At Newlands we are very fortunate to have a number of must-visit attractions near our West Dorset holiday park. Enjoy fun on the coast with trips on the water, as well as wildlife parks and family attractions – there's something for everyone. Here’s a selection of things to do in West Dorset and East Dorset to give a flavour of the variety experiences on offer. Here's a few of our favourites...
Lyme Bay Rib Charter Ride
For an exciting, fast-paced ride with an experienced and friendly crew look no further than Lyme Rib Bay Charter. Suitable for groups with a minimum of 6 people, this is a chance to enjoy the memorable views of the Jurassic Coast while gliding across the water. If you’re a smaller party looking for a rib ride, there options to join other part-filled trips.
The award-winning experience is ideal for stag and hen parties and simply a must if you’re visiting the area and holidaying on the West Dorset coast. Choose from a 15 minute bay blast, a 30 minute gentle trip or a 1 hour coastal cruise. This is a fantastic, and affordable way to take in the sights around West Bay including the iconic Golden Cap. We recommend booking online in advance for a fun ride for all the family, the kids will love it!
Don’t forget to bring a face covering – it’s a requirement to wear one in 2021.
The Tunnel Shooting Range
Set your sights on the target at The Tunnel Shooting Centre, based in Charmouth. Set in a disused road tunnel, the complex was converted in 2010 to make it a world-class shooting experience. One of the upcoming attractions in West Dorset, The Tunnel offers something a little different and caters for small groups as well as corporate events.
The premier shooting centre has a choice of three rifle ranges. These have distances of 25 metres, 35 metres and the longest range is 100 metres. The Tunnel benefits from renovation work which was carried out during the 2020 lockdown. Facilities include classrooms with ample space for training, catering facilities and on-site gun shop.
Harry May Fishing Trips
If you fancy picking up a catch of the day, fishing trips in Lyme Regis don’t come much better than this. Harry May began fishing trips in the 1970s and has appeared on the BBC TV programme The Coast.
Jump on board one of Harry’s two boats, the Marie F or Sunbeam for an exceptional deep sea and mackerel fishing experience. The trips leave from the iconic Cobb in Lyme Regis to offer one of the best boat trips in Dorset. Options include one hour mackerel fishing trips, as well as longer three hour deep sea fishing trips. The bargain prices include all the tackle you’ll need for your fishing experience on the West Dorset coast. Check the Harry May website for the latest prices and information and to book now.
Pecorama
Pecorama is a top visitor attraction in East Devon situated on the hillside above the village of Beer. At just under half an hour's drive from Newlands, it takes roughly 15 minutes to get to Pecorama. It's full steam ahead on the award-winning Beer Heights Light Railway, following some small modifications during the Covid pandemic. As a family day out, they don't come much better than this. The 9 acre site has superbly decorated gardens to wander through.
Gardeners and model railway enthusiasts alike will find much to enjoy here. Pecorama is home to PECO, the manufacturer of model railway accessories, and is the home of the most impressive model displays. There's something for everyone at Pecorama – a magical family day out which never fails to disappoint!
Axe Valley Wildlife Park
Axe Valley Wildlife Park is a small zoo located in the beautiful Axe Valley in East Devon. A real hidden gem, the park has a great atmosphere and is aimed at families with young children. If your little ones love animals you can't go wrong with this attraction. Check the website to get the latest details on opening times and ticket prices.
We hope your visit to the nearby attractions in West Dorset helps to make your holiday even more special!