Dorset Attractions 2011

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Lulworth Castle Park

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

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.

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 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

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

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

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

2011

April

12 Feb to 30 April. Spring is Here - Magnolia, Camellia and Spring Colour. Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

1 April to June. Airborne Forces - New exhibition. Royal Signals Museum.

3 April. Mother's Day - Half price entry for Mum's (download our website voucher). Farmer Palmer's Farm Park.

3 April. Lady Bankes Mothering Sunday. Corfe Castle

3 April. Animal Encounters. Kingston Maurward Gardens & Animal Park.

3 April. It's Timmy Time, with a visit by TV star, Timmy the lovable lamb and cousin of Shaun the Sheep, from BBC's CBeebies. Adventure Wonderland.

9 April. Battlegroup Afghanistan Launch. Tank Museum

9 & 10 April 11am-4pm. The Big Den Build. Brownsea Island

9 to 21 April, 10.30am-4pm. Weird and Wonderful Wildlife Trail. Brownsea Island

9 to 25 April. Tracked vehicle rides. Tank Museum

10 to 24 April 10am-5pm. Easter Bunny Egg Hunt. Bennetts Water Gardens

11 to 25 April (weekdays only). Desert Warriors. Tank Museum

11 to 25 April (weekdays only) 1pm. Tank Action Displays. Tank Museum

13 April 10.30am-12.30pm. Romans - make a Roman shield. Dorset County Museum

15 April 11am. A Walk to Explore the Archaeology of Badbury Rings. Meet Badbury Rings car park.

15 to 18 April. Medieval Archery Muster. Corfe Castle

16 to 25 April 10am - 5pm. Easter Family Fun Trail. Portland Castle - English Heritage

20 April. Above & Below Stairs. Kingston Lacy House.

20 April 10.30am-12.30pm. Tudors - make a pomander. Dorset County Museum.

22 to 25 April 10am-5pm. The Great Dinosaur Egg Hunt. The Dinosaur Museum.

22 to 25 April. Easter Specials. Swanage Railway.

22 to 25 April. The Giant Easter Egg Hunt. Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

22 to 25 April. Easter Egg Hunt. Kingston Maurward Gardens & Animal Park.

22 to 25 April, 10.30am-4pm. April Easter Trail. Brownsea Island.

22 to 25 April. Easter Events, including Easter Egg Hunt, Egg & Spoon Races and Easter Feaster Food. Adventure Wonderland.

22 to 25 April. 4 days of Easter Egg Hunts for children in the Maize Maze! Farmer Palmer's Farm Park.

22 to 25 April. Easter Egg Trail. Corfe Castle

24th & 25 April. Children's Easter Egg Hunt. Forde Abbey & Gardens.

24 & 25 April 11am-3pm. Family Easter Trails. Kingston Lacy House.

29 April to 2 May 10am-5pm. King Tut's Treasure Hunt. The Tutankhamun Exhibition.

30 April 10.30am-1.30pm. Farmers Market. Kingston Lacy House.

30 April to 2 May. Saxon & Viking Encampment. Corfe Castle

May

1 May. NCCPG Plant Sale. Athelhampton House & Gardens.

1 May 11am-2.30pm. Maserati Club. Kingston Lacy House.

2 May. Visit by TVs Fifi and The Flower Tots. Adventure Wonderland

6 to 8 May. Diesal Gala and The Globe Beer Festival. Swanage Railway.

10 to 18 May. Sci Fi Exhibition Dorset County Museum.

11 May 11.30am-4.00pm. Coming Clean. Kingston Lacy House.

14 May 5pm-9pm. Museums at Night. All 6 museums in Dorchester, including The Dinosaur Museum, The Tutankhamun Exhibition and the Dorset County Museum.

Mid May to June End. Baby Swans Hatching. Abbotsbury Swannery

15 May. Antique Fair. Kingston Maurward Gardens & Animal Park.

18 May 11am-1.00pm. From Plot to Vase. Kingston Lacy House.

22 May. Race For Life. Kingston Maurward Gardens & Animal Park.

22 May 12.00-3.00pm. MG Club. Kingston Lacy House.

27 to 29 May. Bronzes at the Abbey - Ian Edwards " FORM" Exhibition. Forde Abbey & Gardens.

