{"id":319,"date":"2019-02-14T17:00:37","date_gmt":"2019-02-14T17:00:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/?p=319"},"modified":"2022-02-17T16:27:16","modified_gmt":"2022-02-17T16:27:16","slug":"family-friendly-dorset-attractions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/family-friendly-dorset-attractions\/","title":{"rendered":"Follow in the Footsteps of the Famous Five | Family Days out in Dorset"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"blog-post-featured-text\">\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2956\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/02\/famous5-1.jpg\" alt=\"Famous 5\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #2eb16b\">Discover family days out in Dorset. From idyllic beaches to picture-perfect villages, steam trains and a hilltop castle, Enid Blyton\u2019s adventures come alive in gorgeous Dorset\u2026\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Dorset is synonymous with the Famous Five. Although Enid Blyton didn\u2019t mention the county in her books, she was a frequent visitor to Dorset, even buying the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.purbeckgolf.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Isle of Purbeck Golf Club<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Its drowsy villages and secret coves provided the perfect setting for innocent outdoorsy adventures fuelled by hard-boiled eggs and lashings of ginger beer.\u00a0\u2018My imagination,\u2019 Enid wrote, \u201ccontains all the things I have ever seen or heard, things my conscious mind has long forgotten\u2026 I don\u2019t think that I use anything I have not seen or experienced. I don\u2019t think I could.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re a Blyton bookworm, young or old, Dorset is the perfect place to recreate a little nostalgic adventure.<\/p>\n<p>Why not book a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/uk-dorset.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dorset cottage<\/a>\u00a0and enjoy an intriguing break of your own? Exploring the sites with abundant picnics of potted meat sandwiches and fruit cake, inspired by the books.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Follow in the Footsteps of the Famous Five | Family Days out in Dorset<\/h2>\n<p>Use the quick links to navigate to a particular attraction or read on for our full guide to family days out in Dorset.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#purbeck\">Isle of Purbeck<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#castle\">Corfe Castle<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#railway\">Swanage Railway<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#cove\">Lulworth Cove<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#moor\">Hartland Moor<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#island\">Brownsea Island<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#bluepool\">Blue Pool, Furzebrook<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><a name=\"purbeck\"><\/a>Isle of Purbeck<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2967\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/02\/Isle-of-Purbeck_.jpg\" alt=\"Isle of Purbeck - family days out in Dorset\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The Famous Five solve mysteries in idyllic surroundings. They come alive in the timeless villages, dusty lanes, lush countryside, picture-perfect farms, and unspoilt coastline of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visit-dorset.com\/explore\/areas-to-visit\/purbeck\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Isle of Purbeck<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Blyton loved this landscape where her characters\u00a0\u2018watch waves break into spray over rocks\u2019, \u2018lie on heathery beds listening to sounds of the night\u2019 and \u2018smell the drifting scent of honeysuckle\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>The Isle of Purbeck is a peninsula located in South Dorset. Home to some of the country\u2019s most loved towns and iconic landmarks.<\/p>\n<p>Whatever time of year you visit you\u2019ll find plenty of activities to keep the whole family happy. Explore the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">South West Coast Path<\/a>, hunt for fossils or just sit back and relax enjoying views of the Jurassic Coast. It\u2019s easy to see why it\u2019s one of our favourite family days out in Dorset.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><a name=\"castle\"><\/a>Corfe Castle<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2965\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/02\/Corfe-Castle-1.jpg\" alt=\"Corfe Castle - family days out in Dorset\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" \/><\/p>\n<p>This dramatic hilltop ruin was the inspiration for Kirrin Castle where gold was hidden in \u2018Five on a Treasure Island\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>The real castle formed an impenetrable barrier between south Purbeck and the rest of England. Originally made of wood, it was rebuilt in the 11th century by William the Conqueror. It continued to be used for 600 years by monarchs and their constables, until it was sold by Elizabeth I to her dancing master.<\/p>\n<p>Eventually besieged and destroyed by Parliamentary forces in the Civil War, it\u2019s now a deceptively peaceful site managed by the National Trust.<\/p>\n<p>Pack up the kids and discover <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nationaltrust.org.uk\/corfe-castle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Corfe Castle<\/a> this half term. There are plenty of things to do, including a new family trail that explores Bankes Estate, a teddy bear zip wire and a craft tent allowing your little ones to get creative. \u00a0A not-to-be missed family day out in Dorset.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><a name=\"railway\"><\/a>Swanage Railway<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_325\" style=\"width: 650px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-325\" class=\"wp-image-325 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/02\/corfestation.jpg\" alt=\"Corfe Castle Station\" width=\"640\" height=\"453\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/02\/corfestation.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/02\/corfestation-300x212.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-325\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image: Richard Pope<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Enid Blyton arrived by steam train in 1941 to visit Corfe Castle on its majestic hill with the wonderful views. You can still retrace her atmospheric journey on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.swanagerailway.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Swanage Railway<\/a> which chugs between Swanage and Norden.<\/p>\n<p>Corfe Castle Station was built in 1885 and looks just as picturesque as it would have when the Famous Five alighted amongst the leather trunks, porters, and Ladies\u2019 Waiting Room with its coal fire.<\/p>\n<p>Even if you choose not to board the train, the station is worth exploring. With fascinating archive films to watch in the cinema coach and its Station Master\u2019s lounge restored to the 1950s. As well as a well-stocked shop with plenty of souvenirs.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><a name=\"cove\"><\/a>Lulworth Cove<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2972\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/02\/Lulworth-Cove.jpg\" alt=\"Lulworth Cove\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Lulworth Cove\u2019s curve of white pebble beach and azure water is likely to be the Famous Five\u2019s Kirrin Bay. The \u201clittle cove not far off where they could bathe and paddle to their hearts\u2019 content\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>The Cove is a popular place to visit and a great family day out in Dorset. Explore the rock pools teeming with sea creatures or take a short walk along the coast path to Stair Hole. A naturally formed landmark from years of coastal erosion.