This once splendid family home fell in the Civil War but you can still see the remains of the Great Hall and Parlour, the Buttery and the Kitchen, and the Gothic Banqueting House that stands by the lake. In the woods there's an 18th century grotto. A very romantic and tranquil spot; go there for peace and quiet and the history.

T: 01747 870487

An arts centre set in a 13th century barn , with regular thought provoking exhibitions, talks, book launches, and performances from artists, musicians and writers, with some well known names. The restaurant has a creative menu of Southern Asian and Australian inspired cuisine, the shops sells art materials, handmade artworks and books.

T: 01747 445042

A former Benedictine Abbey standing on a hilltop just off the town centre with far reaching views across the Blackmore Vale. The excavated foundations are within a tranquil walled garden that brims with flowers in the spring and summer; there's a herb garden with over 100 species, and a gorgeous medieval orchard, best seen when the trees are in blossom.

T: 01747 852910

A charming William and Mary house within the walls of Cathedral Close; inside is in keeping with the period, outside the walled garden is a haven away from the merry throng in the city streets. There's a lovely tea room, family explorations trails and in the summer, croquet and giant dominoes on the lawn.

T: 01722 335659 

Salisbury Cathedral has the tallest spire in Britain, at 123 metres, and you can climb the 332 steps to the foot of it. Imagine the views! It's also home to the world's oldest working mechanical clock, and one of only four surviving copies of the Magna Carta. Relax on the lawns in Cathedral Close, see if you can spot the peregrine falcons nesting in the tower.

T: 01722 555120

Many moons ago this was a thriving town with a mott and bailey castle; the original Salisbury cathedral once stood here and high up on the motte was a royal castle bult by William the Conqueror in 1070. Explore the 29 acre site; have a picnic, play games, fly a kite, admire the views.

T: 0370 333 1181

This working farm is a Community Interest Company, set up to give young people the opportunity to connect with animals and the environment. It might not be the first place you think of for a family day out but you should go because it’s so peaceful and it’s lovely. There are animals to say hello to, birds of prey, a farm shop and café, and nature trails. Open daily 10am-1pm, free entry.

T: 07763 632608

This world famous Neolithic stone circle rises majestically from the flats of Salisbury Plain; the Visitor Centre and Exhibition are very informative and have over 250 ancient artefacts, including the reconstructed face of a man who lived here over 5,500 years ago. See the Neolithic houses and discover how prehistoric people lived.

T: 0370 333 1181

A National Trust owned mansion famous for its picturesque gardens with lakes and enchanting temples. Go in the house and see the Pope's Cabinet and to explore the sculleries and kitchens beneath the living quarters. Familes can do designated trails, tracker packs and explorers tick lists. In the courtyard is a cafe and the Spread Eagle Inn.

T: 01747 841152

See elephants, giraffes, lions, tigers, wolves, rhinos and more on an exciting drive through safari. Admire the magnificent Elizabethan mansion, find your way out of the maze, visit the bat cave, feed the lorikeets, take a jungle cruise, visit Penguin Island. A day out you'll never forget!

T: 01985 844400

Book a bird of prey experience for a half or whole day at Forest Falconry - a great idea for birthdays, hen weekends and corporate groups. Meet the owls, hawks, falcons and egales, learn how to handle them and fly them within a beautiful 12 acre woodland site. Something not to be forgotten.
 
T: 01794 323310   

If natural history is your thing this place will certainly appeal. You can see native snakes, lizards, frogs and toads close up in viewing pods, and watch goshawks via feeder cams set up in the treetops. There's a Discovery Trail and on site toilets, and dogs are welcome at the centre on leads.

T: 02380 283141

If you haven’t heard of or been to this world famous art gallery in the Somerset countryside, now’s your chance. Go and see the latest exhibition, or book a place on one of the regular events they hold, all with conservation, education and sustainability at the core. Stroll around the creative and eye catching landscaped gardens, have lipsmackingly good food at Roth Bar & Grill.

T: 01749 814060

A fun filled day out for the whole family! Paultons Park is Home to Peppa Pig World and has over 70 rides and attractions for all ages. Go and see the animals and birds, let the kids let off steam in the play zones, stroll around the gardens. There’s a 4D cinema, restaurants, cafes and takeaway kiosks. The youngsters will be squealing with delight; it’s just a question of keeping up with them.

T:  023 8081 4442

Take the tinies to the biggest Peppa Pig World in the big wide world, all part of Paultons Park and included on your entry ticket. Meet Peppa and her friends, have your pic taken with them, have a go on the rides including Peppa’s Big Balloon Ride, Daddy Pig’s Car Ride and The Queen’s Flying Coach Ride.

T: 023 8081 4442

This is a very special place, one you should make time to visit and one you won't forget. The 18th century house is beautiful and is built around a medieval priory; the riverside gardens are a delight, especially the walled rose garden in the summer. Most of all, the young 'uns will love making dens in the woods, splashing about in the Pump, Pool and Paddle area, and larking about in the Climbing Bog. When you're done go and have tea and cake in the Old Kitchen or the Coach House Cafe.

T: 01794 340757

What an amazing family day out - or for grown ups who are fascinated by underwater life. You can see it all here; crocodiles, penguins, otters, dolphins, turtles, pufferfish and the mysterious creatures that live in the depths of the ocean. Walk through the tunnel of the Shark Wreck reef where sharks swim above you, see colourful fish swimming through a mangrove lagoon, starfish and sea urchins in the Marine Research Laboratory.

