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Two children play with toy swords in front of Corfe Castle in Dorset
Children playing at Corfe Castle | © National Trust Images / John Millar

Family-friendly places in Dorset

There's all sorts of things to do in Dorset with the family, including discovering places to explore in gardens, parks, the countryside and on the beach.

October half term events in Dorset

Kids playing in autumn leaves

Kingston Lacy 

Celebrate the colourful season with creativity and fun. There are also lots of pop-up activities around the gardens to discover. Have a go at making music for trees, and listen to the music they've created, with our selection of recycled musical instruments, or collect fallen leaves to help us complete the outdoor artworks.

Child on father's shoulders gazing at an apple tree with young fruit.

Apple pressing at Kingston Lacy 

Visit the kitchen garden to see the apple press in action and taste apple juice made from apples from the orchards.

Child dangling from the monkey bars at the Natural Play Area

Squirrel trail on Brownsea Island 

Leap, scamper, and climb, go nutty about red squirrels this October half term on Brownsea Island. Wear a squirrel mask and follow our interactive family trail to see what amazing facts you can discover about these fascinating furry creatures. Have a go at our pine cone toss game, see if you can build a drey and take part in some squirrel inspired games.

Boys learning how to make a fire.

Bushcraft days on Brownsea Island 

Take part in a series of activities and experience nature in a fun and engaging way. From wood carving and fire lighting to animal tracking, foraging and shelter building, there is something for everyone to learn. Activities will vary according to the season. Booking advisable.

Pumpkin display with Corfe Castle in the background
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October half term at Corfe Castle 

There's so much to see and do here this October half term. Bring your teddy to experience the wind in their fur on our dedicated teddy zip-wire, explore the ruins to discover the critters who call the castle home and get a selfie in our pumpkin display.

Children running along the sand dunes trail at Studland Beach, Dorset

Studland's Wicked Wildlife Trail 

Our Wicked Wildlife family trail will take you along the beach as well as through dunes and woodland. Find out some creepy crawly facts as you complete the activity stations on your way round and learn about the wildlife we share this special place with. Test your balance and observation skills and get creative too!

Places to visit with the family

Find all the best places to make a memorable day out for all the family.

A family walking through the grounds of Wray Castle, Cumbria, in autumn
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Family adventures on Brownsea Island 

A family adventure on Brownsea Island starts from the moment you catch the ferry. There are lots of activities running over school holidays and a wild play area and a café.

Corfe Castle family quest
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Family fun at Corfe Castle 

Corfe Castle is the perfect place to enjoy a fun-filled family day out. There is always something new to explore and join in with a jam-packed programme of events.

Four children sitting in a giant deckchair, which has the National Trust oakleaf logo on it and is positioned in long grass, with a stone mansion house behind.  It is summer
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Family days out at Kingston Lacy 

Auutum is a great time to explore Kingston Lacy. From natural play areas to family crafts or taking your bike for a ride through the woodland trail. A visit here is a great day out.

Visitors playing and running on the dunes
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Family-friendly things to do at Studland Bay 

With miles of sand dunes, beaches and sea, Studland Bay is the perfect place for a family adventure at any time of year. Find out more and plan your visit.

'50 things to do before you're 11¾' come rain or shine

The weather can be unpredictable so we've pulled together ideas to help keep the family busy - whatever the weather

Two children in coats and wellies walk along the path with umbrellas up towards East Riddlesden Hall, Yorkshire
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Top ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities to do when it’s raining 

We've compiled a selection of items from the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ list that are perfect for rainy days, so grab your waterproofs and get involved.

Two children lying in a pile of autumn leaves at Castle Ward, County Down
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Top ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities to do in autumn 

Autumn opens up a world of new adventures for kids. Discover the best activities from our ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’, including playing conkers and foraging for wild food.

Planning for Christmas in Dorset

A vintage carousel in front of Kingston Lacy

Christmas in and around Dorset 

Plan your festive day out at places around Dorset. From illuminated trails, festive walks to Christmas traditions at houses and gardens, there's something for the whole family to enjoy.

Family-friendly coastline and beaches in Dorset

Discover walks along the coastline or build a sandcastle on the beach.

A woman and a man with a baby carrier looking out over the Jurassic Coast from Golden Cap in Dorset, on a bright summer's day
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Golden Cap 

Visiting Golden Cap is always a big adventure. Discover treasure on the Stonebarrow Smugglers' Trail, take on a big challenge and climb Golden Cap, or try out geocaching on the wider estate.

Couple walk beside the sea at Hive Beach, Dorset in spring
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Burton Bradstock 

From bracing coastal walks to views of the Jurassic Coast, a visit to Hive Beach has a number of highlights to look out for.

The shingle beach with the sun rising behind the cliffs in the background at Ringstead Bay, Dorset
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Ringstead Bay 

Unspoilt beach, farmland and cliffs on the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site

near Weymouth, Dorset

Aerial view of Middle Beach
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Studland Bay 

Four miles of beautiful beaches line the sheltered waters of Studland Bay. The area is ideal for family beach trips and coastal walks.

An early morning view across Corfe Castle, Dorset in winter

Discover more in Dorset

Home to everything from an island, ancient coasts and hidden gems to a castle and a house inspired by an Italian palace.