© 2024 Buckland Newton Community Website Committee Last updated 2nd December 2024 12:15 Website design and update by Jeremy Collins
Places to go
Dorset and neighbouring south
Somerset have a wealth of tourist
attractions and places to visit. So
whether it’s rain or shine, you will
find plenty to do, undercover or
out in the beautiful countryside...
Places of Interest in the locality (in alphabetical order)
A list of suggested places of interest in Dorset and south Somerset.
Please note this is a representative sample only and inclusion in this
list does not imply any endorsement, recommendation or warranty by
the Buckland Newton Community Website Committee. It is always
advisable to check opening times, either by telephone or on the
attraction's own website, before making a journey. Admission
charges apply to most museums and attractions - again please check
with the attraction itself. We have not included restaurants, pubs,
hotels, holiday cottages or B&B's in this list - please see local
publications for these.
For a full listing of local Dorset events taking place soon, please go to
http://www.visit-dorset.com/whats-
on/searchresults?prodtypes=EVEN&refined=&refine-
category=&src_category=&src_anydate=&refine-
polygon=&src_polygon=&refine-
name=&src_name=&submit.x=65&submit.y=10&submit=Search&p=1&any
date=yes&sr=1&cat=-1&poly=-1
Abbotsbury
Swannery. New Barn Road, Abbotsbury, DT3 4JG, Tel: 01305 871858; off the
main A35 on the B3157 between Weymouth and Bridport. A unique habitat for
swans. The only colony of nesting mute swans you can visit in the world. Mass
feeding 12.00 noon and 4.00 pm daily. Giant swan maze to explore, swinging
nests play area, cafe, shop and free parking. Up to 600 free flying swans - baby
swans hatch end May to end June - Shire horse and cart service. Open 7 days a
week 10.00 am to 5.00/6.00 pm from mid-March to November. Sub Tropical
Gardens; Tel: 1305 871387. Grade 1 Listed 18th Century walled garden.
Superb colonial style Teahouse. Plants for sale. Gift Shop. Sculpture trail.
Open 7 days a week 10.00 am to 5.00 pm (excl Christmas & New Year).
Children's Farm and Smuggler's Barn; Tel: 1305 871817. Bottle feed the baby
goats; cuddle the rabbits and guinea pigs; race the toy tractors and ride the
ponies; play Smugglers on indoor soft play area. Open 7 days a week end of
March to end of September 10.00 am - 6.00 pm, last admission 5.00 pm; 29th
September to 2nd November closes 5.00 pm, last admission 4.00 pm but please
check first.
Barrington
Barrington Court (National Trust), Somerset, Tel: 01460 241938. A beautiful
garden inspired by Gertrude Jekyll. Enchanting formal walled garden laid out in
a series of contrasting "rooms" with separate colour themes identifying each.
Fragrant rose garden and magnificent walled kitchen garden. Open (but check
before travelling): Mar & Oct Thu, Fri, Sat & Sun 1.00 pm - 4.30 pm; Apr-Sep
daily excl. Wed 11.00 am - 5.30 pm; last admissions 30 minutes before closing.
Beaminster
UK Llamas. New House Farm, Mosterton, Beaminster, DT8 3HE, Tel: 01308
868674. Discover the Llama Experience & Alpacas too! Introduction to Llamas;
Day Treks with picnic lunch; suitable for all ages; pre-booking essential. Open:
mornings 10.30 am to 12.30 pm.
Beaminster Museum Trust. Tel: 01308 863623 A new museum featuring
Beaminster and its people from mediaeval to modern times, also the history of
neighbouring villages and local archaeology and agriculture. Open 10.30 am -
12.30 pm, 2.30 pm - 4.30 pm Tues, Thurs, Sat & Bank Holidays. 2.30pm - 4.30
pm Sundays from Easter to end September.
Broadwindsor Craft & Design Centre, Broadwindsor, Beaminster. Tel: 01308
868362. Independent craft businesses, gift shop, restaurant serving morning
coffee, light lunches, afternoon teas. Open every day 10.00 am - 5.00 pm,
closed 25, 26 Dec - 1 Feb.
Mapperton Gardens. Nr Beamister, DT8 3NR, Tel: 01308 862645. Spectacular
valley gardens surrounded by wooded landscape. Gift shop and plants. Open:
Monday to Sunday, excluding Saturday, 1.00 pm to 5.00 pm.
Stokewater Meadow Donkey Walks. Tel: 01308 862045. Relax while you
wander along the lanes and byways of West Dorset with your own friendly
donkey. A truly unforgettable experience! Open every day, telephone bookings
only please. Stokewater Meadow is approximately 0.5 miles south west of
Beaminster in Dorset on the Stoke Abbott road. The nearest railway station is
Crewkerne Station which is approximately 6 miles away and the nearest bus
station is Yeovil which is 12 miles away. Transport from either can be arranged. If
you are driving there is plenty of free car parking nearby.
Blandford
Great Dorset Steam Fair. Southdown, Tarrant Hinton (A354 Blandford -
Salisbury road). Usually in the last week of August.
