Bagwell Farm Touring Park

Hop on the bus for the five-mile ride to winsome Weymouth (in summer, the service picks up and drops off directly at Bagwell Farm during the week). The resort has lovely golden sands, plus miles of glorious walking along the famed South West Coastal Path, and watersports including windsurfing, Jurassic kayak tours and fantastic sailing (nearby Portland is the Olympic sailing venue). Climbing, coasteering, diving and fishing (both beach and sea varieties) are other popular activities in the area. After all that hard graft, guests can slake their thirst/hunger in one of Weymouth’s many pubs, restaurants or tea rooms. Nature lovers will enjoy the RSPB’s Radipole Lake and Lodmoor reserves, as well as Lorton Meadows, run by the Dorset Wildlife Trust, and Bennetts Water Gardens in Chickerell. Alternatively, they can swan off to Abbotsbury, to see 600 mute swans being fed, and to stroll around the subtropical gardens; younger animal fans will also enjoy Abbotsbury’s children’s farm. Other animal attractions nearby include the sea life centre in Weymouth, and the Monkey World chimp rescue centre in Wareham. Along the coast are some charming beaches and villages - try fossil hunting at Charmouth, or a visit to the ghost village of Tyneham - plus historic resorts such as Lyme Regis, with its famous Cobb harbour wall, and amazing natural features such as the Durdle Door stone arch and Lulworth Cove. There are several National Trust estates within easy reach, including 1000 year-old Corfe Castle, Clouds Hill (Lawrence of Arabia's former abode), Thomas Hardy’s birthplace and Max Gate, the writer’s cottage in Dorchester. Out of puff after all that sightseeing? Take it easy on the picturesque Swanage steam railway.