The best attractions in Dorset are listed below. From history and heritage to family attractions, houses and castles to gardens, steam to pottery, crafts to animals and shopping to tranquil tea houses. Value for money brought to you in true Best of Dorset style! To receive the discounts please pick up a 'Best of Dorset' leaflet available from any Dorset Tourist Information Centre.

 
 

Off the main A35 on the B3157 between Weymouth & Bridport.
01305 871858.
www.abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk

On the World Heritage Coast

Dorset’s World Famous Sanctuary. See over 600 free flying friendly swans, baby swans hatching mid-May to June end. Mass feeding 12 noon and 4pm daily.
The New Giant Swan Maze (opens May half term).
Lunches served in the licensed coffee shop by the swinging nest children’s play area.

OPEN:Daily 15 March - 2 November - daily 10am - 6pm. Last admission 5pm.

Discount Voucher Accepted - Discount £1 per adult to a maximum of 4
Not applicable with any other offer. Valid for 02/11/08
Please print off vouchers at bottom of listings.

 
 
 

5 miles east of Dorchester off A35(T) at Puddletown Northbrook Junction.
01305 848363
www.athelhampton.co.uk

Visit one of the finest manor houses in England dating from the 15th Century. Explore the glorious Grade 1 gardens, containing the world famous topiary
pyramids, fountains and the River Piddle. Enjoy lunch or a cream tea in the Restaurant. Children under 16 admission Free.

OPEN: 18 Feb - 3 Nov - daily, 10.30 - 17.00 (except Fri & Sat) Open Good Friday. Nov - Feb: Sun only 10.30am - Dusk.

Discount Voucher Accepted - £2.00 off Garden & House admission per adult/senior. Valid for 2008 Season.
Please print off vouchers at bottom of listings.

 
 
 

Signposted off the A351 south of Wareham.
Furzebrook, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5AT.
01929 551408.
www.bluepooluk.com

Enjoy the luxury of silence.

The pool is famous for the ever changing kaleidoscopic of colours. Sandy paths climb to views of Purbeck Hills and steps down to the waters edge. Teahouse open daily offers delicious lunches and cream teas with freshly baked scones served all day. Some facilities for disabled. Dogs on leads welcome.

OPEN: Grounds open 9.30 from March 1st - Nov 30th. Teahouse Shop & Museum 10am Mid March- October 31st. Closing times vary.

Discount Voucher Accepted - 20% Discount Off a Cream Tea for 2 provided full admission has been paid. Valid from mid march to October 31st 2008. Not applicable with any other offer.
Please print off vouchers at bottom of listings.

 
 
 

Go Ape! Moors Valley, Moors Valley Country Park, Horton Road, Ashley Heath,
Nr Ringwood. BH24 2ET.
0845 643 9236
www.goape.co.uk

Want to feel 40 feet high? Take to the trees and experience an exhilarating adventure on a course of rope bridges, Tarzan swings and zip slides all high above the forest floor. Ideal for friends, families and corporate groups.
Pre-booking essential.

OPEN: Feb half term, daily 14 Mar - 31 Oct. Weekends only in Nov.

Discount: £5 off per person. Offer available Mon-Fri (excluding bank holidays) until the end of the season. Book online using promo code MVC001 or call 0845 643 9236.

 

 
 

Bournmouth International Airport, Main Terminal Entrance ( follow road around) BH23 6SE.
01202 580858
www.aviation-museum.co.uk


24 ex-military and civilian aircraft, some which still fly, are on view and eight cockpits are open to the public as well a large display of models and aircraft engines. See the worlds last flying Sea Vixen, the romantic 1934 Dragon Rapide, Hunters, Venom, Buccaneer, Meteor and BAC 111. Free Parking.

OPEN: 10am - 4pm (Nov-Mar) and 10am - 5pm (Apr-Oct).

 

 
 

01929 481234
www.corfecastlemodelvillage.co.uk

A fine miniature reconstruction of the Castle in 1646 before being destroyed by Cromwell. Set in a beautiful English garden. There are working stocks and pillories, an Enchanted Fairy Walk and Giant Games. Fun for all the family. Licenced Tearoom and a Gift Shop.

