Google review
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.
M J — Google review
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.
Lynn ( — Google review
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.
Warren H — Google review
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
Matthew B — Google review
Beautiful, historic house of a true statesman. Lovely stewards, very friendly and helpfull
Astrid H — Google review
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.
Jo K — Google review
4.8
(177)
•
4.7
(444)
59 Cathedral Close, Salisbury, SP1 2EN, United Kingdom
http://www.arundells.org/
+44 1722 326546
I'll never travel to Swanage without this trip planner again
Learn more
I'll never travel without this trip planner again
Available on the App Store
16

National Trust - Mompesson House

Mentioned on 
+40 other lists 
$$$$affordable
Historical landmark
Mompesson House, located in Salisbury's Cathedral Close, is a stunning 18th-century property owned by the National Trust. This architectural gem showcases exquisite Queen Anne design and features an interior adorned with period furniture, impressive plasterwork, and a remarkable oak staircase. Visitors can also admire splendid paintings and antique furniture while exploring the house. The property includes a charming walled garden area and a delightful tea room for visitors to enjoy.
Lovely visit to this very impressive house. Had a lovely talk about it's history which was very informative. Not a big house but we'll worth the visit as it's in Cathedral square ,a beautiful setting. Small garden and coffee shop
Clare S — Google review
We decided to visit here as we were wandering around the town. The volunteers do an awesome job, from the welcome at the door to the information as we wandered through the house. The Trust have done an excellent job with the furnishing. If you have time then worth a visit.
Kiwisflythecoop N — Google review
Small museum showcasing a house furnished and decorated in the Regency period (early 1800s). The talk about the history of the building by the NT lady was very interesting. Lovely gardens outside with small cafe and second hand bookshop.
Martin G — Google review
Very unimpressive house. If I had paid to visit I’d have been extremely annoyed so glad we are NT members. Only seven rooms to see all filled with non authentic furniture which is not part of the original house. Boring place. Cafe there is nice though. Won’t be coming back.
Caroline B — Google review
Fantastic place we went on the guided tour for about one hour well worth volunteers very knowledgeable and friendly 8 rooms a little cafe and garden and a small bookshop we came all the way from Birmingham kings norton coaches toilets in and outside cathedral limited parking options a couple of step but also a flat entrance for disabled people
Matthew B — Google review
A lovely National Trust place. Great staff, helpful and knowledgeable. It's only a small property, but lovely. Cafe and usual facilities, but sadly, no gift shop.
Lynn ( — Google review
The staff are incredibly friendly and polite, always happy to share a chat and offer thoughtful insights. The atmosphere is calm and welcoming, with a rich history that adds depth to the experience. The cafeteria is charming, and the toilet facilities are clean and well-maintained — a truly lovely place to visit.
S J — Google review
We visited today and had the most wonderful time. All the NT staff we encountered were so friendly and passionate, it’s very clear how much they love their roles. We thoroughly enjoyed the 11:45 talk about the history of the house through the years, the lady doing the talk was most engaging and we learned a lot about the previous occupants and decor. The house and gardens are beautiful and it is a manageable size for those that find walking around more expansive places challenging and it could also nicely tied in with a visit to Salisbury Cathedral to make a day of it. Thank you, we look forward to visiting again in the future.
Ryan S — Google review
4.5
(613)
•
4.3
(640)
The Close, Salisbury, SP1 2EL, United Kingdom
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mompesson-house/
+44 1722 335659
17

St Thomas’s Church

Mentioned on 
10 lists 
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
Matthew B — Google review
Popped in as we were walking around the town. Lovely church, so peaceful and welcoming. Plenty to see, so much history.
Lynn ( — Google review
An old church with lots of history to see. Best to get a guided tour to discover what's there
Rog E — Google review
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.
Win T — Google review
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.
Paul P — Google review
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!
Andrew Y — Google review
Great little church, excellent guides who will tell you all about the Doom Scroll. Would recommend a visit
John — Google review
4.8
(298)
•
4.6
(354)
St Thomas's Square, St Thomas Square, Salisbury SP1 1BA, United Kingdom
http://www.stthomassalisbury.co.uk/
+44 1722 322537
18

