Half-term Events in Dorset
08 October 2025
So, it’s the October half term and you may be wondering how you’re going to keep the kids entertained!
Well don’t worry, whether you are local resident or are staying in Dorset on a break, there’s lots to do throughout the half term holidays. If you're looking for things to do in Dorset we have found lots of Dorset events to keep you entertained. Our Resort family has children of different ages, here are some of the things we plan to enjoy during the school holidays; perhaps you will too. If you are looking for lots of half-term events to put in your diary, see below.
Half-term Events
03 Oct 2025 to 04 Nov 2025
New Forest, Dorset
A mischievous character has cast a spooky spell over Moors Valley and the rangers need your help to stop it.
Your mission is to:
Solve riddles to find hidden pumpkin shapes
Discover clues from Sir Croaksalot the toad
Use the clues to uncover who caused the mischief and help save Moors Valley
Are you ready to solve the mystery and break the spell?
Halloween Hunt pack ...04 Oct 2025 to 31 Oct 2025
Bincombe Bumps Pumpkins, Weymouth, Dorset
Pick Your Own Pumpkin Farm
Don your wellies and come for a lovely autumnal day out:
– Pumpkin Picking
– Haunted House
– Trick or Treat
– and lots lots more…
Free to enter pumpkin patch
Dogs on leads welcome
4/5th, 11/12th, 18/19th. 25-31st October.
04 Oct 2025 to 02 Nov 2025
Weymouth Sea Life Adventure Park, Weymouth, Dorset
Help our Sea Witch and Warlock look after their ocean home and fellow sea creatures by completing magical challenges throughout the aquarium.
Will you be brave enough to step up and help complete 'spook-splash-tic' challenges and fill in your activity sheet as you go?
Meet the Sea Witch or Warlock (October half term only)
Enjoy cool photo opportunities
Fun activity trail and challenges ...08 Oct 2025 to 02 Nov 2025
Poole, Dorset
A journey where nature and folklore intertwine. Discover magical tales of the oak, birch, and yew. Perfect for young adventurers and families, with storytelling, nature exploration, and fun activities.
A fascinating journey through the woodland, where each tree holds a tale waiting to be discovered. Meet the majestic oak, the graceful birch, and the mysterious yew, and learn about their ...11 Oct 2025 to 31 Oct 2025
Dorchester, Dorset
Weekends in October - 11th &12th 18th & 19th, 25th & 26th and 30th & 31st!
Pumpkins and Fun on the Farm.
Lots to do and the ticket includes bouncy castle, face painting, maze, the animal barn, also available landies to drive, BBQ to munch and cafe is open.11 Oct 2025 to 01 Nov 2025
Museum of East Dorset, Wimborne, Dorset
Calling all brave dragon tamers! It’s time to polish your scales and fly down to Wimborne this October. Wimborne’s award-winning Museum of East Dorset is turning up the heat with a brand-new attraction that’s sure to set imaginations soaring. Following the success of its summer Minecraft activities, the museum is thrilled to unveil its latest fire-cracking experience: “How to Train Your ...17 Oct 2025 to 31 Oct 2025
Dorchester, Dorset
Surprises will be lurking around every corner as you encounter giant bats, eerie spiders, and countless other spooky delights!
After your thrill filled journey, unwind at the Tea Terrace, where delicious seasonal treats will be on hand. 👻
The Halloween Trail will run from October 17th to October 31st - don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience!
Last years prices held!
Adults - ...18 Oct 2025 to 31 Oct 2025
Blandford, Dorset
Get spooky this Halloween with exciting activities at Laserguys! Located in Blandford, right in the middle of Dorset. Participants can enjoy a choice of thrilling activities including outdoor laser tag, archery & axe throwing. Perfect for families, kids and adults. These fun Halloween activities are designed to bring excitement for all ages. You can even wear your favourite Halloween costume ...18 Oct 2025 to 01 Nov 2025
Bowleaze Cove Holiday Park & Spa, Weymouth, Dorset
This half term, families are invited to experience spook-tacular fun at FRIGHTMARE from 18th October – 1st November, running 5pm till late. 🕰️
👻 Trick or Treat adventures await the kids
🎯 Hook-a-Monster challenges promise ghoulish giggles
💀 Teen scare zones bring thrills and chills
… and there’s plenty more frightful fun for everyone!23 Oct 2025 to 02 Nov 2025
New Forest, Dorset
Your spookiest adventure under the stars awaits…
Step into the shadows this Halloween as the spectacular illuminated trail returns to Moors Valley Country Park and Forest.
