The Antiques Tourist

All Antiques, Vintage, Retro & Reclamation

within Dorset Devon & Somerset

The Swanage Emporium

1a Kings Road East , Swanage, United Kingdom

The Den

Unit 9, 11 - 15 Francis Avenue,Bournemouth, BH11 8NX

The Den loves all of your old, interesting & unwanted items. We specialise in Furniture + Glass and ceramics + Oriental Mid-century + Garden ware + Fine and Costume jewellery Vintage and retro + Watches and clocks (working or not) Or in fact anything old, interesting and unusual. Don't throw it away, contact our honest,friendly and reliable team of experts fora no-obligation quote or valuation. 

Smith's Vintage

50 High St, Swanage BH19 2NX

Arne 

RSPB Arne, Arne Rd, Wareham BH20 5BJ, 

Birds of Poole Harbour

Enefco House, 19 The Quay, Poole, BH15 1HJ 

Dulston Country Park

Address: Lighthouse Rd, Swanage BH19 2JL 

Phone: 01929 424443

Coastal Cruises Ltd

Schedule: Friday 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th May, 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th June and 4th July 2025

6.00pm departure from Poole Quay

7.00pm departure from Swanage Pier

Swanage Sea Fishing Ltd

Based in Swanage, we run sea fishing trips and sightseeing tours along the Jurassic coastline on our three charter boats: San Gina, San Gina II and Three Wishes

Wareham Boat Hire Ltd

Offering motor boats, kayaks, canoes, rowing boats, boat trips and paddle boards for hire on the beautiful River Frome from Wareham, Dorset.

The Mowlem  Theatre

Shore Road, Swanage, BH19 1DD 

The Mowlem Theatre was opened in 1967 and replaced the smaller original Victorian building which had stood for over 100 years. Situated on the sea front at Swanage at the junction of two of the main shopping streets, The Mowlem has a combined programme of typically over 200 film performances each year in addition to 60-100 nights of live theatre, comprising local schools and amateur societies as well as incoming professional productions. 

Lighthouse Theatre Poole

Centre For The Arts, 21 Kingland Rd, Poole BH15 1UG 

Lighthouse is unique in that it is the  only multi-space venue with four auditoria in the South West, and one of the largest outside London. It houses a symphonic concert hall, mid-scale theatre, small-scale studio theatre, independent cinema, art galleries, and function room spaces.  

The Rex Cinema

Tel. 01929 552 778

14 West Street, Wareham

Dorset, BH20 4JX

In 2009 the Rex was acquired by the Purbeck Film Charitable Trust and it became a not for profit, community cinema, run almost entirely by dedicated volunteers.  Many improvements have been made to the cinema since 2009, including the refurbishment of the auditorium, a new screen and surround sound system, and in 2019 a new, state of the art digital projector was purchased, offering audiences cutting edge technology.

The Bike Shop

5 Queens Road, Swanage, Dorset, England, BH19 2EQ

 01929423215

The Bike Shop. Swanage was established in 2020 with one mission: to bring a high-quality Bike Shop to the Swanage area. Our passion for excellence inspired us in the beginning and continues to drive us today. We pride ourselves on offering a superior experience and in the long-term relationships we’ve built with our customers. Pay us a visit and try for yourself!

Cyclexperience

Bike Hire including Electric

Bike hire, experiences and things to do in Dorset’s hidden gem - the Isle of Purbeck.

The Teddy  Bear Museum

Eastgate,  corner of High East St. & Salisbury St, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1JU

The Dorset Teddy Bear Museum is Dorchester's wonderful family museum, with Edward Bear and his family of people-sized bears, in Teddy Bear House. Meet all the family and enjoy the Museum's wonderful collection of teddy bears.

Tutankhamun Exhibition

The Tutankhamun Exhibition High, West Street, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1UW

A spectacular recreation of Tutankhamun's tomb and treasures. This internationally acclaimed exhibition spans time itself. Extensively featured on television throughout the world. Full school service plus specialist Egyptian shop including books.

The Dinosaur Museum

The Dinosaur Museum, Icen Way, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1EW 

The Keep

The Keep Military Museum, Barrack Road, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1RN

Open every day of the week from 10:00am-4:30pm. Last entry to the museum is at 3:30pm.