Finalist Small Visitor Attraction - South West Tourism Excellence Awards 2007.

OPEN: April to October 6 days a week 10am to 5pm. Closed Fridays. Nov to March weekends only, School holidays every day.
Discount Voucher Accepted - One child free with every full paying Adult. (Under 5’s free)
Valid Jan 08 to Dec 08. Not applicable with any other offer or voucher.

Please print off vouchers at bottom of listings.

 
 
 

High West Street, Dorchester DT1 1XA.
01305 262 735
www.dorsetcountymuseum.org

Award-winning ‘Museum of Dorset’ including Jurassic Coast Geology Gallery, atmospheric Victorian Hall with Roman Mosaic floors and Thomas Hardy’s Study. Dorchester Gallery tells the 6,000 year history of Dorchester. With Dorset Writers, Archaeology (including Maiden Castle presentation), Social and
Natural History Galleries. Interactives, audiovisuals, free audioguides and Museum Trails for children.

OPEN: 10am - 5pm 7 days a week from July - Sept. Monday to Saturday Oct - Jun.

Discount Voucher Accepted - Up to two accompanied children free.
Valid for 2008. Not applicable with any other offer or voucher.

Please print off vouchers at bottom of listings.

 
 
 

4 miles from Poole in Organford near Poole. Clearly signposted from the A35 and A351.
01202 622022
www.falmerpalmers.co.uk

The Countryside’s own National Award Winning Theme Park!! Perfect for the under 8’s

Award winning value for money, day out for children 8 yrs & under. Including hands on animal events every half hour, outdoor play areas, indoor soft play, tractors, straw mountain, bouncy castles, a child friendly restaurant, great attention to detail.

A must visit attraction for a fun day whatever the weather!

OPEN: Sat 9th Feb - Sat 15th March Daily 10am - 4pm.
Sun 16th March - Sat 25th Oct Daily 10am - 5.30pm
Sun 26th Oct - Sun 28th Dec Fridays & weekends
10am-4pm (Not open Fri 26th Dec.)

 

 
 

High West Street, Dorchester.
01305 269 571.
www.tutankhamun-exhibition.co.uk

The World Renowned Tutankhamun Exhibition.

The world’s greatest discovery of ancient treasure - Tutankhamun’s tomb, treasures and mummy are superbly recreated in this internationally renowned
exhibition - extensively featured on TV. Now in its 21st year in Dorchester. Not to be missed.


OPEN: All year daily 9.30am – 5.30pm, (Nov - Mar 5pm).

Discount Voucher Accepted - Save up to £2, (50p / person, max 4) off full admission.
Valid: 1/2/2008 to 28/2/2009. Not applicable with any other offer or voucher.

Please print off vouchers at bottom of listings.

 
 
 

Icen Way, Dorchester.
01305 269 880
www.thedinosaurmuseum.com

The award-winning Dinosaur Museum is a treat, especially for children. The museum combines life-sized dinosaur reconstructions with fossils, skeletons and
interactive displays to create an exciting hands-on experience. It’s great fun for all ages.


Open: All year daily 9.30am-5.30pm (Nov-Mar 10am- 4.30pm).

Discount Voucher Accepted - Save up to £2, (50p / person, max 4) off full admission.
Valid: 1/2/2008 to 28/2/2009. Not applicable with any other offer or voucher.

Please print off vouchers at bottom of listings.

 

 
 

Eastgate, Corner of High Street and Salisbury St. Dorchester.
01305 266 040
www.teddybearmuseum.co.uk

See the museum's all new displays in a unique and delightful setting. Enter the enchanting world of the teddy bear in this wonderful family museum.

From the earliest teddies to today's TV favourites, they're all waiting to meet you at this unmissable family museum. Don't miss Edward Bear & his human-size family of teddy bears in Teddy Bear House.

OPEN: daily all year round.

