White Horse Farm is ideally situated for anybody who wishes to explore Wessex and the surrounding area. There are literally hundreds of things to do within a reasonable distance. If you don’t want to do anything, but just soak up the atmosphere, you can do that in peace without the hustle and bustle of town/city life. You will find woodland walks, fishing, lakes, horse-riding, golf and various museums including Thomas Hardy’s cottage. For the more adventurous, you can go shooting, karting, quad biking or even Llama trekking! Below are just a taster of what Dorset and the Wessex area has on offer. for more holiday options go to our official tourism website https://www.visit-dorset.com . We have brochures and information a plenty in our Recreation Room to ensure all your favourite holiday activities are met. Golf in Dorset follow this link
Stonehenge
Walk in the footsteps of your Neolithic ancestors at Stonehenge – one of the wonders of the world and the best-known prehistoric monument in Europe. Explore the ancient landscape on foot and step inside the Neolithic Houses to discover the tools and objects of everyday Neolithic life. Visit the world-class exhibition and visitor centre with 250 ancient objects and come face to face with a 5,500 year-old man.
Minterne Magna Gardens
Tel: 01300 341370
Open beginning March until end October daily 10.00 to 6.00pm. A few miles south of White Horse Farm on the A352 a perennial favourite of our visitors. Cascades, small lakes, rare rhododendrons, great beech and oak trees.
Fleet Air Museum
Tel: 01935 840 565
Open daily except 24th, 25th, and 26th December On the B3151, just off the A303/A37 at RNAS Yeovilton, Somerset The fleet air arm museum is one of the largest aviation museums extending over 6.5 acres. Learn about flight through the ages and let the hands on equipment and interactive pods assist you on your journey. Suitable for Children.
Tank Museum
Tank Museum, Bovington Suitable for Children
Tel: 01929 405 09601929 405 096
Open all year Near Wool. The world’s finest international indoor collection of armoured fighting vehicles.
Haynes Motor Museum
Suitable for Children
Tel: 01963 440 80401963 440 804
Open daily Sparkford, Nr Yeovil, Somerset Travel through motoring history at Britain’s most spectacular international collection of historic cars.
Monkey World
Set amongst the woodland of Dorset lays 65 acres of sanctuary for over 150 primates. Monkey World was set up in 1987 by Jim and Alison Cronin to provide abused Spanish beach chimps with a permanent, stable home. Today Monkey World works in conjunction with foreign governments from all over the world to stop the illegal smuggling of apes out of Africa and Asia. At the park visitors can see more than 150 primates of 15 different species.
Tel:Â +44 (0) 1929 462537
Studland
Access to Studland is either via the chain ferry from Poole and Sandbanks, the B3351 from Corfe Castle or Swanage via the Ulwell gap. Excellent unspoilt beach and nature reserve, part of which is naturist with clear delineation signs. In the village is the attractive church of St Nicholas with views across to the Isle of Wight and the Needles.
Seatown
3m southwest of Bridport, off A35. Coastal village between cliffs, lovely pub, former fishing and smuggling centre.
Sandbanks
Dogs Allowed Blue flag award winning beach in Poole. Special dog beach, park in car park at Sandbanks Hotel and dog beach is signposted to the right.
Lyme Regis
Unspoilt seaside town hemmed in by hills. It is a narrow tangle of streets and shops leading down to the harbour with its famous Cobb, a curving stone wall made famous by the film The French Lieutenant’s Woman. Golden Cap, east of the town is one of the highest points on the south coast at 626 feet. Sandy beach with safe bathing. No dogs May to end of September.
Lulworth
9m southwest of Wareham, B3070. Beautiful natural harbour. Teashops, heritage centre etc. Huge car park, very busy at peak times. Excellent walk (although quite hard work) to the famous Durdle Door, a 40ft rock arch in the sea (should not be missed!). Dogs on lead.
