+44 1935 48 2000
Contact
Gift Vouchers
Book
Children Shed

Family fun

Summer Lodge and Dorset are for the whole family to enjoy.

Family experiences

Summer Lodge is for the whole family to experience and enjoy with Jurassic Coast fossil hunting for budding archaeologists, Henley Hillbillies for thrill-seeking teenagers, and the Teddy Bear Museum for the little ones.

Henley Hillbillies

Henley Hillbillies

Old Henley Farm, Dorchester, DT2 7BL

Henley Hillbillies offers a wide range of activities including quad biking, archery and clay pigeon shooting experiences. Suitable for individuals, small or large groups, activities can be customised to your needs and budget. For children, they offer junior experiences, for example, their quad biking experience is suitable for children aged 8 - 15 years old.

Distance: 12 miles
Journey time: 22 minutes

Jurassic Ridge Indoor Climbing

Indoor Climbing

Shoe Lane, Bridport DT6 3EX

Jurassic Ridge is the South West’s newest indoor climbing centre, with 80 different routes for top-rope climbing, leading and auto-belay climbing, this is guaranteed fun for beginners and avid climbers alike. Also available is a Reef Soft Play, meaning that even the younger children can explore the adventure in our safe and secure environment sectioned off specifically for children aged 0-3 years.

Distance: 11 miles
Journey time: 24 minutes

Peony flowers Background
Teddy bear museum dorset

Teddy Bear Museum

Salisbury St, Dorchester, DT1 1JU

Discover Dorset’s enchanting Teddy Bear Museum, with Edward Bear and his family of people-sized bears in Teddy Bear House. From the earliest antique teddy bears to today’s TV favourites, over 100 years of teddy bears from all over the world are displayed within the museum. Just be warned – you’ll want to take them all home!

Distance: 13 miles
Journey time: 20 minutes

Adult swan with cygnet on nest, Abbotsbury, Dorset

Abbotsbury Swannery

Abbotsbury, Weymouth, DT3 4JG

Established by Benedictine Monks and now under the stewardship of the Ilchester Estates, Abbotsbury Swannery is also worth a visit – this is one of the few places in the world where one can walk amongst swans, and home to the world’s only managed colony of nesting mute swans, spread over 25 acres.

Distance: 17 miles
Journey time: 30 minutes

Standup paddler at the lake during sunset

Standup Paddle Boarding

Fun for all the family, instructor Sarah offers a range of lessons, including ones for children. She also hosts Fitness classes and holds a children's club.

Distance: 13.5 miles
Journey time: 28 minutes

Tel: + 44 (0) 7902 242207

An ammonite fossil on the beach close to Lyme Regis on Dorset's Jurassic Coast

Jurassic Coast Fossil Hunting

Coast Path, Bridport, DT6 6JU

Seatown offers a pebbly beach with views of Golden Cap, the south coast’s loftiest cliff, and good fossil-hunting potential. Stop for lunch at The Anchor Inn, a chocolate-box pub right on the beach. Its large outdoor dining area is ideal for children who want to go out and explore under the watchful eyes of their parents.

Distance: 18 miles
Journey time: 35 minutes

Corfe Castle Model Village

Corfe Castle Model Village

Corfe Castle, Wareham, BH20 5EZ

Corfe Castle Model Village features life size soldiers, a fairy garden, a fossil corner, a wildlife garden, giant games and a miniature museum. Afterwards, enjoy a ‘Famous Five’ picnic at Corfe Castle, Enid Blyton’s inspiration for Kirren Castle. Take a hamper and rug and find a grassy spot in the outer bailey or west bailey within the Castle.

Distance: 36 miles
Journey time: 49 minutes

Steam train on the Swanage Railway with Corfe Castle and hills in background

Swanage Railway

Station House, Swanage, BH19 1HB

Offering the most intensive heritage steam and diesel timetable experience than virtually any other preserved railway. Experience a unique journey through six miles of beautiful scenery passing the ruins of Corfe Castle, travelling to the blue flag beach at Swanage. You can even drive and fire a steam train with a one-hour footplate taster.

Distance: 40 miles
Journey time: 58 minutes

Culinary experiences

Explore the wealth of local producers on our doorstep.

Explore more

We are proud to be part of a number of select and exclusive hotels that share our values of outstanding service, exceptional guest experiences and generous hospitality.

©2025 Red Carnation Hotels. All Rights Reserved