Our top attractions in Dorset and Hampshire
f0114d2c-734c-4233-aad3-73a294929d55
In the south of England the neighbouring counties of Dorset and Hampshire offer lots to satisfy the curious tourist. From heritage and history to unforgettable views and rare animals, there's plenty for the whole family to enjoy.
Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth, Hampshire
Portsmouth’s 170 metre landmark tower comes with a view guarantee. If you can’t see all three Solent forts on the day you visit, you can go again for free. There are three 350 degree viewing decks, a café in the clouds, 105 metres above sea level, and a Waterfront Café at ground level.
Cost: £8.95 (adults, £6.95 children aged 3-15).
T: 023 9285 7520
W: spinnakertower.co.uk
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Hampshire
The home of the Royal Navy has a new Mary Rose Museum, as of 31 May 2013. HMS Victory, the world’s oldest commissioned warship, is here. So is HMS Warrior – the first iron-hulled warship to use steam power. There are plenty of activities: one of the highest climbing towers in Europe, a Laser Quest, and interactive exhibits. We think you’re going to need more than a day here – maybe even a whole week!
Our tip: Great as it is, a good way to see the Historic Dockyard is to leave it – as ferries depart for France, Spain and the Isle of Wight you get an incredible view of the docks, from your elevated position on deck.
Cost: Historic Dockyard £26, or family ticket £72.
Hardy’s Cottage, Higher Bockhampton, Dorset
Thomas Hardy’s birthplace, the cob and thatch cottage at Higher Bockhampton, is also where he wrote his early novels. You can go inside five days a week in season (check the website). From the car park it is a 15-minute walk to the cottage via bridlepath or through woodland. Hardy was born here in 1840, the cottage built by his grandfather and little altered since the family left.
Our tip: Don’t just go there, read Under The Greenwood Tree to get yourself in the mood, and plan to explore the beautiful walks in Thorncombe Woods too, returning to the Cottage via a rhododendron walk.
Cost: £6.50 per person
W: nationaltrust.org.uk/hardys-cottage
Corfe Castle, Dorset
This thousand-year-old royal castle is a survivor of the English Civil War, partially demolished in 1646 by the Parliamentarians. A walk up to the castle ruins rewards you with breath-taking views across Purbeck. Children will enjoy running between fallen walls and exploring secret places, spotting the 'murder holes' and counting the arrow loops. Facilities include a car park, shop and tea room.
Cost: £8.50
W: nationaltrust.org.uk/corfe-castle
Brownsea Island, Poole, Dorset
Poole Harbour is one of the biggest natural harbours in the world, and this island is in the middle of it. Catch a ferry there and you’ll find yourself in a quite magical place, with peacocks, red squirrels, remote forested nature reserves and loads of scouts and guides (Lord Baden Powell started the scouting movement here). Amazing bird life, fascinating history, a lovely National Trust tea room and lots to explore including a climbing trail. The beaches are small but the need to take a ferry keeps them quiet. Unmissable.
Beaulieu National Motor Museum, Hampshire
A brilliant day out in the New Forest National Park; actually a brilliant several days if you plan to see it all. The museum is home to a stunning collection of cars, including the world’s largest collection of James Bond vehicles. The Palace House and historic Beaulieu Abbey are also amazing places to explore. The village itself is beautiful and on a sunny day why not enjoy an ice cream by the glistening river.
Cost: £20 (£52.50 family ticket)
T: 01590 612345
W: beaulieu.co.uk
Monkey World, Wareham, Dorset
This ape rescue centre near Wareham is the real deal – well cared for animals and plenty to see. Learn the sometimes heart-breaking stories of the monkeys in their care (there are 240 primates). Many of them are victims of a legal but not always humane pet trade in Britain. It’s a fundraising and campaigning organisation, but with plenty to amuse even the youngest children.
Cost: £11.25 (family £35)
T: 01929 401005
W: monkeyworld.org
Bovington Tank Museum, Dorset
Absolutely unmissable for any petrolheads in your life. Here is the best display of tanks in the world, with more than 200 on display. There’s also an exhibition on the Royal Armoured Corps and their experiences in Afghanistan, and a Trench Experience telling the story of one WWI soldier and how the tank was invented.
Cost: £12.50 (family tickets £28-£33)
T: 01929 462359
W: tankmuseum.org
|
|
|
|
Find Claire on Google+
Recent Updates
Caravan showers: all you need to know
In this guide, we’ll discuss the different types of showers, how they work, and how to fit an external shower point to your caravan ...
Caravan towing: all you need to know
Towing a caravan may seem daunting initially, but a few simple tips can make the journey enjoyable and ...
All you need to know about towbars & towballs
Flange, detachable, swan neck, retractable – towbar technology choice is bewildering. Don’t worry. We’ll ...
Caravan WiFi: everything you need to know
Caravan holidays are the ultimate way of getting away from it all, although we sometimes need a link to the ...
Caravan insurance: all you need to know
Navigating the world of caravan insurance can feel like a daunting task. Fear not, as this comprehensive ...
Buying a caravan: what you need to know
Let us guide you through some of the complicated things to think about when first looking at buying a ...
Caravan awnings: a buyers' guide
Caravan awnings are a fantastic addition to any caravan as they are one of the simplest, quickest and most ...
Caravan electrics: avoid tripping out
All caravan owners have overloaded their mains supply at some time. Here’s how to master caravan electrics ...
Caravan heating systems: a quick guide to caravanning warmth
When winter is here, you’ll be glad of a decent caravan heating system if you’re out touring. Here’s how the ...
Caravan damp: a complete guide
There's little more guaranteed to strike fear into the heart of a caravan owner than the word 'damp'. But if ...
Other Articles
Caravan jockey wheels: the definitive guide
A well-functioning caravan jockey wheel can make all the difference to manoeuvring away from the towcar, especially if you don't have a caravan mover ...
Caravan cooking recipes
Caravan cookery inspirational ideas. No need to stress out in the kitchen with these quick and easy ...
Caravan bike racks: a complete guide
Exploring the beautiful surroundings while on a caravan trip is undeniably one of the greatest joys of the ...
Caravan solar panels: all you need to know
Whether you dream of roaming off-grid or just fancy reducing your carbon footprint, fitting solar panels to ...
The ultimate guide to caravan layouts
Choosing the right layout or floorplan of your caravan is an all-important part of the buying process – find ...
A guide to seasonal caravan pitches
Our in-depth guide to finding and securing seasonal caravan pitches on your favourite campsite ...
Caravan weights and payloads: a quick guide
The terminology of caravan weight – MIRO, MTPLM, noseweight, kerbweight, payload, weight plate upgrade – is ...
The ultimate guide to caravan motor movers
Caravan motor movers: everything you need to know about remote control caravan manoeuvring ...
Caravan cleaning: All you need to know
Whether you’re taking the caravan out for the first time or it’s just in need of a spruce up, our guide will ...
18 essential items for camping with your dog
Camping is for the whole family – including our four-legged members. Here's what you'll need to keep your dog ...