Don’t miss out…
This year it’s even more thrilling with brand-new installations that will turn the forest into a spine-tingling, spooky setting.
Book now to secure the time and date you want to visit. 25 Oct 2025 to 31 Oct 2025
Corfe Castle, Dorset
Bring your own teddy or borrow a furry Corfe Castle veteran and take them for a tour around the site before attaching it to the zip wire by the castle keep. As your teddy zooms down the zip wire they can help us inspect the work of the conservators as they carry out essential work to conserve Corfe Castle.
Join our family quest to help our resident ghost detective with his investigation. ...25 Oct 2025 to 01 Nov 2025
Lyme Regis, Dorset
Discover a spine tingling after dark adventure packed with frightful surprises at Halloween mini ghoulf from Saturday 25 October until Saturday 1 November 2025.
For one week only this Halloween, Lyme Regis Town Council will transform the mini golf course into a ghostly, glowing playground. As night falls over Langmoor Gardens, come along and play a round of eerie, illuminated mini ghoulf. ...25 Oct 2025 to 01 Nov 2025
Nothe Fort, Weymouth, Dorset
Saturday 25 October – Saturday 1 November
10:30am – 4:00pm
Take part in the Spooktacular spells and spooks at Nothe Fort this October Half Term.
We’ve conjured up a whole cauldron full of activities that are perfect for all ages:
🎃 Halloween Mouse Hunt
🎃 Wand-making Workshop
🎃 Ghost Tours – bookable on the day, limited spaces. Every 30 mins. Dates to be confirmed. (Please be ...25 Oct 2025 to 02 Nov 2025
Poole, Dorset
Bunty the Bone Dog has lost their bones – can you help find them?
Join us for a spooky Halloween adventure around Upton Country Park. Fancy dress encouraged!
Trail maps available daily Sat 25 October – Sun 2 November, 10am-3pm, from the Welcome Centre in the main car park
£4.50 per trail map, including a creepy cuddly prize.
You can also enjoy themed refreshments and a variety of other ...25 Oct 2025 to 02 Nov 2025
Sherborne Castle, Sherborne, Dorset
Join our family fun trail in the garden.
Follow the trail discovering pumpkins. Solve clues along the way.
PRIZES AVAILABLE FROM THE VISITOR ENTRANCE
FANCY DRESS IS VERY MUCH WELCOME
Fab Half term fun!
Open 10am • Last admission 4pm • Closes 5pm.25 Oct 2025 to 02 Nov 2025
Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, Dorchester, Dorset
Something wicked this way comes… Halloween at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery!
We’ve got some frightfully good activities and events planned, including:
🍂 Autumnal Arts & Crafts - get creative with drop-in workshops and self-guided sessions throughout half term.
👻 Spooky Ghost Trail - spot the ghosts hidden around the museum.
🕵️ Haunted History Hunt - solve the riddles, discover mysterious ...25 Oct 2025 to 02 Nov 2025
Sandworld, Weymouth, Dorset
Halloween Fun This Half Term at SandWorld
All adults and kids in FULL fancy dress can visit SandWorld FOR FREE from Saturday 25th October – Sunday 2nd November.
Try your hand at sculpting spooky sand pumpkins with help from their talented team and follow the Halloween Hunt for prizes! With frightfully fun decorations around every corner, SandWorld is ready to get you feeling ...25 Oct 2025 to 02 Nov 2025
Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre, Wareham, Dorset
Monkey World is always spook-tacular at Halloween! Days out with the kids have never been as fun- this half-term the activity centre will be full of creepy crafts, spooky sand art and fang-tastic trails, and kids can learn about our creatures of the night- the slow loris! As well as 250 rescued and endangered primates, the Dorset sanctuary is all treats and no tricks this Halloween! Book your ...25 Oct 2025 to 02 Nov 2025
Swanage, Dorset
Brand new for this October half term, Swanage Railway transforms into a world of Halloween magic. Step aboard our Ghost Train for a fun-filled journey of gentle chills, big smiles, and unforgettable memories - perfect for the whole family.
