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

Half-term Events

25 Jan 2025 to 11 May 2025

Gladiator Trail

Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, Dorchester, Dorset

Step 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

Gladiators of Britain

Dorchester, Dorset

A 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 ...

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'sPooleHighcliffe 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 SwanneryAbbotsburyBrewery SquareDorchesterCastletown D-Day CentrePortlandKingston Maurward House, Gardens & Animal ParkDorchesterSherborne CastleSherborneWimborne Model TownWimborne