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Time: 11am
Venue: Lyme Regis
Address: DT7
Website: www.lymeregis.org
Morris dancing performances will be on display on the seafront throughout the day. Featuring Morris Dancers from across the country and local schools. Starts at 11am with a beach barbecue in the evening....
Venue: Various Venues
Address: Shaftesbury, SP7 8JE
Website: www.shaftesburyfringe.co.uk
Includes an eclectic mix of over 150 performances, including comedy, music, theatre, poetry, cabaret and children’s entertainment.
Venue: Abbotsbury Swannery
Address: New Barn Road, Abbotsbury, DT3 4JG
Walk through the heart of a colony of nesting Mute Swans and see hundreds of fluffy cygnets hatch from eggs in nests on or near the pathways. Please mention Primary Times when ringing 01305 871130.
Time: 10am to 5.30pm
Venue: Crealy Theme Park and Resort
Address: Sidmouth Road, Clyst St Mary, Exeter, EX5 1DR
Website: www.crealy.co.uk
Join Crealy this May half term for just £15. Choose from over 60 attractions such as the Tidal Wave Log Flume, the Twister, Maximus Rollercoaster, Aqua Blasters and much more. Plus, you'll be able to...
Venue: Brownsea Island
Address: Poole, BH13 7EE
Website: www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk
At this roadshow there will be family games, including the Pollinator Wheel of Fortune and the Bee Buzz wire game. Plus, advice on welcoming pollinators into your garden.
Time: 10am to 3pm
Venue: Upton Country Park
Address: Upton, Poole, BH17 7BJ
Pop along to the Education Centre for some fun arts and crafts this half term holiday. Activities include paper plate clown and dinosaur making. Cost: £3 per craft. No booking required – just turn up....
Venue: The Tank Museum
Address: Bovington, BH20 6JG
Website: www.tankmuseum.org
This May Half Term experience vehicle rides every day and live tank displays every weekday. Kids can visit the outdoor and indoor play areas. Plus, there will be free family trails with teasers and puzzles.
Time: 10am to 4pm
Venue: Brownsea Island
Address: Poole Harbour, Poole, BH13 7EE
Have a go at one of the free trails including tree climbing, coastal creatures or nature rubbing. For details call 01202 707744.
Time: 10am to 4pm
Venue: Kingston Lacy
Address: Wimborne Minster, BH21 4EA
Enjoy some wild fun - explore the woodlands and parkland. Plus, celebrate birds, bugs and bees with some hands-on activities. Call 01202 883402.
Venue: Corfe Castle
Address: Wareham, BH20 5EZ
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Learn new skills, play games and make mischief at the Medieval Fool’s School in the Outer Bailey. For details call 01929 481294.
Time: 11am to 8pm
Venue: Mudeford Quay
Address: Christchurch, BH23 3NT
Website: www.mudefordseafoodfestival.co.uk
A celebration of Mudeford’s rich cultural heritage. A family friendly event with food demonstrations, live music and entertainment.
Time: 10am to 4pm
Venue: King’s Park
Address: King’s Park Drive, Boscombe, BH7 7AF
Website: www.visithengistburyhead.co.uk/bioblitz
Free activities will be running all day – includes a moth trap release, bird discovery, a bumblebee walk, a min-beast hunt, a marvellous mammals workshop and a sunset bat walk.
Time: 6am to 8am
Venue: Between King’s Park Athletics Stadium and East Cemetery
Address: King’s Park, King’s Park Dr, Bournemouth BH7 7AF
Website: www.visithengistburyhead.co.uk/bioblitz
The closing event for the Great Wildlife Exploration. A fantastic morning bird walk led by a local expert to identify birds by both sight and sound. A free event.
Time: 12pm to 4pm
Venue: Shapwick Village Green
Address: Stewards Lane, Shapwick, Blandford Forum, DT11 9JZ
A traditional country fair with kids’ races, ferret racing, a coconut shy, kids’ steam train rides, fun dog show, tombola, skittles, Dorset Knob contests, nail in the bale, splat the rat and lots more....