Sculpture by the Lakes

Pallington, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 8QU

No children under 14 and no Dogs of any age

Mon - Tue Closed

Wed - Sun10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Sculpture by the Lakes is home to over thirty of Simon Gudgeon's large sculptures as well as work by thirty other international sculptors

Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park

Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park, Edmondsham Road, Verwood, Dorset, BH21 5RJ 

Come along and treasure a unique experience visiting one of the very last Heavy Horse Centres left in Great Britain. Recognised as a both a multi award-winning day out and conservation farm home to the Shire, Clydesdale, Suffolk Punch, Percheron and Ardennes

Adventure Wonderland

Please check as currently closed for restructure?

Adventure Wonderland, Merritown Lane, Hurn, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 6BA

With over 30 rides and attractions at Adventure Wonderland there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Adventure Wonderland hosts special events throughout the year, including Character Days, Halloween and Christmas.

Rock Reef Zip Wire

Pier Approach, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5AA        TELEPHONE: 01202 983983

The PierZip is the world’s first pier to shore zip wire, boasting a 250 metre dual zip wire. The dual zip line means you can ride with family & friends and challenge them to race to the shore!

Launching from the Zip Tower platform 25mtrs above the sea, thrill-seekers race out and “zip surf” 250 meters over the top of the waves to land on the beach.

A truly unique and unforgettable experience and a wonderful way to experience the amazing, panoramic view of Bournemouth and its stunning coast line!

Wimborne Model Town

King Street, Wimborne Minster, Dorset BH21 1DY

Tel: 01202 881924

Opened in 1951, the 1/10th scale model buildings of our vintage miniature world continue to surprise and amaze visitors from around the globe.

With over 100 shop fronts of yesteryear, our attraction is a magnet for visitors of all ages. We offer fun for everyone with delightful gardens, tea room, shop and undercover attractions.

Mr Mulligan

BH2 Leisure

Exeter Cres, Bournemouth

BH2 5DD

Indoor Adventure golf.

Splashdown Waterparks

Splashdown Poole, Tower Park, Poole, Dorset BH12 4NY 

 An all-action waterpark.

Snowtrax

Matchams Lane, Hurn, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 6AW

01202499155

Our family friendly centre is full of exciting kids activities! Try riding the Ski Bobs or spinning down the slopes in a Ringo. Your day won’t be complete without a visit to our Alpine Adventure Park, full of trampolines, swings & a huge fort, it couldn’t be more fun!! Visit us for a unique party experience, bringing an element of excitement and adventure to any birthday party. All our slope activities are carried out under the close supervision of our qualified staff, leaving you to enjoy the day.

Explore our website to see just how much we have to offer, making a day at Snowtrax a day to remember… See you soon!

We’d like to reassure you that we currently have no concerns here at the centre.  We are regularly checking guidance from the Department of Education and Public Health and will update you if necessary

Longthorns Farm Walk with an Alpaca 

Longthorns Farm, Longthorns,Wareham, Dorset, BH20 6HH

For over 7 years we have offered alpaca walking to our campers, this is hugely popular as a taster session to explore these fabulous animals, their gentle humming to communicate with each other and us. They are inquisitive animals and love nothing more than to stroll through the woods at Longthorns Farm

Monkey World

The Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre is a 65-acre ape and monkey sanctuary and rescue centre near Wool, Dorset, England. 

Tout Hill, Longthorns, Wareham BH20 6HH

Opened: 7 August 1987

Founder: Jim Cronin

The Tank Museum

The Tank Museum is a collection of armoured fighting vehicles at Bovington Camp in Dorset, South West England. It is about 1 mile north of the village of Wool and 12 miles west of the major port of Poole. The collection traces the history of the tank. 

Linsay Rd, Bovington, Wareham BH20 6JG

Phone: 01929 405096

Royal Signals Museum

Royal Signals Museum, Blandford Camp, Dorset DT11 8RH

NOTE PHOTO ID of 16+ year olds needed to get into Museum

Telling the story of military communications from semaphore  to cyber

Sandworld

Lodmoor Country Park, Preston Beach Road, Weymouth DT4 7SX 

Sandworld is Weymouth’s first sand sculpture festival, and one of only a handful ever held in the UK. Opened in 2011 by Weymouth “Sandman” Mark Anderson, and David Hicks, an aspiring sand sculptor and good friend of Mark.

If you haven't visited us before, SandWorld is a unique gallery with a massive difference, as you get to have a go yourself, with tools and helpful staff at hand -

A MUST VISIT FOR ALL AGES !

