Visit Dorset Attractions

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VISIT DORSET LEAFLET 2010

The best family holiday ideas this year!

Abbotsbury SwanneryOff the main A35 on the B3157 between Weymouth & Bridport.01305 871858. - DT3 4JG

On the World Heritage Coast

Dorsets World Famous Sanctuary. See over 600 free flyingfriendly swans, baby swans hatching mid-May

to June end. Mass feeding 12 noon and 4pm daily.The New Giant Swan Maze (opens May half term).

The Giant Swan Maze (opens May half term). lunches and teas served in the licensed KennelsCafe by the swinging nest children's party area.

Open: Daily 20/3 - 31/10/10, days from 10am - 5/6pm last admission 4/5pm

Adventure Wonderland

Opposite Bournemouth Airport.

01202 483 444.- BH23 6BA

Whatever the Weather

Dorset's number one family theme park. A full day's fun

whatever the weather, combining the outside park and rides withthe indoor adventure

play centre, Wild Thing! With over 30 rides and attractions including Animal Cuddle Corner,Wild Bill's Runaway Train, Turbo Teacups

and South's largest natural maze there's even more to enjoy this year.

OPEN: Adventure Wonderland (including Wild Thing!) daily 20 Mar - 12 Sept & then every

weekend up to 17 Oct & half term week 23 Oct - 31 Oct. Wild Thing! open every day,excluding Christmas, Boxing and New Years Day.
http://www.greatdaysout.org/http://www.greatdaysout.org/


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Athelhampton House & Gardens

5 miles east of Dorchester off A35(T) at Puddletown NorthbrookJunction.01305 848363 - DT2 7LG

Visit one of the finest manor houses in England datingfrom the 15th Century. Explore the glorious Grade 1gardens, containing the world famous topiarypyramids, fountains and the River Piddle. Enjoy lunch or acream tea in the Restaurant. Children under 16 admission Free.

OPEN: Mar - Oct, Sun - Thur, 10.30 - 17.00. Also Open Good Friday. Nov - Feb: Sunonly 10.30am - Dusk.

Bennett's Water Gardens

Bennetts Water GardensTel: 01305 785150 - DT3 4AF

Renowned for its replica Monet Japanese Bridge and National &

International Collections of Water Lilies, this eight acre water

garden is set in natural surroundings with native trees, willows andwild flowers. Tropical Plant House, Heritage Museum, Childrens

Fun Trails, Gift Shop, Plant Nursery & Licensed Lakeside Caf. -Group visits Season tickets - Civil Weddings.

OPEN: Gardens open 14th Mar to 29th Oct, 10am to 5pmdaily, except Saturdays. Caf open all year round,

closing times vary.


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The Blue Pool and Tea House

Signposted off the A351 south of Wareham.

Furzebrook, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5AR.01929 551408.

Come and celebrate our 75th anniversary year.

Enjoy the peace and tranquility around the Pool. Learn about its

early History in the Museum. Enjoy the delicious lunches andhomemade scones in the Teahouse overlooking the Pool. Browse around our unique Giftshop.

Families can explore the woodland walks and take part in the Squirrel Hunt. Dogs on leads

welcome.

Open: Grounds open 9.30 from March 1st - Nov 30th.Teahouse Shop & Museum 10am daily from 28th March - 31st October. Closing times vary.

Compton Acres

164 Canford Cliffs, Poole, Dorset. BH13 7ES.


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01202 700 778.

Compton Acres is one of the finest privately owned gardens in the

UK with a unique series of stunning gardens, including Japanese,Italian and Rock and Water Gardens. There is also a caf, restaurant,

the newly refurbished Harbour view caf, gift shop, craft shop and

model railway. Open 363 days of the year.

Open: Daily 1st Mar - 31st Oct Peak 9am to 6pm last entry 5pm,1st Nov to 28th Feb 2010 off peak 10am to 4pm , last entry 3pm.

he Dinosaur Museum

Icen Way, Dorchester. - DT1 1EW01305 269 880

The award winning Dinosaur

Museum is a treat, especially forchildren. See fascinating fossils,

dinosaur skeletons and skulls,including Jurassic Dinosaurs. Plus life-size dinosaur

reconstructions, hands on and multimedia displays. Its great funfor all ages.

Open: All year daily 9.30am-5.30pm (Nov-Mar 10am-4.30pm). InIcen Way in the centre of Dorchester.

