Best of Dorset

Dorset Attractions 2010

The best attractions in Dorset are listed below. From history and heritage to family attractions, houses and castles to gardens, steam to pottery, crafts to animals and shopping to tranquil tea houses. Value for money brought to you in true Best of Dorset style! To receive the discounts please pick up a 'Best of Dorset' leaflet available from any Dorset Tourist Information Centre.

Take advantage of all the great money saving discounts and offers!

Attractions sorted alphabetically:

 

Abbotsbury Swannery

Off the main A35 on the B3157 between Weymouth & Bridport.
01305 871858. - DT3 4JG
www.abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk

On the World Heritage Coast

Dorset’s World Famous Sanctuary. See over 600 free flying friendly swans, baby swans hatching mid-May
to June end. Mass feeding 12 noon and 4pm daily.
The New Giant Swan Maze (opens May half term).
The Giant Swan Maze (opens May half term). lunches and teas served in the licensed Kennels Cafe by the swinging nest children's party area.

Open: Daily 20/3 - 31/10/10, days from 10am - 5/6pm last admission 4/5pm

Discount Voucher Accepted - £2 per adult to a maximum of 4
Cannot be used with any other offer/group rate/Passport/Tesco vouchers. Valid until 31/10/10.
Please print off vouchers at bottom of listings.

Adventure Wonderland

Opposite Bournemouth Airport.
01202 483 444. - BH23 6BA
www.adventurewonderland.co.uk

Whatever the Weather…

Dorset's number one family theme park. A full day's fun whatever the weather, combining the outside park and rides with the indoor adventure
play centre, Wild Thing! With over 30 rides and attractions including Animal Cuddle Corner, Wild Bill's Runaway Train, Turbo Teacups
and South's largest natural maze there's even more to enjoy this year.

OPEN: Adventure Wonderland (including Wild Thing!) daily 20 Mar - 12 Sept & then every weekend up to 17 Oct & half term week 23 Oct - 31 Oct. Wild Thing! open every day, excluding Christmas, Boxing and New Years Day.


Discount Voucher Accepted - 1 free entry with every 2 full paying entrants Not applicable with any other offer.Valid from 20/03/10 to 12/9/10

Athelhampton House & Gardens

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
pyramids, fountains and the River Piddle. Enjoy lunch or a cream tea in the Restaurant. Children under 16 admission Free.

OPEN: Mar - Oct, Sun - Thur, 10.30 - 17.00. Also Open Good Friday. Nov - Feb: Sun only 10.30am - Dusk.

Discount Voucher Accepted - £2.00 off Garden & House admission per adult/senior. Valid for 2010 Season.
Please print off vouchers at bottom of listings.

Bennett's Water Gardens

Bennett’s Water Gardens
Tel: 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.

OPEN: Gardens open 14th Mar to 29th Oct, 10am to 5pm
daily, except Saturdays. Café open all year round,
closing times vary.


The Blue Pool and Tea House

Signposted off the A351 south of Wareham.
Furzebrook, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5AR.
01929 551408.
www.bluepooluk.com

Come and celebrate our 75th anniversary year.

Enjoy the peace and tranquility around the Pool. Learn about its early History in the Museum. Enjoy the delicious lunches and homemade scones in the Teahouse overlooking the Pool. Browse around our unique Giftshop. Families can explore the woodland walks and take part in the Squirrel Hunt. Dogs on leads welcome.

Open: Grounds open 9.30 from March 1st - Nov 30th.
Teahouse Shop & Museum 10am daily from 28th March - 31st October. Closing times vary.

Discount Voucher Accepted - 2 Adults for the price of 1 Admission
Valid from 1st April to 30th November 2010. Not applicable with any other offer.

Please print off vouchers at bottom of listings.

Compton Acres

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.

Open: Daily 1st Mar - 31st Oct Peak 9am to 6pm last entry 5pm,
1st Nov to 28th Feb 2010 off peak 10am to 4pm , last entry 3pm.


Discount Voucher Accepted
- Discount two for one on adult entry.
Valid for 2010. Not applicable with any other offer or voucher.

Please print off vouchers at bottom of listings.

The Dinosaur Museum

Icen Way, Dorchester. - DT1 1EW
01305 269 880
www.thedinosaurmuseum.com

The award winning Dinosaur Museum is a treat, especially for
children. See fascinating fossils, dinosaur skeletons and skulls,
including ‘Jurassic Dinosaurs’. Plus life-size dinosaur reconstructions, hands on and multimedia displays. It’s great fun for all ages.