Sea Life Weymouth

Sea Life, Country Park, Preston Beach Road, Weymouth DT4 7SX 

Discover an amazing underwater world.

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

Buller's Way, Abbotsbury,

nr Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 4LA 

VOTED HHA/CHRISTIE’S GARDEN OF THE YEAR 2012.

“One of the finest Gardens I have ever visited”

Alan Titchmarsh

Abbotsbury Swannery

Buller's Way, Abbotsbury,

nr Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 4LA 

Abbotsbury Swannery is the only place in the world where you are able to walk through the heart of a colony of nesting Mute Swans. A visit to this beautiful place is considered to be one of the best things to do in Dorset

Nothe Fort Weymouth

Nothe Fort, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UF

Welcome to Nothe Fort!

Built in 1872 to protect Weymouth and Portland harbours, Nothe Fort is now one of Weymouth’s premier tourist attractions.

Made up of three  levels, it encompasses a museum of the fort’s history, café, gift shop, and excellent 360 degree views across both harbours and the beautiful Nothe Gardens of the peninsula.

Throughout the year the fort is alive with themed events, exhibitions, and our locally acclaimed mouse hunt; ensuring fun for all the family. To find  out what we have lined up for this year, visit our Events page!

Bennetts Water Gardens

Bennetts Water Gardens, Chickerell, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 4AF

Bennetts Water Gardens is a visitor attraction in Dorset. Set over 8 acres the gardens hold the National Plant Collection® of Water Lilies with a Claude Monet style Japanese Bridge, Tropical House, Woodland Walks and Museum.

Tyneham Village⚠️

Tyneham is on the Army Ranges and are closed due to live firing. 

Check link below of when Tyneham village is open/

Lulworth Castle

Built in the C17th, this magnificent building is steeped in history. Originally built as a hunting lodge to entertain aristocracy and royalty, it was for centuries the family seat of the Weld family, the current owners of the Lulworth Estate. Ravaged by fire in 1929, it has been partly restored in a pioneering partnership with English Heritage. With extensive parkland, woodland walks, a children’s playground, the spacious grounds are yours to enjoy, walk the dog or enjoy a picnic. (Please keep dogs on leads, dogs not permitted inside the Castle). The Castle Tearoom is open for light refreshments and souvenirs.

The Castle is Open Sunday to Thursday 10.30am to 5pm (4pm in November & December)

Lulworth Castle, Chapel and grounds are CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC on SATURDAYS

Athelhampton House

Athelhampton House, Athelhampton, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 7LG

Nestled in the middle of Dorset, Athelhampton is one of the finest examples of a Tudor Manor House in England.

Over 500 years old, with its high hammer-beam roof, heraldic stained glass, and linenfold paneling the Great Hall is at the heart of the  the manor house.

Enjoy the Elizabethan style gardens, watch the fountains, relax in tranquillity by sitting a while in one of our garden seating areas.

Don't miss a visit to the kitchen garden and then try some of our produce and home-cooked food in our Restaurants

Kingston Lacy

Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 4EA

Discover Kingston Lacy, an opulent family home built to resemble a Venetian Palace.

There’s plenty to see, from spectacular artworks to beautiful landscapes. Enjoy a summer picnic on the south lawn, or let little visitors run wild in nearby play areas. Wander through the Japanese Garden to the Kitchen Garden, where Queen Victoria once sent her own gardeners for inspiration. Or explore the vast 8,500 acres of estate, featuring Iron Age hill forts, colourful heathland, water meadows and the world’s oldest pedigree herd of Red Ruby Devon cattle.

Kingston Lacy has a dynamic history. Over centuries the Bankes family built, altered, embellished and rebuilt their house. Their wealth came from extensive estates and profitable marriages, including inherited wealth from Caribbean plantations supported by the Atlantic slave trade.

William John Bankes created the house we know today. Forced into exile for homosexuality, he lived in Venice and remotely remodelled the house, as well as creating lavishly decorated interiors such as the spectacular Spanish Room. Displaying remarkable paintings by renowned artists like Rubens, Van Dyck, Titian and Brueghel, the house is a miniature ‘national gallery’ for the South West, and includes Bankes' collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts, the largest private collection in the UK.

Swanage Heritage Railway

Opened in 1885 and was closed on the 3 January 1972 .

May 1972, the Swanage Railway Society  formed this Heritage Steam Railway.

