Kids Days Out In Dorset

Dorset is a seaside county with a long shoulder season, which makes it one of the better places to plan a day out in April or October rather than fighting for a parking space in August. Bournemouth and Weymouth do the classic beach day, and there is plenty inland when the wind gets up.

We list 57 attractions across the county, 11 of them free to enter, which is one of the better free ratios in England. Radipole Lake at Weymouth, the coastal paths and the beaches themselves cost nothing.

For a wet day, the Bournemouth cinemas and indoor activity centres are the fallback. For a good one, hire bikes on the seafront and make a morning of it.