Whether you've lived in Dorset your whole life and want to find new free places to explore with the kids or whether you are visiting Dorset on holiday with a tight budget, we've got 4 places to visit which are fun AND free!
Unfortunately, most places you go have the potential to earn money off you so at the end of each place, we've added things which might cost you but we've also added ideas to make it free!
1. Moors Valley Country Park and Forest
Address: Ashley Heath, Ringwood BH24 2ET
This is a great place to take the kids and dog as it not only has numerous walks to explore but there are awesome parks with quirky climbing frames, tyre swings and even a large sand park making it fun for all ages. If you are up for a longer walk then why not check out the trail? You can grab a free map from the tourist centre and find each of the amazing wooden sculptures which kids can play on.
THINGS THAT WOULD COST MONEY
1. The cafe - but if you take a packed lunch and flask of coffee there's no need to. It's just convincing the kids you have something better in your lunch bag!
2. The land train - obviously running through the whole park and heard a mile away you can't escape hearing the steam train. The prices for a return for adults is £4.15 and £2.80 for kids up to the age of 15. Although if you do a single it's £2.50 for an adult and £1.80 for a child and then you could walk back or get the train back after the walk when the kids or you are tired
3. Parking - we think this is where they get you in terms of the whole day being free but if you park along a road near to Moors Valley which doesn't have any 'no parking' signs then as long as you don't mind a bit of an extra walk, it makes the entire day free!
2. Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre
Address: Portland Beach Road, Portland, Dorset, DT4 9XE
Situated at Chesil Beach, the admission to the beach and Foundation is free. You could take a picturesque walk along the beach and amazing stones whether it's summer or winter! The centre runs a number of exciting events, workshops and activities and is run by the Dorset Wildlife Trust which gives a wonderful insight into local wildlife.
THINGS THAT WOULD COST MONEY
1. The gift shop - everyone loves a good gift shop but taking a detour would save you some money unless you really want to get something and then setting a small budget to find a souvenir would help with spending.
2. Food - there are a number of yummy cafes or places to get fish and chips so if you're on a budget then taking a packed lunch would be the best thing to do!
3. TheGallery @ The Arts Museum
Address: Arts University Bournemouth, Wallisdown, POOLE, Dorset, BH12 5HH
If your looking for something that's free to do on a rainy day then this is a great choice! They showcase work by contemporary artists and designers from around the world, some of the collections also include pieces on loan from major galleries and museums.
THINGS THAT WOULD COST MONEY
1. The cafes - most places you go will have a cafe so depending on whether you fancy a cup of coffee or tea, you can spend or not spend depending on how you feel or your circumstances
4. Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve
Address: Lighthouse Road, SWANAGE, Dorset, BH19 2JL
Durslton hosts 320 acres of countryside consisting of sea-cliffs, coastal limestone downland, haymeadows, hedgerows and woodland - doesn't that sound like a great day out?
THINGS THAT WOULD COST MONEY
1. The gift shop - again like we said before, everyone loves a good gift shop but taking a detour would save you some money unless you really want to get something and then setting a small budget to find a souvenir would help with spending.
2. The cafe - you could pack a lunch and then treat yourself with a hot chocolate at the cafe making it a treat and cheaper!
Have you been to any of these places? Let us know ways you saved money!
If you're thinking of visiting Dorset, you could hire a campervan from www.happycampervan.co.uk
No comments