There’s a large number of charity shops in Dorset which is not only great for the purse but also for the environment, and the charity which your money goes towards.

Buying clothes, toys and equipment for children can be very costly so you’ll see charity shops listed below with an idea of price scale and if they sell items for children.

PRICE SCALE:

1 being low (you’ll grab a great bargain) and 5 being high (you’ll only buy if you really love or need it).

SWANAGE

Sue Ryder
Address: 13 Institute Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1BX
Cost scale: 3
Children’s items: Kids corner with clothing, shoes, toys and books.

Margaret Green Animal Rescue Charity Shop
Address: 20 Institute Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1BX
Cost scale: 4
Children’s items: Small selection of clothing, toys and books.

Going for Bust
Address: 11 The Square, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2LJ
Cost scale: 3
Children’s items: Corner with small amounts of clothing and baby toys.

Age UK
Address: 58 High Street, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2NX
Cost scale: 3
Children’s items: Small amount of clothing and toys.

Lewis Manning
Address: 31 Station Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1AD
Cost scale: 3
Children’s items: No children’s items for sale.

WAREHAM

Stray Dogs Sanctuary
Address: Seymours Place , St John's Hill, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4LR
Cost scale: 2
Children’s items: Small children’s rail with clothing.

Sue Ryder
Address: 22 South Street, Wareham, BH20 4LT
Cost scale: 3
Children’s items: Very small amount of children’s clothes and some toys.

Weldmar Hospicecare
Address: 17 West Street, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4JS
Cost scale: 4
Children’s items: Very small amount of children’s clothes and toys.

Age UK
Address: 5 North Street, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4AB
Cost scale: 3
Children’s items: Good amount of children’s clothes with a small number of toys.

Margaret Green Animal Rescue
Address: 27 North Street, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4AD
Cost scale: 4
Children’s items: One small children’s rail plus some toys and books.

If you know of any more charity or pre-loved children’s shops in the Purbeck area then please do Contact Us.

More areas to be added soon!

Need more ideas for places to shop for kids items?  Please see our list of upcoming pre-loved baby/ children’s sales and car boot sales.

Please note that info given was correct at the time of writing in April 2024.

Wimborne DSME (District Society of Model Engineers) are a group of like-minded model engineers and railway enthusiasts and they run this fun miniature railway which is located in the grounds of Cobham Sports and Social Club on the outskirts of Wimborne.

I knew that rides were free but donations were welcomed so we took some cash with us so we can support future running events.

Today was a mummy and daughter day (big bro will come next time) and when we arrived we joined a short queue at the train station and waved at all the younger children going by.  When it was our turn we jumped on and our train driver took us past a signal box, through a tunnel, over a level crossing, through a wooded area with bluebells and flowers, under a footbridge and each time we went round on a different track to take us back to the beginning.  I didn’t think my daughter would be as enthusiastic as she was and every time we came off she begged to go back on.

After about 5 trips around the railway we went off for lunch and by mid afternoon we had to drive back the same way and I asked my daughter if she’d like one last go.  Of course she did, so we went round and round again 3 more times haha.  We had already spotted a few fairies and gnomes so on our last turn we tried counting them all, there’s lots!

When we visited there were volunteers serving refreshments and cakes and there’s also free parking on site, a picnic area with a 16mm railway to view and toilets if needed.

We had such a fun girly day and I really hope the volunteers know how much joy they bring to local children (and the adults who have just as much fun).

Public running days are on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month from April to October plus Wednesdays during the summer holidays.  Additional days are also held on special occasions.

They also host kids birthday parties which can be held on any public running day except for their Gala Day, Halloween and Christmas.  A picnic area will be available for use should you wish to bring decorations, food and drink.

For more information, please visit Wimborne DSME.