Local Attractions
at The Durley Dean Hotel
Due to our ideal location, we have so much to offer in terms of attractions in the local area. Walking distance to most and a short drive to others. The family will never be bored while staying here at The Durley Dean Hotel, Bournemouth.
Adventure Wonderland
Adventure Wonderland is a Multi award-winning, family-run theme park primarily aimed towards families with young children. They have 30 rides and attractions and a huge indoor play centre for the winter months, Wild Thing!
Located only 15 minutes from the Durley Dean Hotel.
Bournemouth Aviation Museum
The Bournemouth Aviation Museum is a truly hands-on experience. There are a number of interactive exhibits with the opportunity to sit in the cockpit yourself. From the famous English Electric Lightning to the mighty Westland Wessex Helicopter – all are available for you to view up close.
A visit to the museum is a memorable and educational time out with a vast amount of information on the Bournemouth aviation heritage. Located adjacent to the airport and open daily you are sure to catch a glimpse of live action right on our doorstep!
Bournemouth International Centre (BIC)
The Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) is located close to Bournemouth’s popular beach, pier, gardens. The Venue has four halls which play host to various concerts, conferences and exhibitions, making it the largest venue in the southern region. It also is home to Bournemouth’s only Winter ice rink between
Make sure you check what’s on at the BIC during your stay! We are positioned only a short walk from the BIC so there is no need to worry about transport! For information on what’s on, contact one of our friendly team at reception.
Bournemouth Oceanarium
Bournemouth Oceanarium is home to hundreds of creatures including stunning sharks, wise green sea turtles, graceful stingrays, colourful clownfish and the adorable, Oriental small clawed otters.
The oceanarium is only a stones throw away from the hotel so feel free to ask us for more information on planning your trip.
Admission from £7.75 for adults and £5.20 for Children
Bournemouth Pier
Bournemouth Pier has recently undergone an complete transformation, making it one of Dorset’s most exciting tourist destinations. Just a short walk from the Hotel, the pier sits at the heart of Bournemouth’s coastline and offers a range of exciting activities for the whole family. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, then there’s a new 250m zipwire, along with the RockReef centre which offers some fantastic climbing facilities for the whole family!
Christmas Tree Wonderland
Experience the most memorable experience with over 100 shining and twinkling trees and illuminating light shows. Visit the Alpine Christmas Market and skate in the enchanting Victorian Lower Gardens. Enjoy live music, entertainment and magical light shows across the town of Bournemouth.
Located only 3 minutes drive from Durley Dean Hotel
Compton Acres
Known as one of the finest privately owned gardens in all of England, Compton Acres was constructed in 1920 and still thrives today. Visitors are welcome to enjoy over 10 acres of horticultural magnificence, sit back and relax in the beautiful Café & Tea Rooms, explore the Gifted Moment store for something special and fall into the exciting world of plants and nature within our Plant Centre.
Compton Acres is located only 8 minutes from Durley Dean Hotel.
Corfe Castle Model Village
See what the historic Corfe Castle and village would have looked like before its destruction by Cromwell’s troops in 1646. Set in an acre of landscaped gardens, it is the the ideal place for a lazy few hours for both young and old alike.
situated in the heart of Corfe Castle village, on the Isle of Purbeck, within easy reach of Bournemouth.
Entry is available from just £3.95 for adults.
Farmer Palmers
Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park is an ideal day out for the children. You’ll get close to all sorts of farm animals, feed some, learn about them, and have fun doing it. The day will provide hands-on experiences for young children, all in a safe and welcoming environment.
There are also a range of indoor activities and play areas so it’s a fantastic day out all year round! Farmer Palmers transform their park over Easter, Halloween, and Christmas to provide you will lots of FARM-TASTIC fun!
Children under 2 have free entry.
Highcliffe Castle
Highcliffe Castle has been described as arguably the most important surviving house of the Romantic and Picturesque style of architecture, which flourished at the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century.
This outstanding property was extensively restored in the 1990’s and its magnificent gardens make it a sight to behold.
Located in Highcliffe, Dorset is a short journey from the hotel and tickets start from just £5.85!
Marwell Zoo
Spend the day at Marwell Zoo for a chance to get close to the wonders of the natural world. From ring-tailed coatis to majestic giraffes, endangered tigers to frilled lizards, curious meerkats to pygmy hippos – our 140-acre park is home to over 170 exotic and endangered species, in beautiful, landscaped surroundings.
Marwell is located in Hampshire, a short journey from Bournemouth.
Tickets start from just £14.00 for adults and £11.00 for children.
Mighty Adventures
Explore this fantastic Jurassic landscape in Bournemouth, filled with moving dinosaurs, thundering waterfalls and steaming volcanoes. This unique park takes visitors, young and old on an educational and fun adventure through crazy golf.
Located only 10 minutes from the Durley Dean Hotel.
Mr Mulligans
Mr Mulligans in Bournemouth is an indoor adventure miniature golf venue with a large restaurant and bar are. They serve a range of fantastic food and drink, the perfect leisure activity for all ages and abilities in the Bournemouth area. A wonderful place to host a birthday, Christmas or corporate event.