Hall and Woodhouse Brewery Visitor Centre. The Brewery, Blandford St.
Mary, DT11 9LS, Tel: 01258 486004. The story of Hall & Woodhouse and its
Badger Ales through the ages. Your visit can include: a Brewery Tour, a browse
of our shop, and lunch in our casual dining bar/cafe. Open: brewery tours run
daily at 11.00 am Monday to Saturday (excluding Wednesdays). The bar/cafe is
open from 10.00 am to 2.30 pm, Monday to Saturday. Tours must be pre-
booked; call 01258 486004 or book online.
Royal Signals Museum; tel: 01258 482248. Spies, Codes and Secret Agents.
Many features especially designed for younger visitors. Interactive
Communications, Science & Technology. Special Exhibitions - Elite Special
Forces - ENIGMA - Codes & Codebreaking - Special Operations Executive
(SOE) - Despatch Riders - Motorcycle collection - Women Soldiers - ATS,
FANY, SOE - Animals at War. Opening Times: Mon-Fri (all year) 10.00 am -
5.00 pm; Sat-Sun (Feb - end Oct) 10.00 am - 4.00 pm.
Bockhampton (nr Dorchester)
Hardy's Birthplace. Higher Bockhampton, DT2 8QJ, Tel: 01305 262366. The
thatched cottage where writer Thomas Hardy was born and the surrounding
woods and heathland where young Hardy played and explored offer real insight
into his life and the inspiration for his books and poems. Open: Wed-Sun, 11.00
am to 5.00 pm (last entry 4.30 pm).
Bournemouth
Tourist Information
Adventure Wonderland. Opposite Bournemouth Airport. Tel: 01202 483444
Bournemouth Aviation Museum, Hangar 600, Bournemouth International
Airport, Christchurch, Dorset, Tel: 01202 580858.
Bournemouth Boating Services. Cruise Christchurch Harbour on a vintage
ferry leaving from Tuckton Tea Gardens, Wick Ferry, and Christchurch Quay
down to Mudeford Sandbank. Self-drive motor and rowing boats available. Tel:
01202 429119
Oceanarium. The Bournemouth Aquarium; next to Bournemouth Pier.
Scenic Air Tours. Pleasure flights from Bournemouth Airport. Aviation Park
West, Christchurch BH23 6ED. Tel: 01425 654449.
Theatre. Bournemouth Pavilion.
Bovington
Tank Museum, Bovington Camp, near Wool and Wareham, BH20 6JG, Tel:
01929 405096. The biggest day out in history, the Tank Museum brings the
history of tanks and tank crews to life, with the world's best collection of fighting
armour. Over 200 vehicles in 6 halls. 'The Trench' - a dramatic First World War
walkthrough exhibition. Armoured Vehicle rides. Museum open daily 10.00 am -
5.00 pm.
Clouds Hill (National Trust). King George V Road, Nr Bovington, Wareham,
BH20 7NQ, Tel: 01929 405616. The legendary Lawrence of Arabia made Clouds
Hill his home while stationed at Bovington. The unpretentious cottage provided
the peace and solitude he craved away from army life. Open Wed-Sun, 11.00
am to 5.00 pm (last entry 4.30 pm).
Bridport
Bridport Museum, South Street, Bridport, Tel: 01308 458703 / 422116 From
Romans to Ropemaking! Come and discover what makes Bridport unique.
Open 10.00 am - 5.00 pm, Mon to Sat (April to October). Local history centre
open year round.
Furleigh Estate. Furleigh Farm, Salwayash, Bridport, DT6 5JF, Tel: 01308
488991. Vineyard and winery, producers of the UK's most outstanding sparkling
wine. Come and see how the 2012 winemaker of the year makes our wine.
Guided tours and tastings every Friday & Saturday.
Mangerton Mill. Mangerton, Bridport, DT6 3SG, Tel: 01308 485224. 17th
Century working watermill and museum of bygones. Tea room, crafts and fishing
lake. Open: Tuesday to Sunday 11.00 am - 5.30 pm.
Palmers Brewery. Palmers Thatched Brewery is one of the few traditional
breweries left in Britain. See how traditional ale is brewed. Guided tours: please
book at Palmers Wine Store (open 9.00 am - 6.00 pm Monday to Saturday).
One tour per weekday in the summer months, commencing at 11.00 am only,
lasting approximately 2 hours. Tel: 01308-427500, Fax: 01308 421149.
Burton Bradstock
Jurassic Fun Centre, at Freshwater Beach Holiday Park, Burton Bradstock,
Bridport DT6 4PT, Tel: 01308 897317
Cerne Abbas
The Cerne Abbas Giant. A one hundred and eighty foot high outline of a naked
man, possibly a representation of Hercules, carved into the chalk hillside above
the village of Cerne Abbas. Best viewed from a layby on the A352 Sherborne to
Dorchester road. Cerne formerly had an abbey, of which little trace now remains
apart from St. Augustine's Well. Cerne Abbas has several pubs and teashops.
