Alexandra Gardens

The fairground rides and attractions at Alexandra Gardens in Rodwell make for a decent half-day outing if you're staying nearby in Weymouth - though it's hardly going to blow your mind. The gardens themselves are pleasant enough, with flower beds and open space, but the real draw is the amusement park side of things: dodgems, a small roller coaster, and the usual spinning rides you'd find at any seaside resort. Kids under ten will probably get a solid couple of hours out of it before losing interest.

It's family-focused rather than thrill-seeking, which means older teenagers might find it a bit tame. The location works well if you're based at one of the nearby holiday parks - Chesil Beach Holiday Park or Haven Weymouth Bay are both within a couple of miles, so it's an easy drive or even a walk on a decent day. Rodwell itself is small and quiet, which is either a pro or a con depending on what you're after.

Be prepared that information online is thin on the ground. Opening hours and pricing aren't always straightforward to dig up, so ring ahead or check locally once you're down there. If the weather turns, Alexandra Gardens is best treated as a filler activity rather than your main event for the day. Weymouth itself has more substantial attractions if you need a backup plan.