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 Off the main A35
on the B3157 between Weymouth & Bridport.01305 871858. - DT3 4JG www.abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk On the World Heritage Coast Discount Voucher Accepted -
£2 per adult to a maximum of 4 |
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 Opposite Bournemouth Airport.01202 483 444. - BH23 6BA www.adventurewonderland.co.uk Whatever the Weather… Enjoy a full day‘s fun at Dorset‘s number one family theme park, whatever the
weather - combining the outdoor Adventure Wonderland with the indoor adventure play centre
Wild Thing! Now over 28 rides and attractions, including, New for 2009 Shark Island
joining Animal Cuddle Corner, Ghostly Galleon and much more! |
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 5 miles east of Dorchester off A35(T) at Puddletown
Northbrook Junction.01305 848363 - DT2 7LG www.athelhampton.co.uk Visit one of the finest manor houses in England dating
from the 15th Century. Explore the glorious Grade 1 gardens, containing the world famous
topiary |
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 Bennett’s
Water GardensTel: 01305 785150 - DT3 4AF www.waterlily.co.uk Renowned for its replica Monet Japanese Bridge and National & International
Collections of Water Lilies, this eight acre water garden is set in natural surroundings
with native trees, willows and wild flowers. Tropical Plant House, Heritage Museum,
Children’s Fun Trails, Gift Shop, Plant Nursery & Licensed Lakeside Café. -
Group visits – Season tickets - Civil Weddings. |
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 Signposted off the A351 south of Wareham.Furzebrook, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5AR. 01929 551408. www.bluepooluk.com Enjoy the luxury of silence. Sandy paths climb up to views of the Purbeck Hills and down steps to the waters edge. The Pool is famous for its ever changing colours. The Teahouse opens daily offering attractive lunches and delicious Cream Teas with home baked scones. Small children‘s play area. Some facilities for the disabled. Dogs on leads welcome Open: Grounds open 9.30 from March 1st - Nov 30th. Teahouse Shop & Museum 10am daily from 1st April - 30th October. Closing times vary. Discount Voucher Accepted - 20%
Discount Off a Cream Tea for 2 provided full admission has been paid |
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 164 Canford Cliffs, Poole, Dorset.
BH13 7ES.01202 700 778. www.comptonacres.co.uk Compton
Acres is one of the finest privately owned gardens in the UK with a unique series of
stunning gardens, including Japanese, Italian and Rock and Water Gardens. There is also a
café, restaurant, the newly refurbished Harbour view café, gift shop, craft shop and
model railway. Open 363 days of the year. Please print off vouchers at bottom of
listings. |
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 Icen Way, Dorchester. - DT1
1EW01305 269 880 www.thedinosaurmuseum.com The
award winning Dinosaur Museum is a treat, especially for Please print off vouchers at bottom of
listings. |
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 High West Street, Dorchester DT1 1XA.01305 262 735 www.dorsetcountymuseum.org Award-winning
‘Museum of Dorset’ including Jurassic Coast Geology Gallery, atmospheric
Victorian Hall with Roman Mosaic floors and Thomas Hardy’s Study. Dorchester Gallery
tells the 6,000 year history of Dorchester. With Dorset Writers, Archaeology (including
Maiden Castle presentation), Social and Natural History Galleries. Interactives,
audiovisuals, free audioguides and Museum Trails for children. Please print off vouchers at bottom of
listings. |
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 4 miles from Poole in Organford near Poole. Clearly
signposted from the A35 and A351.
BH16 6EU01202 622022 www.falmerpalmers.co.uk The Countryside’s own National Award
Winning Theme Park!! Perfect for the under 8’s |
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 4 miles south east of Chard, 7
miles west of Crewkerne. TA24 0LU01460 221 290. www.fordeabbey.co.uk South West Tourism Small Attraction of
the Year 2007/8 Gold Award |
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 Go Ape! Moors Valley, Moors Valley Country Park,
Horton Road, Ashley Heath, Nr Ringwood. BH24 2ET. 0845 643 9236 www.goape.co.uk Bring
Out Your Inner Ape! |
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 01202 234 900 5, Southcote Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 3LR www.2crfm.co.uk Proud media partners of Best of Dorset 2009. This year 2CR will become Heart
102.3 with more music variety. |
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 Highcliffe Castle,
Rothesay Drive, Highcliffe, Dorset. BH23 4LETel: 01425 278807 www.highcliffecastle.co.uk Grade 1 listed. Built in the 1830’s for Lord Stuart De Rothesay, Highcliffe Castle is situated in beautiful cliff-top grounds, with access to the Christchurch coastal path. A perfect venue for exhibitions, events & concerts. Behind the scenes guided tours on Tues & Sun @ 2pm. Booking advisable. Adults £2.60. Accompanied Children U16 Free l Gift Shop l Tea Rooms l Guided Tours l Civil Ceremonies & Receptions. Open: 1st Feb - 23rd Dec. Sun - Thur 11am - 5pm (last admission 4.30pm) Fri & Sat 11am - 4.30pm (last admission 4pm). Grounds open all year from 7am. Discount Voucher Accepted - 50p Off standard admission per person. Not applicable with any other offer. Valid Feb 09 - Dec 09. Please print off vouchers at bottom of listings.
