Family Fun & Days Out
Apart from visiting all the wonderful beaches, the World Heritage Site of the Jurassic Coast, the beautiful countryside and picturesque villages, there is still so much else for families to do in Purbeck!
We’ve divided the attractions and their weblinks into two categories – ‘Family Fun’ and ‘Days Out’. However, there’s no doubt they’re sure to appeal to all age groups!
Family Fun
Animal themed days out are always popular with families and the nearby Monkey World (11 mins drive from Wareham), is highly recommended. Not a traditional zoo but a primate rescue centre – Monkey World is one of the most popular attractions in Purbeck and was featured on the channel 5 TV series ‘Monkey Life.’
Another, smaller scale animal experience popular with families is the Margaret Green Animal Rescue Centre. in Church Knowle. Great for holidays on a budget as there is no entry fee but donations are welcome towards the upkeep of the animals. For families trying to keep to a fixed budget Wareham is an ideal base for the number of coastal and countryside walks with the most spectacular views and natural coves and beaches all within a short drive of the town.
For entertainment for the younger child there is also the popular local attractions Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park (11 mins drive from Wareham) and Putlake Adventure Farm in Langton Matravers. Or the Santa Fe Amusement park in Swanage, which also has crazy golf.
For more adventurous and active days out for children visit the Dorset Adventure Park near Corfe which has a number of water themed activities!
Days Out
Just outside Wareham (9 minute drive) is the very pretty Blue Pool. Set amongst 25 acres of woodland, this scenic pool, a former clay pit, is famous for its amazing and unique blue colour. With fun woodland trials, a small museum including the Wareham Bears, a gift shop and café this attraction makes a fun day out for all the family.
Purbeck is home to two castles, Corfe Castle and Lulworth Castle, both of which have a number of family fun activity events throughout the year and make for an excellent toption for a day out near Wareham.
For those rainy days, there are lots of indoor options. For example, Wareham is only 13 minutes away from The Tank Museum, Dorset’s largest indoor attraction, which brings history to life with the world’s best collection of tanks and live displays.
If you find yourself bored of driving the car, why not opt for a boat trip from Wareham to Poole harbour? Or even a steam train from Norden to Corfe and Swanage!