The summer holidays have arrived and many of you will be setting off on a family break. If you're holidaying on a tight budget there are a wide range of free things to do with kids within easy reach of Newlands Holidays. Here's our guide to nearby activities in West Dorset and East Devon that will help you save the pennies!
Fossil hunting
Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre is a free to enter treasure trove of pre-historic exhibits. Situated on the beach at Charmouth, the centre provides one of the best and safest fossil hunting experiences on the Jurassic Coast. Even better, its just a convenient 20 minute walk from our Charmouth holiday park. Searching for fossils is one of the best ways to get back to nature on your holiday and dive deeper into the coastal history. The kids will love it, and its completely free!
Photo credit: euphro on Flickr
Donkey Sanctuary
The Donkey Sanctuary is a popular South Devon place to go just 25 minutes drive from Newlands. The free to visit attraction is the perfect destination for animal lovers who'll be captivated by the adorable donkeys at the sanctuary. Serving as an international animal welfare and rescue charity, the organisation does an incredible job for the quality of life of donkeys and mules. Although free to visit, the sanctuary welcomes small donations, which go along way to help donkeys worldwide.
Photo credit: Richard Gillin on Flickr
Rock pooling & sandcastle building
You can't go far wrong with a bucket and spade and a trip to the beach to explore the rock pools or build a sandcastle. And you won't have far to go from Newlands to get to nearby beaches. Head to Charmouth Beach to discover a world of interesting creatures and plants inhabiting the rock pools. Alternatively, The Cobb end of Lyme Regis beach is sandy and perfect for sandcastles and full of seaside charm. Sometimes the most fun things to do are the simplest. Our stunning Dorset beaches are one of the best and free things to do with kids near Newlands.
Fancy's farm
Fancy's Farm on Portland in Dorset is a community farm, run entirely by volunteers. A family friendly place to visit with the bonus of being free entry. Fancy's Farm is the home to the only flock of Portland Sheep on Portland. As well as this unique rare breed, there are also wallabies, goats, chickens, pigs and donkeys. The list goes on and on of cute and cuddly animals to see. The farm is dependent on kind donations from visitors, so please do give what you can to support.
Geocaching
Geocaching is an outdoor treasure hunt that's all around you, and all across the world. It's a fun recreational activity that all ages can enjoy. By using a set of GPS co-ordinates, participants then go in search of a hidden container called a geocache. Thankfully there is a geocache site not far from Newlands based at Stonebarrow Hill, near Golden Cap. This excellent location means you get to take in the stunning coastal views and combine a family walk on this National Trust site. There is a car park, shop and toilets with a small parking fee to bear in mind if you're travelling in a car. Armed with a handheld GP, that's all you need to get involved. The majority of caches will have a log book where you can leave a friendly message.
Photo credit: Pengannel on Flickr
We hope you feel inspired by these ideas for free things to with kids near Newlands in Charmouth. A reminder that there are great things to do in Dorset and Devon that are perfectly affordable, won't break the bank, yet full of fun!