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 Bridport Road,
Dorchester at 'Top o' the Town'. - DT1 1RN01305 264 066 www.keepmilitarymuseum.org
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 Kingston Maurward is
signposted from the roundabout at the Eastern end of the Dorchester bypass. DT2 8PY01305 215003. www.kmc.ac.uk/gardens Explore the formal Edwardian Garden with a stunning ornamental lake in front of the 18th Century Mansion House. The Animal Park has a collection of miniature Shetland ponies, donkeys, rabbits and Guinea pigs. Light refreshments are available, Play area, Shop and plant sales. Special events throughout the year. For further details contact Kingston Maurward 01305 215003. Open: Daily 5th Jan to 21st Dec 2009, 10am to 5.30pm. Kingston Maurward is signposted from the roundabout at the eastern end of the Dorchester By Pass. |
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 5 miles west of Wareham. Follow brown signs from
A352 - BH20 5QS0845 450 1054. www.lulworth.com Walk in the
footsteps of Kings and Queens!.... |
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 Pirate Adventure Mini Golf
- Weymouth DT4 7SXTel: 01305 781797 AHOY SHIPMATES! Bring your motley crew along to Pirate Adventure Mini Golf! Challenge yourselves on the amazing 19 hole course, whilst learning about the life and death of some of the scariest pirates around! Fun for the whole family! Open: Summer – Daily from 10am; Winter – Weekends from 10am. Discount Voucher Accepted - Discount: £1 off a fully priced adult ticket Not applicable with any other offer or voucher. Valid until 31/12/09. Please print off vouchers at bottom of listings. |
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 Portland, Dorset DT5 1AZ.01305 820 539 www.english-heritage.org.uk/portland A ‘must’ visit whatever the
weather. One of King Henry VIII’s finest fortifications. 450 years of history, from
Tudor stronghold to World War II signals base Discount Voucher Accepted
- Two for one on admission with a full paying visitor Not applicable with any other
offer. |
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 DT11
8RH01258 482 248. www.royalsignalsmuseum.com
Exhibitions - Women at War - Spies, Codes and Secret Agents - ENIGMA - Y Service - SOE
- Special Forces War time SAS - Long Range Desert Group - Motorcycle Collection - Despatch
Riders - Animals at War - Airborne Forces |
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 Sherborne, Dorset DT9 5NR.01935 813 182. www.sherbornecastle.com Sherborne Castle with its beautiful lakeside gardens and grounds. Come and visit the famous castle built by Sir Walter Raleigh 1594, stately home to the
Digby family since 1617; |
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 Swanage Railway Co. Ltd, Station House, Swanage,
Dorset BH19 1HB.01929 425 800. www.swanagerailway.co.uk Travel on Dorset’s award winning steam railway and make the most of the Jurassic Coast. Make the most of the Jurassic Coast by taking a trip on the Swanage Railway - the most
convenient way to visit Corfe Castle and the seaside. Avoid the hassle of parking by
travelling from Norden Park & Ride off the A351. |
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 Bovington, Wool, Dorset. BH20 6JG01929 405096 www.tankmuseum.co.uk Make Tracks to the Tank Museum
– The world’s best collection of tanks! |
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 High West Street, Dorchester. DT1 1UW01305 269 571. www.tutankhamun-exhibition.co.uk The World Renowned Tutankhamun Exhibition. The world’s greatest discovery of ancient treasure - Tutankhamun’s tomb,
treasures and mummy are superbly recreated in this internationally renowned exhibition -
extensively featured on TV. The only exhibition of its kind in Europe. Not to be missed. Please print off vouchers at bottom of listings. |
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 Lodmoor Country Park,
Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 7SX.01305 788 255. Bookings 01305 761 070. www.sealifeeurope.com A
unique mix of indoor and outdoor attractions, prepare to come face to face with sharks,
otters, seals, penguins, turtles and so much more. NEW FOR 2009: Go on a safari style
adventure and come face to face with crocodiles! Other key features include: Adventure
Island - a fantasy land of thrilling rides; Splash Lagoon - a great outdoor feature
complete with water slide, splash pool, and water jets; Turtle Sanctuary and ocean tank
complete with spectacular walk through underwater tunnel. Discount Voucher Accepted