Treasure Trails Dorset. Giants Head Farmhouse, Old Sherborne Road, Cerne
Abbas, DT2 7TR, Tel: 07867 800897. Dorset Trails are full of interesting little
snippets of fact as well as some wonderful hidden places you would just never
see. Have fun exploring as you solve the clues in one of Dorset's Murder
Mystery, Treasure Hunt or Spy Trails. Trails need to be purchased directly from
dorset@treasuretrails.co.uk or Caroline on 07867 800897.
Channel Island Ferries
Condor Ferries. Sail on a high speed ferry from Poole to Guernsey and spend
a day away in the warmest part of the British Isles.
Chard
Forde Abbey and Gardens. Near Chard, Somerset, TA20 4LU, Tel: 01460
221290. Thirty acres of award-winning gardens - including the Centenary
Fountain, the highest powered fountain in England - surround the magnificent
12th Century house. Open: Garden: daily 10.00 am - 4.30 pm, House: Tues to
Fri and Sun & Bank Holiday Mondays 12.00 noon to 4.00 pm.
Charmouth
Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre. Tel: 01297 560772. On the sea front at
Charmouth. Discover fossils and the wonder of the sea. Free admission. Guided
walks run regularly throughout the summer. Groups by appointment. Open
10.30 am - 5.00 pm Easter fortnight, Whitsun to Autumn half term.
Chickerell (2 miles west of Weymouth)
Bennetts Water Gardens. Chickerell, Weymouth, DT3 4AF, Tel: 01305 785150.
Eight acres of gardens with Monet-style Japanese bridge, Tropical House,
Woodland Walks, Chickerell Museum, Plant Nursery, gift shop and Cafe Monet
overlooking the lakes. Open 10.00 am - 5.00 pm, closed Saturday.
Christchurch
Tourist Information. Tel: 01202 471780
Adventure Wonderland. Merritown Lane, Hurn, Christchurch BH23 6BA, Tel:
01202 483444. Dorset's award-winning, number one family theme park now with
over 30 fantastic rides and attractions. Plus the indoor Aztec adventure centre
Wild Thing - guaranteed fun, whatever the weather. Open: 10.00 am to 6.00 pm.
Last entry 4.00 pm.
Bournemouth Boating Services. Cruise Christchurch Harbour on a vintage
ferry leaving from Tuckton Tea Gardens, Wick Ferry, and Christchurch Quay
down to Mudeford Sandbank. Self-drive motor and rowing boats available. Tel:
01202 429119
Clouds Hill
Clouds Hill (National Trust). King George V Road, Nr Bovington, Wareham,
BH20 7NQ, Tel: 01929 405616. The legendary Lawrence of Arabia made Clouds
Hill his home while stationed at Bovington. The unpretentious cottage provided
the peace and solitude he craved away from army life. Open Wed-Sun, 11.00
am to 5.00 pm (last entry 4.30 pm).
7 miles north of Blandford on the C13, Ashmore, Dorset SP5 5AP, Tel: 01747
811767. Restaurant and Bar (runway terrace). www.abbasair.com
Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle (National Trust). Captivating, inspiring and educating. Events;
18th Century Tearoom; Gift Shop. Information: Tel: 01929 481294.
Corfe Castle Model Village. The Square, Corfe Castle, BH20 5EZ, Tel: 01929
481234. Detailed 1:20 scale model of Corfe Castle and village before its
destruction by Cromwell. Stocks and pillories, enchanted fairy woodland walk
and giant games. More than just a model village, with a great tea room. Open
every day from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm, closed Friday 27th April (2013).
Dorset Water Park. Corfe Castle. Tel: 01929 505030.
Cycle Hire. See under Weymouth.
Dorchester
County town, approximately 10 miles south of Buckland Newton. The site of
Casterbridge in Thomas Hardy's "The Mayor of Casterbridge". Shopping, hotels,
restaurants. Roman remains including amphitheatre (Maumbury Ring), Roman
villa (excavated and part restored).
Clay Pigeon Raceway (Go Karting). Midway between Yeovil and Dorchester
on the A37. Monday to Thursday 10.00 am to 6.00 pm. Tel: 01935 83713.
Dorset County Museum, High Street West, Dorchester, DT1 1XA, Tel: 01305
262735. Award-winning museum for the whole family. Victorian Hall with Roman
mosaic floors, Thomas Hardy's study, Jurassic Coast Gallery, History and
Archaeology of Dorset. kids' activities and trails. Free entry to shop and tea
room. Open Mon - Sat 10.00 am to 5.00 pm.
Tutankhamun Exhibition, High West Street, Dorchester, DT1 1UW, Tel: 01305
269571. Experience the excitement of the world's greatest discovery of ancient
treasure. See Tutankhamun's tomb and treasures spectacularly recreated
through sight, sound and smell. Open all year round 10.00 am to 5.00 pm.
Dinosaur Museum, Icen Way, Dorchester, DT1 1EW, Tel: 01305 269880.
Fossils, skeletons and life-size reconstructions combine with hands-on and
multimedia displays to reveal the thrilling world of dinosaurs. Open daily, all year
round.