Open: All year daily 9.30am-5.30pm (Nov-Mar 10am-4.30pm). In Icen Way in the centre of Dorchester.


Discount Voucher Accepted -
Save up to £3
(50p / person, max 6) off full admission. Not applicable with any other offer.
Valid: 1/1/2010 to 28/2/2011

Please print off vouchers at bottom of listings.

Dorset County Museum

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 Discover the 6,000 year history of Dorchester. Investigate Dorset writers, archaeology (including Maiden Castle presentation), Social and Natural History Galleries. Interactives, activityy stations, audiovisuals, free audioguides and Museum Trails for children. This friendly museum has something for everyone.

Open: 10am - 5pm Mon to Sat April - Oct,
10am - 4pm Tue-Sat Nov-Mar. Location: central Dorchester


Discount Voucher Accepted -
Up to two accompanied children free.
Not applicable with any other offer. Valid for 2010

Please print off vouchers at bottom of listings.

Farmer Palmer's Farm Park

4 miles from Poole in Organford near Poole. Clearly signposted from the A35 and A351. BH16 6EU
01202 622022
www.falmerpalmers.co.uk

The Countryside’s own National Award Winning Theme Park!! Perfect for the under 8’s

Award winning day out for children 8 yrs & under, that‘s still great value for money. Animal events every half hour, indoor soft play, straw mountain, tractor rides, bouncy castles & outdoor play. Child friendly restaurant with fresh farmhouse food. Your children will have fun whatever the weather.

Open: Feb 7th Daily 10am - 4pm.
Sun 29th March - End Oct 10am - 5.30pm
Nov & Dec Daily 10am-4pm

Forde Abbey and Gardens

4 miles south east of Chard, 7 miles west of Crewkerne. TA24 0LU
01460 221 290.

www.fordeabbey.co.uk

South West Tourism Small Attraction of the Year 2007/8 Gold Award

Enjoy Forde Abbey, the beautiful 850 year old home surrounded by 30 acres of award winning gardens including a working kitchen garden, bog garden, rockery and the highest powered fountain in England. Delicious homemade lunches and cakes available with gift shop, plant centre, pottery exhibition and garden trail for children.

Open: Gardens open daily throughout the year 10am - 4.30pm
(Last entry) House open 30th Mar - 31st Oct, Tue-Fri, Sun,
BH Mon 12 noon - 4pm (Last entry)


Discount Voucher Accepted -
£2 Off Per Person (To a maximum of 6 people)
Valid 1/3 to 31/10/2010. Not applicable with any other offer.

Please print off vouchers at bottom of listings.

Go Ape High Wire Adventure

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!
Are you wild enough to climb 40ft up a rope ladder, Tarzan swing into a giant rope net, zip wire through trees, crawl through tunnels and tackle high wire rope bridges? If the answer’s yes, you’re ready to Go Ape!

OPEN: 13-21 Feb (closed Tues 16th), weekends 27th Feb - 21 Mar, daily 26 Mar - 31st Oct (closed Tues during term time) & weekends during Nov.


Discount:
Discount: £5 off per person*
*Offer available Mon-Fri on 8, 8.30 and 9am slots only. Subject to availability. Book online using promo code MVC001 or call 0845 643 9236

Highcliffe Castle

Highcliffe Castle, Rothesay Drive, Highcliffe, Dorset. BH23 4LE
Tel: 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 £2.75. 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 - 2 for 1 - One free adult with another full paying adult. Valid on standard admission.
Not applicable with any other offer.
Valid Feb 10 - Dec 10.

Please print off vouchers at bottom of listings.


RSPB Radipole Lake

Radipole Park Drive, Weymouth, DT4 7TZ
01305 778 313
www.rspb.org.uk


A nature reserve in central Weymouth sounds unlikely, but once you are on the footpath amongst the reeds and lagoons you could be far away in the countryside. Radipole offers something for everyone from families to wildlife enthusiasts. Free entry.

Open: daily 9am to 5pm, 4pm in winter; free children's backpack hire and binocular hire plus a range of events throughout the year.


