Dorset Activities

Poole's Tower Park Bowlplex centre re-opened in 2006 having undergone a £5 million modernisation programme making it into a state-of-the-art leisure destination. New and exciting changes have been made including the addition of Bowlplex's popular American Pool Pit with 6 full size tables. There are also 24 computerised bowling lanes, as well as the late licensed Stadium Sports Bar which houses wide screen sports action. The Grill & Chill offers an array of delicious freshly cooked meals and snacks. Easily accessed by road there are plenty of free car parking spaces available. Just a stones throw away from bus and train facilities, the Bowlplex is a favoured destination for locals and visitors alike.

The first recorded pleasure excursion from Bournemouth Pier was by the steamer 'Fawn' in 1868. She was chartered for a trip to Spithead, where a review of the fleet was being held in honour of the Shah of Persia. There has been a long association between Bournemouth Pier and pleasure steamers, the principal paddle steamer operator on the Wessex coast being Cosen's of Weymouth from 1918 to1996. Monarch, Empress and Victoria were just a few of the regular fleet that called at the pier. Many other local boats offering day trips and excursions also operated along the coast, including the family of Dorset Belles built and operated by the Bolson family for many years at the Skylark Boatyard in Poole, now part of RNLI. 'Bournemouth Belle' was one of the first post-war boats Bolson's operated from the Pier, thereafter, the fleet were affectionately nicknamed 'the Dorset Belles' by holidaymakers. Pleasure cruises from the pier still continue today, along with regular seasonal visits by the paddle steamer 'Waverley' and her motorised companion 'Balmoral.'

Established in 1989 The Henley Hillbillies is situated on a 200 acre estate just south of Buckland Newton, 10 miles from Dorchester and Sherborne. Activities include archery and crossbows, clay pigeon shooting, hovercraft handling and quad-biking. The latest attraction is Mini Mavriks, Kendall designed, custom off-road 1000cc engine minis with single seat, full race harness and roll cage. A minimum age of 18 years and experience with manual gears is necessary. All activities offered come with full tuition. There is a clubhouse serving tea and coffee. This action-packed activity centre is open all year round, catering for corporate hospitality events, groups both large and small as well as stag and hen parties.

Situated one mile off the B3157, the main coastal road from Weymouth to Bridport, The Great Dorset Maize Maze is a large Indoor activity centre boasting a wealth of attractions to entertain both young and old. Activities include the Six Minute Mazes, a Turf Labyrinth, Grass Spiral, Go Kart Rides, Farm Animals as well as Ponies and Pets to see and handle. In the Fun Barn there is a children's ball park, junior and senior pool table, snooker table, indoor pedal go-cart track, a roller racer track as well as the age old game of skittles. Picnic areas and BBQ facilities are provided. The Tea Pavilion provides different grades of tea and coffee, cream teas and home made cakes whereas Steve and Jackie's Pantry serve home produced hot dogs and burgers together with chicken and turkey tortillas, not forgetting their famous flapjacks.

complex set in the heart of Dorset’s tranquil countryside bordering the River Frome. The 25 acre site is made up of three lakes. Each spring-fed lake is highly individual with a host of features such as deep margins, gravel bars and islands, which makes for a first class natural fishing environment that is both beautiful as well as a challenge to anglers. Not only are the lakes a unique fishing experience but they are managed so as to benefit wildlife and maintain a healthy environment. The welfare of the fish is of paramount importance and every effort is made to keep the lakes healthy and clean from infection and that stress to the fish is kept to a minimum. Pallington Lakes Fishery is particularly noted for the large head of English Carp with Common Carp in excess of 42lbs and Mirror Carp to over 30lbs. Other specimen coarse fish include Tench to 12lb 3oz, Bream to 10lb 4oz as well as Roach, Rudd, Perch and Eels.