Time: 11am
Venue: The Chesil Beach Centre
Address: Portland Road, Portland, DT4 9XE
Walk along Chesil Beach and hunt the strandline for wildlife treasure washed in from the sea. Find out what lives in the deeper water - look for rare pink sea fans and shark eggcases. For details call...
Venue: Corfe Castle
Address: Wareham, BH20 5EZ
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Visit the castle and enjoy a traditional May Fair celebration organised by Corfe Castle village, with a selection of stalls, food and drink, a dog agility show and more. For details call 01929 481294.
Venue: Sherborne Castle
Address: New Road, Sherborne, DT9 5NR
Website: www.sherbornecountryfair.com
With dragon boats, a dog show, a solar powered Big Top, circus workshops, a fun fair, a climbing wall and water walkers, gymnastic displays, a puppet show, Punch and Judy, rainbow bubbles and much more....
Time: 11am to 2pm
Venue: Kingfisher Barn
Address: Stour Acres, Granby Road, Muscliff, Bournemouth, BH9 3NZ
Website: www.visitstourvalley.co.uk
Drop in and have a go at weaving willow to make a bird feeder or a willow star. No need to book. Cost: £1-£3.
Venue: Russell-Cotes
Address: East Cliff, Bournemouth, BH1 3AA
Website: www.russellcotes.com
Get creative and have fun at one of the travel themed craft sessions. Make a mummy in its pyramid or maybe a Viking warrior. Cost £3.
Venue: Kingston Lacy
Address: Wimborne Minster, BH21 4EA
Help the insects in your garden by making a bee house or bug hotel with help from the Kingston Lacy carpenters. Booking essential. For details call 01202 883402.
Venue: Corfe Castle
Address: Wareham, BH20 5EZ
Fiery Jack and friends will be holding court with a varied programme throughout the week, including a Circus Fools School, Games Emporium and much more. For details call 01929 481294.
Time: 10am to 11.30am and 12.30pm to 2pm
Venue: Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre
Address: Broadway, Bournemouth, BH6 4EN
Website: www.visithengistburyhead.co.uk
Explore the reserve for nature’s smallest creatures. Discover some of the fascinating beetles, bugs and minibeasts living in these diverse habitats. Cost: £3 per child, suitable for ages 5+. Booking...
Venue: Brownsea Island
Address: Poole Harbour, Poole, BH13 7EE
Join this fun family guided adventure that will explore Brownsea's minibeasts, the trees and much more beside. Find out about the intriguing creatures that play such an important part in the entire ecosystem....
Venue: Adventure Wonderland
Address: Christchurch, BH23 6BA
Website: www.adventurewonderland.co.uk
See everyone’s favourite Paw Patrol characters, Chase and Rubble, who will be appearing at intervals in the meet and greet area throughout the day. Afterwards, enjoy all that this fun attraction has...
Time: 1.30pm
Venue: Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre
Address: Lorton Lane, Weymouth, DT3 5QH
Website: www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org
Have a go at pond dipping and discover the amazing underwater world of diving beetles, newts and nymphs. Family fun, wildlife inspired crafts and games. Booking essential. For details call 01305 816546.
Venue: Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre
Address: Bournemouth, BH1 2BU
Website: www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk
If you’re a fan of one of The X Factor’s finest exports you’re sure to love The Little Mix Experience. Four hugely talented girls pay tribute to one of the UK’s finest girl-bands. With breath-taking...
Time: 11am to 3pm
Venue: Durlston Country Park
Address: Lighthouse Rd, Swanage, BH19 2JL
Website: www.durlston.co.uk
A free drop-in craft activity session in the Belvedere.
Time: 11am
Venue: Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre
Address: Kimmeridge Bay, Kimmeridge, BH20 5PF
Website: www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk
Take on the Kimmeridge Seashore Explorer family challenge this half term to see if you can complete the activities. For the challenge you will need to hire a Seashore Explorer backpack full of fun activities....
Venue: Kingston Lacy
Address: Wimborne Minster, BH21 4EA
Find out about Kingston Lacy's brilliant bees. Meet the beekeepers, taste samples of delicious honey, and try on a beekeeper suit. The event is free but normal admission applies. For details call 01202...
