THINGS SEE & TO DO
Wantsley Cottage is nestled in the beautiful West Dorset countryside and is surrounded by an enormous amount of things to see and do. Below we have listed just some of the things to keep you entertained during your stay with us. Whether you're having a short romantic break or a family holiday with the children, you're sure to be kept busy. Or of course you can just sit back and take it easy :)
SEAL'S COVE
ADVENTURE
Great climbing walls (beginners to advanced) and large soft play area, all just down the road in Bridport. Also has cafe with top cakes :)
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WEST BAY
HARBOUR
West Bay is our local fishing harbour and beach spot. Home to Rise restaurant and the delicious Rachael's shack, it's well worth a visit whether for swimming, walking, or eating seafood!
FURLEIGH ESTATE
FINE WINE TASTING
If you love wine then do try to fit in a visit to our local vineyard at Furleigh Estate, just ten minutes away by car. They have organised tours and tastings through the season.
FOSSILS
GALORE
Wantsley Cottage sits on a unique strata of sediment, this ammonite was found (among many others) in the garden. The more avid fossickers will find myriad fossils all along the Jurassic Coast
FLEET AIRARM
MUSEUM
If you're into planes and military history then this is for you. Good selection of exhibits and numerous flying things. Air Show once a year.
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PORTLAND
BILL
Just along the coast at the end of Chesil Beach lies Portland Bill with its iconic lighthouse and the famous Pulpit Rock. Grab some great food at the Crab Shack on your way home.
SEA LIFE
WEYMOUTH
Well worth a visit with the kids, Sea Life in Weymouth has a host of great sea creatures to oggle at as well as an excellent kids play area. It's also next door to Pirate Golf (lucky you!)
AERIAL
SILKS
Charlie teaches Aerial Silks classes in groups and as one to ones in her aerial studio here at Wantsley Farm. Greta for both fitness and an adrenalin rush!
DORSET
ADVENTURE PARK
Dorset Adventure Park, near Corfe Castle, has two lakes dotted with inflatables and a mud trail challenge. Our two boys absolutely love it.
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SCULPTURE
BY THE LAKES
Some beautiful contemporary
sculpture set in lovely gardens with a good cafe. You can rent a lakeside cabin for tea, dinner or picnics.
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SKATE PARK
BEAMINSTER
Our youngest spends countless hours here, it's a good park and is situated in the playing fields just off the main road into the town (on the left).
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THE JURASSIC
COAST
Just 20 minutes from the cottage, the beautiful Jurassic Coast has myriad beaches to explore and is dotted with seaside towns full of things to see and do and with lots of great places serving delicious sea food.
GOLF
BY THE SEA
With possibly the most beautiful views you could get from a golf course, the Bridport and West Country Golf Club
has a splendid 18 hole course and is open to visitors as well as members.
COASTAL
BOAT RIDES
Take a Rib charter from West Bay to visit Lyme Regis or just for the thrill of the ride and fabulous views of the coastline.
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ABBOTSBURY GARDENS
The stunning tropical gardens and nearby swannery are well worth a visit if you're head that way. There's also a kids farm with a ball pit and other activities.
CORFE
CASTLE
Corfe Castle is without doubt the most beautiful castle ruin on the south coast and makes a great day trip along with Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door and Dorset Water Parks if you're feeling brave. Corfe Information.
BICYCLE
TRIPS
Explore West Dorset on your bike! There are lots of hills to keep you fit as well as organised cycle tours, check out the link below for more information.
BRIDPORT
MARKET
Every Wednesday and Saturday Bridport's South Street is transformed into a bustling market full of antiques, food and endlessly fascinating bric-a-brac. Well worth a visit, you never know what you might find.
PADDLE
BOARDING
Bay Paddle Boards in West Bay has boards to rent as well as providing lessons. If you can get to the water at sunrise it's magical.
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HISTORIC
LYME REGIS
Lyme Regis is just a twenty minutes away and well worth a visit. Home to the famous Cobb pier, the town is full of interesting shops and great places to eat. Go mackerel fishing from the harbour and take a dip in Lyme Bay.
JURASSIC FUN PARK
BOWLING
Based in a campsite just down from West Bay there's a six lane bowling alley and pool with a fun water splash area for kids.
WALKING &
HIKING
From the Wessex Way, which you can walk to from the cottage, to the South Coast Path, this area of Dorset has a stunning array of beautiful walks, from a gentle stroll to a full day's yomp!
MACKREL
FISHING
Harry May has been running mackerel fishing trips from Lyme Regis for eons. You'll be bound to return with a haul of beautiful fresh mackerel for supper.
DURDLE DOOR
Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove are just two of the many stunning coastal destinations within a day trip from Wantsley Cottage. Take a picnic and explore Dorset's best destinations.
GO APE
HALDON
If you've never 'gone ape' then you have to give it a go. Book ahead and go early for the best experience. You can also rent bikes and ride stunning trails in the forest.
HORSE
RIDING
Explore Dorset's beautiful countryside and Jurassic Coast on horseback. From hacking to day trips, Bidlake Riding Stables will give you a day top remember.
RIVER BOAT
HIRE
Take a relaxing trip in a row boat up the river Brit from West Bay and come back for a feast at Rise or sit on the sea wall with some fresh fish & chips.
COASTEERING
PORTLAND
Previous guests have raved about coasteering round Portland. Try the link below to check out one of the local operators.
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