Brownsea Island

Mentioned on 
+113 other lists 
Island
Nature & Parks
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Nestled in the heart of Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island is a captivating destination that seamlessly blends history with natural beauty. This National Trust gem is renowned for its rich wildlife, particularly the charming red squirrels that scamper through its lush landscapes. Visitors can embark on scenic hikes or enjoy delightful picnics while soaking in breathtaking views of the Purbeck Hills.
It was bigger than i thought. Can't do it all in one day. Place is amazing with breathing views across the harbour. The staff was very helpful and chatty. Very passionate. Saw a few red squirrels and plenty of wild life. Heaven for birds. Will definately go back again to visit the rest of the island and the old village now in ruins on the other side of the island.
Didier M — Google review
Stunning place to visit. The staff were incredible, lots of poeple dotted around to talk to, give information and show you the local animals. Lots of different trails you can follow on the map depending on how much walking you want to do.
Emma W — Google review
A nice sunny day out but didn't see any squirrels. Food wasn't up to normal NT quality. A lovely place to visit but could do with more benches
Pauline T — Google review
Had a wonderful 3rd trip to the island with my partner - they have some great new hides - we saw a lot of wildlife and young wildlife too. Definitely be returning! Walnut cake in the cafe was fab & the volunteers were all awesome!
Jessie S — Google review
A real hidden gem! Took the ferry from Poole Harbour (around 20 mins) and spent a fantastic few hours exploring Brownsea Island. It’s a National Trust site, so well looked after and full of natural beauty. Lovely woodland walks with loads of wildlife – we spotted all sorts of birds, several red squirrels, and even a deer! Peaceful, scenic, and perfect for a relaxing day out in nature. Bring comfy shoes and maybe a picnic. Highly recommended!
Melanie H — Google review
Amazing place to visit. Access through ferry from poole harbour unless you've a boat and im guessing there's considerations even if you do. Ferry was 15 return per person and these go every 30 minutes and stop at 5 pm with a break at lunchtime. The island is reasonably flat with paths around. The north of the island is more concerned with bird watching. The south of th island is more to do with the scout movement. There is a tea and snack stand near the scout shop. The national trust owns most of the island and there a further cost of around £10 to go in. Very beautiful and tranquil and worth checking out. There is also a small bus you can take around the island.
Hywel M — Google review
Fabulous day out. Caught the ferry, on the Quay opposite Tesco Express, at £14.50 each. There were no concessions for the disabled or those over 65's, there was a long que, but they ushered us onto another ferry, doing the river cruises, and they dropped us of, which was great. On Brownsea Island I was able to get in free, being my daughter's carer, so I just had to pay for her and my hubby. We took her disability parking badge, but they didn't ask for anything. It's not a far walk from the car park, just round the corner. Cost us about 12.50 for 6 hrs. There are all-terrain wheelchairs to hire on Brownsea, free of charge and children's buggies, also free. Though I struggled to push it around on the rubble tracks and had to turn back and return it, the volunteer commented that she knew that this was a problem. But then happily booked us on the shuttle bus for the tour, which was brilliant, and our guide Tony, was great, he gave us a great commentary around the island. It takes 40 minutes. We ate in the cafe. In our rush to leave the car park to get to the ferry, we left our bag with food drinks etc. in our car. So bought some water on the island, ( to my horror £3.30 each 500ml bottle, it is, Re:water, a metal, reusable bottle though ) only to find they had a water station, with free tap water. I should have just asked. We didn't think we had time to pick anything up from the Tesco Express opposite the ferry station in Poole Quay. The restaurant staff were great, very helpful and could cater for my gluten-free vegetarian daughter, they expressed how they take it very seriously in the kitchen, to prevent cross-contamination, that a member of staff, washes down everything first then kits up to prepare the food. And they then bring it out themselves. Our food was lovely, fresh and tasty. Great friendly staff in there, they work very hard. Very helpful staff all over Brownsea. The ferry was a very smooth crossing, and friendly informative staff. All in all, a great little trip
Karen G — Google review
Brownsea Island is National Trust. If you are N.T member you only have to pay for the ferry crossing. Non members have to pay ferry plus enterance fee. There is lots to see and alot of walking. They have numerous hides on one side of the island to watch the various water fowl. There is also a colony of Red Sqirrels apparently you can see them behind the church. Plenty of places to have a picnic. They have a lovely café by the jetty offer nice selection of drinks and snack. Would definatelty go back again as in.
Yvonne M — Google review
4.7
(353)
•
4.6
(2628)
United Kingdom, USA
19

Insight Activities (New Forest)

Mentioned on 
6 lists 
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!
Marija B — Google review
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.
Jamie W — Google review
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!
Anita N — Google review
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!
Aly R — Google review
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.
Will U — Google review
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!
Sarah H — Google review
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
JC A — Google review
5.0
(879)
•
4.9
(1650)
Insight Activities, Fordingbridge, SP6 3DA, United Kingdom
https://insightactivities.co.uk/new-forest/
+44 7752 302010
20