T: 01202 311993

The Newt is inspired by the land, history and traditions of Somerset, explore the working estate with beautiful gardens, woodlands, farmland and cyder orchards, stop to sample cyder made on site at the cellar or farm shop, delectable dining at The Botanical Rooms. Annual membership required to visit.

T: 01963 577750

Catch the chain pulled ferry from Sandbanks to Brownsea Island and spend the day exploring this National Trust owned property at your leisure. Look out for skia deer and the famous red squirrels, go and see the scout camp that Baden-Powell set up in 1907. There are Tracker Packs, tree climbing trails and a play area for the kids, and a cafe for all the family.

T: 01202 707744.

Not just for motor enthusiasts - this makes for a great family day out! Get up close to classics and super cars; a 1915 Ford Model T, 1970 Chevrolet, 1973 Jensen Interceptor, 1982 Aston Martin Lagonda, a Ferrari 360, Bentleys and Rolls Royces, and heaps more. There are tours, talks and activities and a cafe.

T: 01963 440804

See bison, wolves, lnyx, wallabies, wild boar, five species of deer and four types of otter, all in the beautiful forest environment. There are regular feeding times, keeper talks and events like Wolf Awareness Week and a Halloween Creepy Crawly Count. Make a day of it and let the kids loose in the adventure playgrounds where there are zip wires, sand pits, and a log jumble.

T: 02380 292408

There's a whole load of maritime history for you to discover at SeaCity Museum, including the Southampton Titanic Story where you can see an interactive model of the doomed ship, and find out about the Roman traders, Saxon settlers and Victorian industrialists who came through the docks here. Fascinating.

T: 02380 833007 

A must for anyone who is in to boating, sailing and watersports. There are over 600 exhibitors from all over the world with everything from well know marine brands to individual designers. Make your way round looking at clothing, interiors, kit and of course, boats from superyachts to dinghies. Plenty of opportunities to get out on the water too.

T: 0238 022 2900 (enquiries) or 0844 874 0705 (tickets)

If you're motor mad you're going to love this! The National Motor Museum has over 280 vehicles on display, from early carriages to classic family cars and F1 legends. Whilst you're there check out the exhibition of motor car evolution and see Jack Tucker's 1930's garage.  

T: 01590 614650

This has to be high on your agenda for a good day out in the New Forest because there is so much to do here and you can buy tickets for multiple attractions including Beaulieu Abbey, the National Motor Museum, Palace House, World of Top Gear, and the Monorail and Veteran Bus. Something for all ages really, and there's a restaurant and coffee shop so you'll be fine for sustenance.

T: 01590 612345

This is like stepping back in time; Buckler's Hard was built as a ship building centre on the banks of the Beaulieu River in the 18th century and today it remains unspoilt by modern development. Find out all about the history of the village and the building of ships for the Battle of Trafalgar at the Maritime Museum, enjoy a boat trip along the river and tuck into a big fat cream tea in the Captain's Cabin Tea Rooms.

T: 01590 616203 

An incredible piece of history, right in the middle of one of the world's most beautiful cities, originally built as a complex for bathing and socialising, dating back to 70AD. Take a dip in the thermal spring water, have a guided tour and join in interactive displays, sip tea in the Pump Room Restaurant. In the summer it's open till 10pm and lit by torchlight; well worth seeing.

T: 01225 477785

Spend a peaceful couple of hours looking around Winchester Cathedral and take in its medieval roots - wall paintings, misericords, floor tiles, and a headless and armless sculpture that was dug up in the grounds. See the 12th century bible, find Jane Austen's grave, take a Tower Tour, and visit the vaulted Norman crypt where Anthony Gormley's Sound II sculpture stands eerily knee deep in water in times of flood. Whilst you're here have a moment of sheer tranquility in the Dean Garnier Gardens on the site of the monk's dormitory.

T: 01962 857200

14 acres of tranquil gardens including an arboretum and a Garden of Reflection. See the ruins of the Great Hall and the Bishop's Chapel, and if you're lucky you'll see the famous swans who live in the moat pulling on the bell when they want their tea.

T: 01749 988111

A stunning cathedral in the smallest city in England. It's famous for the intricately carved statues on the West Front and the soaring scissor arches supporting the central tower; see the Chapter House where the Bishops held their meetings, watch the jostling knights on the Wells Clock, and stroll through the cloisters to the cafe.

T: 01749 674483

An amazing day out guaranteed! Marwell Zoo is home to hundreds of animals including Amur tigers, snow leopards, cheetahs, lemurs, white rhinos and giraffes. There are daily talks, animal feeds, formal gardens, a train to ride on, five adventure playgrounds, trails to follow, picnic areas, food kiosks, a café and a gift shop. You’ll need to allow 4 hours at least and oh, wow, it’s worth every minute.

T: 01962 777407

An fascinating day out for the whole family, and especially for those who love science in all shapes and forms. There are two floors of interactive exhibits and the largest stand alone planetarium in the UK. Even if science isn't particularly your thing, you should go; the chances are you'll enjoy it - and you'll certainly learn something new.

T: 01962 863791 

Take a family trip to Wookey Hole Caves to explore the subterranean chambers that are millions of years old, and see the famous Witch of Wookey. The kids will love it here - there is SO much to see and do - discover The Enchanted Valley and the Dinosaur Grove, stop for a game of Adventure Golf, enjoy the quirkiness of The Mill with its vintage arcade and magic mirrors. Take a picnic or have lunch in the Mill Restaurant. No dogs.

T: 01749 672243