Swanage Punch & Judy

Joe Burns' Traditional Punch and Judy show is coming to Swanage Beach this summer - starting July 16th to the 31st August. 3 Shows daily, weather permitting.

Please be aware that we are not paid to set up the show on the beach, in fact we pay the council. So your contribution of £1 each is the only income we have.

Joe is the youngest performer in the world performing full time on a beach. He is proud to be performing with Mr.Punch who, this year turned 354 years old! 

Dulston Country Park

Address: Lighthouse Rd, Swanage BH19 2JL 

Phone: 01929 424443

The Country Park was established in the 1970s by Dorset County Council, and 30 years of careful management by the Ranger team have resulted in a superb site that everyone can enjoy. Durlston Castle was restored in 2011 to become a spectacular new facility for visitors to Durlston and the Jurassic Coast.

Swanage Pier Trust

Swanage Pier is open daily all year round (except Christmas Day). The shop and cafe operate seasonal hours.

Corfe Castle 

The first stone of Corfe Castle was laid more than 1,000 years ago. Since then it’s seen its fair share of battles, mysteries and plots. It’s been a treasury, military garrison, royal residence and family home.

The keep was built in the early 12th century for King Henry I, William the Conqueror’s son. It was designed to be impressive – and it certainly was. Standing 21m tall and on the top of a 55m high hill, this gleaming tower of Purbeck limestone could be seen from miles around.

Upon the death of  Henry John Ralph Bankes (1902–1981) he bequeathed the entire Bankes estate to the National Trust. The castle was the inspiration for the 1971 film Bedknobs and Broomsticks .

Corfe Castle Model Village

Courtyard cafe and tearoom.

 The Square, Corfe Castle, Wareham BH20 5EZ

Phone: 01929 481234

Corfe Castle model village is a 1/20th scale model of Corfe Castle and the village as it was in 1646.

Swanage Sailing

In May 1935 an historic meeting took place in a room above the Fruit and Vegetable Shop of Mr. James Day in Institute Road. From this beginning sprang Swanage Sailing Club. The Clubs aims then, as now, were to encourage the art of sailing for pleasure and competition.

Scuba Diving  

Swanage pier is a popular dive site for new and qualified divers, being one of the few sheltered sea diving sites on the south coast There are a variety of dives, deep and shallow including many WW1 and WW2 wrecks which lie in deeper water outside the bay. These include, Kyarra, Betsy Anna, Valentine Tanks, Aeolian Sky, Carantan, Firth Fisher, Venezuela, Hazlewood, Aparema, Avanti, Everleigh, Simla, Smyrna and many more.

Wareham Quay

Putlake Adventure Farm

High Street, Langton Matravers, Swanage, Dorset BH19 3EU

01929 422917

A family orientated farm, with tractor rides, outdoor play equipment and a variety of animals. Our giant, indoor soft play area is probably one of the best in Dorset. The perfect venue for children’s parties, with a dedicated room and catering available. We also have on-site camping facilities with toilets and showers. So from Mid July – End August come and stay with us – turn up and pitch site – no booking required!

The Etches Collection

Museum of Jurassic Marine Life Kimmeridge, Dorset BH20 5PE

info@theetchescollection.org

01929 270000

A unique, modern museum of amazing fossils - the marine life of Jurassic Dorset.  Learn about Life and Death in the Kimmeridgian Seas 157 million years ago during the age of the Dinosaurs….

Studland Beach

Four miles of beautiful beaches which includes a 1km designated naturist area.

The Blue Pool Nature Reserve & Tearooms

Furzebrook Rd, Nr Wareham, Dorset BH20 5AR 

The Blue Pool closed in 2020 as the owner died, it has new owners and they intend to open in spring 2021 We have a well stocked Gift Shop and a small children’s play area… not to mention some wonderful walks through the grounds.  

Swanage Museum & Heritage Centre

The Square, Swanage, BH19 2LJ

We love welcoming people of all ages to the Museum, whether you wish to learn more about Swanage and the Purbeck area, or to entertain your little ones in a safe space.

Learn more about Swanage by visiting the Museum and viewing our film depicting the full history of the Swanage area .

We have lots of family-friendly facilities including children’s area where youngsters can explore in their own ways. The shop also has lots of pocket money items for after your visit.

Brownsea Island National Trust

Home to Red Squirrels and the birthplace of The Scouting Organisation.

Curiosity Shop

35 High Street, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2LT

Over 10,000 items. You will be back every time you come to Swanage.