Dorset County Museum

High West Street, Dorchester DT1 1XA.01305 262 735


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Award-winning Museum of Dorset including Jurassic Coast Geology Gallery, atmospheric

Victorian Hall with Roman Mosaic floors and Thomas Hardys Study. Dorchester Discover the6,000 year history of Dorchester. Investigate Dorset writers, archaeology (including Maiden

Castle presentation), Social and Natural History Galleries. Interactives, activityy stations,

audiovisuals, free audioguides and Museum Trails for children. This friendly museum hassomething for everyone.

Open: 10am - 5pm Mon to Sat April - Oct,

10am - 4pm Tue-Sat Nov-Mar. Location: central Dorchester

Farmer Palmer's Farm Park

4 miles from Poole in Organford near Poole. Clearly signposted from the A35 and A351. BH166EU01202 622022

The Countrysides own National Award WinningTheme Park!! Perfect for the under 8s

Award winning day out for children 8 yrs & under, thats stillgreat value for money. Animal events every half hour, indoor soft play, straw mountain, tractor

rides, bouncy castles & outdoor play. Child friendly restaurant with fresh farmhouse food. Yourchildren will have fun whatever the weather.

Open: Feb 7th Daily 10am - 4pm.Sun 29th March - End Oct 10am - 5.30pm

Nov & Dec Daily 10am-4pm

Forde Abbey and Gardens

4 miles south east of Chard, 7 miles west of Crewkerne.TA24 0LU01460 221 290.

South West Tourism Small Attraction of the Year2007/8 Gold Award

Enjoy Forde Abbey, the beautiful 850 year old home surrounded

by 30 acres of award winning gardens including a workingkitchen garden, bog garden, rockery and the highest powered fountain in England. Delicious

homemade lunches and cakes available with gift shop, plant centre, pottery exhibition and

garden trail for children.

Open: Gardens open daily throughout the year 10am - 4.30pm(Last entry) House open 30th Mar - 31st Oct, Tue-Fri, Sun,

BH Mon 12 noon - 4pm (Last entry)


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Go Ape High Wire Adventure

Go Ape! Moors Valley, Moors Valley Country Park, Horton Road,Ashley Heath,

Nr Ringwood. BH24 2ET. 0845 643 9236

Bring Out Your Inner Ape!

Are you wild enough to climb 40ft up a rope ladder, Tarzanswing into a giant rope net, zip wire through trees, crawl

through tunnels and tackle high wire rope bridges? If the answers yes, youre ready to Go Ape!

OPEN: 13-21 Feb (closed Tues 16th), weekends 27th Feb - 21 Mar, daily 26 Mar - 31st Oct

(closed Tues during term time) & weekends during Nov.

RSPB Radipole Lake

Radipole Park Drive, Weymouth, DT4 7TZ

01305 778 313

A nature reserve in central Weymouth sounds unlikely, butonce you are on the footpath amongst the reeds andlagoons you could be far away in the countryside.Radipole offers something for everyone from families towildlife enthusiasts. Free entry.

Open: daily 9am to 5pm, 4pm in winter; free children's backpack hire and binocularhire plus a range of events throughout the year.

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Kingston Maurward Gardens and Animal Park

Kingston Maurward is signposted from the roundabout at the Easternend of the Dorchester bypass. DT2 8PY01305 215003.


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Explore the formal Edwardian Garden with a stunning ornamental

lake in front of the 18th Century Mansion House. The Animal Park

has a collection of miniature Shetland ponies, donkeys, rabbits andGuinea pigs. Light refreshments are available, Play area, Shop and

plant sales. Special events throughout the year.For further details contact Kingston Maurward 01305 215003.

Open: Daily 4th Jan to 22st Dec 2010, 10am to 5.30pm.Kingston Maurward is signposted from the roundabout

at the eastern end of the Dorchester By Pass.

Lulworth Castle Park

5 miles west of Wareham. Followbrown signs from A352 - BH20 5QS0845 450 1054.

Walk in the footsteps of Kingsand Queens!....

...as you explore the 17th CenturyCastle and its fascinating history. Discover the stunning landscapes,beautiful 18th Century Chapel and unrivalled views from theCastle Tower. Meet the residents of the animal farm and enjoy thewoodland walks, adventure play area and pitch & putt. Licensed StableCaf and Courtyard Shop. Free parking and under 4s free entry.Spectacular Summer Jousting Shows Sun 25th July to Mon 30th August

(excluding 29 Jul - 3 Aug).

Open: Sun to Fri. Last admission 1hr before closing.Summer 10.30 6.00. Winter 10.30 4.00.Closed Saturdays and 3rd - 16th Jan. 29th - 2nd Aug. 24th & 25th Dec.

