There are plenty of amusement parks and theme parks in and near Dorset whichever part of the county you’re visiting.
The definition of an amusement park is a large outdoor space with fairground rides, shows and entertainment. A theme park is generally speaking an amusement park based around a particular theme.
Fantasy Island Fun Park
Bowleaze Coveway, Weymouth DT3 6PW
Located right in the heart of Bowleaze cove in Weymouth, close to the beach and South West Coastal path. Fantasy Island Fun Park offers hours of fun for the children whilst the grown ups relax and enjoy the views.
Operating on a wristband purchase, you can enjoy either 3 hours or 1.5 hours for a set price. You can expect to find traditional fun fair rides, an amusement arcade with traditional penny slot machines. There are also video games available, and indoor soft play.
When you work up an appetite, you’ll be pleased to discover plenty of options to enjoy food and drink close by as well.
Alexandra Gardens
The Esplanade, Weymouth DT4 8DL
If you enjoy the old fashioned British seaside fun of playing the slot machines and enjoying the traditional fairground rides, then a visit to Alexandra Gardens is a must if visiting Weymouth.
All the amusements are inside making it a great spot for a rainy day in Weymouth. We all know how temperamental the British weather can be!
Santa Fe Fun Park
The Pavillion, Shore Rd, Swanage BH19 1LD
Between Easter and October, you can find daily opening hours at Santa Fe Fun Park right next to the beach in Swanage. You can find entertainment such as the Shipwreck Island adventure golf which covers two floors, as well as an 18 hole Jurassic adventure golf.
As well as adventure golf, you will find a selection of fairground rides and arcade machines, as well as the Hungry Shark restaurant offering refreshments hot and cold.
Lyme Regis Amusements
Close to the beach in Lyme Regis, you’ll find Lyme Regis Amusements. There’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained from video simulation games, cane grabbers and kids rides to name a few.
Theme Parks Near Dorset
Just outside of the Dorset border into Hampshire, you will find the home of Paultons Park and Peppa Pig World, the UK’s number one theme park. If you’re visiting Dorset, it’s worth a short drive into the New Forest to visit.
Address: Ower, Romsey, The New Forest, Hampshire, SO51 6AL
Paultons Park
There are five different themed worlds inside Paultons Park including Peppa Pig World. You can also expect to find Critter Creek, Lost Kingdom, Little Africa and Tornado Springs.
Paultons Park has plenty on offer for the whole family regardless of age and thrill seeking. You can expect to find relaxing gardens to walk through, right through to waterslides and the exhilarating Cyclonator that spins you 25 metres above the ground.
Paultons Park and Peppa Pig World are more than one day out, it’s no wonder it’s the UK’s favourite family theme park.
Peppa Pig World
Situated inside Paultons Park, Peppa Pig World has nine themed rides to the popular TV show. Aimed at pre school and younger children, the park can get very busy with visitors to both parks.
The best top tip is to either visit at the beginning of the day or the end of the day to avoid the larger crowds and long wait times.
Whilst in Peppa Pig World, you can take advantage of lovely playground areas to rest, character meets that appear through the day, and the amazing penguin colony that have their home just to the side of the area.