TolpuddleDiscover the historic town of Tolpuddle - home to a selection of award-winning attractions and museums

Tolpuddle

Tolpuddle is a beautiful countryside town in Dorset, perhaps best known for it’s relaxed and charming atmosphere. You can easily spend a day in Tolpuddle browsing the independent shops, or strolling down the River Piddle! If you’re looking for something a little more action oriented, Tolpuddle is also home to a selection of exciting museums and attractions too!

* Cover photo credit – grassrootsgroundswell

 

Shops in Tolpuddle

Although Tolpuddle’s town centre is on the smaller side, there are still a number of excellent shops and businesses to discover! Many of the shops in Tolpuddle are food and produce shops – most of which are supplied by local farmers in Dorset! One of the most popular shops in Tolpuddle is the Home Farm Shop. Home Farm Shop is an award-winning farm shop, with an adjacent tea rooms which serves a selection of baked goods – all of which are lovingly prepared onsite.

Another notable business the Dorset Brewing Company, who brew over two-million pints of beer a year! If you fancy trying out some of these refreshing beverages before you buy, the Dorset Brewing Company hold a number of ‘taproom’ nights and special events throughout the year. Please visit the Dorset Brewing Company’s Facebook page for more information regarding events.

 

Attractions in Tolpuddle

Tolpuddle is best known for its fantastic attractions and museums! Check out some of our favourites below.

 

Tolpuddle Martyers Museum

The Tolpuddle Martyers Museum tells the historic story of the harsh punishment of the martyers of Tolpuddle – who where a group of local labourers. This museum tells the story of how these hardworking mens’ unfair arrest, trial and punishment paved the way for modern day trade unionism. As an important part of history in the UK, the Tolpuddle Martyers Museum allows guests to gain a further understanding to the rich tapestry that is the history of Dorset!

 

Find out more about The Tolpuddle Martyers Museum 

 

tolpuddle

 

Sculpture by The Lakes

If you’re visiting Tolpuddle seeking a relaxing day out, we highly recommend that you visit Sculpture by The Lakes! From our holiday park in Swanage, guests can enjoy a day out to Sculpture By The Lakes to explore the world of sculptures amongst beautiful lush grounds.

Sculpture By The Lakes boasts a selection of exhibits, all of which are carefully curated from local and international artists – offering a a vast range of themes ranging from portraits to mythical creatures.

Please note, this attraction in Tolpuddle is a child-free attraction, meaning that it is reserved for those aged fourteen and above – this is to preserving the relaxing nature for guests seeking artistic inspiration via a quiet day out.

Find out more about Sculpture By The Lakes

 

Sculpture and swans

 

 

The Tank Museum

Whether you’re a tank enthusiast, or simply looking for an unusual day out in Dorset – you’ll love a day out at The Tank Museum, which is only a fifteen minute drive away from Tolpuddle! The Tank Museum is a world-famous museum, which showcases over three hundred captivating artefacts, amongst which are hundreds of incredible tanks to discover! Among its highlights, ‘The Trench Experience’ is a compelling interactive activity which mirrors the life of a World War One British soldier – from enlistment to combat! Guests are encouraged to journey through an immersive indoor replica battlefield, which offers an unforgettable glimpse into the past.

tank in tank museum

 

Monkey World

Monkey World is a hugely popular attraction – which is only a thirteen minute away from Tolpuddle! This education and unique rescue centre is home to hundreds of primates – including chimpanzees, orangutans, gibbons and lemurs to name all but a few! Monkey World offers families with a fun day-out, which is filled with both immersive experiences and opportunities to learn more about the rescued monkeys that call Dorset their home.

 

Find out more about Monkey World

 

Campsite and Holiday Park in Swanage

Ulwell Holiday Park is ideally located in Swanage and surrounded by the natural beauty of Dorset. Whilst we are situated in the countryside, Ulwell Holiday Park is well connected and is also conveniently placed near bus links – providing guests with easy access to and from the local towns and attractions!

Our beautiful holiday park in Swanage has a wide selection of accommodation options to choose from, including luxury holiday homes, caravan and motorhome pitches, camping pitches and even a rustic glamping pod! To secure your camping holiday in Swanage, you can book your accommodation at Ulwell Holiday Park online or by calling our friendly reception team at 01929 422823.

What our guests say

  • A lovely quiet site

    Andy Blackwell

    A lovely quiet site, nice warm amenities with good sized shower cubicles, shop not open yet as it’s too early but the local pub is ideal. Staff were very friendly and helpful. If you’re reasonably fit you can walk into Swanage but the bus service is great so why would you want to. Overall a very nice break, we will be back.

  • Super swimming pool

    Joseph Molford

    Fantastic site, we have had a brilliant holiday. Super swimming pool and changing facilities. Site really handy to get to Swanage and Studland. Will definitely return. Thanks to all the staff for a lovely holiday.

  • Excellent quality caravan site

    Peter Skrobacz

    Excellent quality caravan site, top quality, small and friendly, location fantastic. Been visiting Ulwell for over 25 years now and every year is special.

  • An amazing week at Ulwell

    Jenny H

    We have just returned back from our weeks stay at Ulwell Holiday Park with our 2 small children and dog. It was an absolute brilliant week! The site has everything you need, and more! A lovely comfy pub on site for drinks and a bowl of chips, a small shop, swimming pool, large play are with park, and the bus stops right outside.. what more could you want

  • Easter break

    Mit

    We have just returned after a brilliant Easter break. Couldn’t fault anything at all and we didn’t want to leave. We didn’t visit the pub but the shop is stocked with local produce and essentials. The facilities are great and the location convenient. Our van was spotless and had everything we needed. We will definitely be back

All reviews

4.5

We are currently at an amazing 4.5 score at TripAdvisor, based upon 200+ reviews from verified guests.

Latest reviews

Proudly associated

Over the years the family has developed the park to award-winning standards and in a style which compliments its surroundings.

  • Camping and caravanning
  • British Holiday & Home Parks assocation
  • Poole Tourism
  • Visit Britain
  • ulwell holiday park 5 star rating
  • premier parks 2025

Finding us

BY ROAD

From Bournemouth via the Sandbanks chain ferry and following the B3351 into Swanage.

From Wareham using the A351 into Swanage, turn left along the seafront towards Studland.

BY BUS

The park is situated on the main bus route from Bournemouth to Swanage.

GPS

1 ° 58’ 16” West, 50° 37’ 34” North

WHAT3WORDS

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