Shilvington Barn

To the Dorset coast first? The famed 18-mile Chesil Beach is about 15 minutes’ drive away, with plenty of scope for walks or days of sea fishing. Sailing and surfing types should set off instead for Portland Harbour (20 minutes’ drive), and paddleboarders, kayakers and swimmers alike can all get a close-up view of Durdle Door by setting off from its adjacent beach or Lulworth Cove (35 minutes). Proper sand-based family fun, meanwhile, can be had in Weymouth (20 minutes), which is also home to the excellent Sea Life Centre. Of course, Dorset’s not all about the coast, and there are also some great days out to be had around Dorchester (15 minutes), perhaps visiting the brewery, the dinosaur museum or the teddy bear museum, or setting off to explore Sculpture by the Lakes (25 minuntes). And if you’d like to include animal viewings on your schedule, plan some time at Abbotsbury Swannery and Subtropical Gardens (15 minutes) or Kingston Maurward Gardens & Animal Park (20 minutes).