Things to do
There is plenty to do and explore around the Jurassic Coast for children of all ages. Here are a few ideas to help you plan an extra special day out in Dorset, and throughout the South Coast to Devon.
Downloadable Walks from Bus Stops
Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Jurassic Coast Team have pulled together a series of lovely short walks for you to enjoy. All of them start at bus stops along the Jurassic Coaster bus route in West Dorset.
https://jurassiccoast.org/visit/walking-the-jurassic-coast/
Monkey World
Take your cheeky monkeys for a day out at Monkey World. Located near Wareham, this zoological park provides a safe haven for captive monkeys and apes, away from the primate smugglers. With a wide range of learning based activities centred around primates, bring the entire family for a fun-filled day visiting Chimpanzees, Orang-utans, Gibbons, Marmocets, Lemurs and Macaques (to name a few).
Take a guided tour of the 65 acre sanctuary and one of the fully trained Education Officers will guide you to the different enclosures, explaining the rescue stories and answer any questions you may have along the way.
Take the Jurassic Coaster: X52 to this attraction (summer only)
Bovington Tank Museum
Perhaps one of the best collections of tanks in the world, the Bovington Tank Museum brings the history of tanks and tank crews to life. Visit eight tank exhibitions, including a dedicated 'Trench Experience' based in 1916 France and the First World War and the 'Tank Story', which tells the story of tanks, from its invention over 100 years ago, to their use throughout the 20th Century and into the future.
There is literally so much to see and do, you will want to keep coming back again and again. Luckily your entry ticket gives you a free annual pass (which allows you to come back as many times as you like for a year).
Take the Jurassic Coaster: X52 to this attraction (summer only)
Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door
Lulworth Cove is a favourite Dorset attraction for budding photographers and those who love leisurely walking in simply stunning surroundings. The cove is a wonderful place to relax, enjoy a boat trip around the cove and Durdle Door, arguably Dorset's most famous geological formation.
There are plenty of places for a pit stop - including The Castle Inn, a 16th Century thatched pub boasting a wide selection of real ales and ciders and an extensive food menu.
Take the Jurassic Coaster: X52 (summer only) and X54 to this attaction.
Dinosaur Museum
Visit the *original* dinosaur museum of the Jurassic Coast, which is conveniently located in the centre of Dorchester. The museum contains not only a fascinating array of fossils and dinosaur skeletons, but also life-sized reconstructions of the T-Rex, Stegosaurus, Velociraptor and Triceratops.
No visit to the Jurassic Coast would be complete without a visit to the Dinosaur Museum in Dorchester, and it is a great day out for the whole family.
Take the Jurassic Coaster: X51 to this attraction
Sealife Centre, Weymouth
Share an amazing family day out at the Sealife Adventure Park in Weymouth, both above and below the ocean at this fantastic indoor and outdoor park. With over 1,000 incredible sea creatures including sharks, rays, penguins, turtles and seals.
With five rides to enjoy, a sensory garden to explore and a splash-zone and pool to enjoy, your action-packed day of marine adventures will leave you wanting to come back for more. While you're there - don't forget to visit the Sealife Jurassic Skyline attraction, which is included in the price of your ticket.
Take the Jurassic Coaster: X52 (summer only) and X54 to this attaction.
Weymouth
Visit the three mile beach or golden sand and traditional seaside entertainment, just minutes from Weymouth Town Centre and historic harbour.
There's lots to see and do, you could take the kids to a classic Punch and Judy show and donkey ride, or admire the beach volleyball championships and live music that regularly takes place throughout the summer months.
Take the Jurassic Coasters: X51, X52 (summer only), X53, X54 and Portland Coaster 501 (summer only) to this attraction.
Portland Bill
Take a guided tour of the Trinity House Lighthouse at Portland Bill, an iconic Dorset landmark that has safely guided and warned vessels of their proximity to the Shambles Bank for nearly 300 years.
The lighthouse and visitor centre is open throughout the year, however visitors are advised to check the website before travelling in 'Low Season', as lighthouse only opens on set days of the week.
Take the Portland Coaster: 501 (summer only)
Chesil Beach
This 18 mile-long pebble beach stretches from Portland to West Bay and is widely regarded as the centre of the Jurassic Coast. Much of the beach is separated from the mainland by an area of saline water called Fleet Lagoon.
Both the beach and lagoon are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are important areas for wildlife. Stop by the Chesil Visitors Centre to find out about this area and the surrounding nature reserve well worth a visit.
Take the Jurassic Coaster: X52 (summer only), X53 and Portland Coaster 501 (summer only)
Abbotsbury Children's Farm & Swannery
Take the whole family on a day-out to remember at Abbotsbury and visit the children's farm and soft play centre. Spend the day cuddling and feeding the cute Guinea Pigs, or explore the indoor WaterPlay Zone. Don't miss the chance to bottle feed a baby lamb and say hello to the resident miniature donkeys and pygme goats, just to name a few.
Once you're finished a fun-filled visit to the farm, why not extend your day and stop by the Abbotsbury Swannery, the world's only managed colony of nesting mute swans. With the hatching of the first cygnets at the beginning of May, now is the time to visit the sanctuary and see these magestic and beautiful birds.
https://abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk/swannery/
Take the Jurassic Coaster: X52 (summer only) and X53
West Bay
Perhaps more recently known for the ITV television show Broadchurch, West Bay's iconic golden sandstone cliffs and the shimmering radiance of Golden Cap are a simply awesome sight from land or from the sea. Perhaps you may like to take the family on a boat trip along the coast to see this beautiful stretch of Jurassic Coastline.
Many of the local buildings in the harbour were featured in the Broadchurch TV drama, so fans of the show will no doubt want to tour the area. There are an abundance of cafes and restaurants for you to sample the local delights, or just enjoy the beach and go for a paddle.
Take the Jurassic Coaster: X52 (summer only) and X53
The Town Mill at Lyme Regis
The ancient watermill, set in Lyme Regis' artisan quarter, was rescued from dereliction and was restored to its former glory by local volunteers. The fascinating story of the history of the Town Mill stretches back to the 1300s and the guided tour recounts much of the tale to visiitors.
The restored mill and surrounding buildings house the working flour mill, art galleries with a cafe, a silversmith, a seamstress, a pottery and a micro-brewery - so there really is a lot to see and do.
Take the Jurassic Coasters: X51 and X53 to this attraction
Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium
Hold a starfish, get a kiss from a grey mullet, watch the cute blennies or get up close and personal with a crab or lobster at the Lyme Regis Aquarium. Suitable for the entire family, this fascinating attraction showcases local fish and marine life across the Jurassic Coast.
This hands on experience will give the whole family an opportunity to interact with a variety of sea creatures and natural artifacts, a fantastic place to visit regardless of the weather outside!
www.lymeregismarineaquarium.co.uk
Take the Jurassic Coasters: X51 and X53 to this attraction