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Family Days Out in North and West Dorset

Published:
13 July 2026
Time to read:
5 minute
Children playing at Golden Cap, Devon
There's plenty for the whole family to do at Golden Cap | © National Trust Images/David Levenson

Whether you're planning a day outdoors or looking for a new place to explore, north and west Dorset has plenty to keep children entertained. From woodland trails and wildlife spotting to coastal walks and hands on activities, these places offer simple ways to enjoy time together and discover more about Dorset's landscapes and history.

Golden Cap 

Golden Cap offers plenty of opportunities for family adventures, whether you're exploring the woods or heading to the coast. 

Follow the Smugglers' Trail at Stonebarrow to uncover stories of smugglers and the revenue men who pursued them. The trail includes activity sheets, brass rubbing posts and an audio story, with scenic viewpoints and picnic spots along the circular route. 

For families who enjoy walking, climb to the summit of Golden Cap, the highest point on England's south-west coast, or choose the shorter, accessible circular walk through Langdon Woods, suitable for buggies and wheelchairs. 

Children can also enjoy den building in the dedicated woodland area, while families looking for a modern treasure hunt can try geocaching across the estate using GPS coordinates to find hidden caches. 

 

Hive Beach 

Pick up a free Mini Ranger Trail from the welcome hut and discover what it's like to be a National Trust ranger. Along the way, children can enjoy wildlife spotting, fossil hunting, map reading and a range of nature-based activities. 

Hive Beach is a wonderful place to look for wildflowers, insects and coastal birds throughout the year. 

 

Hardy Monument

Step into the shoes of a young Vice-Admiral Thomas Hardy on the Mini Explorer Adventure, a waymarked family trail with nine checkpoints, brass rubbings and fun activities along the way. Visit the Hardy Monument and, on selected days you’ll be able to climb its 120 steps to enjoy breathtaking views across Dorset and beyond. 

A woman and a man with a baby carrier looking out over the Jurassic Coast from Golden Cap in Dorset, on a summer's day
Views of the Jurassic Coast from Golden Cap, Dorset | © National Trust Images/John Miller

Hardy's Cottage 

Step into the childhood home of author Thomas Hardy and discover the landscape that inspired many of his stories. Families can follow a nature remedies trail, learning how local plants and woodland were traditionally used for healing. 

After exploring the cottage, enjoy wildlife spotting in the garden or head into nearby Thorncombe Woods, where children can run, play and explore the woodland that was once Hardy's own childhood playground. 

 

Clouds Hill 

Discover the former home of T.E. Lawrence, aka Lawrence of Arabia, and try your hand at one of his favourite childhood pastimes. Families can follow a brass rubbing trail, searching for eight metal plaques hidden around the landscape, each inspired by Lawrence's life.  

Collect the rubbings as you go and create your own set to take home. 

View of surrounding countryside at the Hardy Monument, Dorset
The Hardy Monument, Dorset | © National Trust Images/Mel Peters

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