Careys Secret Garden

We are open for Garden Visits on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays between 10:00 – 4:00pm.

From November the garden will close at 3.00pm, with last entry at 2.00pm.

Studland Trekking Centre

Studland Trekking Centre Ferry Road, Studland, Dorset, BH19 3AQ

A small friendly stables situated in the picturesque village of Studland on the Dorset coast

some of the most stunning riding in the UK. Rides suited to all abilities, from complete beginner to experienced riders and offer both group rides and private / semi-private rides/

Dorset Cider Farm

Dorset Cider Farm, Lower Bushey Farm, Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5JP

Summer opening times

• Monday 10am-6pm

• Thursday 10am-6pm

• Friday 10am-6pm

• Saturday 10am-8pm

• Sunday 10am-4pm

• Closed Tues & Weds

On site parking available

*unfortunately we cannot allow dogs as we are a working farm with livestock.

A hidden gem in the Purbeck valley

Hidden down a country lane deep in the valley at the heart of the Isle of Purbeck, you will find the home of our new cidery shop and tap here at Lower Bushey Farm. Nestled on the edge of the forest our working farm is also home to our orchards which have been planted to house varieties suiting our unique and naturally delicious Purbeck Cider blends.

Surrounded by stunning countryside with an abundance of bridleways, cycle paths and walk ways to explore, it’s a beautiful part of the world for locals and visitors alike to enjoy. In our tap you can try our award-winning ciders and enjoy a pint or half of your chosen tipple with friends and family, or take home a selection from our small shop. Once you have visited the tap and shop why not head out to the orchard, where you can wander amongst our largest commercial bush orchard or sit sipping cider under the full standard traditional trees with our sheep flock roaming nearby.

Dorset Adventure Park

If you’re looking for fun things to do with your friends and family then Dorset Adventure Park is just for you! The wet and wild Amusement Park features an outdoor Wibit Water Park and a fun challenging Mud Trail, a multi obstacle assault course suitable for both Adults and Children.

The Adventure Park has two beautiful lakes surrounded by 18 acres of woodland with breathtaking views of the Purbeck countryside with the historic Corfe Castle as a backdrop. Rated one of the best places to visit in Dorset. Whether you like to get wet or muddy come and join us for a fun filled wild day out at Dorset Adventure Park!

Farmer Palmer's

Farmer Palmers Farm Park Ltd, Wareham,  Road, Organford, Poole, Dorset BH16 6EU

We have a MASSIVE range of activities and animal events for children from 0 - 8.

Driving pedal tractors, wooshing down slides in Straw Mountain, meeting and learning about the farm animals - Farmer Palmer's has so much for little ones to enjoy.

Come and enjoy Farmer Palmer's as a family; discover dinosaurs within our tranquil Woodland Walk, all aboard the Tractor Trailer Ride and wander around the outdoor animal pens. Making memories that last a lifetime.

Old Harry Rocks

There are various stories about the naming of the rocks. One legend says that the Devil (traditionally known euphemistically as "Old Harry") slept on the rocks. Another local legend says that the rocks were named after Harry Paye, the infamous Poole pirate, whose ship hid behind the rocks awaiting passing merchantmen. Yet another tale has it that a ninth-century Viking raid was thwarted by a storm and that one of the drowned, Earl Harold, was turned into a pillar of chalk .

Priest Way Swanage to Worth Matravers 

The Priest’s Way follows an ancient track taken by a local priest as he travelled back and forth between the churches in his care at Swanage and Worth Matravers.

You can follow in the footsteps of the medieval priest as you walk along the ancient track. It passes between quarries and across open fields with spectacular views along the way. The walk finishes near one of Dorset’s most famous pubs, the Square & Compass.

Worth Matravers  to Winspit

Winspit is a disused quarry on the cliffs near Worth Matravers in the Isle of Purbeck, Dorset, England that is no longer in use. To the west and east are the hills of West Man and East Man. Until around 1940 Winspit was used as a stone quarry, providing stone for buildings in London .

 Some scenes from Blake 7 and Dr Who were filmed at Winspit.

*NOTE that the you are no longer allowed to go inside the caves / Quarry as the National Trust have said that they are unsafe

Kingston to Swyre Head

A nice easy walk. Make sure you turn right at Heavens gate otherwise you will walk to Kimmeridge.

Nine Barrow Down from Swanage to Corfe Castle