 

 
 

Eastgate, Corner of High Street and Salisbury St. Dorchester.
01305 266040.
www.terracottawarriors.co.uk

China's 8th Wonder of the Ancient World

The only museum outside China dedicated to the amazing Terracotta Warriors the eighth wonder of the ancient world. Unique life size museum replicas from China, costumes, armour, multi media displays and more.

OPEN: daily, please phone for winter hours.

 
 
 

4 miles south east of Chard, 7 miles west of Crewkerne.
01460 221 290.

www.fordeabbey.co.uk

South West Tourism Small Attraction of the Year 2007/8 Gold Award

Enjoy Forde Abbey’s beautiful 30 acre garden including the Centenary Fountain, the highest powered fountain in England, against the backdrop of the outstanding
850 year old home complete with the ornate Mortlake tapestries amongst other treasures. Delicious homemade lunches and cakes available with gift shop, plant centre and pottery exhibition.

OPEN: Gardens open every day 10am - 4.30pm (last admission)
House 18th Mar- 31st Oct, Tue-Fri, Sun, BH Mon 12 noon - 4pm.

Discount Voucher Accepted - Save up to £4.00 off full adult admission (£1 per adult to a max of £4).
Valid 18/3 to 31/10/2008. Not applicable with any other offer or voucher.

Please print off vouchers at bottom of listings.

 

 
 

164 Canford Cliffs, Poole, Dorset. BH13 7ES.
01202 700 778.
www.comptonacres.co.uk

Compton Acres is one of the finest privately owned gardens in the UK with a unique series of stunning gardens, including Japanese, Italian and Rock and Water Gardens. There is also a tearoom, restaurant, cafe, girt shop, craft shop and model railway. Open 363 days of the year.

OPEN: Daily Mar - Oct. Peak 9am to 6pm last entry 5pm. Nov to end of Feb 09 off peak 10am to 4pm , last entry 3pm.

Discount Voucher Accepted
- Discount two for one on adult entry.
Valid for 2008. Not applicable with any other offer or voucher.

Please print off vouchers at bottom of listings.

 

 
 

Bridport Road, Dorchester at 'Top o' the Town'.
01305 264 066
www.keepmilitarymuseum.org


A modern military museum at Top o' Town, Dorchester.
Computers and creative displays tell the stories of the courage, humour, tradition and sacrifice of those who served in the Regiments of Devon and Dorset for over 300 years. Car Park. Shop. Disabled Friendly. Splendid rooftop views of Dorchester.


OPEN: April-Sept: Mon-Sat 9.30-1700hrs. Oct-March: Tues-Sat 9.30-1700hrs. Last admission 1600hrs.
Closed for 2 weeks at Christmas and on Sundays.

Discount Voucher Accepted - Discount: 50p per person to a maximum of £2.00. Not valid for family tickets. Valid for 2008. Not applicable with any other offer or voucher.

Please print off vouchers at bottom of listings.

 

 
 

Kingston Maurward is signposted from the roundabout at the Eastern end of the Dorchester bypass.
01305 215003.

www.kmc.ac.uk/gardens

Explore the formal Edwardian Garden with a stunning ornamental lake in front of the 18th Century Mansion House. The Animal Park has a collection of miniature Shetland ponies, donkeys, rabbits and Guinea pigs. Light refreshments are available, Play area, Shop and plant sales. Special events throughout the year.

OPEN: Daily 2nd January to 22nd December 10am to 5.30pm.

 

 
 

5 miles west of Wareham. Follow brown signs from A352
0845 450 1054
.
www.lulworth.com

Walk in the footsteps of Kings and Queens!....

...as you explore the 17th Century Castle and its fascinating history. Discover the stunning landscapes, beautiful 18th Century Chapel and unrivalled views from the
Castle Tower. Meet the residents of the animal farm and enjoy the woodland walks, adventure play area and pitch & putt. Licensed Stable Café and Courtyard Shop. Free parking and under 4’s free entry.
Spectacular Summer Jousting Shows Wed 23rd July to Mon 25th August.


