A National Trust property and lavish family home, Kingston Lacy was built to resemble an Italian Palace, and houses curious details including an ‘I owe you’ note from a king.  The house is brimming with paintings from the likes of Rubens and Van Dyck, while the gardens are a delight for both adults and children.  Beyond that, the estate extends to Iron Age forts, heathland, meadows and a Roman road across 8,500 acres.  The restaurant specializes in home made cakes and award-winning scones, there are seasonal events throughout the summer, particularly for children, and prices start at £14.90 for adults or £7.40 for children.

A National Trust property, this former corn mill still houses original wooden machinery in its peaceful riverside setting.  The mill was rebuilt in 1776 on a site marked in the Domesday Book, but these days it’s all a bit fragile to be a working mill, so it’s perfect for visitors looking to explore the gardens and take in the tranquil surroundings of the River Stour.  Opening times vary so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the website before you visit.  The property has limited facilities and no toilets, but you can book a tour, which is worthwhile.  Prices start at £3.50 for adults and £2.50 for children.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/white-mill

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 .

Click Here for further information

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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A military museum dedicated to the role of communications in wars and military campaigns over the last 150 years.  With a range of interactive displays and fun trails this is a great family attraction and an fascinating insight into the world of codebreaking  and cyber warfare.  As the museum is on an active military base photo ID is essential for anyone over 16yrs.

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Renowned for serving beautifully presented, authentic and delicious Thai food in sophisticated surroundings. 

Tiien Thai, 13 Moor Road, Broadstone BH18 8AZ (T: 01202 693600)

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

Sister the Noisy Lobster on Avon Beach, this little restaurant has taken Ringwood locals by storm, winning rave reviews and loyal following. All the menus are fun and exciting with a bias towards fresh seasonal food and of course, lobster when in season.

Noisy Lobster (T: 01425 474253) 25 Market Place, Ringwood, BH24 1AN

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

Hamworthy Beach is a family-friendly sand and shingle beach with a promenade, fringed with pretty beach huts and offering stunning views of Arne Nature Reserve, Brownsea Island and the Purbeck Hills in the distance.

The beach is popular among locals, boasting a jetty offering an excellent spot for fishing, large green gardens behind, a children's play area and a large seasonal paddling pool. There are also several opportunities to partake in watersports, including windsurfing, sailing and kitesurfing.

Dogs are welcome on the beach all year round, but not in the play parks or paddling pool.

Facilities include parking, toilets and cafe as well as nearby shops and public transport connections.

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.

Branksome Beach is a wide, golden stretch of sand popular among locals and visitors alike, in part due to its Blue Flag status which highlights high standards of cleanliness on the beach and in the bathing waters.

The beach benefits from a promenade behind and many facilities including beach huts, shop, bar and restaurant. There is also good disabled access and a safe swim zone.

Watersports include swimming and windsurfing and there is lifeguard cover in the summer months.

Dogs are not allowed on the main beach from the 1st May - 30th September, however they are allowed on the promenade on a short lead.

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.

Shore Road is a golden sandy beach with a promenade that stretches for miles along the beautiful Sandbanks peninsula - perfect for a seaside stroll or cycle (except during peak times in July & August from 10am to 6pm when cycles are not permitted).

Famed for its Mediterranean-style cafes and outstanding views across the harbour to the Purbeck hills and Brownsea Island, this beach is very family-friendly thanks to its gentle slope into clean waters and seasonal lifeguard cover.

Dogs are not allowed on the main beach from 1st May - 30th September, however they are permitted on the promenade on a lead all year round.

This Blue Flag standard beach has several watersports hire shops and many other beach facilities, including plenty of parking, cafe/restaurant, beach shop, beach huts and deck chairs for hire, toilets and outdoor showers, and reusable water bottle drinking water refill points.