Dorset's Ultimate Summer Holiday!

29 Family-Friendly Dorset Attractions for 2026

From sandy beaches to historical hideouts, animal encounters to adrenaline-fuelled adventures, Dorset is packed with places to make this summer unforgettable. Whether you’re travelling with toddlers, teens, or grandparents in tow, there’s something for everyone on this list.

Dorset Museum & Art Gallery

Here are 29 top Dorset attractions that deserve a place on your summer must-visit list! 

1. Dorset Museum & Art Gallery – Where History Begins

Located in Dorchester, the Dorset Museum & Art Gallery brings millions of years of natural history to life. From Jurassic Coast fossils to Roman mosaics and literary treasures, it’s an inspiring stop for curious minds. This summer catch the Treasure! Lost and Found, an exhibition running until 13th September, featuring some incredible objects, buried for centuries until they were rediscovered - fascinating! 

2. The Tank Museum – Big Machines, Big Fun

In Bovington, The Tank Museum boasts over 300 military vehicles. Dive into battle history, experience thrilling live-action displays, and explore interactive exhibits designed for all ages.One of the more recent exhibitions opened just last year, 'Ukraine - Armoured Warfare in the Modern World', a sensitive and informative section, with personal stories from refugees who have settled in Dorset, along with examples of vehicles currently in service. 

3. Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park – Great for years 0-8!

In Poole, Farmer Palmer’s delights young children with animal encounters, tractor rides, splash zones, foam parties, Disney singers and indoor soft play. It’s fun, hands-on, and perfectly sized for little legs. If you're here for the August bank holiday, don't miss the Circus - but be quick and book your seats as tickets are limited. 

 4. Sandworld – Sculpture Meets Sandcastle

In Weymouth, Sandworld turns sand into art. Explore giant sculptures, join a family workshop, and let the kids loose in the play zone for some creative sandy fun. Our daughter particularly loves the coloured sand art, which you can purchase as an extra, which makes the perfect holiday souvenir. 

5. Splashdown Poole – Slip, Slide, Soak

Beat the heat at Splashdown, Dorset’s iconic water park. Zoom down thrilling flumes and get your adrenaline-pumping. There’s something here for every water-lover, big or small.

6. RockReef & PierZip – Adrenaline on the Coast

Adventure awaits at RockReef on Bournemouth Pier. Conquer climbing walls, high ropes, and indoor caving, then soar over the sea on the epic PierZip, one of the UK’s only pier-to-beach zip wires!

7. Symondsbury Estate – Hills, Shops, and Tranquility

Nestled near Bridport, Symondsbury Estate offers countryside charm with artisan shops, a lovely café, and peaceful trails. Climb Colmers Hill for views that stretch across the Jurassic Coast, and don’t miss the ancient sunken lanes for a thrilling walk.

8. Monkey World – Rescue Centre

In Wareham, Monkey World is home to over 250 rescued primates. Support global conservation efforts while meeting chimps, orangutans, and other endangered species.

9. Abbotsbury Swannery – A Feathered Fantasy

The only managed colony of nesting mute swans in the world, Abbotsbury Swannery offers beauty, cygnet spotting, and daily hand-feeding experiences. The Brambly Trail is popular with little ones (and those of us who remember the story books from our own childhood), the swan Maze and go karts help the kids burn off some energy!

10. SEA LIFE Weymouth – Dive Into the Deep

Meet rays, sharks, sea turtles, and penguins at SEA LIFE Weymouth. With over 2,000 creatures, interactive zones, and a splash pad for hot days, it’s a watery wonderland for the whole family.

11. Liberty’s Raptor & Reptile Centre – Wild and Wonderful

Near Ringwood, Liberty’s is home to birds of prey and reptiles galore. Watch breathtaking flying displays.

12. Portland Bill Lighthouse – Icon of the Jurassic Coast

Climb the Portland Bill Lighthouse for panoramic views of rugged cliffs and rolling seas. Learn about maritime history in the visitor centre and enjoy breathtaking scenery!

13. Swanage Railway – Ride Back in Time

All aboard the Swanage Railway for a steam-powered journey through the Isle of Purbeck. Enjoy a classic train ride between Swanage and Norden, complete with countryside views and vintage charm.

14. Castletown D-Day Centre – Living WWII History

In Portland, the Castletown D-Day Centre offers an immersive look into the D-Day landings, with a recreation of a wartime dockyard. Climb aboard military vehicles, see the full-size replica Spitfire and a German D-Day bunker. Be welcomed by a friendly and knowledgeable team in authentic US military uniforms, bringing history to life.  

