Things to do with the Children while on holiday…
Some people are just brilliant at knowing exactly what to do with children of all ages, when on holiday. Others, myself included in this category, just need a little help. The internet has made it so much easier to find out what is going on in local areas, but it is always good to have local recommendations on the ground.
Somerset and Dorset are becoming increasingly popular as holiday destinations, and for good reason. For many years Somerset has been a “County that people drive through to get to Devon and Cornwall” – that has changed, and people have realised that they are driving through a largely ignored jewel and that actually Somerset is well worth a stop.
Beaches (Any Age)
What kid doesn’t like a beach? And there are so many on offer on the Dorset Coast, from the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lulworth Cove to the sandy beaches at Sandbanks and Studland (just be careful of the naturist section at Studland!) Slightly further West along the Jurassic Coast, fossil hunting at Charmouth is always a great option, before fish and chips in Lyme Regis.
One of our favourites and within easy reach of Bridge House. It is also one of the few beaches that allows dogs all year round. With fantastic sunsets Eype is a great place for those early evening BBQ’s
Charmouth Beach and Dorchester Dinosaur Exhibition:
Charmouth, on the Jurassic Coast and only a 30 min drive from Bridge House, is world renowned for for its fossils. Just a couple of miles away form the busier Lyme Regis, Charmouth offers an unspoilt seaside experience. Once you have searched for fossils at Charmouth, a trip to the Dinosaur Exhibition in Dorchester is a must.
Opened in 1984
Dorchester , the Gateway to the World Heritage Jurassic Coast, houses this innovative dinosaur exhibition. Mingle amongst the life size reconstructions, hear the sounds and smell the breath of a T-Rex! and actually have a dig to find your own fossils. It is a must for any dinosaur enthusiast.
Splashdown Waterpark in Poole
An alternative to the beach is a trip to Splashdown Waterpark in Poole This will provide hours of entertainment with 13 indoor and outdoor rides. There is something for all ages here from the toddler to the older ones. With rides like ‘The Screamer’ and ‘The Velocity’ this will test even the bravest if kids! They even have indoor rides so are open all through the winter.
Splashdown, Poole
Cheddar Gorge and Caves
An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), and a Site of Specialist Interest, the Cheddar Gorge and Caves provide a great day out for the whole family. Stunning cliffs and extraordinary stalactite formations in the caves are just a taste of what is in offer here. Cheddar Gorge is a limestone gorge and the caves are where Britains oldest skeleton was found in 1903, thought to be approximately 9000 years old. The Gorge itself is free and there are many public footpaths from the village of Cheddar that take you through the Gorge. It is advisable to book online if you want access to the Caves.
If caves are your thing, not only is Somerset home to the caves at Cheddar Gorge, but also Wookey Hole. Caves, tunnels and even the ‘roaring’ dinosaurs in Dinosaur Valley, make this a great day out for kids of all ages, and is open all year round, but from November to March is only open at the weekend. Booking is advised.
Caves, Dinosaurs, 4D Cinema, Cave Diving Museum - there is truly something for the whole family
Fleet Air Arm Museum, Yeovilton
The Fleet Air Arm Museum has a fantastic collection of over 90 Royal Navy aircraft in 4 exhibition halls and also houses the first British Concorde. Then award-winning Aircraft Carrier Experience transports you on to the flight deck of a working Aircraft Carrier and get a true feel as what it is like to operate what is effectively a :”city at sea”! Witness air-sea rescues and being right next door to RNAS Yeovilton you will more than likely see the actual Navy aircraft flying in and out.
Pecorama Steam Railway
On the hillside above the fishing village of Beer, the Pecorama Steam Railway is described as Britain’s finest 7.25-inch gauge railway. You can travel the mile long route over bridges, through steep-sided cuttings and a long dark tunnel. It meanders through the beautiful grounds and affords stunning sea views. It is closed over the winter, but once the weather warms up they will be ready to welcome people back in the Spring.
A good idea to book, although tickets can be bought on the day you come down the hill. They even welcome well-behaved dogs!
Dorset Coasteering
Coasteering is a fantastic way to see the beautiful Dorset coastline. Scramble, climb and jump form the cliffs. Explore the caves and enjoy the surf! All that they ask is that you are at least 8, a confident swimmer and are happy in the sea. Westsuits and safety gear are provided.
If you want to upgrade the experience, then you can try Power Boat Coasteering. You are taken by speed boat from Swanage around the Jurassic Coast to your location where you can then enjoy all the thrills and spills that associated with coasteering, before being taken back by boat to Swanage
These are just a few ideas as to what is on offer for kids in and around Somerset and Dorset. It is by no means an exhaustive list but just highlights the diversity of experiences on offer. Visit our ‘to do’ page of our website for additional ideas, from Surfing, Kite-Surfing, Go Ape, Quad Biking and more…. all of which are within easy reach of Bridge House.