Pheasant Lodge

Monkey World is an ape and monkey rescue centre set in 65 acres near Wool in Dorset. It was founded in 1987 and takes in primates rescued from the illegal pet trade, laboratories and abuse, rehabilitating them into natural living groups.

Tip: Book online in advance, as tickets are cheaper than at the gate.

Paultons Park is a family theme park on the edge of the New Forest National Park in Hampshire, set in 140 acres of parkland. It has rollercoasters, thrill rides, family rides, indoor and outdoor play areas and water splash parks, along with a collection of birds and animals.

Tip: Tickets are for a set date and some days sell out, so book your visit date in advance.

Corfe Castle is a ruined fortress built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, standing on a steep hill above the village on the Isle of Purbeck. It was one of the earliest English castles built partly in stone, and it was added to over the 12th and 13th centuries.

Tip: The car park fills up quickly in busy periods, so consider an alternative car park or arrive in the afternoon, when it tends to be quieter.

Kingston Lacy is a National Trust country house near Wimborne Minster, for generations the family seat of the Bankes family, who also owned Corfe Castle. It was designed by Sir Roger Pratt in the 17th century, then remodelled by Charles Barry, who faced it in Chilmark stone.

Tip: On very busy days house entry may be limited, so ask at reception on arrival whether a timed ticket system is running.

The Tank Museum at Bovington tells the story of tanks and the crews who fought in them. Its collection of around 300 vehicles runs from the First World War through the Second World War and the Cold War to Afghanistan, with exhibitions built around personal stories from the soldiers themselves. It is Dorset's largest indoor attraction.

Tip: Allow 4-5 hours for your visit, and wear comfortable walking shoes as there is a lot of ground to cover.

The New Forest Wildlife Park sits on the edge of the New Forest near Ashurst and Lyndhurst. It specialises in animals that are or once were native to Britain, plus otters and owls from around the world. The otters are the stars, including the world's largest collection of giant otters, and you can also see wolves, a lynx and Bodie, Hampshire's only wolverine.

Tip: Parking on site is free but first come, first served, so arrive early on busy days. Put the full address into your sat nav rather than just the postcode.

Poole Museum is a maritime museum, gallery and cultural centre on the Lower High Street in Poole's Old Town. It reopened in November 2025 after a seven-year redevelopment that restored all three of its historic buildings and added three new maritime galleries. Entry is free.

Tip: Scaplen's Court Museum and Garden sits right next door and is run by the same museum service.

The Cerne Abbas Giant is an ancient figure cut into the chalk hillside above the village of Cerne Abbas. At 180ft tall, it is Britain's largest chalk hill figure and perhaps the best known.

Tip: The viewing area in the car park gives the best view; the A352 lay-by is free but offers only a limited view. Keep dogs on leads, and expect mud on the steep slope after rain.