Great British Summer Savings: Cheaper Days Out Across Dorset This Summer

If you've been putting off a few family days out because of the cost, now's the time to get planning. The government has launched Great British Summer Savings, a temporary VAT cut on admission tickets to attractions running from 25 June to 1 September 2026. 

The scheme covers a wide range of family-friendly attractions, including museums, farm parks, water parks, museums, wildlife centres and more. Dorset is home to some brilliant days out that fall into these categories, so there are some great savings to be made! Not all venues across the county can participate as there are restrictions, but the list is growing.

Here are some of our favourite Dorset attractions who are taking part in the Great British Summer Savings, and worth considering for your summer days out.

RockReef

Perched on the end of Bournemouth Pier, RockReef is an all-weather adventure activity centre built around its standout attraction: 28 individually themed Clip 'n Climb walls, suitable for ages 4 to 94. Climbers tackle everything from speed routes to the notoriously tricky "Triffid" wall (finger grips only, no hand holds) and the ice-pick-assisted "Dry Ice," all while clipped safely into an auto-belay system, so there's no risk of falling and no climbing experience required. A short safety briefing gets everyone started, and the variety of walls means it's just as fun to come back and beat your own time as it is to try it for the first time. Beyond Clip 'n Climb, RockReef also has the Pier Cave, HighLine aerial obstacle course, Vertical Slide, Leap of Faith and, of course, the record-breaking PierZip, which is also taking part in the Great British Summer Savings scheme.

Pier Zip Line

For a dose of adrenaline, the Pier Zip Line lets visitors fly from the top of Bournemouth Pier across the seafront and beach below. It's a quick but thrilling experience with brilliant views out to sea, and a great option for older kids and adults looking for something a bit different to do on the coast - a unique thing to do in Dorset and again a saving on the price always feels good!

Sherborne Castle

Steeped in history, Sherborne Castle was once home to Sir Walter Raleigh and sits within beautifully landscaped grounds designed by Capability Brown. Visitors can explore the historic house, wander the gardens and lake, and soak up centuries of Dorset heritage in a genuinely picturesque setting. This summer they have a brand new Fairy Trail around the gardens, children will love the little doors and getting outdoors. 

Splashdown

Splashdown water park is a summer staple for Dorset families and visitors, with flumes, slides and fun to suit thrill seeking kids and adults. It's an easy way to fill a few hours with splashes and laughter, rain or shine. Please be sure to pre-book though as bookings must be made in advance.

Farmer Palmer's Farm Park

A multi-award-winning farm park designed with younger children in mind, Farmer Palmer's offers animal encounters, tractor rides, play areas and hands-on activities that all the family will love. There is even a dinosaur themed trail, which dino fans will love! Summer foam parties, go-karts and much more. It's a firm favourite for families with toddlers and young children looking for a great day out. They're taking part in the Great British Summer Savings scheme, which means a saving on family tickets this summer, see their website for bookings.

Dorchester - Five Attractions, One Amazing Day Out

If you're heading to Dorchester this summer, you'd be mad to miss this one. The Great Dorset Summer Saver bundles five brilliant indoor attractions together so you can visit all five for the price of just two, and on top of that, each attraction is also passing on the Great British Summer Savings VAT reduction. Two separate savings, one incredible day out.

All five attractions are within walking distance of each other in the heart of Dorchester, making it a genuinely easy, all-weather day that keeps the whole family entertained from morning until late. Here's what's included:

The Dinosaur Museum — Britain's original dinosaur museum, right here in Dorset, home of the Jurassic Coast. Life-size reconstructions, real fossils, hands-on displays and interactive exhibits make this a must for younger visitors. During school holidays, keep an eye out for the special Dinosaur Hunt Trail with the chance to win a Dinosaur Hunter's Medal.

The Tutankhamun Exhibition — A stunning recreation of one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in history, seen by nearly two million visitors. Tutankhamun's tomb, treasures and mummy are brought to life in extraordinary detail.

