Close to the centre of historic Shaftesbury,
the Royal Chase revels in the surrounding glories of the Dorset
countryside and the ample charms of Somerset, Wiltshire and Hampshire.
Unspoilt beautiful counties, offering the visitor a wide range of
attractions plus an abundance of rural peace and tranquillity.
Those in the not to be missed category include
Longleat House and Safari Park, the outstanding National Trust property,
Stourhead, a host of glorious public gardens, Stonehenge and, of
course, Shaftesbury's very own Gold Hill, the steep cobbled incline
immortalised in that Hovis commercial.
Fleet Air Arm Museum
www.fleetairarm.com
The Larmer Tree
www.larmertree.co.uk
Stourhead
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Stonehenge
www.stonehenge.co.uk
Wilton House
www.wiltonhouse.com
Shaftesbury Abbey
www.shaftesburyabbey.co.uk
Haynes Motor Museum
www.haynesmotormuseum.com
Thruxton
www.thruxtonracing.co.uk
Gurston Down
www.gurstondown.org
Zorb South UK
www.zorbsouth.co.uk
Abbotsbury Children's Farm, Abbotsbury, Dorset
A great place for younger children, the ancient Tithe Barn site hosts a range of friendly farm animals, some of these can be held and/or stroked - Join in on the feeding sessions held at regular times...
Abbotsbury Sub Tropical Gardens, Abbotsbury, Dorset
This subtropical garden, built by the first Countess of Ilchester in 1765 as a kitchen garden, has since become a 20 acre site.
Abbotsbury Swannery, Weymouth, Dorset
Providing protection for many nesting swans and their offspring for the last 600 years, this historical site has been made home by a colony of mute swans.
Adventure Wonderland, Christchurch, Dorset
A great day out is offered in this Theme Park which young cowboys, explorers or Mad Hatters will love! There are thrilling rides outdoors as well as ten thousand square feet of undercover fun in the...
Athelhampton House and Gardens, Dorchester, Dorset
Alot of Athelhampton house has been in place for over five hundred years, the history of which, and its related families dates back over a thousand years.
Bennetts Water Gardens, Weymouth, Dorset
A great place to have a wonder relax, this 8 acre creation consists of numerous lakes and ponds, hosting some of the best water lillies in Britain which can been seen in the Summer.
Blue Line Cruises, Bournemouth, Dorset
Running 'The Solent Scene' which is Dorsets number one vessel, this cruise company is available for booking from the red/white kiosk on Poole quay, or contact via phone (Number below) for details of t...
Blue Pool, The near Wareham, Dorset
Situated between Wareham and Corfe Castle, this Dorset attraction could at times be Canadian or even Norwegian, due to the dramaitc changes it goes through as the seasons pass.
Bowlplex, Poole, Dorset
Have something to eat and relax with a drink in the Sports Bar and Grill while watching big screen sports.
Brewers Quay, Weymouth, Dorset
This shopping village draws crowds of over one million shoppers per year.
Broadwindsor Craft and Design Centre, Dorchester, Dorset
This shopping outlet features a range of unique and interesting gifts including celebration cards, cosmetics, candles, pens and other stationary, jewellery, gardening gifts, clothes, china and glass g...
Brownsea Island Ferries at Sandbanks and Poole Quay, Wareham, Dorset
The yellow boats of Poole are well known and have taken people for days out for a 100 years.
Cavalcade of Costumes, Blandford Forum, Dorset
Situated in a Georgian style house called Lime Tree House in this small Georgian town - this collection dates from the 1730's - 1970's.
Christchurch Priory Church, Christchurch, Dorset
It is thought that Christchurch Priory was founded in Thuinam by King Cynegils of Wessex (who was baptised in 635 AD) as a base for his work in the area.
Compton Acres, Poole, Dorset
Visiting Compton Acres takes you to a different world.
Corfe Castle Model Village, Corfe Castle, Dorset
The castle is situated on the Isle of Purbeck at the start of the world heritage site of the Jurassic coast and close to Poole, Bournemouth and Weymouth.
Dinosaur Museum, Dorchester, Dorset
This is a unique museum in Dorchester.
Dinosaurland Fossil Museum, Lyme Regis, Dorset
This museum will appeal to children even up to 95 years of age! with an interest in fossils and dinosaurs.