Time: 2.30pm to 4pm
Venue: Durlston Country Park
Address: Lighthouse Rd, Swanage, BH19 2JL
Website: www.durlston.co.uk
Have a go at 'wild weaving' in this fun session. Booking essential. Cost: £3.
Time: 5pm to 10am
Venue: RSPB Arne Nature Reserve
Address: Near Wareham, BH20 5BJ
Website: ww2.rspb.org.uk
Camp out in the wild on the spectacular Arne reserve. Take a tent and sleeping bag and camp under the stars. Head out onto the heathland for an evening walk to track down nightjar, glow worms, owls and...
Time: 10.30am -12.30pm
Venue: Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre
Address: Lorton Lane, Weymouth, DT3 5QH
Website: www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org
Discover marvellous millipedes, beetles and bugs in the wild woods and magnificent meadows at Lorton. Booking essential. For details call 01305 816546.
Venue: Sturminster Newton
Address: Sturminster Newton, DT10 1FH
Website: www.sturminster-newton.org.uk
An action packed weekend with a grand gardening fair, a craft fair, an anonymous travelling market, a vehicle rally, a Big Lunch and much more. Something for all the family.
Time: 9am to 10.30am
Venue: Durlston Country Park
Address: Lighthouse Rd, Swanage, BH19 2JL
Website: www.durlston.co.uk
Put on your detective hats, look for animal tracks, trails and signs and maybe meet a mammal. Suitable children aged 5 years+. Booking essential. Cost: £3.
Time: 1.30pm
Venue: Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre
Address: Kimmeridge Bay, Kimmeridge, BH20 5PF
Website: www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk
Find out how to catch seashore crabs without harming them and learn how to look after your catch. Discover the different types of crab and learn lots of fun crabby facts. For details call 01929 481044.
Venue: Lymington Road
Address: Highcliffe, Christchurch, BH23 5EG
Website: www.highcliffefoodandartsfestival.co.uk
This ever-expanding festival will include traditional street traders, a kids’ kitchen, cookery demonstrations, arts and crafts, entertainment, a stylish craft marquee, a Sheep Show and many more activities...
Time: 10.30am
Venue: Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre
Address: Lorton Lane, Weymouth, DT3 5QH
Website: www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org
Discover the wonderful wildflowers of Lorton's meadows and plant seeds for your own pollinator patch. Booking essential. For details call 01305 816546.
Time: 9.30am to 12pm
Venue: Durlston Country Park
Address: Lighthouse Rd, Swanage, BH19 2JL
Website: www.durlston.co.uk
A summer run through the meadows at Durlston, in aid of the Pleasure Grounds Project. Go on a 2k or 5k route. Booking essential. Cost: Child: £4; Adult: £6.
Time: 8.45pm
Venue: Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre
Address: Broadway, Bournemouth, BH6 4EN
Website: www.visithengistburyhead.co.uk
Join a ranger on an evening exploration to learn more about the unusual birds that visit the reserve in the summer and search for rare natterjack toads too. Booking essential.
Venue: The Quay
Address: Poole, BH15 1HJ
Website: www.pooleharbourboatshow.co.uk
See over 100 boats including tall ships and celebrity style yachts. Plus, water sports taster sessions, power boat racing, exciting RNLI demonstrations, a Newfoundland dog display, a Freefall Parachute...
Time: From 10am to 5pm
Venue: Parley Green
Address: Christchurch, BH23 6BB
Website: www.cheeseandchillifestival.com
This tasty festival returns for its 6th successive year. Includes a full programme of entertainment, live music, a magic show, free crazy golf, a treasure hunt, balloon modelling, cooking demonstrations,...
Time: 12pm to 8pm
Venue: Corscombe Court
Address: Corscombe, Dorchester, DT2 0NS
Website: www.corscombe-fest.org
A traditional festival featuring games and sideshows, children’s fun races, a kid’s area, a collection of classic cars, a model aeroplane flying display, traditional stalls, a dog show, a pets corner...
