Farm Cottages at the Travellers Rest
Abbotsbury Sub Tropical Gardens
6.8 miles from Farm Cottages, Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens are no ordinary gardens, with their own micro-climate in a sheltered woodland valley on the Jurassic Coast. The special plant collection has been built up over the last 250 years and with an interesting and full history makes for a ‘must see’ visit to Dorset.
Rare and choice plants from all over the world have been growing in harmony in the tranquil setting since the late 18th century. The Garden is a mixture of formal and informal flowers, world famous for its Camellia groves and Magnolias. Noted in Dorset for its Rhododendron and Hydrangea collections and the charming Victorian Garden.
Facilities include the Coffee Shop, a quality Gift Shop and a fantastic Plant Centre. Car Parking is free on site to visitors. Dogs are welcome on leads.
Bridport Museum
3.3 miles from Farm Cottages, the Museum is right in the heart of Bridport. You can go and explore the interactive displays and captivating stories, based in one of Bridport’s oldest buildings. The most significant collection is regarding Bridport's history of rope making and reflects the importance of the rope and net making industries in the area for the last 800 years. You’ll find Iron Age coins used by the Durotrige people 2000 years ago. And there’s Roman treasure, from armour and ancient tools, to beautiful jewellery and mystical amulets. A fun place for the whole family.
Weymouth Sealife Centre
18 miles and half an hours drive from Farm Cottages, visit for a fantastic SEA LIFE adventure both above and below the ocean! Your SEA LIFE adventure will take you on a fascinating journey from the coastline to the depths of the ocean. Discover a magical underwater world filled with a dazzling array of amazing creatures. Every step will reveal something new, from a face-to-face encounter with sharks to a hands-on rockpool experience. Explore their fantastic 7-acre site by the sea and discover the truth about the much misunderstood shark, the plight of the endangered sea turtle, the remarkable life of the seahorse plus countless surprising facts about these and hundreds of other incredible creatures.
Abbotsbury Swannery
7.9 miles from Farm Cottages, 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, spread over a site of some 25 acres. A visit to the Swannery is considered one of the best things to do in Dorset. The Swannery was established by Benedictine Monks who built a monastery at Abbotsbury during the 1040s. The swans at Abbotsbury are all free flying and the Swannery is a wildlife sanctuary (not a zoo). From mid-March and until the end of October the Swannery opens its doors for visitors to enjoy the beauty of this unique colony. Cygnet season provides the rare chance to witness the hatching of fluffy grey cygnets. Feeding the herds by hand, is a special part of any visit to the Swannery, the herd of approx. 600 swans are fed at midday and 4.00pm daily. Included also is the Swan Maze (the largest willow maze in Dorset), Pedal Go-Karts, Wild Meadow Walk, Coffee Shop and Gift Shop. Car Parking is free on site to visitors.
Enjoyed by families, wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and many visitors to the area. So, if you are looking for an unusual and unique thing to do on holiday in Dorset, then go to the Swannery.
Monkey World
24 miles and a 35 minute drive from Farm Cottages, Monkey World is a unique place- here visitors can see four large groups of chimpanzees living in natural family groups, Europe's only orangutan crèche, and an active breeding population of incredibly endangered woolly monkeys. Visitors to the park can not only see over 250 primates over 65 acres, but they also support the centre's rescue operation- Monkey World does not receive any outside funding, and yet is known as the world's biggest primate rescue centre of its kind, assisting governments worldwide to stop the black market trade in endangered primates. Support the park’s work by adopting a primate, and get a year’s pass to the park!
Paultons Park
60 miles and an hour and 20 mins drive from Farm Cottages, Paultons Park is the UK’s number one family theme park on Trip Advisor with over 70 exciting rides and attractions to enjoy. Paultons is home to the UK exclusive and world’s first Peppa Pig World with 9 fun Peppa-themed rides, a large indoor Playzone and even Muddy Puddles to jump and play in! Tornado Springs is a brand new world featuring 8 incredible new rides and experiences including a spinning coaster, gyro swing ride and a driving school attraction. There is an amazing variety of things to see and do at Paultons including; big rides, small rides, play areas, entertainments and an astonishing collection of animals and birds, all set within 140 acres of beautiful parkland.