- £5 off adult entry |
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Things To Do In DorsetDorset Events Calendar 2009 April Sunday 5th – Friday 17th April. Dragon Egg Hunt. Lulworth Castle. NEW to Lulworth this year is our exciting spring Dragon Egg Hunt from 5th to 17th April. You can hunt for the dragon’s egg tokens around the Castle Park and win prizes! The friendly baby dragons will be on hand for you to meet and you can join in a Dragon procession. Be enchanted by the Golden Dragon of Spring stories. Join in the dragon themed activities, quizzes and trails including make your own Dragon! Event included in normal admission price. www.lulworth.com 6th to 17th April. Pig Racing at Easter. Farmer Palmer’s. Once weaned our Kune Kune piglets are going to run for an extra snack in our outside animal pen area. Come and see how the training is shaping up! www.farmerpalmers.co.uk Good Friday 10th April – Easter Monday 13th April 2009. Great Dinosaur Egg Hunt. The Dinosaur Museum, Icen Way, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1EW. Explore Britain’s original award winning Dinosaur Museum, in Dorchester, with its exciting mix of actual fossils, skeletons, and life-size dinosaur reconstructions combined with hands on and multi-media displays to discover the answers to the clues in the Dinosaur Mystery. All children who solve the Mystery correctly win a special prize dinosaur! For more information telephone 01305 269880 or online at www.thedinosaurmuseum.com. Each Day Good Fri 10th April to Mon 13th inclusive 2.30pm. Easter Egg Hunts. Farmer Palmer’s. 4 days of Easter Egg Hunts for children in the Maize Maze! Fantastic fun as children & parents search for those lovely eggs, no extra charge and some will win Bigger Easter Eggs. 12th and 13th April – Forde Abbey – Easter Egg Hunt - We have been warned that the garden will be over run with Easter Bunnies on Easter Sunday and Monday! If you can tell us where they all are there is an Easter Egg reward. There is free entry to Forde Abbey for under 15s. www.fordeabbey.co.uk May Sunday 3rd and Bank Holiday Monday 4th MAY – Sherborne Castle Open Access between the Old and New Castle grounds. 11.00am – 4.30pm. Follow in the footsteps of Sir Walter Raleigh and wander between the ruins of the Old Castle and the gardens & grounds of the ‘New’ Castle, normally operated as two separate sites; one admission charge covers access to the grounds of both sites. Organisers: Sherborne Castle and Sherborne Old Castle (English Heritage); www.sherbornecastle.com Sunday 3rd and Monday 4th May. Civil War Battle & Living History Encampment. Lulworth Castle. Sir Thomas Tyldesley Regiment of Foote and other members of the English Civil War Society bring the turbulent history of the 17th century to life with Big Gun firing displays and village encampment in the Park and crafts and music of the period in the Castle. A great event to get close to history and experience the sights, sounds and smells of times past. Event included in normal admission price. www.lulworth.com Start 5th May and every Tuesday till Autumn. Car Boot Sales. Farmer Palmer’s. Great way to empty out the shed or garage. Children can earn pocket money or you might just want to hunt for a bargain! Sellers 9am, Buyers 10am. £5.00 per car or van. 15th-17th May – Forde Abbey – Ian Edwards sculpture exhibition – beautiful bronzes reflecting the grace of nature around the house. Sunday 17th May. Harley Davidson Rally. Lulworth Castle. A parade of hundreds of classic and customised bikes. Saturday 23rd May – Bank Holiday Monday 25th May 2009. Tutankhamun Treasure Hunt. The Tutankhamun Exhibition, High West Street, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1UW. The discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings in 1922 has been described as the world’s greatest discovery of ancient treasure. Now children visiting the internationally renowned Tutankhamun Exhibition can go on their own Treasure Hunt over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend. They will explore this fascinating exhibition with its recreation of Tutankhamun’s tomb, treasures and mummy and solve the riddle of the missing treasure. All those who correctly crack the code will be entered in a prize draw and one lucky person each day will win a special prize. For further details phone 01305 269571 or log on to www.tutankhamun-exhibition.co.uk Sunday 24th May – Friday 29th May. Pirate Festival. Lulworth Castle. Avast me Hearties! Expect swashbuckling fun as we embark on 6 days of Pirate themed activities in the Castle & Park…. complete with Pirate reenactors creating mischief and merrymaking! Wander through their encampment and learn more about how they lived and fought! Many tales of smuggling, battles and piracy will be told. There will be displays of black powder weapons and ships guns all week. Quizzes, games, story telling, face painting and lots more pirate themed activities storm the Castle. You can even learn how to speak ‘Pirate!’