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Kingston Maurward Gardens and Animal Park

Kingston Maurward is signposted from the roundabout at the Eastern end of the Dorchester bypass. DT2 8PY
01305 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 4th Jan to 22st Dec 2010, 10am to 5.30pm.
Kingston Maurward is signposted from the roundabout
at the eastern end of the Dorchester By Pass.

Lulworth Castle Park

5 miles west of Wareham. Follow brown signs from A352 - BH20 5QS
0845 450 1054
.
www.lulworth.com

Walk in the footsteps of Kings and Queens!....

...as you explore the 17th Century Castle and its fascinating history. Discover the stunning landscapes, beautiful 18th Century Chapel and unrivalled views from the
Castle Tower. Meet the residents of the animal farm and enjoy the woodland walks, adventure play area and pitch & putt. Licensed Stable Café and Courtyard Shop. Free parking and under 4’s free entry.
Spectacular Summer Jousting Shows Sun 25th July to Mon 30th August (excluding 29 Jul - 3 Aug).

Open: Sun to Fri. Last admission 1hr before closing.
Summer 10.30 – 6.00. Winter 10.30 – 4.00.
Closed Saturdays and 3rd - 16th Jan. 29th - 2nd Aug. 24th & 25th Dec.


Discount Voucher Accepted - Save up to £4.00 off full adult admission
(£1 per adult to a maximum of 4) Valid 1st Jan 10 to 31st Dec 10. Not applicable with any other offer.

Please print off vouchers at bottom of listings.

Pirate Adventure Mini Golf

Pirate Adventure Mini Golf - Weymouth DT4 7SX
Tel: 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
30/03/2010.

Please print off vouchers at bottom of listings.

Portland Castle

Portland, Dorset DT5 1AZ.
01305 820 539
www.english-heritage.org.uk/portland

Overlookign Portland harbour, just 4 miles from Weymouth stands one of Henry VIII's finest coastal forts and a "must" visit whatever the weather. Let the fascinating audio tour take you through 450 years of history, enjoy the dramatic sea views as you explore the garden then relax in our tea room.

Open: Daily from 10am April 1 to October 31.

Discount Voucher Accepted - Two for one on admission with a full paying visitor. Not applicable with any other offer.
Valid for Apr 1 to Oct 31 2010.

Please print off vouchers at bottom of listings.

Royal Signals Museum

DT11 8RH
01258 482 248.

www.royalsignalsmuseum.com

 

Report for action! Drive a simulator - Guide a laser beam - Direction - Find the enemy - Set up a satellite network - Practice Morse - Break Codes
Exhibitions: Spies, Codes and Secret Agents - Special Forces - Wartime SAS Enigma - Y Service - SOE - Long Range Desert Group - Motorcycle Collection - Despatch Riders - Animals at War - Airborne Forces - Women at War.
Prize Winning Discovery & Fun Trails for Toddlers & Children. Prizes for all Participants.

Open: Mon – Fri (All Year) 10 - 5.
Weekends & Bank Holidays (Feb 13 - Oct 31) 10 - 4
Christmas Closing 10th Dec 2010 – 4th Jan 2011

SOMETHING FOR ALL THE FAMILY
Discount Voucher Accepted - One child free with every paying adult
Valid from Jan 2010 to Dec 2010.

Please print off vouchers at bottom of listings.

Sherborne Castle

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;
rich interiors and splendid collections of art, furniture
and porcelain. Explore 30-acres of beautiful Lakeside Gardens and grounds landscaped around Capability Brown's 50-acre lake. Great for picnics; dogs welcome. Historic Sherborne close by. Children free.

OPEN: Castle, Gardens, Gift Shop & Tearoom
1 Apr - 31 Oct, Daily except Mon & Fri (open BH Mons)
11am - 4.30pm last entry (castle interior opens later on Sats at 2pm).


Discount Voucher Accepted - Discount: 50p per person
on full price Castle & Gardens entry. Maximum 6 people. Valid for 2010 season.

Please print off vouchers at bottom of listings.

Swanage Railway

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.

Open: Most every weekend throughout the year and DAILY Easter to October.

Tank Museum

Bovington, Wool, Dorset. BH20 6JG
01929 405096
www.tankmuseum.co.uk

The Tank Museum brings the story of tank crew to life, supported by the world's best collection of tanks and boasting action packed live displays during school holidays. You'll see almost 200 vehicles in six large halls, explore the trenches of World War One and get closer to the action with our explosive Tank Action Displays.
Gift Aid It! - Free annual pass included in your entry fee. T & C‘s apply - see our website.