What to Expect
Family-friendly spooky fun - theatrical, magical, and full of surprises.
Board our beautifully decorated heritage steam train at ...25 Oct 2025 to 02 Nov 2025
RockReef, Bournemouth, Dorset
RockReef and PierZip will be open daily 25th October – 2nd November.
October Half Term Fun Begins with RockReef & PierZip!
Do you live in Bournemouth and want something to keep the kids entertained over half term whatever the weather? Are you staying in the area and are looking for fun things to do at the Bournemouth seafront?
Book your adventure online today and save money off your ticket ...25 Oct 2025 to 02 Nov 2025
Tank Museum, Wareham, Dorset
Half Term fun for the whole family to enjoy! Kids’ activities, interactive exhibitions, soft play, and more.
The Tank Museum brings the story of tanks and their crews to life. Experience the biggest day out in history with 100 years of history, 300 tanks, kids activities, and more at Dorset’s largest indoor attraction.
This October Half Term, we’re celebrating Women in Warfare. Enjoy ...25 Oct 2025 to 02 Nov 2025
Symondsbury Estate, Bridport, Dorset
Saturday 25th October – Sunday 2nd November
All day, every day
£4 per trail
Join us this half term for a spooktacular family adventure at Symondsbury Estate!
Follow our fun-filled Pumpkin Trail, solve clues, find hidden pumpkins, and claim your spooky prize at the end!
Perfect for all ages – and costumes are very welcome if you dare… 👻🎃🕵️♀️
No need to book – just turn up ...25 Oct 2025 to 02 Nov 2025
West Bay, Dorset
Come and enjoy the free children activities this October Half-term at the Discovery Centre. Spiders are scuttling around the Centre, help us to find them and Autumnal crafts activities will be available at the Centre.
The Centre will be open 7 days a week only during the October Half-term.
Children and family drop-in free event. No booking required.
Donations are very welcome.25 Oct 2025 to 02 Nov 2025
Wimborne, Dorset
From the 25 October - 2 November, make your own magic rainbow mask or stranger folk nature wand.
Become part of the woodland with a magic rainbow mask of the creatures of the forest. Scratch your own designs to reveal the colours.
And if you're out on the hunt for Stranger Folk, using the adventure app (see the events page for more information), then stop off at the potting shed to make ...25 Oct 2025 to 02 Nov 2025
Studland, Dorset
This Halloween, step into the shadows of nature—in broad daylight! From 10am to 3pm, join us for Studland’s Wicked Wildlife Trail, a spine-tingling adventure through beach, dunes, and woodland where nocturnal creatures leave clues behind for brave explorers to uncover.
🦇 With 10 thrilling activity stations, you’ll track the secrets of Studland's nocturnal animals through games, puzzles, and ...25 Oct 2025 to 02 Nov 2025
Swanage, Dorset
Get Ready for a Spook-tacular Adventure at Swanage Pier!
This half term, join us for a frightfully fun Halloween Trail that’s perfect for the whole family!
Wander the Pier and keep your eyes peeled for spooky surprises lurking in unexpected places. Solve the Halloween word puzzle and tackle our themed quiz as you go!
Once you’ve uncovered all the eerie items and completed your quiz ...25 Oct 2025 to 05 Nov 2025
Swanage, Dorset
The trail will take you on a trip around the park to get into the spooky season!
Head to the Castle reception and collect your activity trail booklet - £3.50 per trail pack, no booking required.
If you like this trail, why not join us again for out 'Crazy Christmas Trail' in December!26 Oct 2025 to 30 Oct 2025
Lulworth Castle & Park, Lulworth, Dorset
This autumn half term holiday Sunday 26th to Thursday 30th October, enjoy a host of fun and a charming day out at Lulworth Castle & Park – Dorset’s finest castle.