Kimmeridge Bay
This bay, south of Kimmeridge via a toll road, offers unspoilt countryside, clifftop parking, beach with safe bathing watersports., walks, Clavell’s Tower, famous rocky ledges at low tide – and no commercialisation. From the A351 south of Wareham follow signposts along minor roads to Kimmeridge. Park in the Kimmeridge Bay car park. It is one of the best places in the country to go rock pooling. Dorset Wildlife Trust runs a marine centre which is open every day in summer.
https://www.visit-dorset.com/things-to-do/kimmeridge-bay-p581223
01929 481044
Eypes Mouth
Steep shingle and pebbles. Good swimming. Short walk from parking. Nr Bridport off A35. Beautiful gravel and sand beach backed by magnificent cliffs, including Golden Cap, the highest cliff on the south coast at 191m above sea level. Dogs allowed all year although access may be restricted in summer.
Durdle Door
Durdle Door and Man o’War Bay are two shingle beaches separated by the famous “door”. About 1km to the west of Lulworth Cove. The rock formation called Durdle Door, is one of the most photographed and famous parts of Dorset’s coastline. Although the beaches are popular with families, it takes a long walk to reach them and there is a steep descent down steps to arrive on the shingle, which may prove tricky for pushchairs and little legs. Care is needed when swimming as there is a steep underwater slope. Cliff-top pay-and-display, entry through caravan park. Dogs are allowed.
Chesil Beach
One of the wonders of the English coastline stretching 15 miles from Portland to Burton Bradstock near Bridport – a steeply shelving bank of pebbles.The Fleet, an inlet strip of water visible so clearly from the top of Abbotsbury Hill, was the testing place for Barnes Wallis’ Bouncing Bomb, used in the Dam Busters raid on Germany in World War II. Dogs allowed at all times.
Charmouth
3m east of Lyme Regis, A35. Hilly, coastal village with excellent cliff walks and fossil hunting. The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, right on the seafront, has regular displays and runs guided walks throughout the summer. Dogs restricted access especially in high summer.
Burton Bradstock
3m south east of Bridport, B3157 Pretty village with shingle beach, and cliff walks. Beach café open in summer months. No dogs on beach from May to September but they are allowed on the cliff walks.
Cineworld Weymouth
Tel: 01305 768 759
New Bond Street (next to Debenhams) Weymouth 9 screen cinema.
Wimborne Minster
Tel: 01202 884753
Mondays to Saturdays 9.30am to 5.30am, Sundays 2.30pm to 5.30pm but access may be restricted. 5m north of Poole. Market town dominated by twin towers of imposing Minster, the church of St Cuthburga founded in AD705, including a chained library and an astronomical clock. Priests House Museum with 10 rooms of local history and Wimborne Model Town, a delightful one-tenth scale version of the town as it was in the 50’s.
Sculpture by the Lakes
07720 637808
Nestled in 26 acres of Dorset’s glorious countryside lies Sculpture by the Lakes, an oasis for art lovers and collectors alike created by renowned sculptor Simon Gudgeon. Simon’s vision was to create an environment for enthusiasts that blends nature’s beauty with inspiring works of art free from the constraints of enclosed spaces of a traditional gallery.
Admission – £12.50 per person No Concessions, no children under 14 and no dogs allowed.
Opening Hours 10am – 5pm.
1st April – 30th September – Open Wednesday – Sunday
1st October – 31st March – Open Tuesday – Saturday
Sherborne Abbey
Suitable for Children
Tel: 01935 812452
Open daily from 8.30am and 6.00pm (summer) and 4.00pm (winter) In the centre of Sherborne Spectacular Abbey created in AD 705 when the great Diocese of Winchester was divided in two, and Aldhelm, Abbot of Malmesbury, was appointed as the first Bishop of the West Saxons
Milton Abbey, Milton Abbey School
Tel: 01258 880 215
Open all year except last Saturday in May – 10-5.30pm. (3 miles from the A354 Puddletown to Blandford road and lies within the grounds of Milton Abbey School) Medieval Abbey situated in idyllic rural location ½ mile from the thatched village of Milton Abbas that once surrounded the Abbey.
Glastonbury Abbey, Somerset
Tel: 01458 832267
Open every day except 25th December. One of the oldest religious foundations in Britain, steeped in history and legend.