Time: Prince Albert Gardens
Venue: Swanage, BH19 1LB
Website: www.swanagefishfest.org
A celebration of fish. With family activities, cooking demonstrations, live music and much more.
Venue: Brownsea Island
Address: Poole Harbour, Poole, BH13 7EE
Join marine experts to find out more about the local sea life. With marine based displays, talks and walks, plus see what amazing creatures call Brownsea home and a free shoreline ramble to take part in....
Time: 11.15am
Venue: Ferrymans Way
Address: Wyke Regis, Weymouth, DT4 9YU
To celebrate World Oceans Day, go on a boat trip on the Fleet Explorer. Find out about the incredible wildlife and learn how important it is to protect our seas. Booking essential. Call 01305 206191.
Venue: Askers Meadow
Address: Bridport, Dorset, DT6 4SB
Website: www.bridportfoodfestival.com
A week-long celebration of local food and drink. Includes a children’s marquee with free activities such as hands-on cooking workshops, cycle powered juice making and decorating fish shaped biscuits....
Time: From 9pm
Venue: Hambledon Hill
Address: Markstone Cottages, Child Okeford, DT11 8ET
Discover the secrets of the twilight on this stunning hillfort. Seek out the very special and enigmatic Glow Worms. Experience the magical sensory sights and sounds of a midsummer’s night. Suitable for...
Venue: Poole Quay
Address: Poole, BH15 1HJ
Website: www.piratesofpoole.co.uk
Poole's annual celebration of its favourite pirate son, Harry Paye. Marking the 600th anniversary of Old Harry Paye’s death. This popular event begins with a Parade of Pirates along Poole Quay. Will...
Time: 11am to 12pm
Venue: Knoll Gardens
Address: Stapehill Rd, Hampreston, Wimborne, BH21 7ND
Create a miniature bottle garden in the garden at Knoll. Learn about these fascinating mini worlds before being helped to create a miniature garden to take home. Cost: £10 per child. Booking advised....
Time: 2pm
Venue: Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre
Address: Lorton Lane, Weymouth, DT3 5QH
Website: www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org
Discover a wealth of wildlife in the meadows such as tiny beetles to stunning wildflowers. Plus, to mark Father’s Day there will be free coffee for all dads and grandads. Booking essential. For details...
Time: 10am to 9pm
Venue: The Exchange
Address: Old Market Hill, Sturminster Newton, DT10 1FH
Website: www.sturlitfest.com
With events suitable for all the family including a Victorian Party, a giant picnic, live performances and much more.
Venue: Farmer Palmers Farm Park
Address: Wareham Road, Organford, Poole, BH16 6EU
Website: www.farmerpalmers.co.uk
There will be free entry for dads with a voucher which can be accessed via the Farmer Palmer’s website. Whilst there, enjoy the best that this fun attraction has to offer. Call 01202 622022.
Time: 1pm
Venue: Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre
Address: Kimmeridge Bay, Kimmeridge, BH20 5PF
Website: www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk
Wander along the beach to discover what fascinating seashore wildlife can be spotted in Kimmeridge Bay. Learn more about the bizarre lives of creatures such as sea snails and crafty crabs. Call 01929 481044.
Time: 11am
Venue: The Chesil Beach Centre
Address: Portland Road, Portland, DT4 9XE
Become a seashore superhero and learn how to protect the local wildlife by completing a series of challenges to become a masked hero. For details call 01305 206191.
Venue: Dolphin Shopping Centre
Address: Dolphin Centre, Poole, BH15 1SZ
Website: www.dolphinshoppingcentre.co.uk
A free monthly activity session which includes a meet and greet with a guest character, a pop-up soft play area and mini art and craft sessions. This month’s theme is Popping 90s Films.
Venue: Warren Farm
Address: Blandford Forum, DT11 0HQ
Website: http://www.midsummermusic.co.uk8Outdoor events
Family friendly music festival in a natural amphitheatre on the slopes of Bulbarrow Hill. Alongside the live music there is children's entertainment from Jamie Jigsaw, plus Bugfest, arts and crafts and...