Seek out the pumpkins and find the funny bones on the autumn trails as you explore the Park. Practice your sporting skills with the themed pitch’n’putt and traditional lawn games. Get crafty at the activity table and complete your ...26 Oct 2025 to 31 Oct 2025
Beaminster, Dorset
Families are invited to discover a world of autumn enchantment at Mapperton Gardens this October.
Although Mapperton House will close to visitors at the end of September, Mapperton Gardens and Mapperton Wildlands remain open Sundays to Thursdays throughout October. With acres of outside space to explore, Mapperton offers the chance to enjoy walks and the rich autumn colour change, wildlife ...26 Oct 2025 to 02 Nov 2025
Christchurch, Dorset
🧪Design your own ingredient to add to our Castle’s magic potion.
🎨Get creative with crafts in the Education Room on Tuesday & Thursday.
🧑🧑🧒🧒Enjoy 50% Off Family Day on Wednesday.
All activities are included in your Castle admission!
📅The Castle is open Sunday 26 October - Sunday 2 November, 10am-4pm. Closed on Friday and Saturday.26 Oct 2025 to 02 Nov 2025
Weymouth, Dorset
If you didn't manage to catch the LIVE Zombies in Weymouth, then you can still do the Scary-tale this Halloween via the QR code POSTERS!
All you need is a QR code compatible mobile phone and the willingness to crack the code! All correct answers submitted will be entered into a prize draw.27 Oct 2025 to 31 Oct 2025
Poole, Dorset
Monday 27th October – Friday 31st October 2025
Join us this October half term at the award-winning Farmer Palmer’s farm park, for a wicked week of fun! With so many activities you’ll be sure to have a ‘fang-tastic’ time! Jump on our Soak-a-spook Tractor Trailer ride, explore the spooky Maize Maze, dance away at ‘Snotbags Disco’, join in our Halloween Hunt, and so much more!
Running from ...27 Oct 2025 to 31 Oct 2025
Athelhampton House & Gardens, Dorchester, Dorset
Step back in time to 1580, and meet the Martyn family of Athelhampton, as our living history specialists take on the characters of the 16th-century Martyn family of Athelhampton Hall
All levels of society from gentlefolk to servants will be around the house and gardens to talk with and learn from. Activities throughout the day range from trying Tudor food, dancing, and clothing; to writing ...27 Oct 2025 to 01 Nov 2025
Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum, Dorchester, Dorset
Get ready for frightful fun on our Halloween Trail, packed with creepy clues, spooky surprises, and ghostly giggles for the whole family! Then, unleash your inner monster with our Monster Mask Making activity — craft your own terrifying (or silly!) mask to take home.
Perfect for little ghouls and goblins of all ages. Costumes encouraged!
🕷️ When: from 27th October to 1st of November
🦇 ...27 Oct 2025 to 02 Nov 2025
Wimborne Model Town, Wimborne, Dorset
As well as our famous quiz there'll be lots of spooky fun to be had during this half term!
Come and join us, fancy dress will be welcome.28 October 2025
Weymouth Pavilion, Weymouth, Dorset
Tuesday 28 October, 10:30am - In the theatre (Age rating: U)
All tickets £5
The monster crew is back in this hilarious, heartwarming sequel! Dracula is now a doting grandfather to Dennis, the half-human, half-vampire son of Mavis and Johnny. But when little Dennis shows no signs of his vampire side, Drac secretly rounds up Frankenstein, Wayne, Murray, and Griffin for a crash course in ...28 October 2025
Weymouth, Dorset
Weymouth-based award-winning theatre company Brave Bold Drama are delighted to be bringing their family sketch show PUMPKINS to St Nics,
Weymouth for two performances on 28 October 2025.
Gourdon and Melonie are activist pumpkins on a mission!
Disturbed that so many of their fellow pumpkins end up in bins every Halloween, they are on a mission to change hearts and minds and improve ...28 Oct 2025 to 31 Oct 2025
Dorchester, Dorset
Half term just got a whole lot spookier! Tuesday 28th - Friday 31st October, bring the family to Brewery Square for our Halloween Trick or Treat Trail.
Grab your map from the Concierge Office, follow the clues around the Square and collect treats along the way.