OPEN: Sun - Fri. Last admission 1hr before closing. Summer 10.30 - 6.00. Winter 10.30 - 4.00.
Closed Saturdays and 6-19 Jan, 24 & 25 Dec.
Discount Voucher Accepted - Save up to £4.00 off full adult admission (£1 per adult to a maximum of 4) Valid 2008 season. Not applicable with any other offer.

Please print off vouchers at bottom of listings.

 

 
 

Portland, Dorset DT5 1AZ.
01305 820 539
www.english-heritage.org.uk/portland

A ‘must’ visit whatever the weather. One of King Henry VIII’s finest fortifications. 450 years of history, from Tudor stronghold to World War II signals base
and D-Day embarkation point. Our audio tour tells the castle’s long and chequered history. Lots to discover, explore the contemporary ‘Govenors’ garden and relax in our tea-room.

OPEN: Daily from 10am Mar 21 to Oct 31.

Discount Voucher Accepted - Two for one on admission with a full paying adult. Not applicable with any other offer. Valid for 2008 season.

Please print off vouchers at bottom of listings.

 

 
 

Opposite Bournemouth Airport.
01202 483 444.
www.adventurewonderland.co.uk

Whatever the Weather…

This award winning park offers a full days fun whatever the weather - combining the outside Wonderland with the indoor Aztec adventure, Wild Thing! Now with over 27 family rides and attractions, including Snappy Croc, Ghostly Galleon, Wild Bill's Runaway Train, Montyzoomers Gold Trail and all inclusive
Wonderland Shows. Birthday parties, Group visits, Season tickets.

OPEN: Adventure Wonderland (including Wild Thing!) daily. 15 Mar - 7 Sept & then every weekend up to 19 Oct & half term week 25 Oct- 2 Nov. Wild Thing! only, on other dates.



 

 
 


01258 482 248.

www.royalsignalsmuseum.com

NEW WOMEN AT WAR DISPLAYS

+ Hands-on interactive science & technology. Drive a simulator - Guide a laser beam Direction-find the enemy position - Break Codes. Wartime Special Forces - “Spec. Ops” Despatch Riders & Motorcycle Collection. Fun
trails and activities for all ages.

OPEN: Mon - Fri (All Year) 10am. - 5pm. Weekends & Bank Holidays (Feb 15-Oct 30) 10 am– 4 pm. Christmas closing 12th Dec. 2008 - 2nd Jan. 2009.

Discount Voucher Accepted - 10% Discount on individual entry on production of Voucher.
Valid to 14/12/2008. Not applicable with any other offer. Valid for 2008 season.


Please print off vouchers at bottom of listings.

 
 
 

Sherborne, Dorset DT9 5NR.
01935 813 182.

www.sherbornecastle.com

Sherborne Castle with its beautiful lakeside gardens and grounds.

Come and visit the famous castle built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594, stately home to the Digby family since 1617; rich interiors and splendid collections of art, furniture and porcelain. Explore 30-acres of beautiful Lakeside Gardens and grounds landscaped around Capability Brown's 50-acre lake. Great for picnics;
dogs welcome. Historic Sherborne close by.

OPEN: Castle, Gardens, Gift Shop & Tearoom 22 Mar - 30 Oct, Daily except Mon & Fri (open BH Mons).
11.00am to 4.30pm last admission (castle interior opens later at 2.00pm Saturdays).

Discount Voucher Accepted - Discount 50p per person on full entry price Castle and Garden entry. Maximum 6 people. Not applicable with any other offer. Valid for 2008 season.

Please print off vouchers at bottom of listings.

 
 
 

276 Wimborne Road West, Stapehill, Nr Wimborne, Dorset. BH21 2EB.
01202 861686.


Spend a memorable day at Stapehill.

See magnificent award winning gardens, 19th century buildings with nuns chapel and cloister garden. Working crafts people and a 12,000 sq.ft. museum depicting life in bygone days. Licensed coffee shop, Gift shop, and plant sales. Free parking, plus lots more!

