For family holiday on a budget Purbeck is a good choice of as a base. Home to the Purbeck Heaths National Nature Reserve, the area offers a fantastic opportunity to explore a really diverse and wildlife rich landscape.  Many of these outdoor spaces are free for families to enjoy (there may still be parking charges). 

Check out the National Trust’s Studland Bay and Beach with miles of sandy beaches and natural heathland to explore.Explore the Jurassic Coast at  Durlston Country Park which has some lovely coastal walks where you may be lucky enough t spot a Dolphin at sea.

Don’t miss a trip to Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, although the steep walk to Durdle Door may be difficult for some younger children.

There is also some lovely heaths and woodland at Wareham Forest with miles of tracks to explore – and parking is free!

Take the children on an amazing  trip back in time at Tyneham Ghost Village. As well as exploring the abandoned village you can explore the local coastline at Warbarrow bay.

On a rainy day why not try some of the small town museums in Purbeck,  which are often free entry (donations welcomed). Check out Wareham Town Museum which includes some fun displays dinosaur fossil displays for children; Purbeck’s Mineral and Mining Museum which tells the story of Purbeck’s quarrying industry.