Durdle door is a beautiful place to visit, attracting locals and tourists from around the country. It has a picturesque beach and arch and is the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.
The beach is a small pebble beach and the water is known for its excellent water quality, as well as its stunning scenery. Why not make a weekend of it and discover Dorset with the family? There are various attractions around Durdle Door, including events for all the family.
If you plan to stay for the weekend or longer, there are many places to stay, including holiday cottages, camping and touring.
Getting here
Durdle Door is just west of West Lulworth on the B3070 which leaves the A352 (Wareham to Dorchester road) at Holmbridge.
Address
Durdle Door
West Lulworth
Dorset
BH20 5PU
www.lulworth.com/visit/places-to-visit/durdle-door
2. Portland Bill Lighthouse
The Portland Bill Lighthouse was reopened in 2015 and now features fun and informative interactive displays, for all the locals and visitors. It had help from a Maritime Charity, Trinity House which helped them refurbish the lighthouse.
The colourful and impressive lighthouse contains historical artifacts and offers an opportunity for visitors to experience a stormy sea journey in the exhilarating zone ‘Into The Dark’.
After an informative visit to the lighthouse, why not take a stroll for miles along the beautiful Dorset Coastline? There is plenty to do and see in Dorset.
Opening times
Visit website for more information
Prices
Adults: £3.00
Family: £9.00
Child (age 16 and under): £2.00
www.trinityhouse.co.uk/lighthouse-visitor-centres/portland-bill
3. Bournemouth Beach
Visit Bournemouth’s 7 miles of award winning beaches. It’s the perfect trip out with friends or family, especially when the sun is shining! Bournemouth Beach situates beneath the amazing cliff line and has some of the warmest sea temperatures in the UK, as well as being able to see stunning views of the Isle of Wight and the Purbecks.
There is so much to see in Bournemouth. Why not go to the beach, gardens, go for a cycle ride or walk along the coast! Bournemouth offers a huge range of activities, attractions, and events such as zip lining, golf, go kart racing, Segway’s and more!
If you prefer a more relaxing trip to the beach, why not go on a local boat trip, cruise or hire a boat for the day. Why not sit back and relax on the beach with a book, or take a train ride through Bournemouth’s countryside.
4. Hengistbury Head and Nature Reserve
Hengistbury Head and Nature Reserve is a beautiful yet fascinating place, in Bournemouth. It is located to the south of Christchurch Harbour and it is known as an outstanding site for wildlife and archaeology.
There are many stunning beaches and views across the New Forest, Isle of Wight and the Purbecks. It makes a great day out for the whole family, with local attractions nearby. Whether you choose to walk or cycle, you are in the countryside but still close to the town and other attractions.
If you plan to make a day of it, there are a few onsite and nearby cafés to choose from, such as Hiker Café, Beach House Café and Solent Meads Golf Café.
There are so many things to do and see at Hengistbury Head, which makes it a fun place to explore for adventurers! – Why don’t you try out some water sports? A great way to discover the outdoors.
Address
Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre
Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve
Bournemouth
Dorset
BH6 4EW
Contact details
01202 451618
www.visithengistburyhead.co.uk
5. Studland Bay
Explore Studland Bay with the family. It is a great beach to visit for games, sand castles, water sports and relaxing! Studland Bay is the perfect place to visit, whatever the weather.
Why not discover Old Harry Rocks or take a walk through The Purbeck Hills? There are so many beautiful sights to see, just make sure you bring a camera!
The South Beach is the smallest and most popular beach with the locals, while the Middle Beach is sheltered by the cliffs and open spaces. It is a perfect for all families, with parking and other useful facilities.
There are so many things to try with the family. Why don’t you try Beach volleyball, Kayaking, Paddle-boarding or go on a bike ride? You won’t be out of things to do at the beach!
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/studland-bay
Top 5 kid’s activities
Why not plan a trip to Dorset during the summer holidays? Durdle Door has a beautiful beach, amazing views and is also dog friendly!
1. Durdle Door Beach
Children will love visiting Durdle Door especially when the sun is out! It is one of the most photographed landmarks on the Jurassic Coast. It is popular because of the rock arch in the sea, from erosion in the rocks. The rock arch will collapse over time, to leave a sea stack which can be seen at Ladram Bay in East Devon.
Each year, there are thousands of visitors, who walk along the footpath between Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. The beach is also popular with locals and tourists, with beautiful views of the sea. It is also a dog friendly attraction all year, which makes it perfect for families with dogs.
There are many onsite facilities, including ice creams and refreshments - There can’t be a beach without ice cream! If the sea is at a good temperature, it is great for swimming and also boats.
If you plan to visit, there is pay and display parking at the cliff top car park, between March and October. If you visit during the winter, there is a smaller free car park at the entrance to the holiday park.
Opening hours
Open all year. No lifeguard cover
Pricing
No entry fee, but local parking charges apply.