Pirate Adventure Mini Golf

Pirate Adventure Mini Golf - Weymouth DT4 7SX

Tel: 01305 781797


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AHOY SHIPMATES!Bring your motley crew along to Pirate Adventure Mini Golf!

Challenge yourselves on the amazing 19 hole course, whilst learning about the life anddeath of some of the scariest pirates around! Fun for the whole family!

Open: Summer Daily from 10am;Winter Weekends from 10am.

Portland Castle

Portland, Dorset DT5 1AZ.

01305 820 539www.english-heritage.org.uk/portland

Overlookign Portland harbour, just 4 miles from Weymouthstands one of Henry VIII's finest coastal forts and a "must"visit whatever the weather. Let the fascinating audio tourtake you through 450 years of history, enjoy the dramaticsea views as you explore the garden then relax in our tearoom.

Open: Daily from 10am April 1 to October 31.

Royal Signals Museum

DT11 8RH01258 482 248.

Report for action! Drive a simulator - Guide a laser beam -Direction - Find the enemy - Set up a satellite network - Practice

Morse - Break CodesExhibitions: Spies, Codes and Secret Agents - Special Forces - Wartime SAS Enigma - YService - SOE - Long Range Desert Group - Motorcycle Collection - Despatch Riders -

Animals at War - Airborne Forces - Women at War.Prize Winning Discovery & Fun Trails for Toddlers & Children. Prizes for all Participants.

Open: Mon Fri (All Year) 10 - 5.

Weekends & Bank Holidays (Feb 13 - Oct 31) 10 - 4

Christmas Closing 10th Dec 2010 4th Jan 2011
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/portlandhttp://www.english-heritage.org.uk/portland


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Sherborne Castle

Sherborne, Dorset DT9 5NR.01935 813 182.

Sherborne Castle with its beautiful lakeside gardensand grounds.

Come and visit the famous castle built by Sir Walter Raleigh

1594, stately home to the Digby family since 1617;rich interiors and splendid collections of art, furniture

and porcelain. Explore 30-acres of beautiful Lakeside Gardens and grounds landscaped around

Capability Brown's 50-acre lake. Great for picnics; dogs welcome. Historic Sherborne close by.Children free.

OPEN: Castle, Gardens, Gift Shop & Tearoom

1 Apr - 31 Oct, Daily except Mon & Fri (open BH Mons)11am - 4.30pm last entry (castle interior opens later on Sats at 2pm).

Swanage Railway

Swanage Railway Co. Ltd, Station House, Swanage, Dorset BH191HB.01929 425 800.

Travel on Dorsets award winning steam railway andmake the most of the Jurassic Coast.

Make the most of the Jurassic Coast by taking a trip on the

Swanage Railway - the most convenient way to visit CorfeCastle and the seaside. Avoid the hassle of parking by travelling from Norden Park & Ride off

the A351.

Open: Most every weekend throughout the year and DAILY Easter to October.

Tank MuseumBovington, Wool, Dorset. BH20 6JG01929 405096

The Tank Museum brings the story of tank crew to life,supported by the world's best collection of tanks andboasting action packed live displays during schoolholidays. You'll see almost 200 vehicles in six large halls,explore the trenches of World War One and get closer to the action with our explosive

Tank Action Displays.Gift Aid It! - Free annual pass included in your entry fee. T & Cs apply - see ourwebsite.


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Open daily, 10.00am 5.00pm.Limited opening at Christmas see website or call for details.

Tutankhamun Exhibition

High West Street, Dorchester. DT1 1UW01305 269 571.

The World Renowned Tutankhamun Exhibition.

The worlds greatest discovery of ancient treasure -Tutankhamuns tomb, treasures and mummy are superbly

recreated in this internationally renowned exhibition - extensively featured on TV. The onlyexhibition of its kind in Europe. Not to be missed.

OPEN: All year daily 9.30am 5.30pm, (Nov - Mar 5pm)High West Street in the centre of Dorchester

Weymouth Sea Life Park

Lodmoor Country Park, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 7SX.01305 788 255. Bookings 01305 761 070.

A unique mix of indoor and outdoor attractions, prepare to come

face to face with sharks, otters, seals, penguins, turtles and somuch more. NEW FOR 2010: Shark Breeding Centre -Experience an up close and personal look into the lifecycle ofthese fascinating and mysterious creatures! Other key features

include: Adventure Island - a fantasy land of thrilling rides;

Splash Lagoon - a great outdoor feature complete with waterslide, splash pool, and water jets; Turtle Sanctuary and ocean

tank complete with spectacular walk through underwater tunnel.