Chalk Figures
Cerne Abbas Giant Cerne Abbas Giant The Giant, the 180 ft high chalk figure carved out into the steeply sloping hillside to the north of the village can best be seen from the viewpoint on the main Dorchester to Sherborne road (the A352). The origins of the Giant are a mix of fact and speculation. Some believe that he represents the Roman god, Hercules, and is over 1500 years old. However, there is no known historical record about him before 1694 and it has been argued that he is more recent and a caricature of any one of a number of possible historical figures. Whatever the truth, he is now a Scheduled Ancient Monument in the care of The National Trust. In 2007 a doughnut-brandishing Homer Simpson was painted next to the giant on the hill above Cerne Abbas, Dorset, to promote the new Simpsons film.
Sherborne Old Castle
Tel: 01935 812730
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/sherborne-old-castle/
Sherborne Old Castle
Open everyday 10am until 6pm. Described as ‘a malicious and mischievous Castle’ that Cromwell took 16 days to capture in the Civil War and then destroyed it – now a noble ruin in the midst of peaceful parkland.
Sherborne Castle
Tel: 01935 813 182
Open 1st April – 31st October. Open every day except Mondays & Fridays (but open on BH Mondays) from 11am. The castle opens on Saturday from 2:30pm. Located on New Road (B3145), off the A352, 1 mile SE of town centre. Set in magnificent parkland and home of the Digby family since 1617. Built by Sir Walter Raleigh, the castle contains a fine collection of pictures, porcelain and treasures. Many special events throughout the year including outside theatres and shows.
Portland Castle, Portland
Tel: 01305 820 539
Open April until October – 10.00am to 5.00pm. One of Henry VIII’s finest coastal fortresses. Step back through 450 years of history, with the free audio tour telling the story from Tudor stronghold, built to repel the Spanish and French to WW11 signals base and D-Day embarkation point. The castle hosts an extensive season of special events throughout the summer.
Maiden Castle
Dogs Allowed
1 mile south west of Dorchester on Maiden castle road off the B3147 (Weymouth road). This hill fort dating from 350BC, is the largest in Britain and was brutally conquered by the Romans. There are giant 60ft earth ramparts with a two-mile walk around edge. Dogs allowed on leads.
Lulworth Castle and Park
Suitable for Children
Tel: 01929 400352
Open daily from 10.30am until 6pm late March to September except Saturdays. For other times call. The Lulworth Estate, Wareham. The 17th century Castle was built as a hunting lodge and has been the seat of the Weld family since 1641. In 1929 the Castle was tragically ravaged by fire and it lay in ruins until its restoration by English Heritage. It is now full of surprises with many special events, and animal farm, riddles, games and puzzles to fascinate people of all ages No dogs allowed.
Eggardon Hill Fort
5 miles ENE of Bridport. Approached by a lane leading uphill from Askerswell. Possibly the best views of any hill fort in Dorset, across countryside and as far as the coast including Golden Cap. Free at all times. Park by roadside and follow footpath.
Corfe Castle, Wareham
Tel: 01929 481 294
Open middle of February until end of October Very impressive ruins with a history back to Roman times. This former royal castle was besieged and sacked by Parliamentary forces in 1646.
Cadbury Castle
Dogs Allowed
Tel: 01935 471279
Cadbury castle is the site of a hill fort & is a scheduled ancient monument, situated on private land. Although there is no actual castle, you can still visit the defensive earthworks and enjoy the panoramic view. Disputed to be the ancient site of King Arthur’s Camelot. There is a small car park on the southern edge of South Cadbury, nearly opposite the path to the castle. Off the A303 at Chapel Cross, 1 1/2 miles east of Sparkford Somerset. CadburyCastle
Sea-Life Park
Suitable for Children
Tel: 01305 788255
Lodmoor Country Park, Weymouth. Set in spacious landscaped grounds, the parks unique mix of indoor and outdoor attractions makes it a great day out whatever the weather.