. On the spot prizes for the best pirate costumes! Open at 10.30am until 6pm. Event included in normal admission price. Bank Holiday Monday 25th MAY Sherborne Castle Country Fair, Retriever Event & Rare Breeds Show 10.00am From10.00am. A full day packed with fun activities and displays: from animal agility classes to a clay pigeon shoot, dragon boat racing to driving carriages, there really is something to suit everyone. There are many trade stands to visit, including a beautiful Crafts Courtyard and ever popular Food Hall which features local gourmet foods and beverages. Held in the grounds of Sherborne Castle this spectacular lakeside event highlights traditional rural skills, as well as those of a more modern nature. June 4th June - The Forde Abbey 10km Cross Country Run. Saturday 27th JUNE – Dinosaur Museum Celebrating 25 years. 1984 - 2009. Come and celebrate our 25th birthday with the dinosaurs on Saturday 27th June from 10am to 5.30pm. Loads of fun! Kids go free with paying adult. Free refreshments (as available). Sunday 28th JUNE – Sherborne Castle Cancer Research UK ‘Race for Life’ - 5k ladies charity fun run 11.00am. Charity fund raising run through the beautiful parklands and grounds of the Sherborne Castle Estate. www.raceforlife.org Sundays in June, July and Aug. The Fire Crew are Coming. Farmer Palmer’s. Brilliant opportunity to let the children see a real fire engine up close and personal. Talk to the crew and let your mini fire engine drivers sit at the wheel. (Dates may change pending any sudden emergency call outs!) www.farmerpalmers.co.uk July Wednesday 1st JULY – Sherborne Castle. Vineyards Wine Fair 6.00pm – 9.30pm. Charity Wine Fair featuring many delicious wines. Perfect for both serious wine lovers or for an enjoyable social evening; picnic while enjoying the jazz band. www.sherborne-vineyards.co.uk Friday 10th JULY – Sherborne Castle Illyria outdoor theatre “The Three Musketeers” 7.00pm (doors 6.00pm) Highly entertaining open-air theatre on the castle lawns, bring picnics and low back chairs or rugs. 7.00pm (doors 6.00pm). www.illyria.uk.com Sunday 12th July. Rolls Royce Rally. Lulworth Castle. An opportunity to see these magnificent cars converge at the Castle for their Club Rally. Sunday 19th JULY – Sherborne Castle Classics at the Castle - Classic Car and Supercar Show 10.00am Vintage and classic car displays, supercars, classic car run, trade and craft stands, autojumble, family entertainments. 10.00am - 5.00pm. 23rd July to 3rd September. Thursday Summer Hols BBQ Evenings – Play and eat – Open till 7.30pm. Farmer Palmer’s. Tickets sold in Farmer Palmer’s shop on arrival. Friday 24th – Sunday 26th July 2009. Camp Bestival. Lulworth Castle. The winner of Best New Festival (UK Festival Awards) returns with a family friendly three day camping spectacular par excellence. Expect entertainment of the highest order, superb music including PJ Harvey, Chic, Will Young, the biggest boutique campsite ever, excellent facilities for the outdoor life and a generous sprinkle of Bestival magic. Weekend camping, day tickets and family packages available. Call 0844 888 4410 (24 hr) or visit www.ticketline.co.uk/campbestival.html Wednesday 29th July – Monday 31st August Sunday – Friday. Spectacular Summer Jousting Shows & Medieval Village at Lulworth Castle. Spectacular Summer Jousting Shows as the Lulworth Knights return for battle. Dramatic sword fights, jousting and daredevil horseback stunts take place in front of the Castle. The effervescent and hugely entertaining Fiery Jack will be wowing crowds with his juggling show and the medieval trading village will set up camp in the Castle grounds for you to wander and wonder at 14th and 15th century England. Admission: Adults £10.00, Senior £9.00, Child £4.50 Under 4’s free, Family price saver tickets available. Free parking. Includes admission to Castle, Animal Farm, Chapel and Adventure Playground. 