The excitement continues on Friday 31st October:
Spooky Face Painting - Become a witch, ghost, monster, or your favourite Halloween ...29 October 2025
Poole, Dorset
Radio Alert... It's another Lunar Landings meteoric event... The Asteriod Trunkesar will pass closer to the earth than any of our satelites.. We believe this is a desparate plan to mask an alien invasion... can you help Captain Lewey Hoops stop them?
Join the crew aboard the SS Clash Landings for an exciting evening of phaser tag! Whether you come alone or bring your friends it's sure to ...29 October 2025
Symondsbury Estate, Bridport, Dorset
Symondsbury Estate Harvest Supper
Date: Wednesday 29th October
Time: 6.30pm til late
Location: Tithe Barn, Symondsbury Estate
Tickets: £35 per person — includes welcome drink, canapé, two-course supper & guest talk
Celebrate the changing season, this year’s harvest and the deep connection between land, food and community at our Harvest Supper, a special evening set in the ...29 Oct 2025 to 31 Oct 2025
Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre, Bournemouth, Dorset
Dare to join us for a spooky adventure on our Halloween Trail - get ready for surprises around every corner!
Get ready for thrills and chills because our Halloween Trail is returning, and it's more spectacular than ever!
This year, we’ve completely transformed our stations to deliver an unforgettable experience that’s packed with surprises at every turn. Join us for a trail of eerie ...30 October 2025
Weymouth Pavilion, Weymouth, Dorset
Thursday 30 October, 11am - In the theatre (Age rating: U)
All tickets £5
Drac and the gang are back - but this time they’re trading the hotel for the high seas! To give her dad a break, Mavis surprises Dracula with a monster family cruise. Joined by Frankenstein, Murray, Wayne and the rest of the crew, Drac braces himself for some much-needed relaxation.
But when he unexpectedly ...30 October 2025
Weymouth, Dorset
Thu 30th Oct, 4.30 - 8pm Starting at Millenim Square (outside The Range)
Get ready to haunt the town! Whether you're a ghoul, witch, zombie, vampire, or something delightfully spooky, we want YOU to join the Halloween Parade and Trunk or Treat in full costume!
Halloween Parade - 4.30pm, starting at Millenium Square
Trunk or Treat 6-8pm, Melcombe Regis Car Park
Join the reimagined ...30 Oct 2025 to 31 Oct 2025
Poole, Dorset
🌟Half term creative workshops for ages 7-14 🌟
Join our friends at Activate Performing Arts for two fun-packed days of writing and performing workshops led by ethnically diverse professional writers, performers and musicians.
When? Thursday 30th and Friday 31st October 2025, 10am-3.30pm (with optional extension sessions 9am-4pm)
Where? Lighthouse, Poole
You’ll have the chance ...31 October 2025
Lyme Regis, Dorset
This Halloween, step into the shadows of Lyme Regis Museum… where fossils, ghostly tales, and ghoulish fun await! Get ready for a frightfully fun evening this Halloween!
Join us for:
Spooky Stories
Creepy Crafts
Freaky Face Painting
A Torchlight Trail through 200 million years of history
Unlucky Dip for the brave!
Perfect for families, our Spooktacular promises a night of ...31 October 2025
Weymouth, Dorset
Step aboard… if you dare!
Join us for a 3-hour Halloween Party Cruise in the heart of the stunning and mysterious Jurassic Coast. The boat will be transformed with spooky décor, eerie lighting, and chilling surprises around every corner.
Fancy dress is highly encouraged – so bring your best costumes, from ghouls to glam! With a live DJ or band keeping the decks alive, expect nothing less ...31 October 2025
Sticks & Bones, Weymouth, Dorset
🎃 Halloween at Sticks & Bones 🎃
Get ready for a spooktacular day and night at Sticks & Bones this Halloween!
🧡 Family Friendly Fun (3–6pm)
Bring the little monsters along for a Halloween party packed with crafts, games, face painting and a fancy dress competition with prizes for the best costumes. Perfect for kids and families looking for some daytime frightful fun!
🕷️ Trick or Treat ...31 October 2025
Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre, Wareham, Dorset
Halloween at Monkey World!
