Tourist attractions, entertainment venues and galleries in the Jurassic Coast area (Dorset & East Devon)

The Subtropical Gardens - voted 'our favourite Garden' by the Daily Telegraph Readers in 2006 - are amongst the best in England. Covering 20 acres, this grade one listed garden is famous for its Camellias, Rhododendrons, Hydrangeas and its wonderful exotic atmosphere. Established in 1765, these gardens have been the site of many plant introductions to this country. The first Camellias introduced to Great Britain in 1792 are now magnificent tree groves! At the heart of the Garden is the colonial Teahouse with its splendid veranda which overlooks the sunken garden. There is also a very well stocked plant centre and a superior quality gift shop, a children's play area and free car parking. Stunning views of the Jurassic Coast are available from a viewing point in the Garden. The Jurassic Coast Garden which came second in the people's vote last May at the Chelsea Flower Show was planted by our curator Stephen Griffith with plants from Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens. Stunning views of the Jurassic Coast are available from a viewing point in the Garden.

The Gardens are open every day from 10am to 5pm/6pm (please ring to confirm closing time) in the summer and 10am to 4pm in the winter, last admission 1 hour before closing. Telephone 01305 871387 direct.

The Swannery has previously been voted ’Best Family Attraction in Dorset’ by the Good Guide to Britain. A visit here is very special because it is the only place in the world that you can walk amongst a colony of breeding swans. At any one time there may be up to 1000 friendly mute swans on the site. Friendly is underlined because they are not like angry river swans. They are very happy to have visitors. In fact during the hatching season (May to June end) you can walk amongst nests which are full of hatching eggs. At this time baby swans can be photographed leaving their eggs! The Swannery has a super coffee house, a quality gift shop, superior toilets including disabled ones and free car parking. There is also a rustic play area with swinging nests and a bale mountain for children as well as an audio-visual show.

The Swannery is open every day from 10am to 5pm/6pm March 17th to October 28th (please ring to confirm closing time). Last admission 1 hour before closing. Telephone 01305 871858 direct.

The Children's Farm is a must for families with young children. The farm is home to a host of friendly animals many of which can be cuddled and bottle fed by the children. Bottle feeding of lambs and baby goats takes place regularly throughout the day. The Guinea pig house is also very popular, children will cuddle the guinea pigs for ages. Don't miss the kuni kuni pigs, the budgie aviary, the donkeys, the children’s play area, the toy tractors, the pony rides* and do not miss the Goat Racing!! Great fun twice a day, no betting please!!. The Great Barn at the centre of the Farm houses a wonderful soft play area with slides and a ball pool. Also inside the Barn parents and children can learn about Abbotsbury’s smuggling past from family friendly information boards, and enjoy together a short film about Isaac Gulliver the infamous Dorset smuggler during the 1700s.

The Children’s Farm is open every day from 10am to 5pm/6pm until October 28th ,with last admission one hour before close.

PECO, the world's leading manufacturer of model rail track, offers a wonderfully detailed display of layouts in the renowned PECO Model Railway Exhibition. Outdoors, the 7 & 1/4 inch gauge Beer Heights Light Railway carries passengers on a mile-long route through the gardens, over bridges, under bridges, through steep sided cuttings and a long, dark tunnel! The PECO Millennium Celebration Garden forms the heart of the grounds. Designed by Chelsea Flower Show medal winner Naila Green, there are five individual garden 'rooms', whose names of Sun, Moon, Rainbow Roof and Moat Garden reflect the colour and nature of the flowers, shrubs and trees to be found in each. Additional facilities include a variety of safety surfaced children's play areas, Crazy Golf course, Fitness Trail, licensed restaurant and ample free parking.

Ride 1 - Whitewater the wild tides and crashing waves of Portland on T2, IF YOU DARE. Be prepared for the boat ride of your life, for this can really be a wet & wild white-knuckle adrenalin ride (1 hour 20 minutes - 15's & over - £30)

Ride 2 - Travel with the occasional short stop, around the Isle of Portland, viewing places like Church Ope Cove and seeing the cliffs and caves at Godnor. Cruise around Portland Bill following the huge cliffs of limestone, then onto Chesil beach and back again. (2 hours - 5's & over - Adults £24, Under 15's £16)

Ride 3 - NEW non-stop ride as you travel East along the beautiful coast to Osminton Mills, Ringstead Bay, White-nothe, Durdle Door, Man O War & Lulworth, then back again. (1 hour 15 mins. - 5's & over - Adults £18, Under 15's £12)

Ride 4 - Non-stop fast fun ride which appeals to the young & old alike. We quickly ride up the East Coast of Portland as far as Portland Bill where we usually try to make the boat bounce about a bit to get a little spray. (1 hour - 5's & over - Adults £16, Under 15,s £11)

We have many people returning yearly who really appreciate what we offer so come on give us a try this year.

We look forwards to seeing you all again old and new alike.

For more information see www.weymouth-whitewater.co.uk or phone 07899892317 / 01305 781146.