family friendly walks in Dorset
- family-friendly
- holidays
Dorset is an area that is perfect for families who love the great outdoors.
Known for its stunning coastline, charming villages and countryside, Dorset offers a range of walking routes that are perfect for all ages, from coastal paths to woodland trails. Whether you’re pushing a buggy, walking with little legs in tow or just looking for a relaxed family day out. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite family friendly walks to help you make the most of your time together as you stay with us at Wareham Forest.
Durdle Door
distance: 2 miles
duration: 1 hour
Probably one of the most photographed and iconic landmarks in Dorset, Durdle Door is definitely worth a visit when you’re next visiting. It’s dramatic naturally formed limestone arch is easily accessible with a small decent down a gravel path until you reach stairs that can take you down to the beach. The walk itself only takes an hour there and back but you can spend as much time as you like on the beach or venturing further along the coastal path if you’d prefer. The walk back to the car park is relatively steep but definitely do-able for all ages.
Old Harry Rocks
distance: 4 miles
duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
This large chalk formation is known as Old Harry Rocks but Old Harry is actually just the furthest single stack of chalk that you can see from the edge of the cliff. The 4 mile loop is easy to follow and loops around the headland of this area of the Jurassic Coast. During the spring and summer months you can enjoy the wildflowers that cover the grasslands and even pop down to South Beach for a dip in the sea after your walk as this is where you can start the walk. The walk can even be made shorter if needed by turning around and going the way you came once you reach Old Harry Rocks.
Portland Bill Lighthouse
distance: 2 miles
duration: 1 hours
A shorter walk to do but a great one if you are wanting to see some lighthouses whilst you’re on the south coast. By following this walking trail you will be able to see both lighthouses from the very start. As you complete the route you will end up at Portland Bill Lighthouse that was built between 1903 and 1906 and is now a fully automatic lighthouse that is still in use. The other lighthouse is the Old Lower Lighthouse which is one of the top bird observatories in the country which opened in 1961.
Fossil Forest
distance: 2 miles
duration: 1 hours
Another walking route that takes you along the coast path, from here you will be able to explore the cove and the infamous Fossil Forest which has rocks that range from 60 – 150 million years old. If you are interested in the history of the Jurassic Coast whilst you’re in Dorset, enjoying a small walk to see some fossils could be a great way to learn more. As well as this walk, you can explore Lulworth Cove and the small village with plenty places to eat, buy ice creams and relax before heading back to the car park.
Moors Valley Country Park & Forest
distance: up to 5 miles
duration: up to 3 hours
Moors Valley Country Park & Forest is an award winning attraction offering plenty of outdoor activities for the whole family. Whether you want to test your skills on the Go Ape course, or you just want to explore the forest on the walking and cycling routes, it is easy to spend the whole day here. Of course you can walk wherever you like in the forest but there are also a range of routes that vary from 1-5 miles in distance with easy to follow waymarks.