Family Fun Itinerary
The Ultimate Family-Friendly Itinerary for a Dorset Seaside Holiday
At Quay Holidays, we know that local knowledge is key to a perfect UK seaside holiday. Our team is made up of Dorset locals who have an in-depth understanding of Poole, Bournemouth, and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re looking for an action-packed beach day, hidden gems, or thrilling attractions, we’ve got you covered.
Planning a family getaway can be overwhelming – finding new activities to keep everyone entertained each day is not an easy task. That’s why we’ve created our ‘Family Fun Itinerary’, featuring the top attractions in the area. Mix and match these activities to create an unforgettable coastal holiday tailored to your family’s interests and budget.
1. Brownsea Island
Location: Brownsea Island, Ferry from Poole Quay
Best for: Wildlife & Exploring
Cost: £11 per adult ticket and £5.50 per child’s ticket. Ferry fees apply.
Open to the public from Saturday 15th March, Brownsea Island is a must-see for anyone visiting Poole. This wildlife haven is spectacularly located right in the centre of Poole Harbour, with incredible views of the Purbeck Hills and beyond. The island boasts a vast range of habitats from heathland, woodland and a lagoon, all home to a range of wildlife. Animals on the island include the famous red squirrel, kingfishers, dunlin and oystercatchers.
Hop on the ferry from Poole Quay to Brownsea Island—visit the yellow kiosk on the quay front to buy your tickets. There is so much to do on the island including the natural play area, water sport access to boasts, kayaks and paddleboards, and bushcraft sessions, allowing you and the little ones to learn essential survival skills. From 18th March, you can book onto a historical guided walk of Brownsea Castle, exploring the islands rich history and the castle’s picturesque grounds, and finish the day off with a well-deserved cream tea!
2. Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf & Bournemouth Beach
Location: Bournemouth Seafront
Best for: Fun-filled mini golf & beach day
Cost: £11.70 per adult ticket and £8.20 per child’s ticket
Kick off your Dorset family holiday with an action-packed round of mini golf at Smugglers Cove! This award-winning 18-hole adventure course transports players back in time to experience the life of a smuggler, with ruins, waterfalls, and tricky obstacles to navigate.
After your game, simply stroll across to Bournemouth Beach for a classic seaside day out. Build sandcastles, paddle in the sea, or grab an ice cream on the pier while soaking up the stunning coastal views.
3. Splashdown Waterpark – A Thrill-Seeker’s Paradise
Image: TripAdvisor
Location: Tower Park, Poole
Best for: Water slide lovers & family fun
Cost: 3-hour session for £18
No seaside UK holiday is complete without some waterpark excitement! Splashdown Poole is the ultimate spot for adrenaline junkies, boasting 13 thrilling slides, including the high-speed Infinity Bowl and the Mississippi Drifter, a multi-person inflatable ride.
For younger kids, there are dedicated splash zones to ensure everyone has a great time. Parents can also take time to relax on sun terraces or enjoy refreshments from Splash Café while the kids let loose in the pools.
4. Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park – A Rural Adventure
Location: Organford, Poole
Best for: Animal lovers & interactive experiences
Cost: Free for under 2’s, admission tickets range between £18 and £22
Head into the Dorset countryside for a hands-on farm adventure at the award-winning Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park. Meet friendly farm animals, take part in interactive feeding sessions, and hop on a tractor ride around the picturesque landscape.
Quay Holidays guests enjoy exclusive discounted tickets! Just ask our team for the promo code before booking. During school holidays, themed events like Easter egg hunts, summer foam parties, and Halloween pumpkin picking add even more excitement to your visit.
5. Corfe Castle – Step Back in Time
Image: Swanage.co.uk
Location: Corfe Village, Dorset
Best for: History buffs & adventure seekers
Cost: Free for under 5’s and National Trust members, admission ticket prices range from £6.65 and £14 per person.
Perched on a hilltop between Wareham and Swanage, the majestic Corfe Castle offers an interactive historical experience for the whole family. Run by the National Trust, the castle provides medieval quests, zip line teddy adventures, and breathtaking panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. Perfect for budding knights and princesses, this thousand-year-old fortress is an unforgettable stop on your Dorset itinerary.
6. The Blue Pool – A Hidden Natural Gem
Image: Corfecastle.co.uk
Location: Wareham
Best for: Tranquil walks & stunning scenery
Cost: Free for under 5’s, £3.75 per child and £7.50 per adult.
The Blue Pool in Wareham is a mesmerising natural wonder, formed from an old clay pit that has since transformed into a vibrant blue lagoon. Take a scenic family walk through the woodland trails, cross the UK’s longest rope bridge, and unwind at the charming tearooms. During school holidays, the park hosts fun seasonal activities, including bushcraft sessions, festive events, and the dazzling, seasonal ‘Illuminate’ light show.
7. Monkey World – A Day with the Primates
Image: Grouptravelworld.com
Location: Near Wareham, Dorset
Best for: Animal lovers & conservation enthusiasts
Cost: Online adult price is £18 and for children its £12.75.
For an educational and heart warming experience, visit Monkey World, a 65-acre sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating abused primates. With over 250 monkeys and apes there’s so much to learn about their individual rescue stories, and the important work being done to protect these incredible creatures. This attraction is both fun and meaningful, making it an excellent addition to your family-friendly seaside UK holiday.
8. Bournemouth Oceanarium – Dive into Marine Life
Image: letsgoout-bournemouthandpoole.co.uk
Location: Bournemouth Seafront
Best for: Underwater exploration & interactive exhibits
Cost: Adult tickets are £16.99 and for children its £11.99.
Get up close to sharks, turtles, otters, and much more at the Bournemouth Oceanarium, located right by Bournemouth Beach and Pier. With interactive feeding sessions, educational talks, and even a chance to meet the adorable penguins, this is an unmissable attraction for families. Afterwards, why not take a dip in the real ocean just a few steps away?
9. Durdle door & Lulworth Cove – Iconic Coastal Beauty
Location: Jurassic Coast, Dorset
Best for: Stunning landscapes & beach lovers
Cost: Free! Please note, there is a charge for car parks.
No seaside UK holiday would be complete without visiting Durdle Door, one of the most photographed landmarks in the country. This towering natural limestone arch sits proudly over crystal-clear waters, creating an awe-inspiring backdrop for family photos.
Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Lulworth Cove, a sheltered bay with calm waters perfect for paddling, swimming, and even a bit of rock pooling. Stop by the visitor centre to uncover the fascinating geology behind this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Plan Your Seaside UK Holiday with Quay Holidays
Dorset is packed with family-friendly attractions, coastal adventures, and hidden gems just waiting to be explored. Whether you’re looking for thrill-seeking activities, historical experiences or relaxing beach days, there’s something for everyone.
Book your Poole and Bournemouth holiday accommodation with Quay Holidays and let us help you plan the ultimate seaside UK holiday. Contact our team today for exclusive discounts, local tips, and a seamless booking experience.