As the parents of two small children we are very aware of the planning that goes into a holiday away from home. We have therefore endeavoured to take some of the stress away by providing as many necessities as possible.

With an enclosed garden the cottages are perfect for those with energetic children. We have plenty of space for hide and seek, football, croquet on the lawn or just running around. We also have play equipment with a slide and two swings to keep your little people busy.

There is a games room with a table tennis table, table football, sofas and a TV for rainy days.

We are perfectly set up for families with babies, toddlers and older children. We have several travel cots, a cot room, highchairs, stairgates, microwaves, plastic cutlery and plates for small children.

For slightly older children we have two bunk beds with bedtime stories, games and mattress protectors.

As a very active family we have explored many of the fantastic child friendly activities in the local area and have compiled a top ten list of our favourite things to do;

• Ride along the North Dorset Trailway for as far as you like stopping off at the railway station at Shillingstone for an ice cream, visiting one of the many pubs along the route or ending up at Sturminster Newton for a visit to the amazing independent department store, Harts of Stur.
• Walk to Tarrant Gunville Farm Shop for brunch, lunch or just an ice cream. Step out of the front door of your cottage and stroll down the lane to see the lovely owners who are great to chat to. There are outdoor seating areas, chickens and goats.
• Take a trip to Kingston Lacy House and Gardens near Wimborne. This National Trust property has fantastic facilities for children of all ages. With a wonderful cycle track passing through beautiful woodland to an outdoor play area there is something for everyone. Walk through the grounds of the house to the Kitchen Garden where you will find a huge vegetable garden, formal gardens and a brilliant play area for younger children. There is also a little hut selling coffee, ice creams and cake which makes for a lovely spot to watch your children play.
• The Chettle Farm Shop is famous for wonderful baked goods, there is also a lovely play area and plenty of ice cream too!
• Hengistbury Head Beach is our favourite spot in both Summer and Winter. Park at the massive car park, walk or pedal along the tarmac track to the stunning beach huts on Mudeford Spit. Once you are tired of making sandcastles on the beautiful beach why not try one of the pop-up restaurants including wood fired pizza, ice creams, burgers, a salad bar and of course fish and chips.
• Head to Swanage on the wonderful old Steam Train. Park at Norden station and board the train, steam past the beautiful ruins of Corfe Castle and into the centre of Swanage. There are plenty of great shops, a long sandy beach and delicious fish and chips.
• Visit Durdle Door for a spectacular cliff top walk, beautiful coastline and a pebble beach. The Jurrasic Coast is on the doorstep with endless beaches and wonderful views.
• Head to the New Forest for a walk, bike ride or even pony ride. This lovely patch of countryside is full of wild ponies, cows and pigs all owned by local farmers with the ancient right to graze the forest. Visit one of the many little towns for lunch or try the famous New Forest Ice Cream!
• A family favourite of ours is Stourhead Gardens, with a circular flat walking route around the stunning lake this is a must see. We love to feed the ducks, head into the grotto to see the statues and take part in the many activities laid on by the National Trust.
• Finally, why not set off from the farm and just walk. All the fields around the cottages belong to the family and therefore you can explore to your heart’s content. Look out for tractors, telehandlers, the big seed drill and even bigger sprayer. In the Summer months you will likely see and hear the huge combine harvesting the year’s crop, if you fancy a ride just let us know!

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