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Top Ten Things to do
Fun filled family days out and amazing things to do in Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch!
1. Monkey World
Set amongst the woodland of Dorset lays 65 acres of sanctuary for over 150 primates. Monkey World was set up in 1987 by Jim and Alison Cronin to provide abused Spanish beach chimps with a permanent, stable home.
Today Monkey World works in conjunction with foreign governments from all over the world to stop the illegal smuggling of apes out of Africa and Asia. At the park visitors can see more than 150 primates of 15 different species in relaxed surroundings giving the monkeys happiness and freedom that they would have otherwise not experienced.
Monkey World offers families both an educational and extremely exciting day out. With an Adventure Play area, picnic area, themed & seasonal events, Monkey World is definitely top of our list for a fantastic family day. Just be careful not to leave Dad behind!
2. Moors Valley - Go Ape
Continuing the monkey theme, here at BournemouthTown.co.uk, Go Ape! is an extreme high wire forest adventure, not for the faint hearted. Strapped into a harness, participants traverse from tree to tree just below the canopy and negotiate rope bridges, scramble nets, Tarzan swings and zip slides. Go Ape! and enjoy 2+hours of adrenaline-fuelled fun, laughter and adventure.
Moors Valley offers lots of other attractions for families from the Steam Railway to walks & cycling, golf, wildlife and much much more.
3. Adventure Wonderland
Adventure Wonderland is brimming with your favourite themes and characters, making it Dorset's Number 1 Theme Park for boys and girls alike.
So if you're a would-be Pirate, an intrepid Explorer, a Mad Hatter or just a plain old fashioned Fun Lover, then you and your family have got a real treat in store! At Adventure Wonderland there is something for everyone. Seasonal events, theatre groups, rides, baby soft play area, gift shop etc.
4. Christchurch Ski & Leisure Centre
Offers a fun packed afternoon or evening for all the family. Whether you are looking for a course of ski or snowboarding lessons or just a taster, then Snowtrax has it all. Try the Ringos or Bobbing for something a little different! Christchurch Ski and Leisure Centre offers the perfect venue for a party with a difference or for a corporate day out with a difference! Private venue hire is also available.
5. Oceanarium
Explore the secrets of the ocean in an adventure that will take you to some of the world's most amazing waters. The Oceanarium at Pier Approach Bournemouth brings you face to face with marine life from the furthest reaches of the globe -more than just an aquarium, a vibrant experience through the oasis of water.
The Oceanarium is a fully interactive experience with touch screen games, feeding demonstrations and talks, plasma screen documentaries, walk-through underwater tunnel and exhibits to help you discover more about this fascinating underwater world.
6. Splashdown
Splashdown is the South's Ultimate Waterpark. In winter there is a choice of 8 fantastic rides. Each one with its own twists and turns generating a real buzz for the rider and loads of laughs, thrills and spills for all. Later in the year the outside comes alive, first the Mississippi Drifter makes it way outside and into the Grand Canyon and then when summer starts, there are more great rides; The Screamer - yeh, it will make you scream! The Tennessee Twister and the Louisiana Leap - sorry Mum and Dad, strictly for the under-12s.
7. Brownsea Island
Brownsea Island is dramatically located in Poole Harbour, offering spectacular views across to Studland, Old Harry Rocks and the Purbeck Hills. It offers a peaceful, natural setting - ideal for walks, picnics and exploring. The island is home to nationally and internationally important wildlife, including rare red squirrels. Natural habitats include pinewoods, heathland, shoreline and lagoon - where breeding and overwintering birds collect. The island has a fascinating and varied history, including use as a daffodil farm, pottery works and a decoy to protect Poole in the Second World War. Robert Baden-Powell held the first experimental scout camp here in 1907 and the island is now known worldwide as the birthplace of Scouting and Guiding.
Today Brownsea Island has many different activities all year round including open theatre groups, family activity days, wildlife walks and much more.
8. Farmer Palmer's
Set on the outskirts of Poole, Farmer Palmer's offers a superb afternoon for families with younger children. Whether it be feeding the lambs or piglets, or meeting the other animals, Farmer Palmer's is a great way to bring the countryside to young children.
With a variety of different play zones, walks & tractor rides, you really get a taste of life down on the farm
9. Compton Acres
Compton Acres invites you to escape to a different world at the South's largest privately owned Gardens.
As well as its beautiful ten acres of gardens, there are exciting shopping opportunities, restaurants, a delicatessen, regular events and, with further all-weather facilities planned for the near future. Compton Acres in Poole is fast becoming one of the most visited and prestigious attractions on the South Coast. With the recently launched Kid's Club, Compton Acres offers hours of interest for all the family.
10. Bournemouth Eye
Not one for the weak hearted! The Bournemouth Eye, Bournemouth's Highest attraction, is a spherical helium-filled balloon with an enclosed gondola that carries 25-30 passengers.
Tethered by a high tensile steel cable, the balloon lifts to a height of 500 feet while providing a panoramic view of the English Channel and surrounding area (over 20 miles) from the highest public observation point in Bournemouth.
For fantastic views across the Dorset countryside and along the Jurassic Coast!
Written by Felicity Mead
