The Isle of Purbeck, and its surrounds, has something for everyone.  Steam enthusiasts can take the train from Corfe to Swanage.

Ramblers will enjoy the stunning coastal walks in an area of outstanding natural beauty recently safeguarded as a World Heritage site.   Savour the sea air and go to see Old Harry Rocks or Durdle Door.  Geologists and schoolchildren are fascinated by the visible rock strata of Kimmeridge Bay.  Birdwatchers can pay a visit to the RSPB hide at Arne.  Or how about taking the ferry from Studland (with its 3 mile beach) to Poole to visit the Pottery, or a boat from Sandbanks to beautiful Brownsea Island.

Historic houses?   Call in at Kingston Lacy, near Wimborne (with its delightful Minster church) or Lulworth Castle Park.  On a rainy day children might like to go to the Tower Park Leisure Centre with its flumes, bowling, and a number of cinemas, or visit the Sea Life Centre in Weymouth.  For a different wildlife attraction try the Swannery at Abbotsbury.  If you like military history , there are tanks galore at the Bovington Tank Museum;  Lawrence of Arabia's burial place is at Morton.  Just oustide Dorchester you'll find Hardy's Cottage where the writer was born and wrote Far from the Madding Crowd.

If it all sounds a bit too much, just sit down and enjoy a Dorset Cream Tea.  After all, you are on holiday!