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May Half Term and beyond in Dorset 2024

The summer is getting warmer and there is more and more to do for families in Dorset.  Check out our details below of things to do this May half term and beyond.

Don’t forget that you can also see our frequently updated general listings here

 

 

The Wareham Bears welcome you to Wimborne Model Town for Bears Weekend on 25th and 26th May.

The Wareham Bears have settled into their new home at Wimborne Model Town after a life of travel. They are accustomed to comfort, having started out life in Harrods. Mary Hildesley bought them and dressed them in tiny knitted clothes, made homes for them and wrote their stories, which we will be retelling at Bears Weekend.

There will be a programme of special events, including teddy bear face painting, craft activities and competitions. 

Tickets for Wimborne Model Town last a year, so you can return as often as you wish.

More details at www.wimborne-modeltown.com

 

 

West Moors big event is back again.

 Westival, on Saturday 13th July 12-4pm on Fryer Field, West Moors, BH22 0LL, is FREE ENTRY and there is so much for the family to do.
Take a picnic, enjoy the live music (Audio All Stars), various cuisines (vegan options) and more, join in on the activities. Win up to £1,000 in the raffle for just 50p per ticket. Watch bike stunts & Bird of Prey Displays, support the ferrets by picking a winner, browse the 50 +stalls and over 100 cars on show. Go along its free!!

Call 01202 861044 or 07776 175387 for further details OR visit the website www.westmoors-tc.gov.uk.

 

 

 

 

Cygnet Season at Abbotsbury Swannery

May and June are cygnet season at the Abbotsbury Swannery. The fluffy cygnets and families are a wonderful sight during these two months. Bring your little ones to see their little ones! Also, during May and June Kids for £1 with a full paying adult (maximum 3 children per adult). With the NEW Brambly Hedge family trail as well, with story posts, stamp points and characters to meet, if you have never been it is a must-visit.

Find out more at www.abbotsburyswannery.co.uk

 

 

 

Unleash your inner explorer at Moors Valley, the award-winning country park with endless adventures for all ages.

Celebrate the Gruffalo's 25th birthday with a fun family adventure. The Gruffalo Party trail features party-themed activities and games, along with fun facts to teach you about life in the forest for the Gruffalo and other creatures. Follow the trail and find the missing party items to give the Gruffalo a birthday to remember. Pick up your pack for just £4, with fun things to do on your party adventure. Explore the play trail and play areas and treat yourself in the restaurant.

 

Message from NHS Dorset – new neurodiversity website

Neurodiversity celebrates the fact that everyone’s brain is unique. NHS Dorset has worked alongside people with lived experience of autism and ADHD to co-produce content for a new neurodiversity information hub (website) for Dorset, as well as experts from the NHS and local charities. The website includes signposting to a wide range of support for all ages, as well as articles and blogs written by members of Dorset’s neurodivergent community, and video interviews with neurodivergent people and their families.

Find out more by visiting nhsdorset.nhs.uk/neurodiversity

 

 

SEND SESSIONS AT ROCKREEF

Some children and young people may require more help to learn and develop than children and young people of the same age. If this is the case they may be classed as having special educational needs (SEN) so they can get extra support. This could include anything from more accessible information to one-to-one support at school or college.

Some children and young people with SEN may also have a disability which does not affect their ability to learn but might stop them from being able to do certain day-to-day things.

SEND sessions run every Thursday from 4pm outside school term time. You can book online at www.rockreef.co.uk. When you book online, you get free entry to Bournemouth Pier via pier toll.

 

 

Swanage Carnival returns for 2024

Swanage Carnival is coming back with a stomp from Saturday 27th July until Saturday 3rd August, celebrating the local area with a "Jurassic Rocks" theme.

Last year saw new events, including Beer Pong &  Fire Engine Pull. These additions will be returning again this year as well as other new and exciting events, including a paddle boarding competition, silent disco, BMX Stunt show  and interactive dinosaur displays. As well as old favourites, including 3 fabulous fire work displays,& live music entertainment every night. The annual highlight, the Procession is on Sunday 28th July.

 

 

 

A History Adventure!

Chalke History Festival, nr. Salisbury, Mon 24-Sun 30 Jun

Step into a time-traveling adventure at the UK's leading history festival, with a new children's activities programme for 2024. Your little historians can explore the Storystock Children’s Tent of Surprises, where imagination knows no bounds; captivating tales and interactive sessions will ignite your child’s creativity. From medieval knights to WW1 and beyond, witness history unfold with the Living History Programme. Embark on thrilling Experiences, in WW2 trenches and the Victorian 'Wild West,' offering something for every curious soul. Engage young minds with tailored talks, diving deep into diverse historical topics, making learning an exciting adventure for all ages. Create lasting memories this summer at the Chalke History Festival.

Find out more at www.chalkefestival.com

Discover the tanks of D-Day at The Tank Museum on the 80th Anniversary and experience live displays during the May Half Term, 25 May – 2 June.

Visitors to the award-winning attraction can find out more about the famous invasion of Normandy, with special activities and trails.