15. Lulworth Castle - Fairy Tale Towers & Woodland Walks

Built in the 17th century, this stunning castle offers panoramic rooftop views, lush grounds, and family trails. Don’t miss the tearoom or the nearby Lulworth Estate walks.

16. Nothe Fort – Explore Tunnels & Ramparts

Weymouth’s historic coastal defence is packed with military history, secret passages, and clifftop views. Family-friendly trails, regular special events, the mouse hunt, and the spooky ghost tunnel makes it a hit with all ages. On until the 24th August is the Longest Yarn 2, bringing history to life with 80 meters of textile art.

17. Wimborne Model Town – Miniature Magic

Step back into 1950s England in this beautifully detailed model town. Kids love the tiny houses and working model railway, while adults enjoy the blast of nostalgia.

18. Sticks & Bones - Weymouth's Gaming Venue

Fun and games at Sticks & Bones. Choose from board games, classic arcades and console gaming, along with a brand-new pirate-themed escape room (opening soon), enjoy the beer garden, food, drinks and cocktails, it’s quirky, cool, and unforgettable. 

20. Athelhampton House & Gardens – Tudor Splendour

Near Puddletown, Athelhampton is one of England's finest Tudor manor houses, its Great Hall dating back to 1485. The surrounding award-winning gardens, laid out in 1891, are full of walled "rooms," ponds, fountains and giant yew pyramids, with the River Piddle flowing alongside. Round it off with a Dorset cream tea in the Coach House restaurant.

21. Kingston Maurward Animal Park & Gardens – Free Family Fun

Just outside Dorchester, this 35-acre Grade II-listed estate combines a free-entry animal park with sweeping formal gardens. Say hello to goats, alpacas, ponies and rare-breed sheep, then wander the lakeside walks and Japanese garden. Entry to the park and gardens is free, though there's now a £5 car parking charge, so it's still a great-value day out.

22. LaserGuys Activities – Outdoor Adventure in Blandford

Head to Blandford Forum for outdoor laser tag across a realistic battlefield arena, plus archery and axe & knife throwing. It's a hit for birthday parties, school holidays and team-building days, whatever the weather.

23. Bennetts Water Gardens – A Touch of Monet in Dorset

Tucked away near Weymouth in Chickerell, this tranquil 8-acre garden holds the National Plant Collection of water lilies, centred on a Monet-style Japanese bridge built to mark the centenary of his famous painting. Wander the Woodland Walk, explore the Tropical House, and keep an eye out for herons and kingfishers.

24. GLOBALLS Weymouth – Glow-in-the-Dark Mini Golf

A vibrant, fully indoor mini golf experience in the heart of Weymouth, GLOBALLS features two glow-in-the-dark 12-hole courses: the animal-themed ZooZilla and dinosaur-filled Dinotopia, complete with slides and a ball pit. Perfect for rainy days and evenings after the beach.

25. Coastal Vibes Cruises – Set Sail from Weymouth Harbour

Weymouth's newest attraction, Coastal Vibes is a 250-seat vessel offering scenic Jurassic Coast cruises up to Durdle Door, family-friendly outings, and lively themed evening sailings with live music. A brilliant way to see the coastline from the water.

26. Dorchester's Trio of Museums – Tutankhamun, Teddy Bears & Dinosaurs

Dorchester packs three museums into a short stroll: the Tutankhamun Exhibition, a meticulous recreation of the pharaoh's tomb and treasures; the Teddy Bear Museum, celebrating over a century of beloved bears; and the Dinosaur Museum, Britain's original, combining fossils and life-size reconstructions with hands-on displays. Look out for joint saver tickets covering all three.

27. Poole Museum – Maritime History for Free

Housed in a beautifully restored 15th-century warehouse on Poole's quayside, this free museum tells the story of the town and its harbour. The star exhibit is the 2,300-year-old Poole Logboat, one of the largest Iron Age vessels found in Britain, alongside immersive galleries on shipwrecks and seafaring life.

28. Bridport Museum – Rope, Nets and Local Stories

Set inside a Grade II* listed 16th-century building known as the Castle, Bridport Museum explores the town's history as a centre of rope and net making, with interactive displays and the chance to have a go at making rope yourself.

29. Forde Abbey & Gardens – 900 Years of History

Just over the Dorset border near Chard, Forde Abbey is a former Cistercian monastery turned country house, surrounded by 30 acres of award-winning gardens, lakes and woodland walks. Don't miss the spectacular gravity-fed fountain, one of the highest in England.

Plan Your Dorset Summer Getaway

With castles and coves, tanks and trains, swans and sand, Dorset is a dream destination for summer adventurers. Whether you're here for a weekend or a week, you'll find memory-making moments at every turn.

So pack your picnic, charge your camera, and let Dorset dazzle you this summer.