Corfe View Purbeck Valley Farm

For countryside explores, hike half an hour away to the atmospheric Corfe Castle (access to the ruins available by prebooking on the National Trust’s website), then drive to the RSPB Arne nature reserve (20 minutes) for a spot of staring at birds. Wander around Wareham Forest (20 minutes) next or try out mountain biking on the family-friendly paths before seeking out some serene seaside spots to the south of the site. The park’s owners recommend the Jurassic Coast beaches of Kimmeridge, Winspit Quarry, Dancing Ledge, Seacombe Cliff and Chapmans Pool (all around 15 minutes) for fossil hunting, rockpooling and snorkelling, plus the stunning Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove (half an hour). If it's more about sandy stretches for you, aim for Swanage (10 minutes) or Studland Bay (20 minutes), or head west to the beaches around Poole (half an hour) and Bournemouth (40 minutes). And if you’re wondering what there is to do in wet weather, the answer is plenty: Monkey World ape rescue centre, The Tank Museum and Farmer Palmer's Farm Park are all 20 minutes away for family days out under cover.