Max Gate (National Trust). Alington Avenue, Dorchester, DT1 2AB, Tel: 01305
262538. Max Gate is the house that writer Thomas Hardy designed, built and
lived in for over 40 years. See the room where he wrote Tess of the D'Urbervilles
and explore the newly-restored kitchen garden. Open: Wed - Sun, 11.00 am to
5.00 pm (last entry 4.30 pm).
Teddy Bear Museum. Eastgate, corner of High East St. & Salisbury St,
Dorchester,
Dorset, DT1 1JU. 01305 266040. From the earliest teddies to today's TV
favourites, they're all waiting to meet you at this unmissable family museum.
Open daily, all year round.
Terracotta Warriors. Corner of High East Street and Salisbury Street,
Dorchester, DT1 1JU, Tel: 01305 266040. The only museum outside China
dedicated to the amazing Terracotta Warriors. Unique life-size museum replicas
from China, costumes, armour and multimedia displays. Open daily, phone for
winter hours.
The Old Crown Court and Cells, Dorchester, Tel: 01305 252241. Famous for
the trial of the Tolpuddle Martyrs and Judge Jeffreys' Bloody Assize. Phone for
opening hours. Private group bookings all year.
The Keep Military Museum Dorchester, Bridport Road, Dorchester at 'Top o'
the Town', Tel: 01305 264066. The museum tells the remarkable story of those
who served in the Regiments of Devon and Dorset for over 300 years. An
exciting and colourful exhibition for visitors of all ages. Touch screen computers
and creative displays. Open Mon-Sat 10.00 am to 5.00 pm (last admission 4.00
pm).
Wolfedale Golf Course. Charminster, Dorchester DT2 7SE. Tel: 01305260186.
Furzebrooke (Wareham)
The Blue Pool. Surrounded by 25 acres of tranquil woods and heathland, criss-
crossed by sandy paths which climb to views of the Purbeck Hills or lead down
steps to the water's edge. Designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Tea
House, Museum, Gift Shop, Plant Centre. Grounds open Mar-Nov; Tea House,
Shops, Museum and Plant Centre open Easter to early October. Signposted off
the A351 south of Wareham.
Haynes Motor Museum
Haynes Motor Museum, Sparkford, Nr. Yeovil, Somerset, Tel: 01963
440804. See one of the world's most spectacular motoring collections.
Awarded Motor Museum of the Year 1999. Over 300 historic cars plus
motorcycles, military vehicles, interactive displays, memorabilia and a
cinema. Easy parking, restaurant, children's play area. Open: Mar-Oct
every day 9.30 am - 5.30 pm (late opening during school summer holidays)
Nov-Dec 10.00 am - 4.30 pm.
Hengistbury Head
Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre.
Henley (Buckland Newton)
Henley Hillbillies. Old Henley Farm, Buckland Newton, DT2 7BL, Tel: 01300
345293. Quad biking for adults and juniors (min. 8 years). Hack over our junior
course or 1.5 mile track or enjoy badger-watching from our hides. Hovercraft,
Clay shooting, Crossbow, Archery. Booking essential. Also Badger Watch.
Highcliffe
Highcliffe Castle. Rothesay Drive, Highcliffe, Dorset, BH23 4LE, Tel: 01425
278807. A Grade 1 listed mansion built by Lord Stuart de Rothesay in the early
1830s and set in clifftop grounds with views over Christchurch Bay and the Isle of
Wight, with access to the beach and South West Coastal Path. The Heritage
Centre features the castle's intriguing history as well as an extensive programme
of exhibitions, events and concerts. Open: Sun to Thur 11.00 am to 5.00 pm
(last admission 4.30 pm), Fri and Sat 11.00 am to 4.30 pm (last admission 4.00
pm).
Ilminster (Somerset)
Perry's Cider Museum, Dowlish Wake, Ilminster, Somerset; Tel: 01460 52681.
Cider mills and museum set in a picturesque Somerset village. The presses and
cider making equipment are on view all year round, together with photographic
displays and a video of cider making. Available from the farm shop is a wide
range of farmhouse ciders which can be sampled, and also apple juice, cider
brandy, country wines, jams, chutneys and many interesting gifts. Open:
weekdays 9.00 am - 5.30 pm; Sat 9.30 am - 4.30 pm, Sun 10.00 am - 1.00 pm;
Bank Holidays 9.30 am - 4.30 pm.
Kingston Lacy
Kingston Lacy House (National Trust). Wimborne Minster BH21 4EA, Tel:
01202 883402. The seat of the Bankes family for over 300 years. House
contains an outstanding art collection. Garden of 43 acres, 250-acre landscaped
Park. Woodland walks and play areas. Open: House 11.00 am to 5.00 pm (last
entry 4.00 pm). Grounds, shop and restaurant 10.30 am - 6.00 pm.
