A fun family day out with rides, shows and entertainment catering to kids of all ages, Adventure Wonderland has both indoor and outdoor experiences so it’s a lovely way to entertain the children on holiday, whether the sun is shining or it’s one of those (hopefully unusual) rainy days. 

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Discover Bournemouth Seafront and the beautiful Jurassic coastline from the air with Scenic Air Tours.  If you’re brave enough you can also take control of the plane under the guidance of one of the highly experienced Flight Instructors, a great gift idea.  Flights depart from Bournemouth Airport. 

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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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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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This idyllic riverside reserve forms part of the Stour Valley Way and is perfect for walking, relaxing or exercising in the fresh air. It also features a rich variety of habitats including meadows, woodland and hedgerows. There are two self-guided trails - the Wilderness Way and the Meadows Walk - and a visitor centre which hosts a variety of activities for all ages.

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A large, sprawling pub with a railway station theme. There are plenty of tables and snug areas to gather. Outside you’ll find two outdoor areas to sit – to the front of the property are tables and chairs and to the rear, a smoke-free beer garden. There’s also a children’s play area. Food wise, it’s the usual pub fare, but well-cooked and in hearty portions.

Avon Causeway (01202 482714) Hurn BH23 6AS

You’ll find The Queen in the little village of Avon which straddles the B3347 between Christchurch and Ringwood. There’s a huge beer garden and play area. Inside it’s spacious, yet cosy with flagstone floor, wood paneling and lots of atmosphere. The menus reflect a more imaginative twist on traditional pub food and prices are keen.  

The New Queen, (T: 01425 672432) Ringwood Road, Avon BH23 7BG 

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

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.

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.

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.

A beautifully quiet and tranquil stretch of golden sandy beach where you can enjoy a swim in crystal clear waters or relax in the sunshine on the soft sand with a picnic and a book. Apart from toilets on the promenade, there are no facilities at the beach itself but the shops, bars and restaurants of Canford Cliffs are within easy walking distance.