Monkton Wyld Court

Make sure to spend plenty of time in Lyme Regis (10 minutes' drive), whether that involves watching gulls cadging chips on the Cobb (the town's far-famed sea wall), exploring fossils on the beach and in the town's two archaeological museums or admiring fish as they glide past at the aquarium. Grownup guests might also appreciate a locally-brewed tipple at Lyme Regis Brewery. Equally close by is Charmouth (10 minutes), home to the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre (a great place to get your bearings), a target sports centre where hot shots can practise their skills and a treetop high ropes course. Those in your entourage keen on examining birds and beasts have several options hereabouts. Closest to base is Axe Valley Wildlife Park (10 minutes), a favourite with families where the kids can make friends with meerkats and chat with the chipmunks. Abbotsbury Swannery (30 minutes), meanwhile, is where to head to see masses of mute swans, which have been reared on this site since medieval times. Finally, drive out to Wildwood Escot (30 minutes) if you're on the hunt for a zoo with a few extras attached (including zipwires, trampolines, mazes and more).