Kingston Maurward (nr Dorchester)
Kingston Maurward Gardens and Animal Park. Dorchester, DT2 8PY, Tel:
01305 215003. Kingston Maurward is signposted from the roundabout at the
eastern end of the Dorchester bypass. A classical 18th Century "Capability
Brown" parkland setting with majestic lawns sweeping down from the Listed
Mansion House to a stunning ornamental lake. Stone terraces and balustrades
combine with extensive yew hedging to create a series of "rooms" within the
beautiful Edwardian Garden. Home to National Collections of Penstemons and
Salvias. The Animal Park has a collection of miniature Shetland ponies,
donkeys, rabbits and guinea pigs. Open Monday to Sunday 10.00 am to 5.30
pm. but please check first.
Langton Matravers
Burngate Stone Carving Centre. Kingston Road, Langton Matravers, Nr
Swanage, BH19 3BE, Tel: 01929 439405. Traditional stone-carving courses in
the Isle of Purbeck, Dorset. Tearoom, local art and craft, exhibition of sculpture
and car parking available. Open: please contact the centre directly for opening
hours.
Putlake Adventure Farm. Langton Matravers, Nr Swanage, BH19 3EU, Tel:
01929 422917
Lulworth
Create at the Cove. Church Road, West Lulworth BH20 5SG. TeL: 01929
400270. Paint your own pottery, Decopatch, Sand Art, Model Making, Fossil
Digging, Corporate Groups.
Lulworth Castle & Park. East Lulworth, Nr Wareham, BH20 5QS, Tel: 01929
400352. At the heart of the 12,000 acre privately owned Lulworth Estate. 17th
Century Castle, Park, Woodland walks and the historically significant 18th
Century Roman Catholic Chapel of St Mary. Climb the Castle tower for
magnificent views across the Purbeck countryside. Open: 10.30 am to 5.00 pm,
last admission one hour before closing.
Lyme Regis
Lyme Regis Museum. Bridge Street, Lyme Regis, DT7 3QA, Tel: 01297
443370. Open: every day, 10.00 am to 5.00 pm. To find out what's on, see our
website or telephone.
Lytchett Minster
Courtyard Craft Centre. Set in an idyllic semi rural location with some 17
businesses and a working pottery, traditional country restaurant and a pet and
animal shop. Hunticck Road, Lytchett Minster, Poole BH16 6BA. Tel: 07894 555
107.
Lytes Carey
Lytes Carey Manor (National Trust), Nr. Charlton Adam, Somerset, Tel: 01458
224471. Once the home of mediaeval herbalist Henry Lyte, this late mediaeval
manor house is surrounded by a garden which is an enchanting mixture of
formality and simplicity. Open (but check before travelling): Easter - end
October, Mon, Wed Fri & Sun. Manor: 1.00 pm - 5.00 pm (last entry 4.30 pm)
Garden: 11.00 am - 5.30 pm.
Milton Abbas
Chocolate-box pretty village with a wide main street and thatched cottages. Pub
and teashops.
Minterne Magna
Minterne Gardens. Minterne Magna, Nr Dorchester, DT2 7AU, Tel: 01300
341370. 18th Century Valley Garden where rhododendrons and magnolias
tower over small lakes, streams and cascades. Discover the magic of Minterne.
Open: Monday to Sunday 10.00 am to 6.00 pm.
Montacute (nr Yeovil)
Montacute House (National Trust), Nr. Yeovil, Somerset, Tel: 01935 823289.
Stately, 17th Century country house with formal garden set in a landscaped park.
Many Renaissance features, exhibition of samplers and Elizabethan and
Jacobean portraits from the National Portrait Gallery. Open (but check before
travelling): House, Shop & Restaurant: end March to end October daily, except
Tue, 1.00 pm - 5.00 pm; Garden & Park: end March to end October daily, except
Tue, 11.00 am - 5.30 pm; November to March daily, except Mon & Tue, 11.30 am
- 4.00 pm.
Moors Valley Country Park
Moors Valley Country Park, Horton Road, Ashley Heath, BH24 2ET, Tel: 01425
470721. Country Park with adventure play trail, tree-top walk, narrow-gauge
steam railway, high wire adventure course, restaurant and shop. Open daily
from 8.00 am to dusk.
Muchelney (Somerset)
Muchelney Pottery - John Leach, Muchelney, TA10 0DW, 2m south of
Langport, Tel: 01458 250324. Well known thatched pottery with attractive shop
selling Jon Leach and Nick Rees signed pots, also wood-fired kitchenware.
Unspoilt rural setting on southern edge of ancient village of Muchelney.
Muchelney Abbey (English Heritage). Exquisite Benedictine Abbey, the second
largest in Somerset.
Organford, Nr Holton Heath
Farmer Palmers, Wareham Road, BH16 6EU, Tel: 01202 622022. 4 miles from
Poole, in Organford near Holton Heath; clearly signposted from the A35 and
A351. Supervised hands-on animal events daily, including lambs, goats, ponies,
guinea pigs etc. Have fun in the undercover play area with pedal tractors, ball pit
and bouncy castle. Relax in the 'Hen House Cafe' with a drink and home home-
cooked food. Enjoy a summer stroll on the 'Woodland Walk'. Open daily from
10.00 am -5.30 pm until the end of September and during all School and Bank
Holidays. October to end of December open weekends only 10.00 am - 4.00
pm. Closed Christmas and Boxing Day. Wheelchair friendly. Sorry - no dogs in
park!