Kids can let off steam in the soft play area and the outside tank themed adventure play area and ride in a military tracked vehicle.

With over 300 armoured vehicles and 10 powerful exhibitions, there is tonnes to see and do at Dorset’s biggest day out. Book online and save 10%. Every regular ticket includes an Annual Pass.

Find out more at https://tankmuseum.org/

 

Magician Cillian O’Connor is bringing his first ever live stage show on tour in Summer 2024

Described by Simon Cowell as ‘an incredible talent’, Cillian reached the Britain’s Got Talent final in 2023 where he finished in the top three.

His performances online have now been some of the most watched of the entire series, reaching over 500 million views in just a few weeks.

The show features special guest Ryland Petty from America’s Got Talent.

Cillian promises to enchant and amaze audiences across the UK and Ireland with a show for the entire family, for all ages.

“I’m super excited to go on my first ever tour and meet the audiences who supported me on Britain’s Got Talent!”

Tickets can be found at https://www.cilliansmagic.com/

 

Durlston Country Park

May is a wonderful time to visit Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve near Swanage. Kids can go wild in over 300 acres of stunning coast and countryside, and discover iconic wildlife including butterflies, orchids and bustling seabird colonies. Explore Durlston Castle, where you will find exhibitions, interactive displays, food and drink and our friendly Rangers, who will help you get the most out of your visit.

Some great family events include seabird-watching boat trips, free drop in craft-activities, the chance to make your own bird-feeder to take home and our Super Seabirds Activity Trail!

Visit www.durlston.co.uk for details.

 

Upcoming events at Monkey World

Saturday 4th – Monday 6th May and Saturday 25th to 27th May Go NUTS at Monkey World!
Every child who brings an unopened bag of nuts for the primates receives a free Monkey World badge over the bank holiday weekend.

Friday 14th June Autism Friendly Day
Monkey World opens an hour early at 9am, exclusively for visitors with autism and their families. Sensory trails, a calm room, and drop-In room for support all ensure that Monkey World is a great day out – for all.

Sunday 16th June Father’s Day
Dad’s get 50% off entry at Monkey World on Father’s day! Book online at www.monkeyworld.org

 

 

Glow Badbury, a learning legacy

In 2023, a series of workshops and fieldtrips with schools and community groups inspired two evocative evenings of artwork, drama and music, that celebrated the history and ecology of National Trust Badbury Rings.

Now Dorset based arts company Emerald Ant has launched a free Learning Pack for teachers and families to encourage them to explore, enjoy and learn about the Rings in a fun, but respectful way.

Featuring a range of intriguing tasks, missions, and creative art challenges, the pack will continue to bring the history and wildlife of Badbury Rings alive for future generations.

Download the pack at: https://emeraldant.com/learning-tools/badbury-rings/

 

 

Upcoming events at Corfe Castle and Studland Bay

Half-term fun at Corfe Castle

Enjoy family fun at Corfe Castle this May with interactive storytelling tours all ages will enjoy, hunt the castle for clues in the family quest ‘rooted in the ruins’ and watch the huge replica medieval siege machine in action! There is also sunflower planting and a traditional village May Fair on Monday 27th May with games, crafts and face painting.

Saturday May 25 – Sunday June 2 | 10am – 5pm | Normal admission applies | Free to National Trust members |

Find out more at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/corfe-castle

 

Seahorse family fun quiz trail at Studland Bay

To coincide with the installation of artist Eilidh Middleton’s sculpture, Neptune the Seahorse, the team at the National Trust has created a fun family quiz trail. Starting at Knoll Beach, families are taken along a route of fun and educational posts to end at the 2m high seahorse artwork. Find out how seahorses eat and what they have in common with kangaroos!

Free quiz trail | Saturday May 25 – Sunday June 2 | Starts at Knoll Beach | Car park open 8:30am – 8pm

Find out more at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/studland-bay

 

Parties at Poole Forest School

A Forest School party is run by highly trained leaders who are extremely experienced with children and will ensure your child and their guests have a fun, wholesome fantastic time! They genuinely care about your child's special day and they will enjoy an experience to remember!
Activities can include using tools, building dens, cooking lunch on the campfire, games, building dens, cooking lunch on the campfire, games and private use of the their beautiful woodland.  Themed parties are available.
Find out more at www.pooleforestschool.com

 

Celebrate summer at the award-winning Museum of East Dorset.

Explore 11 engaging galleries housed within a historic building, uncovering the lives of those who lived and worked there.

Family fun abounds with seasonal trails, crafts, and activities throughout the museum and its beautiful walled garden.

Delve deeper this summer with the museum's new exhibition, ‘Rebellion and Revolt’. This thought-provoking exhibit delves into two pivotal national struggles that profoundly impacted Dorset: the English Civil War of the 1640s and the Monmouth Rebellion of 1685.

The museum, shop, Tea Room and garden are open Monday to Saturday, 10am – 4.30pm.

Find out more at www.museumofeastdorset.co.uk