Swanage Railway

Mentioned on 
25 lists 
Transit stop
Transportation
Swanage Railway is a heritage railway featuring both diesel and steam locomotives, offering various experiences such as dining trains and driving experiences. The journey through the stunning Purbeck scenery allows visitors to explore Dorset's incredible sights from the comfort of vintage carriages. The railway hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including prosecco and cream tea rides, murder mysteries, and breathtaking sunset shuttles.
A beautiful traditional station with old steam and diesel engine train takes you back into time. We parked round the corner in Swanage car park costing £8 for the whole day parking and has a toilet on site and lots of parking space. We booked 2 x family tickets for up to 5 people per family for £45 each. Lots of space on train and lovely staff at the station and the station even had the old traditional feel and look about it. Once boarded on train the train visits 4 stations along the route. We got off at Corfe Castle and took a walk and lunch seeing the historic castle ruins and village. To visit the castle you have to purchase tickets but we opted to see the ruins from the path route and hill top views. The village has lots of shops to eat, drink and buy souvenirs. Was really great to hear the history and story from a volunteer who has been working on the train line for over 30 years. He was very funny and had a great sense of humour not just telling us about the train history but about the castle history also. Its a must visit, transports you back into time and worth the money. Thank you to everyone who is keeping this history alive!!
Anam H — Google review
A heritage railway mostly run by enthusiastic volunteers. From the beautiful Victorian seaside town of Swanage stopping at numerous stops that includes Corfe Castle.
A G — Google review
For me was the one attraction in the area I wanted to visit on our holiday and it didn't disappoint. A long time since I went on a steam/heritage railway but this was by far one of the best I've been to. The stations and carriages were all in noticeably great condition, with the stations decorated in the 'golden age of steam' fashion - they look great. It's gets busy, we got the 1040hrs train out of Norden and we were lucky to get a seat so get there early - there is a luggage carriage for wheelchairs/buggies Tickets can be bought online, on the platform or with the ticket inspector, kids under 5 go free (!) and adults were a very reasonable £18 open return. Journey to Swanage took about 20 mins and was very picturesque with a great view of Corfe Castle. The numerous return journies allows for ample time exploring Swanage. There are various museums at the different stations to explore and a shop at Swanage station. Staff were very helpful and a pleasure to see being so enthusiastic about working there - certainly added to the experience.
Richard S — Google review
Fantastic piece of heritage well preserved by the excellent staff members, everything is kept to clean and tidy and it was a pleasure to be a passenger on. Every time we visit this area we will support this piece of English heritage.
William R — Google review
Could be a lovely visit, if you are not disabled, avoid if you are, no parking facilities for disabled, car park 3/4 of a mile from the station. Absolutely disgusted, The trains might be 19th century, we are n now in the 21st. Never again
Phil B — Google review
Absolutely wonderful return trip to Swanage from Corfe Castle. Our little dog hadn’t travelled on any train before and they made a fuss of him which he loved. Scenery is stunning and we thoroughly enjoyed it! The staff have to be commended because they were so friendly and obviously enjoyed their work. I think many are volunteers? If so that’s amazing!
Tara M — Google review
Brilliant day out kids loved it prices very reasonable
Alan R — Google review
Lovely afternoon out, specially good if the weather isn’t beach worthy. The staff are always friendly, the trains are clean and a joy to watch, and ride in. I have taken to riding to Corfe, having a pub lunch and riding back again (not having to park in Corfe is always a plus). UPDATE: If you're here at Christmas, go on the light spectacular trip. Great evening, whether with or without kids. And finally, nothing to do with this train, but made me smile...... Did you know reading between the lines can be dangerous, specially if you’re at a train station.
Jon B — Google review
4.6
(197)
•
4.5
(3330)
Swanage, BH19 1HB, United Kingdom
http://swanagerailway.co.uk/
I'll never travel to Swanage without this trip planner again
Learn more
I'll never travel without this trip planner again
Available on the App Store
21

Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve

Mentioned on 
5 lists 
Nature preserve
Nature & Parks
Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve is a sprawling 320-acre countryside paradise located just a mile from Swanage. The park offers breathtaking views of Swanage Bay and the Jurassic Coast, with walking trails that lead to fascinating wildlife sightings. Visitors may even have the chance to spot dolphins and puffins from the clifftops.
Last September I drove to Swanage and found Durlston Country Park - Wow! Affordable parking for the whole day, a cafe to dine in with a variety of food and beverages high above the Jurassic Coast to roam along the cliff edges for the sea views then take the walking trails down to the village. A fun place for the whole family to visit - plenty of resting places, view points along the way, hammocks, rope swings to play on and a bird hide to spy from (not just for the kids!) and a scenic walk down into Swanage for a treat of fish and chips by the beach at the end of the day.
Tracey R — Google review
We parked at the Durlston country park and did the clifftop walk down to Dancing ledge, really lovely walk along the cliffs, then looped around to take the high path back, would recommend walking boots as it's a bit rugged in a few places.
Matt A — Google review
An absolutely amazing place to visit. If you have a disability and can't walk to far you can hire a Tamper which is a electric ride on buggy. It's powerful enough to take you on any of the four walks, like cliff top or meadows. Just call in advance to book the tempers at just £3 for the day. The cafe has a great menu and the food is amazing, just make sure you get there before 3.45 pm to order your food. I would recommend this place to visit.
Colin N — Google review
Wonderful place. I’ve visited Swanage many times but have never been to Durlston. Such a beautiful place to walk around on a sunny February day. Absolutely loved it and will be back in the summer.
Elaine C — Google review
Lovely park to spend time in exploring, it's hilly but the views are wonderful. Came for the parkrun, made full use of the 10% discount after in the cafe (with views of Old Harry), but browsed the shop, so it's dog friendly and they sell Pawbeck ice creams for dogs, so which my Buzz loved.
Kim L — Google review
Excellent place to walk with breathtaking views. Lots of photo opportunities. Don't miss the giant snail shell. Perfect photo op.
Jen B — Google review
Took some friends here last Saturday. Had a fantastic time, beautiful views and spectacular coastal path walk.
Philip V — Google review
It's a wonderful area, with simply stunning views. But the thing that impressed me the most, is just how accessible it is. The amount of thought and effort that has been made to enable everyone to access the castle is quite impressive. A series of lifts and ramps make this possible, and when you head outside the tracks are wide and well made. It really is a place that everyone can enjoy, and dogs are made welcome too!
Emma C — Google review
4.7
(2567)
•
4.5
(1237)
Lighthouse Rd, Swanage, BH19 2JL, United Kingdom
http://www.durlston.co.uk/
+44 1929 424443
22

Bournemouth International Centre

Mentioned on 
27 lists 
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!
Kirsty J — Google review
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.
Claire — Google review
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.
PB — Google review
Great night watching Australian Pink Floyd. Love the BIC. It was our second time there. Seating was great. Staff helpful.
Carmen S — Google review
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.
David H — Google review
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!
Mumtominibeasts — Google review
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.
Roy T — Google review
4.4
(5851)
•
4.1
(1330)
International Centre, Exeter Rd, Bournemouth, BH2 5BH, United Kingdom
http://www.bic.co.uk/
23

Oceanarium

Mentioned on 
85 lists 
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.
Luke O — Google review
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!
PARKER M — Google review
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.
Minkee C — Google review
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!
Stacey D — Google review
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 ! 🐧
Elle F — Google review
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.
Robin C — Google review
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.
Mark W — Google review
4.2
(6869)
•
3.9
(3269)
Pier Approach, Bournemouth, BH2 5AA, United Kingdom
https://www.oceanarium.co.uk/?utm_id=GMBtraffic&utm_medium=OrganicGMB&utm_source=google
+44 1202 311993
24

Bournemouth Pier Amusements

Mentioned on 
1 list 
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!
Steven — Google review
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!
Leah — Google review
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.
Vanja B — Google review
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
Nickrapo — Google review
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!
John T — Google review
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.
Stephen S — Google review
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 👾🕹️!!
ESTHER — Google review
4.1
(1276)
•
4.5
(9046)
W Undercliff Promenade, Bournemouth, BH2 5AA, United Kingdom
https://www.bournemouth.co.uk/pieramusements
+44 1202 126089
25

Bournemouth Pier

Mentioned on 
+95 other lists 
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
Gavin J — Google review
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!
S P — Google review
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!
YoYo — Google review
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!
Rashid A — Google review
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.
Pratik P — Google review
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
Eric K — Google review
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.
JKM C — Google review
4.4
(14245)
•
3.6
(2328)
Pier Approach, Bournemouth, BH2 5AA, United Kingdom
http://www.thebournemouthpier.com/
+44 1202 925825
I'll never travel to Swanage without this trip planner again
Learn more
I'll never travel without this trip planner again
Available on the App Store
26