Venue: Various Venues
Address: Beaminster, DT8 3DR
Website: www.beaminsterfestival.com
A festival of music, theatre, art and literature.
Time: 12pm
Venue: Leweston School
Address: Sherborne, DT9 6EN
Website: www.lewestonenterprises.co.uk/summer-fest
This summer festival will have live music, a food demonstration tent and an amazing Kids Zone with bugs, circus skills, face painting, bungee runs and much more.
Venue: The Esplanade
Address: Weymouth, DT4 7AN
Website: www.armedforcesday.org.uk/event/weymouth-armed-forces-celebrations
See the historic military vehicles arrive on the seafront from 10am on the Saturday and watch the parade on the Sunday.
Time: 11am to 3pm
Venue: Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre
Address: Broadway, Bournemouth, BH6 4EN
Website: www.visithengistburyhead.co.uk
Join Fordingbridge Astronomers to share observations of the Sun. Using a variety of safe solar observing equipment, the astronomers will show you detail on ‘the daystar’ (weather permitting). A free...
Time: 10.30am to 12pm
Venue: Durlston Country Park
Address: Lighthouse Rd, Swanage, BH19 2JL
Website: www.durlston.co.uk
Go on a stroll with a ranger from Durlston Castle to Swanage Pier. Discover more about the history, wildlife and geology of the area, and stories of stone. Cost: £3.
Venue: Herston Yards Farm
Address: Washpond Lane, Swanage, BH19 3DJ
A great fun packed weekend for all of the family with kids activities, stalls, live music and more. Call 01929 422932.
Venue: The Tank Museum
Address: Bovington, BH20 6JG
Website: www.tankmuseum.org
A big, live display of historic armour, living history, and much more. Includes an explosive battle scenario, vehicles rides, Second World War vehicle display, and a carousel parade of tanks in the arena....
Time: 11am to 3pm
Venue: Durlston Country Park
Address: Lighthouse Rd, Swanage, BH19 2JL
Website: www.durlston.co.uk
Activities for you and your dog to enjoy including dog shows, guided walkies and much more.
Time: 10.30am to 9pm
Venue: Poole Quay
Address: The Quay, Poole, BH15 1HJ
Website: www.folkonthequay.co.uk
A free folk music festival with three outdoor music stages and dancers in the streets overlooking Poole’s lovely Harbour. With traditional folk dancing, ceilidhs on the Quay and lots more.
Venue: Adventure Wonderland
Address: Christchurch, BH23 6BA
Website: www.adventurewonderland.co.uk
See everyone’s favourite T-Rex, who will be appearing at intervals in the meet and greet area throughout the day. Afterwards, enjoy all that this fun attraction has to offer.
Time: 2pm-4pm
Venue: Kingfisher Barn
Address: Stour Acres, Granby Road, Muscliff, Bournemouth, BH9 3NZ
Website: www.visitstourvalley.co.uk
Try your hand at stone painting. Use acrylic paint to create a lasting work of art. No need to book.
Venue: Christchurch Quay
Address: Quay Road, Christchurch, BH23 1BU
Website: https://christchurchfestival.co.uk
Celebrating its 25th anniversary. With children’s activities, stalls galore, dancing in the streets and live music. The entire festival will be free all weekend.
Time: 10.30am
Venue: Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre
Address: Lorton Lane, Weymouth, DT3 5QH
Find the bugs, bees and beetles hiding among Lorton's wildflowers and celebrate National Meadows Day. Booking essential. For details call 01305 816546.
Time: 1.30pm
Venue: Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre
Address: Kimmeridge Bay, Kimmeridge, BH20 5PF
Website: www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk
Starting with a mini beach clean explore the problem of marine litter. Then, learn how to re-purpose beach litter into plant pots for your wildlife garden. For details call 01929 481044.
Time: 2.30pm to 4pm
Venue: Durlston Country Park
Address: Lighthouse Rd, Swanage, BH19 2JL
Website: www.durlston.co.uk
Enjoy Durlston's stunning summer wildlife, butterflies, flowers and more, with a Ranger on a gentle walk. Cost: £3.
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