The Walled Garden Campsite

If you're up for stretching your legs and seeking out history as you do so, you can tackle the seven-mile Lawrence of Arabia Trail, which meanders through quiet country lanes down to the Tank Museum (10 minutes' drive) where you can stop at a café for a breather. Most folk will appreciate the fact that The Walled Garden Campsite is so close to the Jurassic Coast – Weymouth beach, Sea Life Centre and pier (half an hour's drive) make a fab and mightily family-friendly day out, while those seeking generally quieter spots can try Kimmeridge (half an hour) or the Isle of Portland (40 minutes) instead. The popular spots of Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove are about six miles away – drive down there in 15 minutes (or call a local taxi) or go the intrepid route and hike over in a couple of hours or so. For kid-pleasing outings, try the likes of Monkey World (10 minutes), Dorset Adventure Park (20 minutes), Farmer Palmer's Farm Park (20 minutes) or a trip to the wildlife haven Brownsea Island from Poole Quay (40 minutes).