Open: Every day except Christmas Day

Visit Dorset Events

Things To Do In Dorset
http://www.greatdaysout.org/http://www.greatdaysout.org/


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Dorset Events Calendar

2010

March

Sun 28 March. 10 am-12pm Springtime spectacles. RSPB Radipole Lake nature reserve. Joinus, and help us to find signs of spring out on the reserve. Look out for courting birds, bloomingflowers, fluttering butterflies and much much more. As the world bursts into life, so will we!

FREE BINOCULAR HIRE AVAILABLE Booking essential.

April

Good Friday 2 April - Easter Monday 5 April. Great Dinosaur Egg Hunt. The DinosaurMuseum, Icen Way, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1EW. Explore Britains original award winning

Dinosaur Museum, in Dorchester, with its exciting mix of actual fossils, skeletons, and life-sizedinosaur reconstructions combined with hands on and multi-media displays to discover the

answers to the clues in the Dinosaur Mystery. All children who solve the Mystery correctly wina special prize dinosaur!

April 2nd to 5th Easter Egg Hunt. Adventure Wonderland.

Go wild with the kids this Easter. RSPB Radipole Lake and Arne. Keep the kids busy thisEaster, bring them along to Radipole Lake or Arne anytime during the school holidays and let

them run wild! Bird bingo and wildlife explorer backpacks will be available for hire throughoutEaster.

April 2nd to April 5th Easter Bunny Egg Hunt. Bennetts Water Gardens. Visit Bennetts WaterGardens on Good Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Easter Monday for the Easter Bunny Egg Hunt.There will be a special Easter trail for children to follow around the gardens; find the clues tocomplete the trail and get rewarded with a chocolate egg (but remember only one per child).

Children can also take part in the Easter colouring competition for a chance to win a Giant

Easter Egg!

Wed 14th April. 10 am-3 pm. Bird Bingo. RSPB Radipole Lake nature reserve. Come and takeout one of our bird bingo sheets and go out around the reserve to see if you can get a full house.

Lots of other activities to enjoy. FREE EVENT.

May

Sunday 2nd May. 5 am-8 am. Up before the lark. RSPB Radipole Lake nature reserve. Join uson International dawn chorus day for an introduction to bird song and afterwards for a

continental breakfast, whilst we chat about what we heard. Adults 6, children 3, includes

breakfast. RSPB members half price.

Sunday 2nd May. NCCPG Plant Sale. Athelhampton House.

Mid May to June End. BABY SWANS HATCHING. Abbotsbury Swannery.

Saturday 15 May. Museums at Night. Dorchester comes alive on Saturday evening as all 6 ofits amazing Museums open for this special event: Dinosaur Museum, Dorset County Museum,

Tutankhamun Exhibition, Keep Military Museum, Teddy Bear Museum, & Terracotta Warriors


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Museum. Fantastic value family explorer ticket available.

Tuesday 18th May. Dukes Classic Car Auction (viewing days on Sunday 16th and Monday17th). Athelhampton House.

Saturday 15th May 8pm - 11.30pm. National Moth Night. Come along to celebrate national

moth night at RSPB Radipole Lake. Well be using a variety of different methods to attract asmany moth species as possible. Youll be amazed at what we catch! Booking essential.

Saturday 29 May - Bank Holiday Monday 31 May. Tutankhamun Treasure Hunt. TheTutankhamun Exhibition, High West Street, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1UW. The discovery of

Tutankhamuns tomb in the Valley of the Kings in 1922 has been described as the worlds

greatest discovery of ancient treasure. Now children visiting the internationally renownedTutankhamun Exhibition can go on their own Treasure Hunt over the Spring Bank Holiday

weekend. They will explore this fascinating exhibition with its recreation of Tutankhamunstomb, treasures and mummy and solve the riddle of the missing treasure.9.30am to 5.30pm

Wildlife Explorer Week. 31st May - 6th June. RSPB Radipole Lake and Arne. Keep the kidsbusy this week, bring them along to Radipole Lake or Arne anytime during half term and letthem run wild! Bird bingo and wildlife explorer backpacks will be available for hire all week.

June

June 2nd Meet Peppa Pig. Adventure Wonderland.

Thursday 3rd Jun. Wildflower Walk. 10.30 am-12.30 pm. RSPB Radipole Lake naturereserve. Explore the many and varied wonderful flowers that can be found at Radipole Lake andlearn about their names and folklore. Part of Dorset Wildflower Week. Booking essential.

Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th Jun. Springwatch weekend. RSPB Radipole Lake nature reserve.Join us for our celebration of spring, with a full programme of events including a bird ringing

demo, pond dipping, bug hunting, wildlife walks and moth trapping. FREE BINOCULAR

HIRE AVAILABLE.

Sunday 13th - Thursday 17th June. Flower Festival. Athelhampton House.

August

Tues 3rd Aug. 10am - 1pm. Mini beasts and dragons. RSPB Radipole Lake nature reserve. Wewill be looking for bugs in the bushes and pond dipping for weird and wonderful creatures

living in the lake. If you cant make it, pop along in the afternoon to see what we find, we willhave them on display in tanks and pots for you to see up close. FREE EVENT.

Sunday 8th August. MG Owners Club. Athelhampton House. Tues 17th Aug. NatureDetectives. 10 am-1 pm. RSPB Radipole Lake nature reserve. Become a wildlife explorer and

help us dissect owl pellets to track down what they have been eating, or make a cast of a

footprint to find out who it belongs to.

August 18th Meet Humungousaur from Ben 10. Adventure Wonderland.

Friday 27th August from 6pm. Pride and Prejudice (Open Air Theatre). Athelhampton House.


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Saturday 28 August - Bank Holiday Monday 30t August. Great Dinosaur Hunt. The DinosaurMuseum, Icen Way, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1EW. 9.30am to 5.30pm Explore Britains originalaward winning Dinosaur Museum, in Dorchester, with its exciting mix of actual fossils,

skeletons, and life-size dinosaur reconstructions combined with hands on and multi-media

displays to discover the answers to the clues in the Dinosaur Mystery.

28, 29, 30th Aug. Falconry Flying Displays (30 minute shows). 11.15am, 1pm & 3pm.Abbotsbury Swannery.

Monday 30th August. 5 Churches Fete - (Bank Holiday). Athelhampton House.

September

Sat 18th & Sun 19th Sept. Kingfisher quest weekend. 10 am-3 pm. RSPB Radipole Lakenature reserve. September is a great month to see kingfishers at Radipole Lake, we will have

spotters located at different areas around the reserve to point out any kingfishers on show. Allvisitors will receive a fabulous kingfisher print to take home with them. FREE BINOCULAR

HIRE AVAILABLE.

September 19th. 11:00 to 16:00. Wedding Fair & Bridal Show. Bennetts Water Gardens. Awedding exhibition will be held in a marquee within these beautiful gardens which are licensedfor civil ceremonies. Wedding specialists will be on-hand throughout the day to offer advice on

all aspects of your special day. Fashion Shows will be on at 12noon and 2pm, along with

vehicle displays and competitions.

September 19th Meet Postman Pat. Adventure Wonderland.

October

October 1st to Oct 29th Autumn Plant Sale. Bennetts Water Gardens. During the month ofOctober, Bennetts Water Gardens will be holding their annual plant sale, pick up a bargain from

the plant nursery. A range of plants which will be featured in the sale starting from as little as

1. Plants in the sale will include aquatic marginals and water lilies, perennials, shrubs, treesand much more, many of which can be seen growing in the Water Gardens next door.

Sun 17 Oct. The beauty of bearded tits. 10 am-12 noon. RSPB Radipole Lake nature reserve.How many people do you know have seen a bearded tit? One of the most beautiful birds in

Britain and a real rarity too. Its fantastic that these birds have chosen to live in the middle of

Weymouth at our reserves, join us in search of these beauties. FREE BINOCULAR HIREAVAILABLE Booking essential.

October 23rd to 31st Halloween. Adventure Wonderland.

October 26th Meet Scooby Doo. Adventure Wonderland.

November

Sun 14th Nov. Heron roost watch. 3pm - 5pm. RSPB Radipole Lake Nature Reserve. We willbe looking out for grey herons, little egrets and the rare and elusive bittern from the north hide.

If we are really lucky we may even see an otter! FREE BINOCULAR HIRE AVAILABLEBooking essential.


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November 27th/28th Christmas at Adventure Wonderland, including Father Christmas.

December

December 4th/5th Christmas at Adventure Wonderland, including Father Christmas.

December 11th to 24th Christmas at Adventure Wonderland, including Father Christmas.

Sun 12th Dec. Wind down for Christmas. 10 am - 12 noon. RSPB Radipole Lake naturereserve. All that Christmas shopping getting you down? Join us for a wonderful wind down

walk, warm up afterwards with a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. FREE BINOCULARHIRE AVAILABLE .

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