Seven family days out for half term

If you’re looking for something to do over this coming half term, here are a few suggestions from the many activities that Dorset has to offer – whatever the weather.

Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park, near Poole, Dorset: a fun-filled day whatever the weather with a mix indoor and outdoor play and hands-on activities.

Moors Valley Country Park and Forest 10 miles north of Bournemouth. “At Moors Valley there is something for everyone…whether you want to enjoy a peaceful walk or cycle ride through the Forest, experience a ride on an authentic narrow-gauge steam train or even Go Ape on a high wire forest adventure swinging through the tree tops.”

Dorset Teddy Bear Museum, Dorchester. “The Dorset Teddy Bear Museum is Dorchester's unmissable family museum with Edward Bear and his family of people-sized bears in Teddy Bear House. From the earliest antique teddy bears, to today's TV favourites, they are all waiting to greet you in this enchanting Teddy Bear Museum. Open seven days a week.”

Brownsea Island Nature Reserve has diverse habitats & wildlife, including a red squirrel population.  The reserve is leased from the National Trust and situated in Poole Harbour with a large sheltered lagoon; particularly important for overwintering & summer breeding birds.  Spend the day exploring its flooded woodland, lakes, reed bed & pine woods. Open daily 10am till 5pm.


Corfe Castle model village and gardens - Corfe Castle itself was destroyed by Cromwell’s troops during the Civil War but at Corfe Castle Model Village you can step back in time to the year 1646 and see the castle and ancient village faithfully restored at 1/20th scale.

Swanage Railway  an award-winning standard gauge preserved steam railway. Visitors can experience a unique journey through six miles of beautiful scenery passing the magnificent ruins of Corfe Castle.


Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre, Wareham, Dorset, assists governments around the world to stop the smuggling of primates from the wild. Refugees of this illegal trade, as well as those that have suffered abuse or neglect, are rehabilitated into natural living groups. You can see gibbons, chimpanzees, orang-utans, woolly monkeys, marmosets, tamarins, and many more.

Dorset is a fabulous place for a half-term holiday, with lots of activities and days out to choose from. To book your family-friendly and eco-friendly half-term holiday in Dorset, please contact us. We look forward to hearing from you and welcoming your family to Chesil Beach Lodge.