Open daily, 10.00am – 5.00pm.
Limited opening at Christmas see website or call for details.

Registered Charity No. 1102661

Tutankhamun Exhibition

High West Street, Dorchester. DT1 1UW
01305 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.

OPEN: All year daily 9.30am – 5.30pm, (Nov - Mar 5pm)
High West Street in the centre of Dorchester


Discount Voucher Accepted -
Save up to £3
(50p / person, max 6) off full admission. Not applicable with any other offer. Valid: 1/1/2010 to 28/2/2011

Please print off vouchers at bottom of listings.

Weymouth Sea Life Park

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 2010: Shark Breeding Centre - Experience an up close and personal look into the lifecycle of these fascinating and mysterious creatures! 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.

Open: Every day except Christmas Day

Discount Voucher Accepted - £5 off adult entry
Not applicable with any other offer or voucher. Valid until 30/04/10

Please print off vouchers at bottom of listings.

Best of Dorset Events

Things To Do In Dorset

Dorset Events Calendar

2010

March

March 13th-14th - Railway at Work Weekend. Your chance to see behind the scenes of a working steam railway. Meet staff and volunteers and learn how we run the railway. This incorporates the Swanage Railway Trust’s annual members’ weekend.

Sun 28 March. 10 am-12pm Springtime spectacles. RSPB Radipole Lake nature reserve. Join us, and help us to find signs of spring out on the reserve. Look out for courting birds, blooming flowers, fluttering butterflies and much much more. As the world bursts into life, so will we! FREE BINOCULAR HIRE AVAILABLE Booking essential.

April

Good Friday 2 April - Easter Monday 5 April. 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!

April 2nd to 5th Easter Egg Hunt. Adventure Wonderland.

April 2nd-5th - Easter Specials. Free hot cross bun for every passenger traveling on Good Friday and Easter Saturday. Complimentary hand-made Swanage Railway Easter Egg for every child travelling on Easter Sunday and Monday.

Go wild with the kids this Easter. RSPB Radipole Lake and Arne. Keep the kids busy this Easter, bring them along to Radipole Lake or Arne anytime during the school holidays and let them run wild! Bird bingo and wildlife explorer backpacks will be available for hire throughout Easter.

April 2nd to April 5th Easter Bunny Egg Hunt. Bennetts Water Gardens. Visit Bennetts Water Gardens on Good Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Easter Monday for the Easter Bunny Egg Hunt. There will be a special Easter trail for children to follow around the gardens; find the clues to complete the trail and get rewarded with a chocolate egg (but remember only one per child). Children can also take part in the Easter colouring competition for a chance to win a Giant Easter Egg!

Mon 5th April. 10am - 3 pm. Easter Wildlife Fun Day RSPB Radipole Lake nature reserve. Join our Easter treasure hunt and have a wild time out on the reserve. There will be prizes for all who enter and plenty of fun to be had too!. FREE EVENT.

Wed 14th April. 10 am-3 pm. Bird Bingo. RSPB Radipole Lake nature reserve. Come and take out one of our bird bingo sheets and go out around the reserve to see if you can get a full house. Lots of other activities to enjoy. FREE EVENT.

May

Sunday 2nd May. 5 am-8 am. Up before the lark. RSPB Radipole Lake nature reserve. Join us on International dawn chorus day for an introduction to bird song and afterwards for a continental breakfast, whilst we chat about what we heard. Adults £6, children £3, includes breakfast. RSPB members half price.

Sunday 2nd May. NCCPG Plant Sale. Athelhampton House.

May 7th-9th - Swanage Railway Beer Festival & Diesel Gala. Diesel action all weekend and a great beer festival at Harmans Cross.

Mid May to June End. BABY SWANS HATCHING. Abbotsbury Swannery.

Saturday 15 May. Museums at Night. Dorchester comes alive on Saturday evening as all 6 of its amazing Museums open for this special event: Dinosaur Museum, Dorset County Museum, Tutankhamun Exhibition, Keep Military Museum, Teddy Bear Museum, & Terracotta Warriors Museum. Fantastic value family explorer ticket available.

May 17th-23rd - Victorian Swanage - A Trip Through Time. A week celebrating the Victorian heritage of Swanage and the wider region. Special railway events will highlight the 125th Anniversary of the arrival of the railway from Wareham to Swanage.

