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Half-term Fun in Dorset

13 February 2025

Half term 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. If you are looking for lots of half-term events to put in your diary, see below.

Half-term Events

30 Nov 2024 to 23 Feb 2025
Bournemouth, Dorset
Cool Coast Ice RinkCool 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 ...
25 Jan 2025 to 11 May 2025
Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, Dorchester, Dorset
Gladiator TrailStep into the thrilling world of gladiators with our Gladiator Trail, a fun-filled family activity that will take you on an exciting journey through the museum in search of gladiator-related objects. From mighty swords and gleaming helmets to intricate mosaics and ancient artefacts, each discovery will reveal incredible stories about the life and battles of gladiators in Roman times. The ...
25 Jan 2025 to 11 May 2025
Dorchester, Dorset
Gladiators of BritainA British Museum Partnership Exhibition with Colchester + Ipswich Museums will delve into the lesser-known history of gladiatorial contests in Roman Britain. Launching at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery on 25th January - 11th May, the exhibition will tour four UK venues, tracing the footsteps of gladiators who once fought in Britain’s amphitheatres. The exhibition showcases iconic objects like ...
09 Feb 2025 to 23 Feb 2025
Shaftesbury, Dorset
Shaftesbury Snowdrop FestivalShaftesbury’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
Tank Museum, Wareham, Dorset
Half Term: Camouflage in CombatThis 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 ...
15 Feb 2025 to 23 Feb 2025
Beaulieu, New Forest, Dorset
Hands-on HistoryJoin us at Beaulieu between 15 – 23 February and step back in time as history comes to life across the attraction with exciting historical hands-on activities! Explore the attraction and keep an eye out for living history characters who might need your assistance with engaging hands-on activities.
15 Feb 2025 to 23 Feb 2025
Weymouth, Dorset
World War II Week at Nothe FortWorld War II Week at Nothe Fort for Half-Term Sat 15th Feb - Sun 23rd Feb 10:30am - 4:00pm Nothe Fort Needs You! As part of our WWII Week, complete five jobs to help the war effort: • Junior Assault Course Training • Adventure Cave - Thursday 20th Feb, helmets provided and suitable for all ages. • Abseil Descent Training - 17th Feb • Soldier School (dates to be confirmed) • Royal ...
20 Feb 2025 to 22 Feb 2025
Bournemouth, Dorset
Shrek The MusicalThis 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 ...
22 February 2025
Ocean Brunch with Moana and Ariel! Moana and Ariel Brunch! Calling all little mermaids, pirates, and adventurers! Dive into ocean-themed fun with Moana & Ariel at our splash-tacular brunch! A morning filled with exciting activities, dancing, and plenty of singing! Let your imagination swim free as you explore a world of bubbles, capture magical memories with photo ops, and get ready for a fun-filled time with your ...

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. 

Fossil hunting in Dorset

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. 

Beach Sauna Dorset

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 CastleDurdle Door, Golden Cap, The Cobb - Lyme Regis, Portland Bill, Gold Hill - Shaftesbury, Thorncombe Woods and any of Dorset’s beaches!

Osmington Mills beach

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

 

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