Half-term Fun in Dorset

So, it’s the half term and you may be wondering how you’re going to keep the kids entertained!

Well don’t worry, whether you are local resident or are staying in Dorset on a break, there’s lots to do throughout the seasons. If you're looking for things to do in Dorset we have found lots of Dorset events to keep you entertained. Our Resort family has children of different ages, here are some of the things we plan to enjoy; perhaps you will too. Scroll down for lots of half-term events to put in your diary! 

Fossil Hunting – Will you be the next person to find a Sea Rex? Who knows you may just discover the next big thing! Do be aware of the tide times, stay away from unstable cliffs and always follow the fossiling code of conduct. Lyme Regis beach, Charmouth and Kimmeridge are all great spots and perfect for exploring over the half-term. 

Bike Rides – get the kids active with a shorter ride for little legs or something a bit more adventurous for older children: take a look at some great cycling routes here. 

Head for Heights – at 191 metres (627 ft), where is the highest point on the south coast of Great Britain? Yes you guessed right, it’s Golden Cap, and on a good day it is visible for tens of miles along the coastline. Why not challenge your family to see who can get to the top first? Remember to take care and not to get too close to the cliff edge, keeping any dogs on a lead.

Sculptures – the family will enjoy seeking out the creations carved out of stone at the Tout Quarry Sculpture Park and Nature Reserve on the isle of Portland, it’s also a great place to take some lovely family photos – picture perfect!

Shopping – OK I get it, kids don’t always like shopping, but we mums do and Bridport’s Saturday and Wednesday markets have lots of unique stalls: you’ll find vintage clothing, Dorset art, ceramics, bric-a-brac, wooden walking sticks and, of course, a few kids’ toys. There’s also one of the best independent toy shops in Dorset, on East Street. You should also head to Bridport’s vintage quarter where you will find many interesting shops to explore.

Woods – we all love a trip to the woods, especiallly in the autumn, half-term is the perfect time to visit Dorset woods. We particularly love Thorncombe Woods, near Dorchester, Moors Valley Country Park, which is located on the Dorset/Hampshire border, and the fabulous New Forest too.  If the kids’ legs get tired start a treasure hunt; we hide chocolate coins as we go along for the kids to spot and enjoy whilst taking in the fresh air.

On the Water – It might be colder, but with a dry suit on and a sense of adventure you can try kayaking, windsurfing, or paddle boarding. Or perhaps the simple things work for you; like a stroll along the shoreline, an ice-cream, or skimming stones. Fresh air is good for the soul, and it doesn’t always mean you have to dip into your pocket! You will also find that many of Dorset's beaches have saunas, so you can certainly warm up and if you're brave enough you can take a dip to cool down. 

Cheeeeeese – not the edible kind (although we do love Dorset cheeses), but photo opportunities. In Dorset you are spoilt for choice with a host of perfect locations to capture the sunrise, sunset or just your children roaming free in the vast open spaces we are blessed with here. Let the children have a go too; they might find a healthy new hobby this half term, or perhaps even become the next David Bailey!

Some of the best spots we like for photos: Kimmeridge, Man O’ War Bay, Corfe Castle, Durdle Door, Golden Cap, The Cobb - Lyme Regis, Portland Bill, Gold Hill - Shaftesbury, Thorncombe Woods and any of Dorset’s beaches!

Attractions – animal adventures, aquariums, interactive museums, steam trains, gorgeous gardens, and kids’ play, we really are spoilt for choice. Local attractions offer you a great day out, and some will have special half term events on. Take a look at the list below and see what will work for your family, whether it be monkey madness, rides and slides, history highlights or something else, these businesses will welcome your family and keep everyone entertained during the half-term in Dorset. 

Food - Fish and chips, are hard to beat so head to the coast and enjoy them by the seaside.

We hope whatever you and your family plan to do, you have a great week, below are a list of Dorset attractions and activity providers who would love you to join them over half term! 

Attractions and Activities

Abbotsbury Subtropical GardensAbbotsburyAthelhampton House & GardensDorchesterBeaulieuNew ForestBuckler's HardNew ForestChesil Equestrian CentrePortlandCompton AcresPooleCorfe CastleCorfe CastleDorset Heavy Horse Farm ParkWimborneFarmer Palmer'sWarehamHighcliffe CastleChristchurchKeep Military MuseumDorchesterLemur LandingsPooleLiberty's Owl Raptor & Reptile CentreNew ForestLongdown Activity FarmNew ForestLulworth Castle & ParkLulworthMapperton House and GardensBeaminsterMonkey World - Ape Rescue CentreWarehamNew Forest Wildlife ParkNew ForestNothe FortWeymouthOceanariumBournemouthPirate Adventure GolfWeymouthPortland AlpacasPortlandPurbeck Sports CentreWarehamPurbeck BreezerPoolePortland Bill Lighthouse & Visitor CentrePortlandRockReefBournemouthShire Hall Historic Courthouse MuseumDorchesterSplashdown WaterparkPooleSwanage RailwaySwanageTank MuseumWarehamWeymouth Sea Life Adventure ParkWeymouthDorset Museum & Art GalleryDorchesterPortland MuseumPortlandAbbotsbury SwanneryAbbotsburyBlue PoolWarehamBrewery SquareDorchesterCastletown D-Day CentrePortlandKingston Maurward House, Gardens & Animal ParkDorchesterSherborne CastleSherborneWimborne Model TownWimborne

Half-term Events

30 Nov 2024 to 23 Feb 2025

Cool Coast Ice Rink

Bournemouth, Dorset

Cool Coast Ice Rink is the largest indoor ice skating rink on the South Coast. Located in Bournemouth International Centre from November to February, it’s the perfect winter activity with friends and family. Enjoyed by so many every year, it’s even a great way to stay fit and active over the wintery months. At Cool Coast you can enjoy a fun filled ice skating session regardless of the weather ...

08 Feb 2025 to 09 Feb 2025

South West Model Show

Tank Museum, Wareham, Dorset

See and buy models surrounded by the best collection of tanks in the world at the Tank Museum. Traders, exhibitors and modelling demonstrations alongside the real thing. A huge collection of model tanks, plus planes, ships and trains – all types and sizes will be available to see, make and purchase. Standard admission tickets and Annual Passes are valid for this event. 8-9 February ...

09 Feb 2025 to 23 Feb 2025

Shaftesbury Snowdrop Festival

Shaftesbury, Dorset

Shaftesbury’s snowdrop season is one of the biggest events of its type in the country and the town’s free snowdrop walks, including wheelchair and pushchair accessible routes, can be enjoyed by all, including dogs. One of the highlights will be the return of the Snowdrop Study Day on Sunday 9th February with guest speakers at Shaftesbury Arts Centre.

15 Feb 2025 to 23 Feb 2025

Half Term: Camouflage in Combat

Tank Museum, Wareham, Dorset

This February half term, the Tank Museum is exploring Camouflage in Combat. Enjoy family activities investigating how tanks kept themselves hidden on the battlefield, from WWI to the present day. Experience the biggest day out in history with interactive exhibitions, 300 tanks, kids’ activities, and more at Dorset’s largest indoor attraction. From using leaves and branches to ...

20 Feb 2025 to 22 Feb 2025

Shrek The Musical

Bournemouth, Dorset

This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe). All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI Europe www.mtishows.co.uk Based on the Oscar-winning animated film, "Shrek The Musical" is the Tony Award-winning, adventure-filled production brought to you by the highly acclaimed ‘Swish’, known for their innovative and captivating ...