The perfect rainy day activity, based on Bournemouth’s sea front. Featuring fish from several different areas including the Amazon, Great Barrier Reef and Key West. Also a virtual interactive dive cage .

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Dorset’s Heavy Horse Centre is the home of rare breed horses, in an award-winning environment that will entertain guests of all ages.  These heavy horses have been man’s best friend across the centuries, and while life is a little more relaxed for them these days, you can learn about their heritage, and see farm animals or play in a variety of activity areas. 

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Moors Valley Country Park and Forest is the natural way to have fun with the whole family in Dorset, learning about and interacting with mini beasts and reptiles.  They have regular events including a Gruffalo hunt, offer accessible trails in beautiful surroundings, as well as cycle tracks, hikes, Go Ape and even their own railway, so there’s plenty to do with the whole family, including the dog.

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For thrilling tree top adventures, complete with high ropes and zip wires, look no further than Go Ape at Moors Valley Country Park. With different levels for different abilities, it makes for a fun and active day out for the whole family. Booking is advised during peak times.

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Situated in Moors Valley Country Park, Go Ape’s high ropes course is sure to be one of the highlights of your holiday.  Enjoy a few hours in the trees taking on zip wires, tarzan swings, rope ladders and a variety of obstacles.  A truly exhilarating family day out.

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On the A338 between Ringwood and Fordingbridge is the little village of Ibsley and The Old Beams Inn. Beneath the thatched roof is a large, beautiful oak beamed pub, adorned with curios, comfortable seating and a big open fire. In the summer months, there’s plenty of seating to the front and decked area to the rear. The simple menu offers traditional pub fare and some options for children.

Old Beams Inn (T: 01425 473387) Ibsley BH24 3PP 

Dating from the 14th century, The Old Cottage Restaurant is housed in one of the oldest buildings in Ringwood with plenty of period features and a sunny riverside terrace . The extensive A La Carte menu features a good choice of traditional English and international cuisine served by friendly staff. 

The Old Cottage (T: 01425 474283) Ringwood BH24 1DZ

This beachside favourite overlooking the Avon Beach, with sea views in every direction, serves up a high quality and varied menu, ranging from cooked breakfasts to fresh fish of the day. The new takeaway hut also serves sandwiches and snacks during the day, which you can enjoy on decking right by the beach.

The Noisy Lobster (T: 01425 272162) Christchurch BH23 4AN

Simple pub food at a very good price in the centre of the town. The Original White Heart has a friendly, unpretentious atmosphere and some great ales and beers on tap. Inside is spacious with alcoves and different rooms to settle in.

The Original White Hart (T:01425 472702) Market Place, Ringwood BH24 1AW

A pretty and cosy pub in Ringwood, with a large open fire and outdoor seating. There’s a lovely selection of real ales, guest beers, cider and good wine selection. Best known for its wonderful Thai food which wins rave reviews. If you don’t fancy Thai, traditional pub meals are also on the menu.

Star Inn (T: 01425 473105) Market Place, Ringwood BH24 1AW

Boscombe is a popular family beach with plenty of sand, and a small pier with extensive facilities including a children’s play area, several seafront shops and cafés, crazy golf, plenty of parking and a safe traffic free area perfect for cycling and scooters.

Nestled beneath stunning cliffs, Bournemouth Beach (also known as Bournemouth Central Beach) is the popular stretch of sand to the east and west of Bournemouth Pier. Enjoying its own micro-climate with some of the warmest sea waters in the UK, and with spectacular views of the Isle of Wight, this is one of the busiest parts of the full seven-mile stretch of sandy beaches that run along the Bournemouth coastline.

Easy walking distance from the shops, bars and restaurants in the centre of Bournemouth, there are lots of things to do here too, from the selection of rides, amusements and boat trips that depart from Bournemouth Pier, to the shore zip wire, to a refreshing paddle in the waves, or a spell relaxing in the sunshine on a deckchair. Bournemouth Oceanarium is also located on the seafront, as are many bars, cafes and restaurants to suit every taste.

A Land Train runs along the promenade from Bournemouth Pier to Boscombe Pier, or to Alum Chine - perfect for children or anyone else who wants to save their legs whilst enjoying views of the beach.

Dogs are not permitted on this stretch of beach, but are allowed on a lead on the promenade.

Southbourne Beach is a Blue flag award winning beach with wide, clean, part sand and part shingle beach to the east of Boscombe Pier. With views stretching right across to the Isle of Wight on a clear day and Old Harry Rocks/Swanage to the west.

The beach is popular all year round and during the summer months you can find kiosks serving ice creams and drinks dotted along the promenade.

Other facilities include toilets, baby changing facilities, lost children centres, RNLI lifeguard stations and pubs. There are many beach huts along Southbourne Beach and they are available to rent all year round from the local beach office.

Dogs are not permitted on Southbourne beach from 1st May – 30th September however they are permitted on the promenades all year round when on a lead.

Parking can be found on the clifftop, accessed via slopes leading right to and from the beach.

Southbourne Beach is a Blue flag award winning beach with wide, clean, part sand and part shingle beach to the east of Boscombe Pier. With views stretching right across to the Isle of Wight on a clear day and Old Harry Rocks/Swanage to the west.

The beach is popular all year round and during the summer months you can find kiosks serving ice creams and drinks dotted along the promenade.

Other facilities include toilets, baby changing facilities, lost children centres, RNLI lifeguard stations and pubs. There are many beach huts along Southbourne Beach and they are available to rent all year round from the local beach office.

Dogs are not permitted on Southbourne beach from 1st May – 30th September however they are permitted on the promenades all year round when on a lead.

Alum Chine is a wide sandy beach with a paddling pool and large adventure playground, making it the perfect beach to visit if you have young children in tow.

Meanwhile, the scenic sub-tropical gardens behind the beach with stunning views out to the Solent are a big draw for the older visitor. Due to the mild micro-climate along this stretch of the south coast, it's possible to grow many exotic species successfully. 

The beach also boasts Blue Flag status, beach huts for hire and a large car park, as well as a regular bus service to and from Bournemouth Centre. The popular Land Train also links Alum Chine with other beaches along the long sandy stretch of Bournemouth seafront.

There's a popular family-friendly Italian restaurant, Vesuvio, and many ice cream vendors to keep you refreshed during the day.

A variety of watersports are available here including kayaking/canoeing, fishing, swimming, sailing and windsurfing.

Dogs are allowed on parts of the beach throughout the year although they are banned from certain areas - check local signage for details.