28 to 30 May 10am-5pm. King Tut's Treasure Hunt. The Tutankhamun Exhibition.

28 to 30 May 10.30am-6.00pm. Craft & Garden Fair in the Park. Kingston Lacy House.

28 May to 5 June. Tracked vehicle rides. The Tank Museum

28 May to 5 June, 10.30am-4pm. Whispering Island Activity. Brownsea Island.

29 & 30 May 10am - 5pm. Time Travellers Go… Pirate Academy. Portland Castle - English Heritage.

30 May to 3 June. Camouflage - The Science of Hiding! The Tank Museum

30 May to 3 June 1pm Tank Action Displays. The Tank Museum

June

1 June. Ben the Elf and Princess Holly from Ben and Holly's Magic Kingdom will be here to sprinkle their special magic and fun! Adventure Wonderland.

1 June 10.30am-12.30pm. Ridgeway Voices - a workshop linked to the current exhibition. Dorset County Museum.

1 June. Spring/Summer Crafts. Kingston Lacy House.

2 June. Antiques Road Show. Lulworth Castle

2 June. Enid Blyton WWII Day. Corfe Castle

3 June. Spring/Summer Crafts. Kingston Lacy House.

4 & 5 June. National Gardens Scheme Weekend. Kingston Lacy House.

10 June to July. SATCOM - Satellite Communications in the British Army - New exhibition. Royal Signals Museum.

12 June. Open Day & Country Fair. Kingston Maurward Gardens & Animal Park.

16 June 7.30pm. Fairgrounds at War. Dorset County Museum.

18 June 10am - 5pm. 1940's Day. Portland Castle - English Heritage.

18 & 19 June. Family Camping Weekend. Brownsea Island

18 & 19 June, 10.30am-4pm. Pirate Weekend. Brownsea Island.

19 June. Fathers Day - half price entry for Dads (download voucher from website). Farmer Palmer's Farm Park.

25 & 26 June. Tankfest 2011. The Tank Museum.

25 June, 12.00-4pm. Teddy Bears Picnic. Brownsea Island.

July

1 to 17th July. Sweet pea Fortnight. Over 60 varieties of sweet Pea on display, showing different methods of growing and support. Forde Abbey & Gardens.

2 July. 'Show of Hands' Summer Family Concert. Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

2 & 3 July. War Games Weekend. The Tank Museum.

10th July. RHS talk by Anna Pavord - bulbs for all seasons. Forde Abbey & Gardens.

11 July 11am to 3pm. Mystery Family Tractor Trailer Tour. Kingston Lacy House.

16 to 31 July. Archaeology Days. Corfe Castle.

17 July. All the way from Pontypandy, your favourite "hero next door" the one and only Fireman Sam! Adventure Wonderland.

23 July 10am - 5pm. Summer Fair. Dorset County Museum.

23 July 11am to 4.00pm. Archaeology at Kingston Lacy. Kingston Lacy House.

23 July to 4 September 10.30am-4pm. Nature Detective Trail. Brownsea Island

25 July to August. Gurkha - New exhibition. Royal Signals Museum.

25 July 11am-4pm. Den Build Day. Brownsea Island

25 July - 28 September weekdays 1pm. Tank Action Displays. The Tank Museum.

25 July - 28 September daily. Tracked Vehicle Rides. The Tank Museum.

27 July to 12 August (Mon/Wed/Fri) 7.30pm. Brownsea Open Air Theatre. Brownsea Island

27 July 10.30am-12.30pm. Whirrs and Cogs - make a mechanical toy. Dorset County Museum.

27 to 30 July 11am to 4pm. The Big Tree Climbing Company. Kingston Lacy House.

28th July. Charity Summer Fair. Forde Abbey & Gardens.

29 to 31 July. Camp Bestival. Lulworth Castle.

30 & 31 July. Creepy Crawly Bugfest. Abbotsbury Children's Farm.

30 to 6 August. Swanage Regatta & Carnival. Swanage Railway.

August

1 August to December. Afghanistan - New exhibition. Royal Signals Museum.

3 August 10.30am-4pm. Habitat Scavenger Hunt. Brownsea Island

3 August 10.30am-12.30pm. Meccano - build a giant structure. Dorset County Museum.

3 & 4 August 11am - 5pm. Time Travellers Go… Seafaring. Portland Castle - English Heritage.

