Dean Meadow Camping

As well as planning beach days with the kids, they might enjoy helping out with the feeding of enormous Shire horses at Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park (10 minutes’ drive), or for more exotic wildlife encounters, hearing all about the rescued primates at Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre (35 minutes). Younger children can enjoy tractor rides at Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park (half an hour). For active days out, wear the kids out on cycle rides in Moors Valley Country Park and Forest (10 minutes) – and if that doesn’t work, let them loose on the treetop climbing courses at Go Ape Moors Valley. If you’re inclined towards a bit of heritage tourism, tour lavish apartments in the ornate mansion at the National Trust's Kingston Lacy estate (15 minutes). Head to Poole (half an hour) to see the tall ships moored up along the historic waterfront or take a boat trip from the quayside to Brownsea Island (55 minutes) for woodland walking trails and views of Poole Harbour.