Hengistbury Head Beach

Mentioned on 
+25 other lists 
Outdoor Activities
Beaches
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Hengistbury Head Beach is a serene and unspoiled pebble beach located away from the main sprawl of Bournemouth. It offers visitors parking, toilets, and a cafe for convenience. The beach is surrounded by imposing cliffs and features a beautiful nature reserve at one end. It is designated as a Local Nature Reserve, Site of Scientific Interest, and Special Area of Conservation.
Beautiful beach ⛱️ soft sand, loads of parking. Great walking around Hengistbury Head. Wildlife and history here with free visitor centre. Cafe next to it as well.
Hug D — Google review
Fantastic beach especially for dogs, as there’s plenty of space for them to run around. There’s lots of space for yourself which is great if you hate crowded beaches. It’s also a good place for a walk as the beach is big. The beach is half pebbly half sandy. Alternatively, there’s also a cliff walk.
Noemi — Google review
Hengistbury Head has it all! Beautiful beach, Gorgeous views - even to the Isle, Rich floral, Fascinating landmarks etched in history, And a hike to cap it all. It does not get better than this!
Ade — Google review
This is a wonderful place saved by my Dad. When he was alive he designed the coastal defence against this place being destroyed. The groynes and the dredging of sand to help protect the beaches. Couldn't be more proud of him for this. His ashes are at the top overlooking the Isle of Wight. God bless you Dad you were the best. Please if anything make the parking cheaper or free and remember it would not be there if it wasn't for my brilliant father.
Glenn S — Google review
We recently visited Head beach and it was an absolutely breathtaking experience! The beach boasts pristine, soft sand that feels wonderful underfoot and stretches as far as the eye can see. The water is an inviting shade of turquoise, perfect for swimming or simply soaking up the sun. The scenery is stunning, with waves lapping at the shore. Whether you're looking to relax with a book, enjoy water sports, or take a leisurely walk along the shoreline, this beach has it all. Amenities are conveniently located, including clean restrooms, and lovely outdoor and indoor dining options nearby for a refreshing bite or a cool drink.
Woman W — Google review
This was such a beautiful place to visit, with panoramic views over to The Isle of Wight and Avon Beach.
Sally P — Google review
The beaches in Bournemouth are brilliant that I cannot favour one over the other. It’s a sandy beach along the cliff. There’s a good stretch of grasslands cliff side to walk. Those who don’t prefer walking, can just hit the beach from the closest car park which is about 5-7 minute walk. There is a paid parking and 1 hr free parking as well, watch out for timings. There are cafe and toilet facilities as well
Sana F — Google review
This is a wild and beautiful spot which is at its finest out of season, when the wind blows and the surf is up. There's a large car park and lots of walkers enjoying the headland and the beaches. The headland can be blustery and exhilarating but down on the lagoon side it is more sheltered.
Rachel L — Google review
4.8
(693)
•
4.7
(2333)
Southbourne, Bournemouth, BH6 4EW, United Kingdom
https://www.visithengistburyhead.co.uk/Home.aspx
27

New Forest National Park

Mentioned on 
+178 other lists 
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.
Khánh N — Google review
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.
Matt W — Google review
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
Robert A — Google review
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.
CP — Google review
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.
Nicholas M — Google review
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.
Claire — Google review
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.
Jo — Google review
25% as popular as Bournemouth
51 minutes off the main route, 46% of way to Swanage
28

Longdown Activity Farm

Mentioned on 
34 lists 
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.
James — Google review
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!
Alice B — Google review
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
Justina L — Google review
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.
EH21 — Google review
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
R W — Google review
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!
Anfisa E — Google review
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 😊
James B — Google review
4.6
(2653)
•
4.3
(785)
Deerleap Ln, Ashurst, Southampton SO40 7EH, United Kingdom
https://longdownfarm.co.uk/
+44 23 8029 2837
29

New Forest Wildlife Park

Mentioned on 
56 lists 
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.
Me and my daughter took part in the keeper experience with Tristan. His attention to detail about all the animals was quite frankly amazing. Feeding the otters, watching the bison and training Copper the fox were all a delight……..not forgetting the Wolverine! Would highly recommend to all.
Hannah G — Google review
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!
VIC — Google review
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.
Martin — Google review
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.
Cherrie P — Google review
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.
Shaun W — Google review
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.
Jo K — Google review
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.
Chloe O — Google review
4.5
(4049)
•
4.2
(1569)
Deerleap Ln, Southampton, SO40 4UH, United Kingdom
http://www.newforestwildlifepark.co.uk/
+44 23 8029 2408
30