The Mummies Exhibition — A separate exhibition at the Tutankhamun site, featuring a fascinating group of royal mummies not previously seen outside Egypt. Funerary masks, sacred animals and specially recreated objects bring the ancient world to vivid life.

The Terracotta Warriors — Gaze up at life-size replicas of one of the ancient world's most extraordinary discoveries. Each warrior weighs up to 300 kilograms and the sheer scale of the display is impressive.

The Teddy Bear Museum — Over 100 years of teddy bears in a delightful vintage setting, including a unique family of life-size bear characters. Utterly charming for younger children and nostalgia-inducing for everyone else.

Tickets are available online only and are valid until 31 August 2026. Head to greatdorsetsummersaver.com to book.

Abbotsbury Swannery

Home to England's only colony of nesting mute swans, Abbotsbury Swannery offers a special wildlife experience. Visitors can walk among hundreds of swans, especially magical over the next few months as the cygnets have hatched and are looking especially adorable! Have a go at feeding adult swans during the mass feeding, enjoy the Brambly Hedge childrens trail. There is also a swan themed maze and go-karts for kids to race around on, all of this set by the Fleet Lagoon.

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

Just along from the Swannery, Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens span 20 acres of exotic planting, woodland walks and colourful displays that change with the seasons. It's a peaceful spot to wander, with plants gathered from across the globe thriving in Dorset's mild coastal climate. The 36-metre rope bridge is a real highlight and a great spot for photos! Be sure to add this to your summer savings list!

Wimborne Model Town

Step into a miniature 1950s Wimborne at this charming model village, where every building, shop and garden is recreated at one-tenth scale. It's a nostalgic and whimsical attraction that delights children and adults alike, with plenty of detail to spot around every corner. The gardens are wonderful and every visit is filled with colour, you will find a lovely cafe there too! Be sure to check out this delightful model town!

Tank Museum

Billing itself as Dorset's Biggest Day Out, Tank Museum more than lives up to the claim. With over 300 tanks and armoured vehicles spanning more than a century of warfare, it's the kind of place where jaws drop the moment you walk through the door. The immersive Trench Experience is a spine-tingling recreation of life on the Western Front, and with showstopping  Live Tanks in Action displays, where historic vehicles fire up their engines and thunder around the arena in a display that's as loud as it is spectacular. The displays run throughout the school holidays and is one of those moments that kids and adults alike will be talking about long after the drive home. Every ticket comes with an annual pass too, so there's every excuse to come back and see what you missed the first time round.

Sea Life Centre

Weymouth's Sea Life Centre brings visitors face-to-face with marine life from across the globe, including sharks, turtles, seahorses and rockpool creatures. With interactive feeding sessions and themed zones, it's an engaging and educational day out for curious young explorers. You can also find 30% off with Resort magazine - so please do check out our magazine to receive your extra special discount!

Lemur Landings

One of the biggest indoor play centres in Dorset, Lemur Landings at Tower Park in Poole is a brilliant rainy-day (or any-day) option for younger children. With a multi-level soft play frame, climbing zone, role-play village and a dedicated area for under-7s, there's plenty to keep little ones entertained for hours, while parents relax with a coffee in the on-site café. Booking online in advance is essential, as walk-ins aren't accepted.

Camp Bestival 30th July - 2nd August

One of the UK's best-loved family festivals, Camp Bestival brings together live music, comedy, kids' activities and a brilliant festival village atmosphere in Dorset. It's a true weekend-long adventure for all ages, with headline acts, woodland trails, and entertainment running from morning until late. A fantastic way to kick off the summer holidays as a family. Be sure to take advantage of the great saving to be made!

Make the most of summer 2026. With ticket prices lower than usual at participating attractions, this summer is a great time to tick a few of these Dorset days out off your list. Check each attraction's website for the latest prices and opening times before you visit.

For more Dorset days out, check out our visitor magazine for fun in Dorset: Read Resort