OPEN: daily from 10am to 5pm Easter to end of September. Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm October to Easter. Closed Christmas Holidays to the end of January.

 

 
 

Swanage Railway Co. Ltd, Station House, Swanage, Dorset BH19 1HB.
01929 425 800.
www.swanagerailway.co.uk

Travel on Dorset’s award winning steam railway and make the most of the Jurassic Coast.

Make the most of the Jurassic Coast by taking a trip on the Swanage Railway - the most convenient way to visit Corfe Castle and the seaside. Avoid the hassle of parking by travelling from Norden Park & Ride off the A351.

OPEN: Most weekends throughout the year and DAILY from Easter to October.

Discount Voucher Accepted - DISCOUNT: ONE CHILD FREE with one full fare paying adult.
(Not during July & August. Valid 3/08 to 18/11/08). Not applicable with any other offer. Valid for 2008 season.


Please print off vouchers at bottom of listings.

 
 
 

Bovington, Wool, Dorset.
01929 405096
www.tankmuseum.co.uk

Make Tracks to the Tank Museum – The world’s best collection of tanks!

The world’s best collection of tanks, displayed in 5 large halls. From the very first tank to the very latest, we house over 250 vehicles from around the world. Dorset’s largest
Museum is a great day out for all the family whatever the weather; for information on tank action displays, see our website.


OPEN: All year daily 10.00am - 5.00pm.
Limited opening at Christmas see website or call for details.

 
 
 


01202 673 555
www.wdbus.co.uk

Go to sea on an open top bus!

Explorer – Get out and about for less.
Explorer – just the ticket for visiting many of the places on this site.


Take a trip on the Wilts and Dorset bus from Bournemouth to Swanage. The bus crosses between Sandbanks and Shell Bay on the chain ferry, with fine views of the island studded Poole Harbour on one side and out to pen sea on the other. This is followed by dramatic views as the bus climbs through the Purbeck Hills between Studland and Swanage.

With a Wilts and Dorset Explorer ticket you can travel on most Wilts and Dorset, Damory coaches, Tourist Coaches and Solent Blue Line bus services as well as many services operated by the First and Stagecoach bus companies in the South of England. They are valid for one day with no time restrictions enabling you to make an early start and to break your journey where, when and as often as you like.

You can buy your Explorer Ticket on the day of travel from any Wilts and Dorset bus driver.

 

 

 
 

Lodmoor Country Park, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 7SX.
01305 788 255. Bookings 01305 761 070.
www.sealifeeurope.com

A unique mix of indoor and outdoor attractions, see many beautiful and fascinating creatures of the Sea. Prepare to come face to face with sharks, otters, seals,
penguins, turtles and so much more.

New for 2008: ADVENTURE ISLAND.

A fantasy land of thrilling rides and a unique driftwood maze. Unravel more mysteries of the deep with each fresh turn towards your goal… the watchtower at the heart of the maze.

OPEN: Every day except Christmas Day.

Discount Voucher Accepted - £5 off a fully priced adult ticket. Valid until 31/12/08. Not applicable with any other offer. Valid for 2008 season.

Please print off vouchers at bottom of listings.

 

 
 

Bennett’s Water Gardens
Tel: 01305 785150
www.waterlily.co.uk


Renowned for its replica ‘Monet’ japanese bridge and a national and international collection of water lilies. 8 acres of beautiful water gardens in natural surroundings with native trees, willows and wild flowers.

Tropical House - Museum - Plant Centre - Licensed Lakeside Cafe - Gift Shop - Parking. Group visits - Season tickets - Sorry no dogs.

OPEN: Mid March to Mid October 10am 5pm (Except Mon & Sat) Open Bank Holidays.

Discount Voucher Accepted - Save up to £3.00 off full adult admission (50p per adult to a max of 6) Valid from mid Mar to mid Oct 2008. Not applicable with any other offer. Valid for 2008 season.

Please print off vouchers at bottom of listings.