FREE entry for children in FULL Halloween fancy dress on 31st October 2025. Free fancy dress competition with prizes, as well as the fun activities for children. Select the Fancy dress option when booking online, on the 31st October only! Have a spook-tacular Halloween at Monkey World!
Monkey World provides sanctuary to over 230 rescued and endangered primates of ...31 October 2025
Weymouth, Dorset
Step aboard for 2.5 hours of family-friendly frights and thrills! Join our spooky storyteller as they weave chilling (but kid-appropriate) zombie tales while you enjoy the boat ride.
Take part in spooky Halloween face painting, listen to spooky stories and nibble on creepy snacks as you immerse yourself in the haunted atmosphere. Keep your eyes peeled for surprises lurking around every ...31 October 2025
Weymouth Pavilion, Weymouth, Dorset
Friday 31 October, 11am - In the theatre (Age rating: PG)
All tickets £5
The monster mayhem reaches its grand finale! When Van Helsing’s latest invention - the “Monsterfication Ray” - backfires, Drac and his monster pals suddenly find themselves human, while Johnny turns into a towering, over-the-top creature.
With his powers gone and everyday life proving trickier than expected, Drac ...31 October 2025
La Mia's , Poole, Dorset
October is here which means spooky fun at La Mia's Halloween Party! 🎃
Little ghouls and goblins, get ready for a frightfully fun time! Enjoy arts & crafts, spooky treats, and a prize for the best costume.
Parents can sit back and relax with a drink or bite to eat while the kids have a scream!
Choose your session: 11am–1pm or 3pm–5pm
Price: £10 per child (includes arts & crafts, ...31 October 2025
Wareham, Dorset
Step into the magical forest this Halloween at Careys Secret Garden. Follow the light trail, meet friendly forest folk, and discover a world of mystery, laughter, and playful Halloween surprises. Perfect for little wild witches and wizards!
This event is a family-friendly twilight walk through Careys Secret Garden & Woodland, which will be transformed into a Halloween wonderland of ...31 October 2025
Wimborne, Dorset
🎃 Spooky Science Show with Ian B Dunne 👻
Join mad scientist Ian B Dunne and his robotic assistants this Halloween – Friday 31st October – for a thrilling journey through potions, sparks, and spectres! Expect spooky experiments, electrifying demonstrations, and plenty of hands-on fun in this science-packed show that’s perfect for all ages. Don’t miss this frightfully fun fusion of science ...31 October 2025
Upwey Wishing Well and Tea Rooms, Weymouth, Dorset
Friday 31st October | 10am–12pm
Taylor Swift & Disney Stitch Spooky Brunch
🎶 Singing, dancing and spooky fun
🍽️ Brunch included
🍬 Candy hunt
£15 per child | Payment required on booking31 Oct 2025 to 01 Nov 2025
Weymouth, Dorset
Nothe of the Living Dead 2024: Dawn of the Dorset Dead
MINIMUM AGE IS 16 (UNDER 18’s MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A PARTICIPATING/PAYING ADULT).
The Event
Nothe of the Living Dead combines jump scares and escape dungeon-style challenges and puzzles in an hour-long experience that sees participants take on a chilling quest to save the world from an undead takeover.
The event, a ...01 November 2025
Sticks & Bones, Weymouth, Dorset
💀 Day of the Dead Halloween Party at Sticks & Bones 🕯️
Saturday 1st November | 18+ | Free Entry
The Halloween celebrations don’t stop on Friday… Join us at Sticks & Bones for our Day of the Dead party — the ultimate way to end Halloween week in style!
🔥 Live sets from Shirker Punk, plus DJ Jay Rees and Victor Vector spinning tunes that’ll keep the dance floor alive well into the night. ...01 November 2025
Poole, Dorset
New for 2025! Treat yourself, family or friends to afternoon tea in Grade II* Upton House. A classic British tradition with a spooky Halloween twist!
For adults our afternoon tea includes scones, finger sandwiches, sweet treats and a selection of hot drinks and is completed with amazing cake towers and a glass of prosecco.