Hurst Castle

Mentioned on 
92 lists 
Castle
Sights & Landmarks
Hurst Castle, located at the end of a shingle spit near Lymington in the New Forest, is a hidden gem with a rich history. Built as a defense fortress by Henry VIII, it features impressive 38-ton guns and offers visitors an opportunity to explore its military past. Accessible via a scenic walk from Milford-on-Sea or a passenger ferry from Keyhaven, the castle also houses a lighthouse exhibition and cafe.
Hurst Castle is a great place to visit. My husband and I took the kids and we all had such a lovely day. We parked up at keyhaven and took the ferry which was great fun. The castle has so much to see and stunning views of the needles/Isle of Wight and the fabulous lighthouse. Staff were friendly and sociable. We stopped for lunch in the castle and sat at one of the benches provided. After we saw everything at the castle, we took a walk to the lighthouse and put our feet in the lovely clear water which the kids loved. We have all said that it is one of the best places we've visited so far and already want to plan a future trip back here. We are members of the English heritage and we got in for free, we only paid for the ferry crossing which was pretty good price wise. All in all a great cheap family day out with lots to see and admire.
Hannah F — Google review
Really enjoyed it here, a mix of the old and the more modern, great history. We caught the little ferry boat over which was lovely, we were going to go back the same way but decided to walk back along the spit, was about 2 miles out in the open and shingle all the way, was very windy on the way back but a nice walk none the less. It's a bit of a gem and not over priced, definitely worth reading all the signs to learn about the history and the changes the castle went through.
John B — Google review
I enjoyed my visit immensely. A great place to bring children to run around, although I suggest you use the ferry with the little ones as its a 2 mile walk from the carpark. Completely dog friendly I brought mine. He enjoyed sniffing around the rooms but was impatient to move on. So I photographed the information panels for later. There's a very small cafe and the toilets are open to the elements.
Brian T — Google review
Hurst Castle is an absolute gem. The walk from the car park to the castle is about 2 miles with lovely views of the Needles. You can get the ferry from Keyhaven to save on the walk. Once inside the castle, there’s so much to explore and the exhibitions are well presented and bring the stories of the castle to life. The views from the castle walls are breathtaking and you can see across to the Isle of Wight and watch the boats sail by. I’d highly recommend bringing a picnic and spending a few hours wandering, learning, and soaking up the atmosphere. A brilliant day out for families, history lovers, and anyone who enjoys a walk.
Simply W — Google review
We took the ferry across and then spent about 3 hours wandering round. Lots of different bits to see but the highlight are the views over to the Isle of White and the lighthouse. There is a little cafe out front and some rustic toilets inside. If you intend on being there over lunch I’d suggest bringing lunch with you.
Martin — Google review
Great morning out looking around this castle. Got the ferry there snd back which was great fun. Lovely views from the top of the castle overlooking isle of wight and beyond. Lot's of information given as you walk around.
Paul D — Google review
This Castle has a lot to offer. Its history and role during various wars is well explained at various points inside the castle. There are many sections accessible only through narrow stairs. On an upper level there are lovely views across to Hust Beach and Keyhaven. In the other direction there is a clear view of the Isle of Wight.
T H — Google review
We took the ferry from Keyhaven, the two mile walk along the single bank wasn't an option today. The castle was very interesting, the way it had evolved to meet new threats over the past five hundred years. Difficult for those with mobility issues as there are spiral stairs, uneven steps and low doorways. Fascinating exhibition about lighthouses. Be prepared for the fresh breeze off the sea. Facilities are limited, toilets little changed in one hundred years, a small cafe with outside picnic benches. We parked in Keyhaven and the advice there was four to five hours for the visit and that proved about right. During our visit the ferry was operating all day even during low tide but that is not always the case.
Jeremy D — Google review
4.4
(2525)
•
4.2
(1457)
Milford on Sea, Lymington, SO41 0TP, United Kingdom
https://www.hurstcastle.co.uk/
+44 1590 642500
Planning a trip to Swanage?
Save all the best places to visit with WanderlogDownload the travel planning app everyone's been raving about
  • Itinerary + map in one view
  • Live collaboration
  • Auto-import hotels and reservations
  • Optimize your route
  • Offline access on mobile
  • Optimize your route
  • See time and distance between all your places
Learn more
Get the iOS app from the App Store
Get the Android app from Google Play
0 places saved to your trip to Swanage