The Teddy Bear Museum

Four thousand teddy bears crammed into one building sounds like either heaven or hell, depending on your age and tolerance for cute. This proper old-school museum in a Victorian house near Weymouth seafront is exactly what it says on the tin - room after room of bears in every conceivable costume and setting. The collection spans over a century, from ancient Steiff specimens worth more than your car to modern Disney bears that'll trigger nostalgia in any parent.

Children under eight will be absolutely transfixed. The tableaux are properly detailed - bears having tea parties, bears dressed as famous historical figures, bears recreating famous paintings. It's beautifully done, though older kids might find it all a bit saccharine after the first few rooms.

Expect to spend about an hour wandering through, unless you've got a proper bear enthusiast on your hands. The museum feels refreshingly uncommercialised compared to some attractions, though there's a small shop if you fancy taking a new friend home.

Location-wise, it's a lovely complement to a Dorset coast holiday. You're just minutes from Weymouth's sandy beach and close enough to several holiday parks including Haven Weymouth Bay and Waterside at Bowleaze Cove. Perfect rainy day backup when the weather turns, and small enough that restless toddlers won't have time to get properly fractious.