Owermoigne, Nr Dorchester
Mill House Cider Museum / A Dorset Collection of Clocks, Tel: 01305
852220. Open 7 days a week 10.00 am - 5.00 pm (November - March 10.00 am
- 4.00 pm). 18th and 19th Century cider making equipment with a video of the
antique equipment in use. 50 longcase and turret clocks showing the beauty and
craftsmanship of the 18th-19th centuries.
Poole
Beach Hut Hire. Sandbanks Beach Office, Banks Road, Poole BH13 7QQ.
Tel: 01202 708181. Tourist Office. Tel: 0845 234 5560
Restaurants etc
City Cruises Poole. Sailing from Poole Quay. Old Harry cruise, Day trip to
Swanage, Sea Train adventure, Jurassic Coast cruise. Tel: 02077 400 400 e-
mail: office@bluelinecruises.co.uk
Compton Acres. 164 Canford Cliffs Road, Poole BH13 7ES. Tel: 01202 700778.
Five classic themed gardens: the Italian Garden, the Wooded Valley, the Rock
and Water Garden, the Heather Garden and the Japanese Garden. Open 362
days a year with free access to Cafe, shops and Plant Centre. Family friendly,
free parking. e-mail: gardens@comptonacres.co.uk
Lemur Landings Play Centre. tel: 01202 740500.
Poole Greyhounds. Racing every Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday. Bars, snack
bar, restaurant, free car parking. Wimborne Road, Poole BH15 2BP. Tel: 01202
677449
Poole Pottery. Live demonstrations, Paint-a-Pot, Poole Pottery Collection, Cafe.
The Quay, Poole, BH15 1HJ. Tel: 01202 668681
Poole Speedway. Most Wednesdays, March to October. Poole Stadium.
Sea Fishing Poole. Fisherman’s Dock, Poole BH15 1HU. Tel: 07891 669489 /
01202 679666.
Splashdown Waterparks. Tower Park Leisure Complex. Yarrow Road, Poole
BH12 4NY. Tel: 01202 716000.
Tower Park Entertainment Centre. Yarrow Road, Poole BH12 4NY. Tel: 01202
723671.
Portland
Castletown D-Day Centre. Admiralty Buildings, Castletown, Portland DT5 1BB.
Tel; 07850 243675.
Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Beach Road, Portland DT4 9XE, Tel: 01305
206191. Visitor Centre with family-friendly displays, bird-watching and
underwater camera.
Chesil Equestrian Centre. Watery Lane, Weston, Portland DT5 2JH, Tel:
01305 823719.
Portland Bill Lighthouse & Visitor Centre. Tel: 01305 821050.
Portland Museum. 217 Wakham, Portland DT5 1HS. Tel: 01305 821804.
Preston (Weymouth)
Hillside Horse Riding, Church Road, Preston, Weymouth DT3 6BU, Tel: 0765
001138
Shaftesbury
Tourist Information. 8 Bell Street, Shaftesbury SP7 8AE, Tel: 01747 853514
Shaftesbury Abbey Museum & Garden. Park Walk, Shaftesbury, SP7 8JR,
Tel: 01747 852910. The excavated remains of the Abbey church of this once
wealthy Benedictine community for women lies in a peaceful walled garden. This
award winning museum brings to life the story of the Abbey and its inhabitants.
Open daily 10.00 am - 5.00 pm.
Sherborne
Pretty town approximately 8 miles north of Buckland Newton. Splendid Abbey
with magnificent fan vaulting and the heaviest set of bells in Europe. Good
shopping, tea shops, antique shops.
Sherborne Castle. New Road, Sherborne, DT9 5NR, Tel: 01935 813182. Built
by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594, Sherborne Castle has been the home of the Digby
family since 1617. Splendid collections of art, furniture and porcelain. "Capability
Brown" created the lake in 1753 and gave Sherborne the very latest in landscape
gardening. Open 1st April to 31st October. Castle, Gardens, Shop and Tearoom
- open every day, except Monday and Friday (but open on Bank Holiday
Mondays), from 11.00 am, last admission 4.30 pm. Castle opens on Saturdays
from 2.00 pm with last admission 4.30 pm.
Sparkford
Haynes International Motor Museum. Sparkford, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 7LH,
Tel: 01963 440804. Twelve huge exhibition halls, amazing supercars, lots for
kids to do, world famous 'Red Room' and more than 400 cars and bikes.
Complete your day out in our cafe, serving a variety of hot and cold snacks.
Open: Monday to Sunday 9.30 am to 5.30 pm.
Stoke St Gregory, Taunton (Somerset)
Willows and Wetlands Visitor Centre, P H Coate and Son, Stoke St Gregory,
Taunton TA3 6HY, Tel: 01823 490249. Visit this family business with over 170
years experience of the Willow industry. Situated in the heart of the beautiful
Somerset Levels, our 80 acres of willow provide the natural material for our
craftsmen to weave a wide selection of baskets, furniture and garden items.