Tuesday 18th May. Duke’s Classic Car Auction (viewing days on Sunday 16th and Monday 17th). Athelhampton House.

Saturday 15th May 8pm - 11.30pm. National Moth Night. Come along to celebrate national moth night at RSPB Radipole Lake. We’ll be using a variety of different methods to attract as many moth species as possible. You’ll be amazed at what we catch! Booking essential.

Saturday 29 May - Bank Holiday Monday 31 May. 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.9.30am to 5.30pm

Wildlife Explorer Week. 31st May - 6th June. RSPB Radipole Lake and Arne. Keep the kids busy this week, bring them along to Radipole Lake or Arne anytime during half term and let them run wild! Bird bingo and wildlife explorer backpacks will be available for hire all week.

June

June 2nd Meet Peppa Pig. Adventure Wonderland.

Thursday 3rd Jun. Wildflower Walk. 10.30 am-12.30 pm. RSPB Radipole Lake nature reserve. Explore the many and varied wonderful flowers that can be found at Radipole Lake and learn about their names and folklore. Part of Dorset Wildflower Week. Booking essential.

Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th Jun. Springwatch weekend. RSPB Radipole Lake nature reserve. Join us for our celebration of spring, with a full programme of events including a bird ringing demo, pond dipping, bug hunting, wildlife walks and moth trapping. FREE BINOCULAR HIRE AVAILABLE.

Sunday 13th - Thursday 17th June. Flower Festival. Athelhampton House.

June 26th Meet Sportacus from Lazy Town. Adventure Wonderland.

July

July 28th Meet Dora the Explorer. Adventure Wonderland.

July 31st - 7th August - Swanage Regatta & Carnival. The top Carnival on the South Coast. Norden Park & Ride will be open until midnight for the duration of Carnival week with additional trains scheduled for fireworks evenings.

August

Tues 3rd Aug. 10am - 1pm. Mini beasts and dragons. RSPB Radipole Lake nature reserve. We will be looking for bugs in the bushes and pond dipping for weird and wonderful creatures living in the lake. If you can’t make it, pop along in the afternoon to see what we find, we will have them on display in tanks and pots for you to see up close. FREE EVENT.

Sunday 8th August. MG Owner’s Club. Athelhampton House. Tues 17th Aug. Nature Detectives. 10 am-1 pm. RSPB Radipole Lake nature reserve. Become a wildlife explorer and help us dissect owl pellets to track down what they have been eating, or make a cast of a footprint to find out who it belongs to.

August 18th Meet Humungousaur from Ben 10. Adventure Wonderland.

Friday 27th August from 6pm. Pride and Prejudice (Open Air Theatre). Athelhampton House.

Saturday 28 August - Bank Holiday Monday 30t August. Great Dinosaur Hunt. The Dinosaur Museum, Icen Way, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1EW. 9.30am to 5.30pm 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.

28, 29, 30th Aug. Falconry Flying Displays (30 minute shows). 11.15am, 1pm & 3pm. Abbotsbury Swannery.

Monday 30th August. 5 Churches Fete - (Bank Holiday). Athelhampton House.

September

September 10th-12th - Grand Steam Gala & Vintage Transport Rally. All our engines will be in steam over the weekend with special workings. Alongside the railway is a vintage transport rally at Harmans Cross.

Sat 18th & Sun 19th Sept. Kingfisher quest weekend. 10 am-3 pm. RSPB Radipole Lake nature reserve. September is a great month to see kingfishers at Radipole Lake, we will have spotters located at different areas around the reserve to point out any kingfishers on show. All visitors will receive a fabulous kingfisher print to take home with them. FREE BINOCULAR HIRE AVAILABLE.

September 19th. 11:00 to 16:00. Wedding Fair & Bridal Show. Bennetts Water Gardens. A wedding exhibition will be held in a marquee within these beautiful gardens which are licensed for civil ceremonies. Wedding specialists will be on-hand throughout the day to offer advice on all aspects of your special day. Fashion Shows will be on at 12noon and 2pm, along with vehicle displays and competitions.

September 19th Meet Postman Pat. Adventure Wonderland.

