14 Family Travel, Days Out & Attractions 48 hours in Dorset
Stunning landscapes and family-friendly attractions make this charming part of England the perfect getaway with your little ones. Words: Lisa Glover
10TH SEPTEMBER 2024 FAMILY VALUES DISTRIBUTED WITH
Te natural arch is one of Dorset’s most photographed landmarks and nearby viewpoints offer breathtaking views over the sea.
Evening: family dining at Te Smugglers Inn For dinner, head to Te Smugglers Inn in Osmington Mills, a charming pub with 13th-century roots and a family-friendly atmosphere. It offers a variety of hearty dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every palate. Te kids’ menu features classic favourites, and there’s a large garden where your young charges can run around while you enjoy a well-deserved pint.
THE PICTURESQUE LULWORTH COVE ON DORSET’S JURASSIC COAST IN SOUTHWEST ENGLAND/SHUTTERSTOCK
DAY ONE Morning: arrival and check-in at Moonfleet Manor Start your adventure at Moonfleet Manor, a luxurious, family-friendly hotel on the Jurassic Coast. Tis Georgian manor house combines elegance with a welcoming atmosphere tailored to families. Te hotel offers spacious family rooms,
a kids’ club and plenty of activities to keep the little ones entertained while parents relax. On-site facilities include a swimming pool, indoor play area and tennis courts.
Afternoon: explore the stunning Jurassic Coast After settling in, head out to explore the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site known for its dramatic cliffs and fossil-rich beaches. Start with a visit to Lulworth Cove, a beautiful, sheltered bay that’s perfect for rockpooling and a family picnic. Te kids will love hunting for fossils along the beach — and the whole family can enjoy a leisurely walk along the coastal path to the iconic Durdle Door.
DAY TWO Morning: a day of adventure at Monkey World Kick-start your day with a visit to Monkey World, a renowned ape rescue centre that’s home to over 250 rescued and endangered primates. Te park is not only educational but also highly engaging for children, with plenty of opportunities to learn about the different species and their habitats. Kids will love the play areas, and the whole family can enjoy watching the animals up close.
Afternoon: fun in the sun at Weymouth Beach No trip to Dorset would be complete without some time on the beach, and Weymouth Beach is one of the best family-friendly spots in the area. Te sandy beach is perfect for building sandcastles, paddling in the sea, and even trying out some traditional seaside activities like donkey rides or a visit to the Punch
A unique family day in Yorkshire
No visit to Yorkshire — God’s own county — is complete without a day exploring Yorkshire Sculpture Park, set in 500 acres of stunning historic landscape
A registered charity and leading international destination for sculp- ture, Yorkshire Sculpture Park perfectly combines art and nature in a beautiful setting. With world- class art and nature in abundance, there are also plenty of exciting and educational activities for all ages to experience. Admission to all spaces is included in the entry price — only £11 with Gift Aid for adults and free for kids — and parking is free. Tere really is something for
everyone here, such as a gallery in a
beautiful 17th-century chapel,
lakes, woodland and hidden heritage features, alongside impressive sculp- tures by some of the world’s most renowned artists and plenty of wild- life. Visitors can expect to see work by artists from Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth to Bharti Kher, Daniel Arsham and Damien Hirst. Tere are always activities for
children to enjoy at Yorkshire Sculp- ture Park, including Little Wild Wood, a creative outdoor play area where they can let their imagina- tions run wild with den building, stump jumping and patting a giant
and Judy show. Tere are plenty of cafes and ice cream stands along the promenade, making it easy to keep everyone happy.
Evening: final dinner at Te Crab House Café For your last evening, head to Te Crab House Café, near the stunning Chesil Beach. Tis relaxed, family-friendly seafood restaurant is renowned for its fresh, locally sourced seafood, especially its famous Portland crabs and oysters, which are harvested just outside the restaurant. Te menu offers a variety of dishes that cater to both adults and children, with options that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Te casual atmosphere, with views over the Fleet Lagoon, makes it a perfect spot for a family meal. After dinner, take a short stroll along the beach and soak up the tranquil coastal scenery before heading back to the hotel.
TIME TO SPARE? If you find yourself with some extra time on your hands, take a short but scenic drive to Corfe Castle. Tis iconic ruin, perched high on a hill, offers spectacular views over the Dorset countryside and a fascinating glimpse into England’s medieval past. Kids will love exploring the nooks and crannies of the castle, imagining life as a knight or princess. Te village of Corfe Castle also has an abundance of charming tea rooms and local shops, perfect for picking up a souvenir or enjoying a traditional cream tea. It’s an ideal way to round off your family weekend in Dorset with a mix of history, adventure and relaxation.
HIDDEN FOREST AT YSP. PHOTO © PAOLINA VARBICHKOVA
At a glance • Winner of 2023 Yorkshire Visitor
Attraction and Culture Award
• Free admission for those 18 and under
• Free parking • Dogs welcome • Tickets available from
ysp.org.uk/visit-us
two-metre-high desert rat made by sculptor Brian Fell. Tere are countless reasons
BARBARA HEPWORTH, THE FAMILY OF MAN, 1970. LENT BY THE HEPWORTH ESTATE. © BOWNESS. PHOTO © JONTY WILDE, COURTESY YORKSHIRE SCULPTURE PARK
why Yorkshire Sculpture Park was awarded both the Yorkshire Visitor Attraction and the Culture Award at the 2023 Yorkshire Post Tourism Awards. Open all
year round, it
offers the perfect day out whatever the weather. When the wind and rain hits, or if you need some shade, head to the indoor gallery spaces and get up close to some incredible exhibitions. Within the spacious and accessible Visitor Centre, you’ll also find its award-winning shop, with amazing selections of crafts, jewel- lery, handmade ceramics, home- wares, books and gifts. Tere are numerous idyllic loca-
tions and benches dotted around the park for impromptu picnics, but if you’d prefer to enjoy delicious, locally sourced and freshly prepared food, there are several cafés. Te Kitchen Cafe is perfect for a snack or lunch, with the panoramic balcony providing views across the park.
ROBERT INDIANA, LOVE RED BLUE GREEN, 1966- 1998. PHOTO © JANE HEWITT
Visitors can also indulge in after- noon tea or a meal at Te Weston restaurant. Conveniently located for
Wakefield, Leeds, and Sheffield, the park is easy to reach by car from the M1 (Junction 38) or by bus or train to Wakefield Westgate and a taxi. Car parking is free, with disabled bays available to pre-book.
Visit:
ysp.org.uk T: 01924 832631
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