Willow also available. Winners of the NFU Rural Tourist Attraction 2002. Open:
all year, Mon-Sat 9.30 am - 5.00 pm. Free exhibition, video, museum, shop,
walks, tea rooms. Also guided tours.
Sturminster Newton
Sturminster Newton Watermill. The Bridge, Sturminster Newton, DT10 2HW,
Tel: 01747 854355. A 450-year-old water-powered grain mill on an ancient site
and maintained in full working order. Informal tours with a supervisor at no extra
cost. Souvenir shop, riverside walks and free parking. Open Mon, Thur, Sat &
Sun 11.00 am - 5.00 pm.
Swanage
Durlston Country Park. Lighthouse Road, Swanage, BH19 2JL, Tel: 01929
424443. Situated on the cliffs, with fabulous views is Durlston castle. The all-
weather facility includes seventh wave cafe, visitor centre, roof-top belvedere,
exhibition and gallery (art, science, performance, weddings and more). Enjoy
the fantastic walking and wildlife. Open: Castle, Visitor Centre every day 10.00
am to 5.00 pm; cafe open 9.30 am to 4.30 pm; park open dawn to dusk.
Swanage Railway. Station House, Station Approach, Swanage, BH19 1HB, Tel:
01929 425800.Travel on Dorset's award-winning steam railway and enjoy unique
views of historic Corfe Castle. Park-and-ride open all year round at Norden, just
north of Corfe Castle. Additional parking at Harman's Cross from July to
October. For more details and timetables, see website.
Putlake Adventure Farm. Langton Matravers, Nr Swanage BH19 3EU, Tel:
01929 422917
Swyre
Vurlands Animal Farm & Eggcup Tearooms. Coast Road, Swyre DT2 9DB
(between Abbotsbury and Bridport). Tel: 01308 897160.
Tintinhull
Tintinhull House Garden (National Trust). Nr. Yeovil, Somerset, Tel: 01935
822545. A formal garden informally planted. Tintinhull is a good example of the
careful integration of house and garden. Each of the seven gardens is quite
different in character and treatment, yet there is a unity of design. Refreshments
available. Open (but check before travelling): end march to end September,
Wed-Sun 12.00 noon-6.00 pm.
Tolpuddle
Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum. TUC Memorial Cottages, Tolpuddle, Nr
Dorchester, Tel: 01305 848237. The museum tells the story of the six agricultural
workers transported to Australia in 1834 after forming a Trade Union. Follow the
fate of the Martyrs by taking an exciting voyage of discovery via the interactive
multimedia screens. Open Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holidays (except
Christmas & New Year)
Verwood
Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park. Edmondsham Road, Near Verwood BH21
5RJ. Tel: 01202 824040
Wareham
The Blue Pool and Wareham Bears. Furzebrook, Wareham, BH20 5AR, Tel:
01929 551408. Pure escapism for all the family. Take a relaxing stroll through
the woods and heathland and let the children's imagination take them to many
mysterious places. Open: grounds daily from 9.30 am. Teahouse, Shops and
Bears daily from 10.00 am. Closing times vary.
Purbeck Sports Centre. Worgret Road, Wareham BH20 4PH, Tel: 01929
500000. 25 metre indoor swimming pool, floodlit tennis courts, gym and exercise
classes, indoor and outdoor activities, free parking.
Wimborne
Knoll Gardens. Hampreston, nr Wimborne, BH21 7ND, Tel: 01202 873931.
Visit the UK's leading ornamental grass specialist. Stroll in our mini-arboretum
and relax in our naturalistic gardens. Discover our wildlife-friendly techniques,
be inspired by our year-round appeal and take home our plants, our expertise
and some great ideas to use in your own garden. Open Tuesday to Saturday
10.00 am to 5.00 pm.
Kingston Lacy House (National Trust). Wimborne Minster BH21 4EA, Tel:
01202 883402. The seat of the Bankes family for over 300 years. House
contains an outstanding art collection. Garden of 43 acres, 250-acre landscaped
Park. Woodland walks and play areas. Open: House 11.00 am to 5.00 pm (last
entry 4.00 pm). Grounds, shop and restaurant 10.30 am - 6.00 pm.
Priest's House Museum & Garden - The Museum of East Dorset. 23-27 High
Street, Wimborne Minster, BH21 1HR, Tel: 01202 882533. Discover our stunning
Roman wall paintings and a fascinating childhood gallery. Explore period rooms
from the 17th Century hall to the Victorian kitchen. Our gift shop completes your
visit. Open: 10.00 am to 4.30 pm. Closed Sunday.
Wimborne Minster. Tel: 01202 884753.
Wimborne Model Town. 16 King Street, Wimborne Minster, BH21 1DY, Tel:
01202 881924. Set within beautiful prize winning gardens, the hundreds of
superbly-detailed model buildings recreate the historic market town of Wimborne
Minster as it was in the 1950's. A magical reminder of life in rural England over
60 years ago. Open daily 10.00 am to 5.00 pm.