Mr Mulligan’s crazy golf venue is located less than 4-minute form the Durley Dean Hotel.
New Forest
Located in nearby Hampshire, the New Forest is one of the UK’s largest national parks. Find your own spot of the forest and take in the breathtaking views on offer! Wild, pigs, horses, donkeys and cows regularly roam the forest which make it a truly magical day for the whole family. There are some awe inspiring locations within the forest, be sure to tailor your day to suit your own interests, with a wide range of activities and destinations available you will be spoiled for choice!
Oasis Fun
While in Bournemouth, why not visit Oasis Fun for a fun-filled experience for the whole family. On-site, they have an amazing 6 lane bowling alley, an indoor soft play centre for younger kids, large Adventure Miniature Golf course, game arcade and pool tables. If you’re feeling peckish, they also serve food and drink in their American style diner and bar.
Oasis fun is located less than 4 minutes from the Durley Dean Hotel.
Paultons Park
Paultons park itself is a fantastic family theme park located in the New Forest, just a short drive from Bournemouth.
Paultons Park is the home of Peppa Pig World! Peppa Pig World is Peppa’s very own theme park with 7 fun rides and attractions located within the ground of Paultons Park.
Paultons also features rides and attractions which include a rollercoaster, a log flume, a water park, adventure golf, a 4D cinema, birds and animals, beautiful landscapes and gardens and much more!
Adult Tickets start from £23.50 with family tickets and deals also available!
Poole Park
Poole Park lies adjacent to Poole Harbour. The park is a popular destination for local families and tourists alike. It is open all year round and hosts a number of events. As well as having a large childrens play area, the park is home to a beautiful selection of local birds and wildlife.
If you are in the area its perfect for a picnic!
Russell-Coates Museum
In 1901, Merton Russell-Cotes gave his wife Annie a dream house. Located on the East Cliff, the historic house, art gallery & museum boasts stunning views across the Bournemouth Beach.
It was an extraordinary, extravagant birthday present – lavish, splendid, and with a touch of fantasy. They filled this incredible seaside home with beautiful objects aquired during their travels across the globe.The walls remain lined with a remarkable collection of British art, creating a unique atmosphere in a tranquil setting.
Admission is free between the 1st of October and the 31st March. A small entry fee of £5 for adults is required between April and September, to help fund maintenance on this outstanding attraction.
Smuggler’s Cove
Bring history and fun together in this amazing treasure trove of adventure and wonder in the heart of Bournemouth. Explore the 1700’s of this coastal town while taking part in some spectacular crazy golf.
Located less then 10 minutes from the Durley Dean Hotel.
Snowtrax
The Alpine Adventure Park is situated a short drive from the hotel in Hurn, Christchurch. This family friendly Ski centre is packed with exciting activities for both children and adults of all ages. If Skiing and snowboarding doesn’t take your fancy, Try riding the Ski Bobs or spinning down the slopes in a Ringo!
Recreational sessions start from just £13.50 for adults and £11.50 for under 16’s. All equipment is available for hire from just £3.50.
Both individual and group lessons are also available for those who want to learn from a qualified professional.
Splashdown Waterpark
Splashdown Waterpark is situated in tower park just 15 minutes away from the hotel. There is a range of waterslides to suit all different tastes.
Plunge into darkness on the Black Thunder or be slung around the Spacebowl like a human pinball. For the real thrill-seekers, try the Screamer with its sheer vertical drop! If youre looking for something more relaxing, take a journey on the on the Mississippi Drifter.
Tickets start from just £10.50 or £5.50 for under 5’s.
Swanage Railway
The Swanage Railway offers a complete heritage steam and diesel timetable train service. Visitors can experience a unique journey through six miles of beautiful Dorset scenery, passing the historic ruins of Corfe Castle and travelling down to the magnificent blue flag beach at Swanage!
Fares start from just £11.50 for adults and £7.00 for children.
The Tank Museum
The Tank Museum in Bovington brings to life the story of armoured warfare from World War One to the present day. As you explore the Museum you will come encounter incredible vehicles that have seen action in all the major wars of the 20th Century, as well as hearing first-hand accounts from those who fought as part of the tank regiment!
Bovington is situated in near Wool in Dorset and is around a 35 minute drive from the Hotel. Tickets are available for just £12.50 for Adults and £7.50 FOR 5-16 year olds! Family deals are also available.
The Watersports Academy
Situated a few miles down the coastline at the breathtaking sandbanks beach is the Watersports Academy. There are a range of windsurfing courses available with all equipment available to hire. There are courses available for everyone from beginners right through to experienced wave riders!
Sandbanks is the largest natural harbour in Europe and is a fantastic setting to try your hand at windsurfing for the first time!
Tower Park
Tower Park is the Poole’s hub for all things entertainment! Activities on offer include Splashdown water park , Empire Cinema, tenpin bowling, Bingo and a children’s soft play area. There is a wide range of popular high street fast food outlets, as well as a number of restaurants to suit a wide variety of tastes. At Tower Park there really is something there for the whole family!
Tower Park is situated in Poole just a 15 minute drive away from our Hotel.