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.

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

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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.

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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.

A family walking through the grounds of Wray Castle, Cumbria, in autumn

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Family adventures on Brownsea Island

Famous for red squirrels, wildlife and scouting - reopens spring 2025

Man and boy peering through an arrow loop at Corfe Castle

Travel back to 1086 on 'The Conqueror's Castle' family quest, help William the Conqueror discover how a team of builders go about building a castle. Hunt the castle ruins for the quest boards, note down your answers as you go to earn your prize. Or bring along a teddy to zoom down the zip wire from high in the castle to the bridge of the inner gatehouse.

A child riding a bike at Kingston Lacy, Dorset

Kingston Lacy - fun for green fingers

Green fingers at the ready. Join us in the Kitchen Garden potting shed on weekdays in half term for planting sessions, where you can plant either a sweet pea or a sunflower seed in an eco pot, ready to take home. The snowdrops in the wider garden will also be in full bloom and are a joy for all ages.

Become a nature detective at Studland Bay

Do you fancy yourself as a nature detective? Do you love nature? Families can come and borrow one of our Nature Detective bags containing binoculars, magnifying glasses, bug pots and activity sheets.

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.

Children playing at Brimham Rocks, North Yorkshire

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Top ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities to do in winter

Winter is the perfect time for many of the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities. Wrap up warm and go welly wandering, fossil hunting or stargazing.

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.