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Find the Best of Dorset attractions

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens - a Best of Dorset Attraction

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

01305 871387
abbotsburygardens.co.uk

One of Britain’s best-known & best-loved gardens. A botanical treasure-trove, with charming walled garden walks and spectacular woodland valley views.

Open daily 10am – 5pm (last admissions between 3-4pm)

Abbotsbury Swannery - tourist attraction in Dorset

Abbotsbury Swannery

01305 871858
abbotsburyswannery.co.uk

Home to the only managed colony of nesting mute swans in the world. Cygnet hatching mid-May to end of June.

Open daily until 30th October 2022, 10am – 5pm (last admissions between 3-4pm)

Adventure Wonderland - Dorset attraction

Adventure Wonderland

01202 483444
adventurewonderland.co.uk

Enjoy a full day of fun including rides and attractions, huge indoor play, outdoor play, crazy golf, animal area and showtime in the theatre. Tasty treats in the cafe and super souvenirs in the gift shop.

Opening times vary. Please check the website for more information.

Athelhampton House & Gardens

01305 848363
athelhampton.co.uk

5 acres of Formal Gardens and 18 Historic rooms to view.

Open all Seasons, 10am – 5pm (last admission is 4pm), 7 days a week

Bennetts Water Gardens - Dorset attraction

Bennetts Water Gardens

01305 785150
bennettswatergardens.com

Renowned for its replica Monet Bridge and National Plant Collection of Water Lilies flowering through the summer with 8 acres of lakeside walks and garden trails for children.

Open 10am to 4pm daily, closed Saturdays.

City Cruises Poole - Dorset attraction

City Cruises Poole

02077 400 400
citycruisespoole.com

We offer a range of trips including Harbour Cruises, Swanage and Poole Day trips, Sea Train Adventure, Dining Cruises, Birdwatching & Fireworks Cruises, Christmas Festive & Party Cruises and we are available for Private Hire for Birthdays, Wedding Receptions, Corporate Parties and much more!

For cruise dates and times, see the website.

Poole Quay: BH15 1BQ
Swanage Pier: BH19 2AW

Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park - Dorset attraction

Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park

01202 824040
dorset-heavy-horse-centre.co.uk

A multi award-winning FULL day out FOR EVERY GENERATION! This family run farm park offers a unique countryside experience. Enjoy heavy horse carriage rides, tractor rides, shows and demonstrations, hands on farm tours, exhibits from days gone by & adventure play areas! A day out delivered with passion… NOT to be missed!

 OPEN April-October 2023. 10am – 4pm. Closed Monday & Tuesday during Dorset term time. Open 7 days a week during Dorset school holidays.

The Etches Collection

01929 270000
theetchescollection.org

Our Museum of Jurassic Marine Life in Kimmeridge is the finest collection of Late Jurassic age fossils in Britain, all collected by just one man, Dr Steve Etches MBE.

 Open every day, 10am – 5pm (last admission 4.15pm).

Farmer Palmer's Farm Park - Dorset attraction

Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park

01202 622022
farmerpalmers.co.uk

OPEN DAILY – bring your little explorers on an adventure to Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park! Morning and afternoon sessions available. Pre-booking is now essential.

Open 7 days a week. Term time: Mon – Fri – 9:30am – 3pm. Sat & Sun – 9:30am – 4pm. Dorset School Holidays: 9:30am – 5pm.

Forde Abbey and Gardens - Dorset attraction

Forde Abbey and Gardens

01460 221290
fordeabbey.co.uk

The Kennard Family welcomes you to their unique 850 year old house and 30 acres of award-winning gardens.

Gardens open daily throughout the year from 10.30am – 5.00pm until 31st October. House open Tuesday to Friday, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays (closed on Mondays and Saturdays). House open from 12pm, last entry 3.30pm.

RockReef & PierZip at Bournemouth Pier

RockReef & PierZip Bournemouth

01202 983983
rockreef.co.uk

RockReef is an all year, all weather exciting activity attraction located at the end of the iconic Bournemouth Pier. Outside is the awesome PierZip, the first pier to shore zip wire in the world!

Discover & Fun Trails for Toddlers & Children

 Easter: Rockreef open 9th – 24th April, 10am to 7pm (last booking 5pm). PierZip open 9th – 24th April, 11am – 5pm. Zip will stay open until 7pm for walk-ins if demand is there.

Royal Signals Museum - Dorset attraction

Royal Signals Museum

01258 482248
royalsignalsmuseum.co.uk

DISCOVER – Spies, Codes and Secret Agents. Code and Code-Breaking! From Semaphore to Satellites and Fire to Fibre optics – EXPERIENCE the interactive History, Science and Technology of communications.

Discovery & Fun Trails for Toddlers & Children

Open Monday to Friday, 10am – 4.30pm. Last admission 3pm. Check website before travel as opening times can change at short notice.

Sandworld Weymouth

Sandworld

07411 387529
sandworld.co.uk

See enormous Sand Sculptures created by leading sand artists.

Opening Saturday 8th April at 10.30am

Sherborne Castle

Sherborne Castle

01935 813182
sherbornecastle.com

Explore Sherborne Castle’s 18th Century Capability Brown gardens and landscape

Gardens open 10am – 5pm (last admission 4pm) and 10am – 4.30pm (last admission 3.30pm) in October. Castle open April 15th until end of September, various dates. Please see website.

Splashdown - Dorset attraction

Splashdown

01202 716000
splashdownwaterparks.co.uk

Experience some of the UK’s most exciting water flumes at the South’s favourite waterpark. Complete with sun terraces and café.

Open for Easter. Opening hours vary by season. Please visit our website or call us on 01202 716000.

Swanage Railway - Dorset attraction

Swanage Railway

01929 425800
swanagerailway.co.uk

The Swanage Railway is the picture postcard branch line to the seaside. Steam trains run for six miles weaving their way through the beautiful Purbeck countryside.

Trains operate daily. See the website for timetable and operating calendar.

The Tank Museum, Bovington

The Tank Museum

01929 405096
tankmuseum.org

The Tank Museum brings history to life, with the world’s best collection of tanks and explosive live displays. Exploring ten powerful exhibitions, you will come face to face with almost 300 armoured vehicles.

Open 7 days a week, 10am – 5pm. Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day.

SEA LIFE in Weymouth

Weymouth Sea Life Adventure Park

sealifeweymouth.com

Come and join us for a fantastic SEA LIFE adventure both above and below the ocean! Discover a magical underwater world filled with a dazzling array of amazing creatures.

Open 7 days a week. Opening times vary. Please check website before visiting.

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