Warmwell Caravan Park

You can access the splendid South West Coast Path nearby on its highly scenic stretch to Weymouth in one direction and Lulworth Cove in the other: tackle both walks if you can, as each is tiptop. There's loads to do around the area if you're here with kids, including chattering with the inhabitants of Monkey World six miles away, chuffing along to the Bovington Tank Museum (seven miles), and seeing the mute swans at Abbotsbury Swannery and Botanical Gardens (12 miles). Family-friendly fossil hunting can be dug into at Lulworth Cove, eight miles away; Weymouth 10 miles away is a top option for safe family swimming. Scuba divers should investigate Chesil Cove 12 miles away, part of the 18-mile long Chesil beach that makes up one of the three biggest shingle structures in Britain. Fishing from the cove and in the sea is also a popular pick from here. For a spot of history, trek along to the Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum (eight miles), or to 11th-century Corfe Castle 15 miles away, high on the Isle of Purbeck. Boat trips to Brownsea Island can be accessed from Poole Harbour, 20 miles away.