3 to 6 August 11am to 4pm. The Big Tree Climbing Company. Kingston Lacy House.

7 August. MG Club. Athelhampton House & Gardens.

10 August 10.30am-12.30pm. Elastic Power! - use elastic bands to make things move. Dorset County Museum.

10 August 10.30am-4pm. Bugs & Slugs & Other Creepy Crawlies. Brownsea Island

10 & 11 August 11am - 5pm. Time Travellers Go… WWII. Portland Castle - English Heritage.

10 to 13 August 11am to 4pm. The Big Tree Climbing Company. Kingston Lacy House.

11 August. Enid Blyton's Birthday. Corfe Castle

11 August 7.30pm. Open Air Theatre - A Midsummer Night's Dream. Kingston Lacy House.

11 & 12 August. Open Air Cinema. Lulworth Castle.

15 August 11am-4pm. Den Build Day. Brownsea Island

17 August. A visit from the fantastic red armoured alien Water Hazard, of Ben 10 Alien Force fame, all the way from an unknown planet in the Andromeda Galaxy. Adventure Wonderland.

17 August 10.30am-12.30pm. Crazy Colour - make a fantastic kaleidoscope. Dorset County Museum.

17 & 18 August 11am - 5pm. Time Travellers Go… Knights & Princesses. Portland Castle - English Heritage.

17 to 20 August 11am to 4pm. The Big Tree Climbing Company. Kingston Lacy House.

24 August 10.30am-12.30pm. Meccano II - build an even bigger structure. Dorset County Museum.

24 August 10.30am-4pm. Minibeast Safari. Brownsea Island

24 & 25 August 11am - 5pm. Time Travellers Go… WWII. Portland Castle - English Heritage.

24 to 27 August 11am to 4pm. The Big Tree Climbing Company. Kingston Lacy House.

26 August. Outdoor Theatre - The Dorchester Thomas Hardy Players present 'Tess of the D'urbervilles'. Athelhampton House & Gardens.

27 to 29 August 10am-5pm. Great Dinosaur Egg Hunt. Dinosaur Museum.

27 & 29 August. Giant Garden Games in the Garden come and play. Forde Abbey & Gardens.

13 & Sun 14 Aug. am & pm shows. Vikings Invade! Abbotsbury Children's Farm

20 August 7pm to 10pm. 'Much Ado About Nothing'. Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

27 & 28 August. Craft & Garden Fair in the Park. Kingston Lacy House.

29 August. 5 Churches Fete. Athelhampton House & Gardens.

31 August 10.30am-12.30pm. Make Some Noise - create your own football rattle. Dorset County Museum.

September

2 September 7.30pm. Whirrs and Cogs. Dorset County Museum.

1 & 3 September 10am - 4pm. Book Sale. Dorset County Museum.

4 September. Wessex Classic Car Show. The Tank Museum

9 to 11 September. Grand Steam Gala & Vintage Transport Rally. Swanage Railway.

10 & 11 September. Family Camping Weekend. Brownsea Island

11 September. TVs Roary Racing Car will be roaring in from Silver Hatch accompanied by his favourite mechanic Big Chris! Adventure Wonderland

17 to 18 September. English Civil War Garrison. Corfe Castle

18 September 11am to 4pm. Wedding Fair & Bridal Show. Bennetts Water Gardens.

21 September 11am to 1pm. From Plot to Vase. Kingston Lacy House.

24 & 25 September 2pm. Glow Worms at Badbury Rings (overnight). Badbury Rings.

25 to 30 September. Autumn Plant Sale. Bennetts Water Gardens.

October

2 October. Antique Fair. Kingston Maurward Gardens & Animal Park.

9 October. Wedding Fair. Kingston Maurward Gardens & Animal Park.

10 October 2pm. Art Connoisseur Tour. Kingston Lacy House.

12 October. The Enchanted Floodlit Garden Charity Preview Night - in aid of the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust. Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens.

13 October. Country House Fair in aid of The Dorset Red Cross. Lulworth Castle.

13 to 30 October, dusk to 8.30pm. The Enchanted Floodlit Garden Floodlighting of the Subtropical Garden. Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens.