<\/p>\n<p>For the adventurous type, take a boat trip from the World Heritage site of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visit-dorset.com\/listing\/lulworth-cove\/80726301\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lulworth Cove<\/a> to the iconic arch of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visit-dorset.com\/listing\/durdle-door\/126276301\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Durdle Door<\/a>. Meander the coastline, passing Stair Hole, Man O\u2019War and St Oswalds Bay. You may be lucky enough to spot a basking shark or dolphin on the way!<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><a name=\"moor\"><\/a>Hartland Moor<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_2970\" style=\"width: 650px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2970\" class=\"wp-image-2970 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/02\/hartlandmoor-1024x448-1.jpg\" alt=\"Hartland Moor\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-2970\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image: National Trust<\/p><\/div>\n<p>This lowland heath between Corfe and Stoborough, which is manged by the National Trust, stars in the 1954 \u2018Five Go to Mystery Moor\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>It is a stunning nature reserve to visit for its seclusion and peace, as well as lovely views and rare plants. It\u2019s not nearly as sinister as it sounds when the Five camped out, and if mist descends, you\u2019re more likely to bump into Ruby Red cattle than the menacing ne\u2019er-do-wells who captured George and Anne.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><a name=\"island\"><\/a>Brownsea Island<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_2961\" style=\"width: 650px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2961\" class=\"wp-image-2961 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/02\/brownseaisland-1024x576-1.jpg\" alt=\"Brownsea Island\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-2961\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image: National Trust<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Catch the ferry from Poole to \u2018Whispering Island\u2019. In \u2018Five Have a Mystery to Solve\u2019 the Famous Five were washed ashore in a rowing boat called Adventure. They discovered an iron door down an old well eventually leading to a room full of treasure. It\u2019s no wonder Blyton called it \u2018Keepaway Island\u2019 and associated it with mystery.<\/p>\n<p>The island was owned from 1927 to 1962 by Mary Bonham-Christie, the \u2018Demon of Brownsea\u2019, who evicted the residents and banned visitors.<\/p>\n<p>Nature has now reclaimed <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nationaltrust.org.uk\/brownsea-island\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Brownsea Island<\/a>. And the \u2018treasure\u2019 you\u2019ll find on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nationaltrust.org.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Trust<\/a> managed isle is more likely to be red squirrels and other abundant wildlife which have made the woodland, heath, and lagoon their home.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s a fine place for a picnic with lots of outdoor family-friendly adventures and history to explore.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><a name=\"bluepool\"><\/a>Blue Pool, Furzebrook<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_2960\" style=\"width: 650px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2960\" class=\"wp-image-2960 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/02\/bluepool-1.jpg\" alt=\"Bluepool\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-2960\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image: The Blue Pool Tea House\/Amy Dillon<\/p><\/div>\n<p>This is the \u2018enormous blue lake that glittered in the August sunshine\u2019 in \u2018Five Go Off in a Caravan\u2019 and also featured in \u2018Five Go to Mystery Moor\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>Once a clay pit, it\u2019s been reclaimed by nature. You can walk around the lake and admire it\u2019s stunning colours, varying from green to turquoise. This is due to the fine clay which diffracts light in the water.<\/p>\n<p>Sandy paths lead you up steps to views of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nationaltrust.org.uk\/corfe-castle\/features\/the-purbeck-hills\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Purbeck Hills<\/a> or down to the water\u2019s edge. The seasonal <a href=\"https:\/\/bluepooltearooms.co.uk\/the-blue-pool-nature-reserve-tearooms-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tearooms<\/a> serve yummy cream teas &#8211; a perfect family day out in Dorset.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Holidays in Dorset<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2958\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/02\/Poppy-Cottage-1.jpg\" alt=\"Poppy Cottage\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Helpful Holidays have a plethora of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/uk-dorset.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dorset cottages<\/a>\u00a0waiting to welcome you to the Famous Five county.<\/p>\n<p>Many of them, like pretty\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/cottage\/DorsetSomerset-Charlton-Marshall\/Poppy-Cottage-976077.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Poppy Cottage<\/a>, would be right at home in the pages of Enid Blyton\u2019s books. Please call us on 01647 433593 for more recommendations, we\u2019ll be pleased to help you find the perfect base to enjoy family days out in Dorset.<\/p>\n<p>We hope to meet you cycling or walking the hedgerow lanes. Don\u2019t forget your greaseproof-paper-wrapped parcel of sandwiches and a bottle of pop!<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/uk-dorset.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><button style=\"padding: 10px 30px;border-radius: 4px;background-color: #2eb16b;color: #ffffff\">Book your Dorset cottage<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n<p><em>(Psstt\u2026 have a rummage in your bookshelves and you may strike lucky. Some early editions of the Famous Five are now worth over \u00a32,000.)<\/em><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<div class=\"blog-post-body\">\n<p><small>Article adapted from original content written by Christine Phillips for Helpful Holidays.<\/small><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover family days out in Dorset. From idyllic beaches to picture-perfect villages, steam trains and a hilltop castle, Enid Blyton\u2019s adventures come alive in gorgeous Dorset\u2026\u00a0 Dorset is synonymous with the Famous Five. Although Enid Blyton didn\u2019t mention the county in her books, she was a frequent visitor to Dorset, even buying the Isle of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":55,"featured_media":2974,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[825],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-319","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-family-friendly","location-dorset"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/319","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/55"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=319"}],"version-history":[{"count":34,"href":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/319\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2953,"href":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/319\/revisions\/2953"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2974"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=319"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=319"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helpfulholidays.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=319"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}