Children’s (16 and under) portions are a mini scone, half ...01 November 2025
Lyme Regis, Dorset
Watch the fireworks as they light up the sky over the harbour. The Cobb provides a fantastic backdrop for the stunning display with Lister and Langmoor gardens offering a wonderful vantage point to view the explosive night of fireworks.
The firework display is organised by the Lyme Regis Regatta & Carnival team and is free to attend with cash donations encouraged via official collectors on ...01 November 2025
Corfe Castle, Dorset
TERROR TRAIL: Saturday 1st November
Step off the beaten path, into the darkness, and enter…
The Halloween Terror Trail
On Saturday 1st November experience one of Dorset’s scariest Halloween events at Dorset Adventure Park!
Warped with horror, our Halloween scare experience will terrify even the boldest of thrill seekers!
Beneath the looming shadow of Corfe Castle wind through ...13 Dec 2025 to 22 Feb 2026
Bournemouth, Dorset
Cool Coast Ice Rink is the largest indoor ice skating rink on the South Coast. Located in Bournemouth International Centre from November to February, it’s the perfect winter activity with friends and family. Enjoyed by so many every year, it’s even a great way to stay fit and active over the wintery months. At Cool Coast you can enjoy a fun filled ice skating session regardless of the weather ...14 February 2026
Weymouth, Dorset
Roarsome fun!
Weymouth's Dinosaur week is an exciting celebration of family fun themed around prehistoric life!
Last year, We Are Weymouth hosted the second ‘Chase the Dinosaur’ event, as part of 'Dino Week' raising funds for the Will Mackaness Trust and kicking off the February half term in true Jurassic style.
Runners raised double its £500 donation in 2024 giving over £1000 to the ...Fossil Hunting – Will you be the next person to find a Sea Rex? Who knows you may just discover the next big thing! Do be aware of the tide times, stay away from unstable cliffs and always follow the fossiling code of conduct. Lyme Regis beach, Charmouth and Kimmeridge are all great spots and perfect for exploring over the half-term holiday.
Bike Rides – get the kids active with a shorter ride for little legs or something a bit more adventurous for older children: take a look at some great cycling routes here.
Head for Heights – at 191 metres (627 ft), where is the highest point on the south coast of Great Britain? Yes you guessed right, it’s Golden Cap, and on a good day it is visible for tens of miles along the coastline. Why not challenge your family to see who can get to the top first? Remember to take care and not to get too close to the cliff edge, keeping any dogs on a lead.
Sculptures – the family will enjoy seeking out the creations carved out of stone at the Tout Quarry Sculpture Park and Nature Reserve on the isle of Portland, it’s also a great place to take some lovely family photos – picture perfect!
Shopping – OK I get it, kids don’t always like shopping, but we mums do and Bridport’s Saturday and Wednesday markets have lots of unique stalls: you’ll find vintage clothing, Dorset art, ceramics, bric-a-brac, wooden walking sticks and, of course, a few kids’ toys. There’s also one of the best independent toy shops in Dorset, on East Street. You should also head to Bridport’s vintage quarter where you will find many interesting shops to explore.
Woods – we all love a trip to the woods, especiallly in the October half-term when the leaves start to change colour and crunch underfoot. We particularly love Thorncombe Woods, near Dorchester, Moors Valley Country Park, which is located on the Dorset/Hampshire border, and the fabulous New Forest too. If the kids’ legs get tired start a treasure hunt; we hide chocolate coins as we go along for the kids to spot and enjoy whilst taking in the fresh air.
On the Water – It might not be the summer holidays but the October half term will hopefully bring some good weather, pop on a dry suit on and find your sense of adventure, try kayaking, windsurfing, or paddle boarding. Or perhaps the simple things work for you; like a stroll along the shoreline, an ice-cream (they're still nice in the autumn), or skimming stones. Fresh air is good for the soul, and it doesn’t always mean you have to dip into your pocket! You will also find that many of Dorset's beaches have saunas, so you can certainly warm up and cool down with a sea swim!
Cheeeeeese – not the edible kind (although we do love Dorset cheeses), but photo opportunities. In Dorset you are spoilt for choice with a host of perfect locations to capture the sunrise, sunset or just your children roaming free in the vast open spaces we are blessed with here. Let the children have a go too; they might find a healthy new hobby this half term, or perhaps even become the next David Bailey!