Discovery, Weymouth, Dorset
This interactive Science centre will amuse and educate both young and old with its hands on exhibits, such as the hand-shake mirror, which creates a life size image of anything placed near it, or the ...
Dorset Collection of Clocks, Dorchester, Dorset
Here you can see an amazing collection of clocks most of which were made in Dorset during the Golden Age of clock making.
Dorset County Museum, Dorchester, Dorset
The museum is an ideal place to come if you are visiting Dorset and a great place for local people to find out more about where they live.
Dorset County Show, Dorchester, Dorset
Taking place in Dorchester this great annual show includes the Household Cavalry performing their world famous musical ride.
Dorset Cruises, Bournemouth, Dorset
There are three vessels called the Dorset Belles which have been completely refurbished and every year thousands of passengers enjoy a great day out to see the beauty of the coast line and local landm...
Dorset Heavy Horse Centre and Farm Park, Verwood, Dorset
There are so many things here for an enjoyable family day out.
Farmer Palmers, Poole, Dorset
Voted 2006 'National Farm Attraction of the Year Award' this attraction was started in 1998 with family visitors in mind.
Ghost Walks of Old Town Poole, Poole, Dorset
"Be prepared to have your pants scared off!" during this 1-1.
Go Ape near Ringwood, Dorset
You can literally go ape and swing in the trees, up to 35 feet up at this adventure course, built in the woods at Moors Valley.
Greenslade Pleasure Boats, Poole, Dorset
Greenslade Pleasure Boats is a family business run from Poole Quay since 1970.
Gus Gorillas Jungle Playground, Poole, Dorset
Gus Gorillas Jungle indoor play area has something for not only children but mums and dads too.
Highcliffe Castle Visitor Centre and Tea Rooms, Highcliffe, Dorset
The castle was built between 1831 and 1835 on a site previously occupied by a Georgian mansion known as High Cliff which was designed for the 3rd Earl of Bute (a founder of Kew Gardens) with grounds l...
Kingston Mauward, Dorchester, Dorset
George Pitt had the house built between 1717 and 1720 probably designed by the architect John James of Greenwich he lived there until he died in 1734.
Knoll Gardens, Wimbourne, Dorset
Knoll Gardens began over 30 years ago with a collection of unusual trees and shurbs.
Lulworth Castle and Park, Wareham, Dorset
Lulworth Castle was built in 1608 as ahunting lodge and seven monarchs have stayed there.
Mapperton Gardens, Beaminster, Dorset
This is a valley garden deep in a Dorset Combe among rolling hills and unspoilt countyrside.
Mill House Cider Museum, Dorchester, Dorset
Cider lovers will delight at this shop and museum selling Somerset Royal Cider Brandy, a selection of West Country cheese, preserves, biscuits and other related products.
Minterne Gardens, Dorchester, Dorset
These gardens, laid out in a horseshoe shape below Minterne House in the lovely Minterne Valley, landscaped in the style of Capability Brown in the 18th century contain an important collection of Hima...
Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre, Wareham, Dorset
Monkey World is a sanctuary for apes and monkeys.
Mummies, Dorchester, Dorset
Here is a superb collection of unwrapped Royal Mummies including Rameses the Great and others.
Nothe Fort - The Museum of Coastal Defence, Weymouth, Dorset
The Fort is built at the Nothe peninsula which forms one side of Weymouth Harbour and over looks Portland Harbour to the south.
Oceanarium, Bournemouth, Dorset
A place to discover the wonders of the deep.
Parley Golf Centre, Christchurch, Dorset
The course is an easy walking 9 hole layout.
Poole Greyhound Racing, Poole, Dorset
Greyhound racing fun for all the family at Poole Greyhound racing.
Poole Land Train, Poole, Dorset
Leaving Poole Quay at 15 minutes past every hour this colourful land train takes you and your family on a fun trip around Poole.
Poole Pirates Speedway, Poole, Dorset
Poole Speedway racing - Whether you have never seen Speedway or are a seasoned fan of this exciting sport, Poole Speedway will not fail to please with its excellent facilities.
