Acres Meadow

You’ll see evidence of ancient life all around Dorset. From the site, you can walk across the Downs to the Cerne Abbas Giant in 90 minutes, or stretch your legs on Chesil Beach (40 minutes’ drive) as you search for prehistoric fossils in the shingle. Other top Jurassic Coast spots include Lyme Regis and Charmouth beaches (both 40 minutes), and don’t forget Lulworth Cove or the rock formations at Durdle Door (both 45 minutes). Jump on the Heart of Wessex Line train in Maiden Newton and you can be in Weymouth in 35 minutes, to poke around cobbled backstreets and check out the yachts in the marina. There’s a hectic after-dark scene in Poole (50 minutes), while the more sedate charms of Dorchester (20 minutes) include a farmers’ market (Wednesday) and indie shops. Kids can spot rabbits and butterflies in Kingscombe Meadows Nature Reserve or even take alpacas for a walk (both 10 minutes), but number one on their to-do list may well be the thrill rides at Fantasy Island Fun Park (30 minutes).