Wool (nr Wareham)
Monkey World. Ape rescue centre, Longthorns, Wareham, Dorset (one mile
from Wool on the Bere Regis road); Tel: 01929 462537. Come and see the stars
of "Monkey Business". Voted Dorset' Best Day Out. Open every day (except
Christmas) from 10.00 am.
Weymouth
Bella Ceramics. Pottery Painting Studio. 49a St. Mary Street, Weymouth DT4
8PU. Tel: 01305 780343.
Bennetts Water Gardens, Putton Lane, Chickerell - 2 miles east of Weymouth
on the B3157 to Abbotsbury and Bridport - follow brown signs. World famous
National Collection of Water Lilies set within 6 acres of gardens. Tea Room, Gift
Shop, Tropical House, Family Nature Trail. Open 10.00 am - 5.00 pm April to
August Tuesday to Sunday; September Tuesday to Saturday; Open Bank
Holidays.
Coastline Cruises. Cruise the Jurassic Coast, land at Redcliffe Bay, ride to
Portland Castle. Cruise the coast on a vintage WW2 naval boat.
Cyclexperience Ltd. Wareham Station, Northport, Wareham, BH20 4AS (7
days); Norden Park & Ride, Nr Corfe Castle, BH20 5DS (seasonal), Tel: 01929
556601. Days out by bike. Rent a bike and choose a trail through the beautiful
Purbeck countryside. Bikes for all ages. Family rides in Wareham Forest or trips
to the coast for the more adventurous. Open: Wareham Hire open 7 days per
week; Norden Hire - check by telephone or see our website
Deep Sea Adventure, 9 Custom House Quay, Old Harbour, Weymouth, Tel:
0871 222 5760. Experience the exciting world of underwater exploration. Open
every day 9.30 - 19.00, last admission 17.30. Open later in the summer.
Fantasy Island Fun Park, Bowleaze Cove, Weymouth DT3 6PW, Tel: 01305
834474.
Gala Bingo. Weymouth Club, 18 Crescent St., Weymouth DT4 7BX. Tel: 01305
785180.
Gypsy II Half-Day Boat Fishing Trips. Tel: 07799 775612.
Jurassic Kayak Tours and Coasteering. Tel: 01305 834951
Jurassic Skyline. Enjoy amazing 360 degree panoramic views of Weymouth
Bay, Portland and the Jurassic Coast from 53m above the resort.
Leisure Ranch. Formula K Go-Karts, Giant Slide, Kids' Mini Cars, Hurricane
Bumper 'Bots'. Next to Sealife Centre at Lodmoor Country Park, Weymouth DT4
7SX, Tel: 01305 761420.
Nothe Fort, Barrack Road, Weymouth; tel: 01305 766626. On the Dorset
Heritage Coast, with glorious views over Weymouth and Portland Harbour. 70
rooms and passages to explore. Guns, models, tableaux, tea room, gift shop
and picnic area. Open daily May 1 to Sept 30, 10.30 am - 5.30 pm, last
admission 4.30 pm.
Pirate Adventure Mini Golf. (Next to Sealife) Weymouth DT4 7SX. Tel: 01305
761070
Sandworld. Marvel at amazing giant sand sculptures. Check website for details
and opening times.
Sharkys Indoor Playzone. Weymouth's premier and only licensed Quasar Elite
laser gaming facility. 7 Albany Road, Granby Industrial Estate, Weymouth DT4
9TH, Tel: 01305 777334.
The Timewalk, Brewer's Quay, Hope Square, Weymouth, Tel: 01305 777622.
Located in a redeveloped Victorian Brewery now housing a Speciality, Victorian
Style Shopping Village.
Weymouth Sea Life Park and Marine Sanctuary, Lodmore Country Park,
Weymouth, Tel: 1305 788255.
Weymouth Whitewater. Exhilirating Jet Boat rides along Dorset's Jurassic
Coast. Trinity Road, Weymouth Harbour, close to the Town Bridge DT4 8TG, Tel:
07899 892317.
Yeovilton
Fleet Air Arm Museum, RNAS Yeovilton, Ilchester, Somerset, BA22 8HT, Tel:
01935 840565. Situated on the B3151, just off A303 and A37. One of the
world's leading aviation museums with 45 historic aircraft on display. Experience
the exciting development of Britain's Flying Navy, in a succession of superb
exhibits. New 'Leading Edge Exhibition', plus 'Carrier' - a recreation of life on
board an aircraft carrier. Concorde 002 is also on display. Facilities include free
car & coach park, disabled facilities, children's adventure playground, large gift,
model and book shop, restaurant. Open: all year except 24th, 25th & 26th
December; Apr-Oct 10.00 am - 5.30 pm; Nov-Mar (some days only - check
before travelling) 10.00 am - 4.30 pm. Last admission 90 minutes before closing.
Buckland Newton Community Website
in the heart of rural Dorset