A National Trust property and lavish family home, Kingston Lacy was built to resemble an Italian Palace, and houses curious details including an ‘I owe you’ note from a king.  The house is brimming with paintings from the likes of Rubens and Van Dyck, while the gardens are a delight for both adults and children.  Beyond that, the estate extends to Iron Age forts, heathland, meadows and a Roman road across 8,500 acres.  The restaurant specializes in home made cakes and award-winning scones, there are seasonal events throughout the summer, particularly for children, and prices start at £14.90 for adults or £7.40 for children.

A National Trust property, this former corn mill still houses original wooden machinery in its peaceful riverside setting.  The mill was rebuilt in 1776 on a site marked in the Domesday Book, but these days it’s all a bit fragile to be a working mill, so it’s perfect for visitors looking to explore the gardens and take in the tranquil surroundings of the River Stour.  Opening times vary so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the website before you visit.  The property has limited facilities and no toilets, but you can book a tour, which is worthwhile.  Prices start at £3.50 for adults and £2.50 for children.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/white-mill

A huge indoor soft play centre with a giant play frame, climbing wall, slides, tunnels and ball pools.  A great solution for entertaining under 12’s when the sun’s not shining.

Click here for further details

An exciting leisure park packed with activities including Splashdown Waterpark with plenty of waterslides and pools, multiplex Cineworld Cinema, bowling, soft play and a range of restaurants.  Plenty to keep everyone happy whatever the weather.  

Click here for further information

An all action waterpark at the Tower Park complex near Poole with 13 indoor and outdoor exhilarating flume rides.  The less adventurous can relax on the Sun Terraces, take a dip at Captains Cove or chill out in the Jacuzzi.  Tower Park is also home to Lemur Landings soft play centre.

Click here for further details

Renowned for serving beautifully presented, authentic and delicious Thai food in sophisticated surroundings. 

Tiien Thai, 13 Moor Road, Broadstone BH18 8AZ (T: 01202 693600)

A popular stylish brasserie serving delicious food inspired by French home-style cooking and English classics paired with complimentary wines and an exclusive drinks menu.

Isabels Brasserie 127 Penn Hill Ave, Poole BH14 9LY (T: 01202747885)

A popular cafe and wine bar in Penn Hill serving hearty breakfasts, brunch and coffee as well as delicious wines, charcuterie and small plates in the evening.

The Four 115 Penn Hill Ave, Poole BH14 9LY (T: 01202942962)

Stylish and authentic Thai restaurant with outside seating.  Open for lunch and dinner. 

Nusara  40-42 High Street, Poole, BH15 1BT (T: 01202 087797)

Sleek and stylish Italian restaurants serving delicious pizza, pasta and cicchetti, or Italian small plates.

Gossip 5, Bank Chambers, Penn Hill Ave, Poole BH14 9NB (T: 01202083812) 

Hamworthy Beach is a family-friendly sand and shingle beach with a promenade, fringed with pretty beach huts and offering stunning views of Arne Nature Reserve, Brownsea Island and the Purbeck Hills in the distance.

The beach is popular among locals, boasting a jetty offering an excellent spot for fishing, large green gardens behind, a children's play area and a large seasonal paddling pool. There are also several opportunities to partake in watersports, including windsurfing, sailing and kitesurfing.

Dogs are welcome on the beach all year round, but not in the play parks or paddling pool.

Facilities include parking, toilets and cafe as well as nearby shops and public transport connections.

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.

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.

Shore Road is a golden sandy beach with a promenade that stretches for miles along the beautiful Sandbanks peninsula - perfect for a seaside stroll or cycle (except during peak times in July & August from 10am to 6pm when cycles are not permitted).

Famed for its Mediterranean-style cafes and outstanding views across the harbour to the Purbeck hills and Brownsea Island, this beach is very family-friendly thanks to its gentle slope into clean waters and seasonal lifeguard cover.

Dogs are not allowed on the main beach from 1st May - 30th September, however they are permitted on the promenade on a lead all year round.

This Blue Flag standard beach has several watersports hire shops and many other beach facilities, including plenty of parking, cafe/restaurant, beach shop, beach huts and deck chairs for hire, toilets and outdoor showers, and reusable water bottle drinking water refill points.

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.