15 October 7.30pm. SIGNALS - A Concert by the Band and Pipes and Drums of the Royal Corps of Signals. Weymouth Pavilion. tickets from the Box Office.

21 October. Murder Mystery Evening. Kingston Maurward Gardens & Animal Park.

22 October. Museum Sleepover! Dorset County Museum.

22 to 27 October. Tracked Vehicle Rides. The Tank Museum.

22 to 30 October. Half Term Fun Week. Swanage Railway.

22 to 30 October 10.30-4pm. Squirrel Scavenger Hunt. Brownsea Island

22 to 30 October. Half Term Halloween Fun. Abbotsbury Children's Farm

22 to 30 October 11am - 4pm. Spooky Stories. Portland Castle - English Heritage.

22 to 30 October. Spooky Halloween Events. Scary shows in Happydrome Theatre. Haunted maze. Adventure Wonderland.

22 to 30 October. Halloween Quests. Corfe Castle

23 to 30 October. Autumn Colour Week. Forde Abbey & Gardens.

24 to 30 October. Halloween Fun. Farmer Palmer's Farm Park.

25 to 29 October. Soldiering in the Snow. The Tank Museum.

25 to 29 October. Tank Action Days. The Tank Museum.

26 October 10.30am-12.30pm. The Big Draw - our sixth year with this national event. Dorset County Museum.

27 to 30 October 5pm to 8.30pm. The Enchanted Floodlit Garden Halloween Fun Evenings. Free facepainting (scary faces) and free prize for children in fancy dress. Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens.

29 October. A Taste of Autumn. Kingston Maurward Gardens & Animal Park.

29 & 30 October. 11am to 4pm. Frances Bankes Ball. Kingston Lacy House.

29 & 30 October 10.30am-4.00pm. Batty about Bats. Brownsea Island

November

4th to 6th November. West Country Antiques Fair. Forde Abbey & Gardens.

5 November. Bovington Firework Night. The tank Museum.

12 & 13 November. Christmas Craft & Gourmet Food Fair. Kingston Maurward Gardens & Animal Park.

13 November. Remembrance Sunday Service. The Tank Museum.

18 November. Putting The House to Bed. Kingston Lacy House.

18 November 7.30pm. The Labourer's Lot. Dorset County Museum.

19 & 20 November. MacMillan Christmas Craft Fair. Kingston Maurward Gardens & Animal Park.

26 & 27 November. Christmas Events, including Father Christmas & Rudolph in their grotto. Pantomime in Happydrome Theatre. Adventure Wonderland.

December

3 & 4 December. Wartime Christmas Festival & Fayre. The Tank Museum

3 & 4 December. Santa visits + Christmas dinners on Sunday. Farmer Palmer's Farm Park.

3 & 4 December. Christmas Events, including Father Christmas & Rudolph in their grotto. Pantomime in Happydrome Theatre. Adventure Wonderland.

9 & 10 December. Christmas Party. Kingston Maurward Gardens & Animal Park.

10 December. TV's Pingu the Penguin. Adventure Wonderland.

10 December 7.30pm. Murder Mystery Evening. Dorset County Museum.

10 to 23 December. Christmas Events, including Father Christmas & Rudolph in their grotto. Pantomime in Happydrome Theatre. Adventure Wonderland.

10 & 11 December. Santa visits + Christmas dinners on Sunday. Farmer Palmer's Farm Park.

10 & 11 December. Christmas at Kingston Maurward. Kingston Maurward Gardens & Animal Park.

11 December. Carol Service. Farmer Palmer's Farm Park.

16 & 17 December. Christmas Party. Kingston Maurward Gardens & Animal Park.

17 & 18 December. Santa visits + Christmas dinners on Sunday. Farmer Palmer's Farm Park.

18 December. Carol Service. Farmer Palmer's Farm Park.

21 December 10.30am-12.30pm. It's Christmas - pottery Christmas decorations. Dorset County Museum.

21 & 22 December. Christmas Luncheon. Kingston Maurward Gardens & Animal Park.

22 April. Winter Solstice. Corfe Castle

26 December to 2 January 2012. Christmas & New Year Trains. Swanage Railway.