The amazing variety found in this stately home makes it a wonderful place to spend a day for all ages and an ideal destination for group visits. For more information please visit www.FordeAbbey.co.uk

Forde Abbey, Chard, Somerset, TA20 4LU

Even if it’s raining much is undercover which makes for a fun filled, busy day out that is still great value for money whatever the weather. The play areas are clean and safe, the relaxing environment is achieved by lovely friendly staff & great attention to detail.

In the Animal Barn there is a full timetable of “hands on animal events”, 1 every half hour then tractor trailer rides and lots of play equipment; add to this fresh air and exercise and  we  aim to send your children home tired but happy.

Families can explore the lovely woodland walk together and maize maze (August). When you’re hungry the restaurant has thought of everything, 4 baby changing areas, highchairs, baby food jars and facilities to heat baby milk. Not all fast food here, proper traditionally cooked farmhouse fayre!

For more information please visit www.FarmerPalmers.co.uk

Today visitors to the Museum can find out about local writers, history, archaeology, geology and the natural sciences in one of the Museum’s many galleries. There are also video displays, activity carts for children and an audio-guide to take you round the exhibits.

The Museum is housed in a beautiful, gothic-style building, which dates from 1884. Its diverse collections include Roman mosaics, original Thomas Hardy manuscripts and fossilised dinosaur footprints. And behind the scenes there is a great deal more… For more information please visit www.DorsetCountyMuseum.org

The only museum on mainland Britain dedicated to dinosaurs, the award-winning Dinosaur Museum is a treat, especially for children. The museum combines life-sized reconstructions of dinosaurs with fossils and dinosaur skeletons to create an exciting hands-on experience. Multimedia displays tell the story of the giant prehistoric animals and their enthralling world millions of years ago.

Life-size reconstructions – including the dinosaur T rex, Stegosaurus, and Triceratops – beg to be touched by little hands – that’s encouraged. Acclaimed as one of Britain’s Top Ten Family Museums in 2006, the Dinosaur Museum is part of any Jurassic Coast experience.

For more information on the Dinosaur Museum in Dorset, please visit www.TheDinosaurMuseum.com

The Dinosaur Museum Icen Way, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1EW

Set in a deep clay bowl steps lead down to the waters edge or up to views of the Purbeck Hills, The Pool is surrounded by 25 acres of heath woodland and gorse interlaced with sandy paths that seem to take you to another world.

The Tearooms were built in 1935 of sand and lime bricks from the local Beacon Hill brickworks with a Canadian cedarwood shingle roof, allowing the building to blend in with its surroundings. Many of the  fixture and fitting are original including the pine floors.

We serve Morning coffee,  delicious lunches and tradtional Cream teas with freshly baked scones which can be enjoyed on the terrace over looking the Pool,  Our imaginative menu is locally sourced wherever possible and caters for most dietary needs including gluten free and dairy free products.

We also offer a selection of  Dorset ice creams and a range of organic drinks, but what ever your choice, be sure of a warm welcome. Dogs on leads are also very welcome in side the Teahouse.

For more information visit www.BluePoolTeaRooms.co.uk

The Blue Pool
Furzebrook
Nr. Wareham
Dorset
BH20 5AR

Athelhampton House & Gardens
Athelhampton
Dorchester
Dorset
DT2 7LG

For more information, please visit www.Waterlily.co.uk

Bennetts Water Gardens
B3157 Chickerell Link Road
Weymouth
Dorset
DT3 4AF