Portland Castle, Portland, Dorset
Overlooking Portland Harbour, Portland Castle was built by Henry V111 to defend Weymouth against invasion by the French or Spanish.
Putlake Adventure Farm, Swanage, Dorset
Set in 30 acres Putlake Farm is situated in Langton Matravers near Swanage in the Purbeck counrtyside.
Red House Museum and Gardens, Christchurch, Dorset
Once Georgian work house, built in 1764 the Red House museum derived its name from the colour of the bricks.
Royal Signals Museum near Blandford, Dorset
Blandford Camp is home of the Royal Corps of Signals Museum, a couple of miles from the interesting Georgian town of Blandford Forum.
Serendipity Sams Play and Party Centre, Christchurch, Dorset
This indoor play centres offer 10,000 square feet of activities for children up to the age of eleven.
Sherborne Castle, Sherborne, Dorset
Built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594, Sherborne Castle has been the home of the Digby family since 1617.
Sherbourne Castle, Sherbourne, Dorset
Sherbourne castle was built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594 and has been the home to the Digby family since 1617.
Splashdown Water Park, Poole, Dorset
At Splashdown there is something for everyone during high season(July 28 - August 31).
Stapehill Abbey Crafts and Gardens, Wimbourne, Dorset
Stapehill Abbey was a place of quiet retreat and meditation for nearly 200 years, home to a silent order of nuns.
Swanage Railway, Swanage, Dorset
This award winning standard gauge preserved steam railway operates on six miles of track between Swanage and Norden where there is a large car park: Park your car and travel to the seaside by steam t...
Teddy Bear Museum, Dorchester, Dorset
Teddy bear fans will love this family attraction based in Dorchester.
Terracotta Warriors Museum, Dorchester, Dorset
This spectacular exhibition of the Terracotta Army of China brings together the wonder of the discovery of the treasures of Chin She Huang Di the first Emperor of China.
The Great Dorset Steam Fair, Blandford, Dorset
An amazing day out at the "Most remarkable show on earth"!
The Great Dorset Steam Fair expands every year on its massive 600 acre swhowground at Tarrant Hinton near Blandford Forum.
The Keep Military Museum, Dorchester, Dorset
Represented here are nine Devonshire and Dorset Regiments and Yeomanry.
The Museum Of Electricity, Christchurch, Dorset
Opened in May 1991 by John Wedgwood, then chairman of Southern Electricity, the museum is housed in the old power station at Christchurch.
The Priest's House Museum and Garden, Wimborne Minster, Dorset
This grade 2 listed building dating from 16th century, houses many original architectural features.
The Purbeck Toy and End of Pier Museum, Wareham, Dorset
The old seaside holidays from the early 1900's when naughty meant "what the Butler Saw" can be revisited at this museum, you can also have your palm read by a 1905 Palmist Machine, Hear the sailor lau...
The Tank Museum, Bovington, Dorset
The Tank Museum contains a unique and comprehensive collection of over 300 vehicles from over 26 countries.
Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum and Memorial Cottages, Dorchester, Dorset
The Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum tells the story of the men whose actions lead to the foundation of modern day trade unionism.
Tower Park, Poole, Dorset
Situated in Poole, Tower Park really does have something for all the family.
Tutankhamun Exhibition, Dorchester, Dorset
This interesting exhibition has been shown on television on BBC's "Landmarks" and BBC 2's "Return to Tutankhamun" as well as "The Face Of Tutankhamun".
Walford Mill Crafts, Wimborne, Dorset
This modern gallery in Wimborne features 8 exhibitions a year and presents unique and contemporary work by local, national and international craft workers.
Weymouth Sea Life Park and Marine Sanctury, Weymouth, Dorset
Every Sea Life Centre offers a unique family experience where you come fact to face with all kinds of sea creatures in a fun educational guide to life beneath the waves.
Weymouth whitewater, Weymouth, Dorset
WOw! Two wild rides for the over 5's.
Wimborne Folk Festival, Wimborne, Dorset
This colourful spectactle of traditional folk dance and music was first held in August 1980 as a one day event.
Wimbourne Minster Model Town and Gardens, Wimbourne Minster, Dorset
The Model Village of Wimborne Minster was built well over 50 years ago and captures the essence of a typical market town in rural England in the 1950's.
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