30th July - Forde Abbey Summer Fair in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care. August Sunday 2nd AUGUST – Sherborne Castle Illyria outdoor theatre “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” 7.00pm (doors 6.00pm) Highly entertaining open-air theatre on the castle lawns, bring picnics and low back chairs or rugs. 7.00pm (doors 6.00pm). Saturday 29th August – Bank Holiday Monday 31st August 2009. Great Dinosaur Hunt. The Dinosaur Museum, Icen Way, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1EW. Explore Britain’s original award winning Dinosaur Museum, in Dorchester, with its exciting mix of actual fossils, skeletons, and life-size dinosaur reconstructions combined with hands on and multi-media displays to discover the answers to the clues in the Dinosaur Mystery. All children who solve the Mystery can enter a prize draw and one lucky child each day will win a special dinosaur! For more information telephone 01305 269880 or online at www.thedinosaurmuseum.com. September 6th-20th September – Forde Abbey – Anne Cotterill Exhibition – Vibrant oil paintings of informal flower arrangements. October Sunday 11th October. Cancer Research UK Charity bike ride. Lulworth Castle. Raise money for this notable charity whilst enjoying a challenging ride through countryside and coast. Thursday 15th October Country House Fair at Lulworth Castle in aid of The Red Cross. A wonderful range of stalls where you will discover a beautiful array of stylish gifts for those early Christmas presents, including plants, toys, clothing, children’s toys and lots more. Even the entry costs are special for this event. Entry to the Country House Fair is offered at a special reduced price and includes entry to the Castle, Chapel, Adventure Playground and Animal Farm. Sunday 25th – Friday 30th October. Children’s Spooky Half Term Fun. Lulworth Castle. 6 days of ‘Spooky’ themed fun and activities in the Castle, prizes and activities for children of all ages including “hunt the rat”, ghost stories and spot prizes for those who come in costume. Event included in normal admission price. Mon 26th Oct to Sat 31st October. Halloween Fun Week. Farmer Palmer’s. Low key scary fun for little ones! Fun week with lots of things going on, including on the spot prizes, fancy dress and colouring competition. The highlight is joining in with Farmer Palmer pumpkin carving – please bring your own pumpkin and carving kit – a great family event. www.farmerpalmers.co.uk Saturday 31th OCTOBER and Sunday 1st NOVEMBER – Sherborne Castle Autumn Colours Weekend 11.00am - 4.30pm. Reduced price entry to gardens and grounds - children free. Come and enjoy the spectacular display of autumn colours in the beautiful Lakeside Gardens. Castle, Tea Room and Gift Shop open. November Saturday 7th NOVEMBER – Sherborne Castle Firework Extravaganza From 5.00pm. Entertainments, live music, refreshments and food; Bonfire 7pm, Fireworks 7.30pm. Now in its 29th year, one of the most spectacular fireworks displays to be found. Organisers: Sherborne Area Youth & Community Centre / Eventscrew; www.eventscrew.com December Tuesday 1st December 2009 – Tuesday 5th January 2010. A Teddy Bear Christmas. The Teddy Bear Museum, corner of High East St & Salisbury St, Dorchester. Experience Christmas as it used to be, as a large family of people size bears celebrate in their festively decorated period home, complete with a visit from Bearfather Christmas. An enchanting and magical experience not to be missed, with sounds, lights and smells! A special occasion from 1st Dec 2009 to 4th Jan 2010 daily from 10am to 4.30pm (except 24-26 Dec). Tel: 01305 266040 or log on to www.teddybearmuseum.co.uk Saturdays and Sundays 5th and 6th, 12th and 13th, 19th and 20th of December. Santa Visits Farmer Palmers. Santa greets the children in his very quaint grotto situated in the animal barn. He gives the children a themed present and has a Ho Ho Ho with the parents! Sun 13th December. Carol Service. Farmer Palmer’s. An afternoon of hymns around the tree With the Winton Salvation Army Band. 3pm start. www.farmerpalmers.co.uk Christmas Holidays 2009 (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) Children’s Christmas Castle Fun at Lulworth Castle. There will also be lots of merriment in the Castle as it comes alive with plenty of themed activities to keep those little faces glowing with festive cheer. Enjoy fun and storytime, Castle games, quizzes, ‘Hunt the Cracker’ and an activity table bursting with items to make and take home, whilst the Stable Café will offer a warming festive menu and we have an extra surprise for you…more news later! |
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