SWANAGE RAILWAY
Take a trip back in time and visit the Steam Railway. The small station at Norden has a Park & Ride facility. The Steam train will drop you off in Swanage, a short walk through the town takes you to the beach. In 2017 the line was extended to Wareham with a limited number of trips.
FARMER PALMERS
A short drive towards Dorchester turn off left to this family run farm park with a variety of entertainment for young children where they can experience first hand, feeding of some of the animals, milking the cow etc.
There is also a café on site and the all important gift shop as you depart !
WAREHAM
Ancient town and former royal borough, the charming market town of Wareham is a veritable delight wherever you look at any time of the year. Between the rivers Frome and Piddle, the attractive gateway to the Isle of Purbeck was a major port until the Middle Ages. Now Wareham is a thriving market town, happily combining the old and the new for locals and visitors alike. Throughout the year there is a small market on Saturday on the Quay
DORCHESTER
The County town of Dorchester is forty minutes by car. It is of Roman origin with the name of Durnovaria. There are many relics of the Roman age to be seen in the County Museum, Colliton Park, the earthworks at Poundbury, Maumbury Rings and two miles west at Maiden Castle. There are associations with Hardy with a reconstruction of his study in the Museum and statue at the end of the town. A statue of William Barnes – clergyman, poet, and champion of the Dorset dialect – is in front of St. Peter’s church. The infamous Judge Jeffreys is remembered where he lodged, a picturesque half‑timbered building, now a pub and restaurant. In keeping with modern times. The main shopping area is pedestrianised. Shops include supermarkets and most of the multi‑nationals. There is a large market held in Dorchester every Wednesday from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
WEYMOUTH
A traditional seaside town perfect for families wanting sand, donkey rides, Punch and Judy and safe, shallow bathing in the sandy bay. Sightseeing and sea-fishing boat trips are available from the quay. Seaside shows are performed at the theatre and there is a Sea Life centre for additional interest. The South‑West Way coastal path runs from Weymouth west to Abbotsbury and beyond, and east through Osmington, Ringstead, Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove and on to Swanage, which has the added attraction of steam trains through to Corfe Castle, a village dominated by the Castle standing over it. The coast continues to Studland Bay with large expanses of sand and sea. Inland are the Purbeck hills with footpaths giving panoramic views over the area.
MONKEY WORLD
This is only 6 miles from the site. Much publicised on TV, this famous animal park is home to over 250 rescued and endangered monkeys and apes – in 65 acres of ideal, large surroundings.
BOVINGTON TANK MUSEUM
Near Monkey World, this Museum houses the world’s largest and finest collection of tanks and armoured vehicles from over 26 countries. The many displays are a must for the boys!
Also at Bovington is Lawrence of Arabia’s Cottage whilst his grave is at Moreton. The church at Moreton has interesting history and the windows are all clear but have most beautiful etchings. There is also a tearoom nearby.
POOLE
9 miles from the site, Poole is a working port with many interesting features. The quay provides fascinating views of shipping into the container port, the new gigantic Condor Fast CAT to the Channel Islands and cross channel ferries together with many leisure boating activities. Harbour boat trips are available and trips to Brownsea Island (National Trust) can be made – a peaceful island where red squirrels live and home to a sea bird sanctuary. There are many varied restaurants along the quay and adjacent side streets.
Tower Park on the outskirts of Poole has a large entertainment complex. Here you will find, Splashdown waterpark & swimming pool (open Tues to Sun), Bowlplex for ten pin bowling, 10 Screen Cinema complex,
children’s soft play area and a large range of restaurants. On the same site is a Supermarket & petrol station.
BOURNEMOUTH
5 miles further east, Bournemouth is a sophisticated resort with beach, shops and nightlife. The sandy beach stretches to the east and west of the central pier. Theatres run summer shows, many nightclubs and pubs provide entertainment for the night owls.
STUDLAND BEACH
The sandy stretches of Studland Beach are excellent for family bathing, with extensive sloping beaches and shallow waters safe for children. Just one small note of warning – there is a dedicated section for use by naturists towards the northern end, but there is plenty of beach left for everyone else!
Travel a little further east and you will find the chain ferry which will take you over to Sandbanks and Poole.
ARNE
The Arne Nature Reserve, owned by the RSPB, is considered one of England’s most important nature reserves. It covers around 1300 acres encompassing the three main habitats on the peninsula – estuary, heathland and woodland – and is home to the Dartford Warbler. Arne Nature Reserve is a safe environment for family walks with viewpoints offering panoramic views across Poole Harbour.
All this – and much more – makes Wareham a perfect site for a holiday in Dorset. The New Forest D.A. team look forward to your stay with them, and will do their best to make your visit a happy and memorable one.
The Curlew