October

October 1st to Oct 29th Autumn Plant Sale. Bennetts Water Gardens. During the month of October, Bennetts Water Gardens will be holding their annual plant sale, pick up a bargain from the plant nursery. A range of plants which will be featured in the sale starting from as little as £1. Plants in the sale will include aquatic marginals and water lilies, perennials, shrubs, trees and much more, many of which can be seen growing in the Water Gardens next door.

Sun 3rd Oct. Autumnwatch, bird ringing and migration. 8am, 9am and 10am. RSPB Radipole Lake nature reserve. Would you like a closer look at birds, come out on one of three walks to see our bird ringing team in action and find out more about the importance of ringing and autumn migration. FREE BINOCULAR HIRE AVAILABLE Booking essential.

Sun 17 Oct. The beauty of bearded tits. 10 am-12 noon. RSPB Radipole Lake nature reserve. How many people do you know have seen a bearded tit? One of the most beautiful birds in Britain and a real rarity too. It’s fantastic that these birds have chosen to live in the middle of Weymouth at our reserves, join us in search of these beauties. FREE BINOCULAR HIRE AVAILABLE Booking essential.

October 23rd-31st - Half-Term Fun Week at Swanage Railway. A week of fun on around the railway.

October 23rd to 31st Halloween. Adventure Wonderland.

October 24th to Oct 30th. Spooky Half Term Fun. Bennetts Water Gardens. Visit Bennetts Water Gardens this half-term holiday for some Spooky Fun. There will be a special Halloween trail for children to follow around the gardens; find the clues to complete the trail and get rewarded with a spooky prize (but remember only one per child). Children can also take part in the Halloween colouring competition

October 26th Meet Scooby Doo. Adventure Wonderland.

November

Sun 14th Nov. Heron roost watch. 3pm - 5pm. RSPB Radipole Lake Nature Reserve. We will be looking out for grey herons, little egrets and the rare and elusive bittern from the north hide. If we are really lucky we may even see an otter! FREE BINOCULAR HIRE AVAILABLE Booking essential.

November 27th/28th Christmas at Adventure Wonderland, including Father Christmas.

December

December 4th/5th Christmas at Adventure Wonderland, including Father Christmas.

December 11th to 24th Christmas at Adventure Wonderland, including Father Christmas.

Sun 12th Dec. Wind down for Christmas. 10 am - 12 noon. RSPB Radipole Lake nature reserve. All that Christmas shopping getting you down? Join us for a wonderful wind down walk, warm up afterwards with a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. FREE BINOCULAR HIRE AVAILABLE .

December 26th-January 2nd - Mince Pie Specials. Enjoy an after-Christmas train ride with a mince pie and sherry from the on-train buffet.

Dorset Attractions Vouchers

 

Dorset Tourist Information Centres (TIC)

A great source of in depth local knowledge. Assistance with finding and booking accomodation and travel. Plus current information on local special events as well as maps and books.

Blandford TIC
1 GreyhOUND Yard, Off Market Place, Blandford Forum, DT11 7EB
Tel: 01258 454770

Bournemouth TIC
Westover Road, Bournemouth BH1 2BU
Tel: 0845 0511700

Bridport TIC
47 South Street, Bridport DT6 3NY
Tel: 01308 424901

Christchurch TIC
49 High Street, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 1AS
Tel: 01202 471780

Dorchester TIC
Antelope Walk, Dorchester DT1 1BE
Tel: 01305 267992

Lyme Regis TIC
Guildhall Cottage, Church Street, Lyme Regis DT7 3BS
Tel: 01297 442138

Poole Welcome Centre
Enefco House, Poole Quay, Poole BH15 1HJ
Tel: 01202 253253

Portland TIC (open summer only)
Portland Visitor Centre, Portland Bill, Portland DT5 2JT
Tel: 01305 861233

Shaftesbury TIC
8 Bell Street, Shaftesbury SP7 8AE
Tel: 01747 853514

Sherborne TIC
3 Tilton Court, Digby Road, Sherborne DT9 3NL
Tel: 01935 815341

Swanage Information Centre
The White House, Shore Road, Swanage BH19 1LB
Tel: 0870 4420680

Wareham TIC
Holy Trinity Church, South Street, Wareham, BH20 4LU
Tel 01929 552740

Weymouth TIC
The Esplanade, Weymouth DT4 7AN
Tel: 01305 785747

Wimborne TIC
29 High Street, Wimborne, BH21 1HR
Tel: 01202 886116