 

 
 

Highcliffe Castle, Rothesay Drive, Highcliffe, Dorset. BH23 4LE
Tel: 01425 278807
www.highcliffecastle.co.uk

Grade 1 listed and built in the 1830’s for Lord Stuart De Rothsay, Highcliffe Castle is situated in beautiful cliff-top grounds, with access to the Christchurch coastal path. A perfect venue for exhibitions, events & concerts, with extra rooms open from Feb 2008. (Featured on the Antiques Road Show).

Adults £2.50. Accompanied Children Under 16 Free. - Gift Shop - Tea Rooms - Guided Tours.
Civil Ceremonies & Receptions.
OPEN: 1st Feb - 23rd December. Daily 11am - 5pm
Grounds open all year from 7am.

Discount Voucher Accepted - 50p Off standard admission per person. Valid from Feb to Dec. Not applicable with any other offer. Valid for 2008 season.

Please print off vouchers at bottom of listings.


 

 
 

Pirate Adventure Mini Golf - Weymouth DT4 1AZ
Tel: 01305 781797

AHOY SHIPMATES!

Bring your motley crew along to Pirate Adventure Mini Golf!


Challenge yourselves on the amazing 19 hole course, whilst learning about the life and death of some of the scariest pirates around! Fun for the whole family!

OPEN: Summer – Daily from 10am; Winter – Weekends from 10am.

Discount Voucher Accepted - Discount: £2 off a fully priced adult ticket.
Not applicable with any other offer. Valid for 2008 season.

Please print off vouchers at bottom of listings.


 

 
 

2008
March
Good Friday 21st – Easter Monday 24th March. Great Dinosaur Egg Hunt. Explore the original award winning Dinosaur Museum with its exciting mix of actual fossils, skeletons and life-size dinosaur reconstructions combined with hands on and multi-media displays to discover the answers to the clues in the Dinosaur Mystery. All children who solve the mystery correctly win a special prize dinosaur! The Dinosaur Museum.

April

May
Saturday 17th May. Tutankhamun by Candlelight. To tie in with the international Museums at Night initiative, the Tutankhamun Exhibition will be opening specially during this Saturday evening. It promises to be a fascinating visit with the Exhibition, and the reconstruction of Tutankhamun’s tomb and treasures, taking on a whole new perspective at the Tutankhamun Exhibition.

Saturday 24th – Bank Holiday Monday 26th May. Tutankhamun Treasure Hunt. The discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings in 1922 has been described as the world’s greatest discovery of ancient treasure. Now children visiting the internationally renowned Tutankhamun Exhibition can go on their own Treasure Hunt over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend. They will explore this fascinating exhibition with its recreation of Tutankhamun’s tomb, treasures and mummy and solve the riddle of the missing treasure. All those who correctly crack the code will be entered in a prize draw and one lucky person each day will win a special prize.

June

July
Monday 14th July –Monday 8th September. Skulls, Skeletons & Skin. A new trail leads you around this award winning museum focusing on its collections of dinosaur skeletons, skulls and skin impressions. These are explained and interpreted and the latest theories and research presented. Look out for Megalosaurus, Allosaurus and Iguanodon to name but three. The Dinosaur Museum.

August
Saturday 23th – Bank Holiday Monday 25th August. Great Dinosaur Hunt. Explore Britain’s original award winning Dinosaur Museum, in Dorchester, with its exciting mix of actual fossils, skeletons, and life-size dinosaur reconstructions combined with hands on and multi-media displays to discover the answers to the clues in the Dinosaur Mystery. All children who solve the Mystery can enter a prize draw and one lucky child each day will win a special dinosaur! The Dinosaur Museum.

October

November

December

Monday 1st December 2008 – Monday 5th January 2009. A TEDDY BEAR CHRISTMAS. Experience Christmas as it used to be, as a large family of human-size bears celebrate in their festively decorated period home, complete with a visit from Bearfather Christmas. An enchanting and magical experience not to be missed, with sounds, lights and smells! A special occasion at 1st Dec 07 to 4th Jan 08 daily from 10am to 4.30pm (except 24-26 Dec) at the Dorset Teddy Bear Museum.