Enjoying days out can be expensive, but there are some great attractions with FREE entry for under 5’s in Dorset. There are already lots of free things to do across the county, but if you’re looking for budget days out in Dorset, these ideas will hopefully help to save some money if you have children under 5 with you.
Abbotsbury Swannery
The world’s only managed colony of nesting mute swans can be found right here in Dorset at Abbotsbury Swannery. Under 5’s are admitted FREE, and you can visit every day between March and October between 10am – 5pm.
Read our full review of visiting Abbotsbury Swannery
There are 25 acres to discover at Abbotsbury Swanery, and a chance to see plenty of swans up close in their natural habitat.
Dorset Museum
There’s over 250 million years of history to discover at The Dorset Museum in Dorchester. There’s always something to discover with amazing exhibitions that change through the year.
Children under 15 are FREE to visit.
Highcliffe Castle
If you’re visiting Highcliffe Castle with children, you’ll find plenty for them to do. There is calendar of family events through the year, and also lots of displays and a dressing up area in the castle. Under 5’s are admitted FREE to Highcliffe Castle.
Nothe Fort
The museum of coastal defence in Dorset is also known as Nothe Fort. There’s always plenty going on for kids including the Kids Zone. They can discover what it was like during the war, and also be wowed by the large guns. There’s also the challenge of finding Warren the mouse around the museum.
Sandworld
If you’re visiting Weymouth between Easter and Halloween, then a visit to Sandworld is a great activity for the whole family. Children aged 4 and under are admitted FREE, where you can admire sand sculptures from very talented sculptors.
Each year takes on a different theme, so return visits are also well worth considering.
Sherborne Castle
Did you know Sherborne Castle was built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594? The historic house has over 400 years of English History. You can see important collections of furniture, paintings and porcelain during your visit to the castle.
Under 3’s are admitted FREE to Sherborne Castle and Gardens. There’s also a slight discount on ticket prices if you pre book them in advance online.
Swanage Railway
Children under 5 travel FREE on Swanage Railway. This is a lovely trip idea between Swanage and Corfe Castle. There is plenty of parking at Purbeck Park which is next to Norden station. Also at Purbeck Park you’ll find a play area for the children to run off some steam before boarding the train.
You can break up your journey at any time with your return ticket between Norden and Swanage, so why not stop off at one of the stations along the way. Swanage Railway is also dog friendly.
The Blue Pool
Children visiting the Blue Pool near Wareham are only £4.75 and under 5’s FREE. If you’re looking to visit the stunning colour of the pool and enjoy some walks before visiting the tea room, this is a budget day out. There’s also a children’s playground near the tearooms.
The Etches Collection
The Museum of Jurassic Marine Life, known as The Etches collection is located at Kimmeridge in Dorset. You’ll discover fossils and plenty of information about the marine life of Jurassic Dorset.