Half-term is the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time with the family – but where to go?

In Bournemouth we are spoiled for choice when it comes to beach days and interesting walks, a great option when the weather is good.

For rainy days, or just for something a little different, we’ve turned to Tripadvisor to find out some of the best rated attractions according to the people who have visited them.


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Five of the best family attractions in Dorset

Brownsea Island

Bournemouth Echo: Brownsea Island is home to the rare red squirrel. Picture: TripadvisorBrownsea Island is home to the rare red squirrel. Picture: Tripadvisor

Where: Poole Harbour

Rating: 4.5/5

About: Owned by the National Trust, Brownsea Island is home to thriving natural habitats creating a unique haven for wildlife, such as the rare red squirrel. You can even spend a night under the stars when all other visitors have gone home. The perfect day's adventure - it's easy to get to but feels like another world from the moment you step ashore.

To read the reviews, visit the Tripadvisor website.

Bournemouth Aviation Museum

Bournemouth Echo: Bournemouth Aviation Museum is home to a number of aircraft. Picture:TripadvisorBournemouth Aviation Museum is home to a number of aircraft. Picture:Tripadvisor

Where: Merritown Lane, Christchurch

Rating: 4.5/5

About: Located next to Bournemouth International Airport, it features a number of aircraft, aero engines, cockpits and ground vehicles.

To read the reviews, visit the Tripadvisor website.

Swanage Railway

Bournemouth Echo: Swanage Railway originally opened in 1885. Picture: TripadvisorSwanage Railway originally opened in 1885. Picture: Tripadvisor

Where: Swanage

Rating: 4.5/5

About: The Swanage Railway is a railway branch line from near Wareham to Swanage, originally opened in 1885. Now operated as a heritage railway covering almost 10 miles with stops at Norden, Corfe Castle, Harman's Cross and Herston Halt.

To read the reviews, visit the Tripadvisor website.

Monkey World

Bournemouth Echo: Monkey World is a sanctuary to chimps, orangutans, gibbons and more. Picture: TripadvisorMonkey World is a sanctuary to chimps, orangutans, gibbons and more. Picture: Tripadvisor

Where: Longhorns, Wareham

Rating: 4.5/5

About: The 65-acre ape and monkey sanctuary and rescue centre features the largest group of chimpanzees outside of Africa, housed in four different social groups, along with three groups of orangutans, five different species of gibbon and 14 species of monkey.

Many of its animals are rescued from the black market pet trade, laboratories and from abuse as tourist photographer props.

To read the reviews, visit the Tripadvisor website.

Kingston Lacy

Bournemouth Echo: Kingston Lacy is set in rural Dorset countryside. Picture: TripadvisorKingston Lacy is set in rural Dorset countryside. Picture: Tripadvisor

Where: Near Wimborne Minster

Rating: 4.5/5

About: A lavish family home re-imagined as a Venetian Palace in the rural Dorset countryside. Promising wild fun this half term, pick up an adventure booklet and head out exploring the woods and parkland, enjoying some hands-on activities that celebrate wildlife along the way.

To read the reviews, visit the Tripadvisor website.