Address
West Lulworth
Dorset
BH20 5QS
England
Contact details
01929 552740
www.lulworthonline.co.uk/about-lulworth/durdle-door
2. Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens is a beautiful visitor attraction near the village of Abbotsbury, Dorset. It is a Grade 1 listed in the National Register of Historic Parks and Gardens and originates back in 1765. The gardens was described by Alan Titchmarsh as “one of the finest Gardens I have ever visited.” Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens has been featured on popular garden shows including, Gardeners World and the Great British Garden Revival series on Tropical Gardens.
If you love gardens, it’s the perfect day out and place to visit. There is also a fun children’s play area for children who prefer to run around with their friends.
There are so many stunning flowers and gardens to see, including a variety of plants from around the world. Why not make a day of it and explore the secret walk, Summer House and Sculpture Trail? Most of the trail is 50% wheelchair accessible, but some of the gravel paths might be difficult.
When you reach the top of the gardens, you will be able to see beautiful panoramic views of Portland Island and Cheshil Beach. The garden is a great place to visit with the family, so make sure you all have a camera to capture the gardens beauty!
Opening hours
Summer
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 17:00
Winter
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 16:00
Closed 20th December to 1st January.
Pricing
Adult: £12.00
Child (5 to 15): £9.00
Supersaver Family (2 adults, 3 children): £43.00
Address
Bullers Way
Abbotsbury
Weymouth
Dorset
DT3 4LA
England
01305 871387
www.abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk/gardens
3. Oceanarium
Oceanarium is a fun and informative day out for children, where they can discover over 150 species of fish in the Amazon, Great Barrier Reef and the Ganges. Who wouldn’t want to watch the penguins and the otters? If you’re feeling brave, why don’t you go and see the crocodiles on crocodile rock or enter the visual interactive dive cage to see the sharks? – You might see sharks in a different way!
Throughout the day, there are many feeding times for the animals and lots of projects and talks to listen to and learn about. It’s a great place for children to visit and have fun – Don’t forget the gift shop in The Cove on your way out!
There is so much to see at Oceanarium in Bournemouth, as well as an onsite café to stop for lunch which is open every day. Whatever the weather, take a visit to Oceanarium, down on the Bournemouth sea front!
Opening hours
Opening hours are subject to change. Please call the attraction directly to avoid disappointment.
Pricing
Adult: £12.25
Children: £8.25
Seniors & Students: £10.25
Under 3s: Free
Family Tickets: from £24.95
Address
Pier Approach
West Beach
Bournemouth
Dorset
BH2 5AA
England
Contact details
01202 311993
www.oceanarium.co.uk
4. Splashdown Water Park
All children love going to a water park, so why not treat them to a day out at Splashdown Water Park? Even if it’s not the best of weather, you can still make the most of the rides at the park.
There are 13 amazing indoor and outdoor flume rides, which offer thrills, drops, and turns – Plenty of rides to choose from, for all of the family!
If you have younger children, there are plenty of fun splash zones for them to enjoy, as well as an interactive water play area. It is Dorset’s favourite family waterpark!
Opening hours
Opening hours are subject to change. Please call the attraction directly to avoid disappointment.
Pricing
All day: £15.00
2 hours: £12.00
Under 5's: £6.50
Under 60's: £8.00
Address
Tower Park
Yarrow Road
Poole
Dorset
BH12 4NY
England
Contact details
01202 716000
www.splashdownwaterparks.co.uk
5. Bournemouth City Sightseeing Hop on Hop off Tour
See the great sights of Bournemouth, with City Sightseeing Hop on Hop off. There is seaside, sand and fun and a great trip out for all the family to enjoy!
The bus stops off at 18 different stops, so why not get out and discover Bournemouth? There are beautiful coastal views to enjoy, as well as the UK’s best beaches. If your kids love animals, stop off at the Oceanarium next door to see a huge range of aquatic creatures!
In Bournemouth, there is something for everyone to do and enjoy including many restaurants and shops to visit! The shops include high street shops, boutiques and various independent shops – perfect for the family’s shopaholic!
Opening hours
08:45 - 18:30
The tour runs from 25 March to 25 September
Pricing
Adults from £12.00
Kids from £6.00
Address
Victoria Chambers
Fir Vale Road
Bournemouth
Dorset
BH1 2JN
England
Contact details
01202 557007
www.city-sightseeing.com/en/85/bournemouth
Top 5 restaurants in Dorset
On your visit to Dorset, why not treat yourself to dinner in one of these delicious restaurants?
1. Yalbury Cottage
www.yalburycottage.com
01305 262382
Lower Bockhampton
Dorchester
DT2 8PZ
England
2. Restaurant Roots
www.restaurantroots.co.uk
01202 430005
141 Belle Vue Road
Bournemouth
BH6 3EN
England
3. Limestone
www.limestonehotel.co.uk/restaurant
01929 400252
Main Road
Lulworth Hotel
West Lulworth
BH20 5RL
England
4. Elmurrino
www.elmurrino.com
154 Old Christchurch Rd
Bournemouth
BH1 1NL
England
01202 463333
5. Restaurant 43
01305 787746
43 Maiden Street
Weymouth
DT4 8AZ
England