5 Free Things To Do With Kids This Summer In Dorset
1. Dig for Fossils at Lyme Regis
Just a short distance from Newlands, Lyme Regis is world-famous for fossil hunting. Known as the gateway to the Jurassic Coast, it’s the perfect place for budding paleontologists. Kids will love scouring the beach for ammonites, belemnites, and maybe even a marine reptile fossil! Make it a full day out by popping into the Lyme Regis museum, which offers free entry to children under 16. It’s both fun and educational, and just a stone’s throw from the beach.
2. Visit the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre in Charmouth
Right on your doorstep, the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre is a fantastic way to learn more about the rocks and fossils you’ll find on the local beaches. Entry to the centre is free and the team are always on hand to offer fossil-hunting advice. There are interactive exhibits, and kids can get hands-on with real fossils - perfect before or after a trip to the beach!
3. Explore Radipole Lake Nature Reserve – Weymouth
If you fancy a nature-focused day out, head to Radipole Lake in Weymouth, just under an hour’s drive away. This RSPB reserve offers accessible walking trails, wildlife-spotting hides, and loads of chances to learn about birds, insects, and plants. Keep an eye out for ducks, herons, swans, and butterflies. It’s a calm, open space where kids can run around, learn, and connect with the natural world.
4. Walk a Stretch of the South West Coast Path
The South West Coast Path runs right past Charmouth and offers some of the most jaw-dropping views in the country - and it’s totally free. Choose a family-friendly section (like Charmouth to Golden Cap or West Bay to Burton Bradstock) and enjoy clifftop views, sea air, and picnic spots galore. It’s a wonderful way to burn off energy, spot wildlife, and take in the beauty of the Jurassic Coast.
5. Picnic and Paddling at West Bay
Finish the list with a simple but much-loved family outing - West Bay, about a 20-minute drive from Newlands. With dramatic cliffs, a peaceful river walk, and a lovely pebble-and-sand beach, it’s ideal for paddling, stone-skimming, and seaside picnics. There’s plenty of space for children to run around, and the harbour views make it a beautiful spot for adults to relax too.
Where to Stay? – Newlands Holiday Park in Charmouth
Looking for the ideal summer getaway in West Dorset to enjoy all these free family-friendly adventures?
Newlands offers a wide range of self-catering accommodation in Charmouth - from cosy static caravans to modern lodges, stylish apartments, and pods. Prefer to pitch up? We also have a fantastic campsite surrounded by peaceful countryside.
With Charmouth Beach just a short walk away and Lyme Regis only a few minutes’ drive, you’ll be perfectly placed to explore the very best of the Jurassic Coast.
Enjoy our on-site facilities, including:
Whether you're a returning guest or planning your first visit, we’d love to welcome you to Newlands this summer.
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