Enjoy an award-winning family day out at Crealy Theme Park, with over 60 rides and attractions, spectacular entertainment, live shows and animals galore. Or enjoy three miles of unspoilt countryside along the Axe Valley on the Seaton Tramway through two nature reserves, with an unrivalled view of the wading bird life.
Dig back into 185 million years of the Earth’s history along the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, from Swanage to Exmouth. Hunt for the fossilised remains of belemnites and ammonites on the beaches. Meet marine life such as bass and crabs at the Lyme Regis Aquarium. Or see the Jurassic coast from the water with Lyme RIB Rides.
Enjoy the slides, sandcastles, go-karts, dinosaurs and more at Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park. Visit the largest centre of its kind in the world at Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre, home to 250 primates. Steam through the Jurassic countryside on the Swanage Railway. Or tackle the high ropes and zip wires at The Tunnel Tree Tops.
Feed the free-range birds and meet tarantulas, armadillos and zebra at Axe Valley Wildlife Park. Ride the Beer Heights Light Railway with views over Portland Bill. Or go underground at Beer Quarry Caves and see the stone used for Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London.
If your round’s not going to plan, switch to admiring the coastal views at Axe Cliff Golf Club. Conquer the great outdoors on two wheels with Pashley bikes from Darts Farm. Take a segway safari along the wooded trails and tracks of Haldon Forest. Or explore the Big Blue with canoes and kayaks from Lyme Kayak Hire.
Book a three-hour deep-sea fishing trip with Harry May Mackerel Fishing on custom-built boats. Potter Lyme Regis and wander along The Cobb, Meryl Streep-style. Raid Bridport Market for clothes, jewellery and antiques. Or take a City Cruise from Swanage to Poole with on-board commentary.
Book full-body massages, aroma messages, facials and head, neck and back treatments at Hawkchurch Resort and Spa. Come in May for the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival with walks, talks, music, theatre, exhibits and hands-on science. Or discover Town Mill, a 600-year-old working watermill, and pop into the shop.
Head to the Furleigh Estate to tour the vineyard and taste the wine and cheese. Sip fine craft ciders at Dorset Nectar Centre. Or treat yourself to a night out on the large wraparound terrace at Mark Hix’s Oyster and Fish House, serving locally sourced fish and seafood with harbour views.
