The whole spectrum from chimpanzees and orangutans to marmosets - most have been rescued and all are incredible. This sanctuary does an amazing job at looking after the animals, yet allowing the public to enjoy them, without making too much of a spectacle. Fascinating, sad, heart-warming and fun - you can't tire of the monkey antics but there are impressive play parks for the kids to imitate the apes, should they so wish.
Get all Brief Encounter' with a steam train trip on the Swanage Railway.
Swans have lived here for 600 years; at around the end of May, visitors can watch cygnets taking their first tentative steps.
Dorset's answer to the chilli-eating contest. An argument between two local farmers over who had the longest nettles growing on his land led to this macho test of taste buds. Each June, crowds gather at The Bottle Inn to witness the showdown.
Cycling, fishing, walks, golf, rope swings; there are loads of activities to try here. Choose how active you want to be - swinging through the trees on the Go Ape rope swings, chugging along taking in the scenery on the narrow gauge steam railway, or just relaxing with a picnic by the lake. A great way to spend the day in the Dorset countryside.
The fun includes goat racing, toy tractor racing and a smuggler's ship soft play area.
Dorset's largest country park. Miles of track to explore and rare wildlife to spot, as well as picnic areas, a cafe and visitor centre.
Grade II listed, Boscombe Pier is home to a variety of activies such as an amusement arcade, beach shops and cafes. The views are stunning and perfect for a stroll or family entertainment.
A husband and wife team of ethical artisan chocolatiers. Cocoa Central is the shop along with chocolate test kitchen and workshop space.
'Enjoy fun Days Out in Dorset with all the family with our long list of 32 things to do with the children, as recommended by people who have been there.'
6 August 2023
The whole spectrum from chimpanzees and orangutans to marmosets - most have been rescued and all are incredible. This sanctuary does an amazing job at looking after the animals, yet allowing the public to enjoy them, without making too much of a spectacle. Fascinating, sad, heart-warming and fun - you can't tire of the monkey antics but there are impressive play parks for the kids to imitate the apes, should they so wish.
18 March 2013
Get all Brief Encounter' with a steam train trip on the Swanage Railway.
14 September 2012
Swans have lived here for 600 years; at around the end of May, visitors can watch cygnets taking their first tentative steps.
11 January 2011
Dorset's answer to the chilli-eating contest. An argument between two local farmers over who had the longest nettles growing on his land led to this macho test of taste buds. Each June, crowds gather at The Bottle Inn to witness the showdown.
11 March 2010
Cycling, fishing, walks, golf, rope swings; there are loads of activities to try here. Choose how active you want to be - swinging through the trees on the Go Ape rope swings, chugging along taking in the scenery on the narrow gauge steam railway, or just relaxing with a picnic by the lake. A great way to spend the day in the Dorset countryside.
The fun includes goat racing, toy tractor racing and a smuggler's ship soft play area.
Rides and all the mad theme park fun that kids seem to love.
Dorset's largest country park. Miles of track to explore and rare wildlife to spot, as well as picnic areas, a cafe and visitor centre.
Grade II listed, Boscombe Pier is home to a variety of activies such as an amusement arcade, beach shops and cafes. The views are stunning and perfect for a stroll or family entertainment.
A husband and wife team of ethical artisan chocolatiers. Cocoa Central is the shop along with chocolate test kitchen and workshop space.