Affordable Family Days Out:

In the current financial climate we are all looking for affordable things to do with the family. The Isle of Purbeck in Dorset has just that! Look no further for family days that don’t break the bank on the Jurassic Coast.

Family Days Out Fossil Hunting At Kimmeridge:

If you want to keep the price down you could have fun for all the family at Kimmerridge for just the parking charge of £6. Kimmeridge is part of the Jurassic Coast, a beautiful coast line teaming with fossils to hunt out. Please note that we want everyone to enjoy the fossils in years to come. There is no permission to damage rocks. There is an ice cream outlet at the beach if you have some spare coins. And Dorset wildlife marine centre is FREE! You could add a  snorkel trail. Or even add in a visit to the Etches dinosaur museum just £22.50 for a family of 4. Thats only £5.60 per person. There is also a cliff top walk, so enjoy your day and take your walking shoes / boots.

Family Days Out – Middle Beach in Studland Kayak or SUP Hire:

Come join us on Middle Beach for a spash! Kayak or stand up paddleboard hire is a great affordable family fun. If you hire a triple kayak for £35 thats just over £11 per person. Hire a kayak from our hut on Middle Beach at Studland for easy access to the water, explore the Jurassic coastline with Old Harry Rocks as your backdrop, or just kayak around in the bay, a great activity for individuals and families to get out on the water and enjoy this safe and tranquil setting at Studland.

Studland is the perfect location to try Stand Up Paddleboarding, the bay is sheltered and the water is shallow so ideal for those with little or no experience of paddleboarding who want to have a go at this sport, hiring is also a great way to try SUP prior to purchasing your own paddleboard if you are considering this.

Hire one of our Stand Up Paddleboards from us on the beach and you will have direct access to the water and the stunning Dorset coastline in minutes. We have the option to prebook online here.

Or you could upgrade to a Kayak tour or SUP tuition. Have loads of fun paddling around our safe bay with our instructors. See WWII history, from pill box bunkers… to Fort Henry and anti tank defences along the beach view. Let our instructors guide you safely to explore Old Harry Rocks by kayak teaching you all about the history of the bay, edible sea plants and seaweeds and marine life.

Or bring a snorkel to explore our underwater world in Studland. The sea grass beds attract all sorts of sealife to the Bay!

Family Days Out At Durlston Country Park And National Nature Reserve:

Durlston Castle & play trail in woods is magical for all the family. You can take a walk to the lighthouse for free. The only charge is for car parking. There is even an art gallery & often low cost activities available at the learning centre too! Explore on guided walks, the light house and the bird hides. Why not take a picnic with you to keep the cost down? There are even picnic tables available here. If it’s your lucky day people have been known to spot dolphins from this brilliant lookout and the cliffs.

Brownsea Island Family Days Out:

Are your children nature explorers? Fancy your chances at spotting a red squirrel or a peacock. Free to National trust members, plus a small charge for the boat crossing from Poole. Under £5 per person for a family of four, 1 adult and 3 children. The kids will love the excitement of the boat crossing Poole harbour and then stretching their legs running around the island. It will feel like a real adventure! Did you know that Enid Blyton based some of her books here. Your children could pretend to be the famous 5! There is a cafe for refreshments, playground and even the option to camp on the island on selected dates over the summer holidays.

Swanage:

There are many places to park in Swanage. We find the best place is in the central car park. Then run along to the harbour wall. We love to take the fore family crabbing here. If you don’t already have a crabbing line and a bucket, don’t worry the local shops will and they cost around £3. Grab some smelly bait, we found bacon works a treat and it doesn’t break the bank. Treat yourself and the family to fish and chips on the quay after. Take a walk further along the shoreline past the RNLI, coastguard and boat club towards Peveril Point. Admire the views across the Swanage bay and out to Old Harry Rocks and the Pinnacles as you go.

Arne RSPB:

Heath and marsh reserve for nature walks, bird spotting and family fun. It’s even push chair friendly. You may spot Spoonbills, Dartford Warblers, and or Night Jars. Just a small charge of £5 per adult and £2.50 per child. Why not keep the cost down and arrive by bike and then you don’t need to worry about parking. At Arne you can find a playground and they often hold monthly family events where you can get involved in child friendly nature based activites like building bird hides or bug hotels.

Corfe Castle:

Are you a National Trust member and interested in history? Corfe Castle could be perfect for you … Free to National trust members and very educational. Time it right and you may have an event / re-enactment happening within the grounds as well. Fun for all the family. Explore the history, ask questions, read information, and immerse yourself.

Worth Matravers & Windspit:

Park in car park near square and compass and walk through the village of Worth Matravers to Windspit Quarry. It’s a beautiful walk with far reaching views of the Dorset coastline. Have a swim in the beautiful clear waters off the rocks, then treat yourself to an ice cream at the village tea room or a pint in the pub on the way back. Do you climb? Windspit has some great trad routes to try out! We also offer climbing sessions for beginners so you can come and learn how to rock climb with us at this great location in Swanage.

Tyneham:

Explore an abandoned village with your family. It’s so immersive, you can imagine what life would have been like before it was commandeered by the MOD during WWII.  Extend your visit and walk to Worbarrow bay. Maybe even have a  picnic on the beach to save some cash. This beach is also a great spot for sea glass hunting and swimming of course.

Steam Train:

Why not catch the steam train to Norden.  A whole family return ticket for just £47 thats under £10 per person! There is a great wooden playground at Norden for your kids to run around and explore and even a new award winning Purbeck Mineral & Mining Museum. If that doesn’t take your fancy… explore this beautiful countryside by  bike. Bike hire is easily accessible at Cyclex Dorset. Explore the easy going forest trails around Corfe Castle, the local beaches and pubs.

Check out the Swanage website to see any local town events such as our free festivals … carnival week in Swanage! This years theme is Under The Sea, Saturday 29th July – Saturday 5th August. We hope to see you there.