Radipole Lake Nature Reserve
Suitable for Children
https://www.rspb.org.uk/Radipole
Tel: 01305 778313
Swannery Car Park, Weymouth. Nature haven of peace yards from busy town centre, swans, wild birds, visitor centre, walks, events. Nearby is Lodmoor Country Park and RSPB reserve.
Putlake Adventure Farm
Suitable for Children
Tel: 01929 422 917 or 01929 423 751
Open Easter until end October Langton Maltravers, Nr Swanage. on B3069. Visitors are encouraged to explore and make contact with a variety of friendly animals in a relaxed atmosphere. You can bottle feed the lambs and goats and at 4pm have a go at the hand milking. There are indoor and outdoor picnic and play areas, gift shop, tearoom, farm trail to walk, pony rides and trailer rides. 8,600 sq ft of fun under cover.
Monkey World
Open all year Between Bere Regis and Wool on the A35. You will have a great day out at this Ape Rescue Centre. It is a 40-acre park set in the Dorset countryside. The park is home to chimpanzees, orangutans, siamang gibbons, lemurs and more. There are keeper talks throughout the park at set times, children can test their skills on the fifteen stage obstacle course and enjoy the three outdoor play areas including mini motor bikes, mini boats, swings and slide.
Longleat Safari Park
Suitable for Children
Tel: 01985 844400
Safari Park open April to October Just off A36 between Bath and Salisbury. Located within a fantastic parkland setting, Longleat offers a great family day out. From lions and tigers and monkeys to giraffe, discover many of the worlds most majestic and endangered creatures as they roam within the magnificent Safari Park. Monkey World – approx 23 miles. Suitable for Children and a White Horse Farm favourite for many guests.
KMC Gardens
Suitable for Children
Tel: 01305 215 0030
Open from end of March until end October Signposted off the A35 just before Dorchester. Farm animal park with various commercial and rare breeds for children to see and touch, plus walled Edwardian gardens, 35 acres of gardens and lawns five-acre lake with nature trail. Children can help feed some of the animals or perhaps see chicks hatching.
Heavy Horse and Animal Centre
Suitable for Children
Tel: 01202 824 040
www.dorset-heavy-horse-centre.co.uk
Open daily from 10am – 5pm. On the B3081, Verwood, Dorset. Well signposted from the village centre. The home of the Shire and the Clydesdale, Percheron, Suffolk and Ardenne. Visit them in their stables and also see them paraded throughout the day with live commentaries. They also have miniature ponies, donkeys, llamas, pygmy goats, pigs, baby lambs, trailer rides and play area. Children can also have a riding lesson at our fully licensed Equestrian Centre with qualified staff.
Ferne Animal Sanctuary
Suitable for Children, Dogs Allowed
Tel: 01460 65214
Open every day except Christmas and New Years Day. Chard, Somerset. Signposted from the A30 Free entry 51 acres of lovely Somerset countryside, over 300 animals including horses, donkeys, pigs, goats, sheep, cats, dogs, cattle, terrapins, poultry, ducks, rabbits and guinea pigs. Dogs welcome on leads. Supported solely by public donations.
Farmer Palmer’s
Suitable for Children
Tel: 01202 622022
Various opening times from April – September. 10am – 5:30pm Organford, off A25 nr Wareham Fun filled farm for children, trailer rides, feeding lambs, straw barn.
Badger & Wildlife Night Watch
Suitable for Children
Tel: 01300 345293
Old Henley Farm, Buckland Newton, Dorchester Purpose built heated hide for 12 people to watch badgers foraging for food, plus owls, foxes, rabbits. Also quad bikes, clay pigeon shooting and archery. Stay for an hour or all night. Early booking essential.
Abbotsbury Swannery
Suitable for Children
Tel: 01305 871 858
Open Easter to end October – 10.00am to 5.00pm. Swannery, Gardens & Children’s Farm Located between Weymouth and Bridport on the B3157 Over 600 free flying swans, baby swans hatch May end to June end, help feed daily 12 noon until 4pm. Children’s ugly duckling trail, shire horse and cart service.