Some of the best spots we like for photos: Kimmeridge, Man O’ War Bay, Corfe Castle, Durdle Door, Golden Cap, The Cobb - Lyme Regis, Portland Bill, Gold Hill - Shaftesbury, Thorncombe Woods and any of Dorset’s beaches!
Attractions – animal adventures, aquariums, interactive museums, steam trains, gorgeous gardens, and kids’ play, we really are spoilt for choice. Local attractions offer you a great day out, and some will have special half-term events on. Take a look at the list below and see what will work for your family, whether it be monkey madness, rides and slides, history highlights or something else, these businesses will welcome your family and keep everyone entertained during the half-term in Dorset.
Food - Fish and chips, are hard to beat so head to the coast and enjoy them by the seaside.
We hope whatever you and your family plan to do, you have a great week. Below are a list of Dorset attractions and activity providers who would love you to join them over the school holidays.
Attractions and Activities
Abbotsbury Subtropical GardensAbbotsbury
Athelhampton House & GardensDorchester
BeaulieuNew Forest
Buckler's HardNew Forest
Chesil Equestrian CentrePortland
Compton AcresPoole
Corfe CastleCorfe Castle
Dorset Heavy Horse Farm ParkWimborne
Farmer Palmer'sPoole
Highcliffe CastleChristchurch
Keep Military MuseumDorchester
Lemur LandingsPoole
Liberty's Owl Raptor & Reptile CentreNew Forest
Longdown Activity FarmNew Forest
Lulworth Castle & ParkLulworth
Mapperton House and GardensBeaminster
Monkey World - Ape Rescue CentreWareham
New Forest Wildlife ParkNew Forest
Nothe FortWeymouth
OceanariumBournemouth
Pirate Adventure GolfWeymouth
Portland AlpacasPortland
Purbeck Sports CentreWareham
Purbeck BreezerPoole
Portland Bill Lighthouse & Visitor CentrePortland
RockReefBournemouth
Shire Hall Historic Courthouse MuseumDorchester
Splashdown WaterparkPoole
Swanage RailwaySwanage
Tank MuseumWareham
Weymouth Sea Life Adventure ParkWeymouth
Dorset Museum & Art GalleryDorchester
Portland MuseumPortland
Abbotsbury SwanneryAbbotsbury
Brewery SquareDorchester
Castletown D-Day CentrePortland
Kingston Maurward House, Gardens & Animal ParkDorchester
Sherborne CastleSherborne
Wimborne Model TownWimborne
Badger WatchDorchester
Lyme Bay Rib CharterWest Bay
Moonfleet Adventure Sail TrainingPortland
SandworldWeymouth
Sticks & BonesWeymouth
Symondsbury EstateBridport
Weymouth PavilionWeymouthPlease share or leave a comment
Latest Features
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More Recent Features
24 Oct 2025
‘Tis the season to be jolly, and you will be when you discover the fantastic selection of Christmas markets and festive fairs that are set to be held around Dorset in the coming weeks.
If you’re getting organised with your Christmas shopping, these events are a great way to find those perfect gifts. If delicious Dorset food and drink is on your wish list, then you’ll love the tasty selection available from local producers; or maybe you’d like a day out to ... Read more...
13 Oct 2025
Dorset in Full Colour
Moor Crichel - Scoop of Dorset
It’s that time of year again when nature provides us with that colourful spectacle that never ceases to delight and amaze. As the leaves on the trees take on their yellow, gold, red and bronze hues it’s time to get out in a woodland or garden near you and enjoy the display up close.
We’ve picked out some great places to visit where you can enjoy the splendour of autumn before the winter sets in and spoils ... Read more...
8 Oct 2025
So, it’s the October half term and you may be wondering how you’re going to keep the kids entertained!
Well don’t worry, whether you are local resident or are staying in Dorset on a break, there’s lots to do throughout the half term holidays. If you're looking for things to do in Dorset we have found lots of Dorset events to keep you entertained. Our Resort family has children of different ages, here are some of the things we plan to enjoy during the ... Read more...
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