Things to do - Dorset/Somerset

[Ki3r]

I've got a few days off next week and looking for something to do around Dorset/Somerset, maybe Wiltshire if its not too far (will be Templecombe area).

Ideally something cheap, and suitable for an 18 month child. I'm struggling to think of anything other than the beach (I live 10 minutes away so not such a big thing for me, but friend lives further away).

Any suggestions would be welcome! Also if anyone can recommend any places to go and eat (child friendly again), not too expensive either would be great .

[nick1275]

Haynes museum at sparkford is good as is the fleet air arm museum at yeovilton

[RosscoPCole]

Are you members of the National Trust? If so there is lots to do in the Dorset & Wiltshire area.

With an 18 month old places like Farmer Palmers or Honeybrook Farm are good. Abbotsbury Swannery is always worth a visit. Moors Valley is good for country walks and has a great railway.

You could always push the boat out and have a day trip to the Isle of Wight.

[Ki3r]

nick1275 said:

Haynes museum at sparkford is good as is the fleet air arm museum at yeovilton

Thanks . As much as I was love them, I don't think the person I'm going with would enjoy looking at a car museum!

RosscoPCole said:

Are you members of the National Trust? If so there is lots to do in the Dorset & Wiltshire area.

With an 18 month old places like Farmer Palmers or Honeybrook Farm are good. Abbotsbury Swannery is always worth a visit. Moors Valley is good for country walks and has a great railway.

You could always push the boat out and have a day trip to the Isle of Wight.

I forgot all about those places! Christ I live minutes away from Farmer Palmers and used to go to Moors Valley weekly with my dad!

I wasn't too impressed with the Swannery, once you had seen one you had seen them all.

Moors Valley is a good shout though, will suggest that! If anyone has any other ideas that would be great .

[Pabl0]

Adventure Wonderland

[Ki3r]

I was expecting that to be a lot more than what it is! I couldn't get the website to load, but do you have to pay for rides etc once you are in? Seems too cheap otherwise (£4ish for a child and a £1 for adults).

[RosscoPCole]

Adventure Wonderland by Bournemouth airport is OK. It is a very small park and not really much to do. Is better for children of nursery or early primary school age.
Other thoughts are a visit to Corfe Castle then a trip on the railway to Swanage for fish & chips.

[Pabl0]

Ki3r said:

I was expecting that to be a lot more than what it is! I couldn't get the website to load, but do you have to pay for rides etc once you are in? Seems too cheap otherwise (£4ish for a child and a £1 for adults).

Looks like the price you quoted are for the "Winter Wild Thing" aspect of the park. More expensive for the rest but looks like the rest is only at weekends at the moment. As a result, probably not good, unless you go on a weekend.

[Ki3r]

Ah! I'm looking at going on Friday as I need to be in Bournemouth anyway, but if that takes up the whole day (which is possible) possibly Saturday.

Swanage sounds good though, will keep that in mind!

Mentioned Moors Valley to her and she seemed to like the idea, does anyone know if any nice/cheap places to get something to eat? I know there are loads of places to eat in Christchurch so might see if she fancies going there if Moors Valley cafe isn't brilliant (years since I last went).

[IanV12]

Not sure if the open top bus is still running buts its a lovely ride from Bournemouth to Swanage through sandbanks. Monkey world is further away but really good. Poultons park a bit further away but has peppa pig world. Moors valley park has various bikes to hire

[Johnnytheboy]

Gartell light railway! My nephew loved that when he was a toddler.

Best place to eat nearby is the Ship in West Stour.

[Ki3r]

Bit of a bump.

I'm now looking for somewhere nice to eat on a Friday evening, in either Yeovil or possibly Taunton.

Can anyone recommend anywhere? It's going to be just me and the girlfriend, as I'm not rolling in money (but it is pay day when we go) somewhere not too expensive (ie two meals and a couple of drinks, desert as well maybe for £25 a person? Or am I just being really tight?).

Thanks .

[IanV12]

Look for a toby carvery and register on their website. Meal and a dessert for 6.50, then enough left for a couple of drinks each

[Ki3r]

IanV12 said:

Look for a toby carvery and register on their website. Meal and a dessert for 6.50, then enough left for a couple of drinks each

Thanks, not what I was really looking for though. Looking for a restaurant more than a pub.

Will be the first time of just the two of us and not her daughter as well, so wanting something special.

[Sticks.]

This is probably a bit far, but if not I can recommend its mix of quality food and relaxed welcome.

They do major on weddings though, so check it's not mobbed on a Friday (I've only been there duting the week).

http://www.coppleridge.com/

[k22wes]

http://www.kingsdoninn.co.uk/index.php

my local, about 8 miles from yeovil. its more of a restaurant than a pub now, good food all made from scratch.

[Johnnytheboy]

Rose and Crown in Trent, five min s drive from east edge of Yeovil.

http://www.roseandcrowntrent.co.uk/

Chef was just on Masterchef so can't be bad. We ate there the other day.

ETA though it is a pub admittedly.

The Thai place in Yeovil is excellent if that's your bag.

http://www.maleethai.co.uk/

[Ki3r]

Sticks. said:

This is probably a bit far, but if not I can recommend its mix of quality food and relaxed welcome.

They do major on weddings though, so check it's not mobbed on a Friday (I've only been there duting the week).

http://www.coppleridge.com/

Cheers . Pretty much what I was looking for. Only 20 minutes from hers as well which is good!

[Sticks.]

Ki3r said:

Cheers . Pretty much what I was looking for. Only 20 minutes from hers as well which is good!

Hope you like it. I've stayed there a few times and the food has always been good. Do check re weddings though, it wouldn't be much fun if it's noisy.

Was in here some time back, just up the road and it looked good, but only had a drink http://www.angel-inn-at-hindon.co.uk/angel-inn-men... This is opposite, but more pub, and not as posh as the website might lead you to think http://www.boisdale.co.uk/lamb-at-hindon/ Ok though.