Half-term Events in Dorset

So, it’s the May 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

13 Sep 2025 to 14 Sep 2025

South West Model Show

Tank Museum, Wareham, Dorset

See and buy models surrounded by the best collection of tanks in the world! This year’s Autumn Model Show will be bigger than ever – with traders, exhibitors, live modelling demonstrations alongside the real thing, plus sci-fi and more. Model planes, ships, sci-fi, trains and, of course, tanks of all types and sizes will be available to see, make and purchase. Annual passes are valid ...

25 Oct 2025 to 26 Oct 2025

Autumn Colours Weekend

Sherborne Castle, Sherborne, Dorset

Autumn Colours Special Weekend - Reduced price entry to the gardens. Brush away the cobwebs and enjoy a bracing walk around acres of magnificent garden surrounding the lake. Relax and marvel at the glorious colours of autumn reflected in the lake. Dogs are welcome on short leads. Children's Autumn Pumpkin Trail Join our family fun trail in the garden. Follow the trail discovering ...

25 Oct 2025 to 02 Nov 2025

Children's Autumn Pumpkin Trail

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.

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 May half-term when everything is popping with colour, a mix of Dorset bluebells and wild garlic. 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 sumer holidays but the May half term will hopefully bring 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, 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 in the May holidays, below are a list of Dorset attractions and activity providers who would love you to join them over half term! 

Attractions and Activities

Abbotsbury Subtropical GardensAbbotsburyAthelhampton House & GardensDorchesterBeaulieuNew ForestBuckler's HardNew ForestChesil Equestrian CentrePortlandCompton AcresPooleCorfe CastleCorfe CastleDorset Heavy Horse Farm ParkWimborneFarmer Palmer'sPooleHighcliffe CastleChristchurchKeep Military MuseumDorchesterLemur LandingsPooleLiberty's Owl Raptor & Reptile CentreNew ForestLongdown Activity FarmNew ForestLulworth Castle & ParkLulworthMapperton House and GardensBeaminsterMonkey World - Ape Rescue CentreWarehamNew Forest Wildlife ParkNew ForestNothe FortWeymouthOceanariumBournemouthPirate Adventure GolfWeymouthPortland AlpacasPortlandPurbeck Sports CentreWarehamPurbeck BreezerPoolePortland Bill Lighthouse & Visitor CentrePortlandRockReefBournemouthShire Hall Historic Courthouse MuseumDorchesterSplashdown WaterparkPooleSwanage RailwaySwanageTank MuseumWarehamWeymouth Sea Life Adventure ParkWeymouthDorset Museum & Art GalleryDorchesterPortland MuseumPortlandAbbotsbury SwanneryAbbotsburyBrewery SquareDorchesterCastletown D-Day CentrePortlandKingston Maurward House, Gardens & Animal ParkDorchesterSherborne CastleSherborneWimborne Model TownWimborneBadger WatchDorchesterLyme Bay Rib CharterWest BayMoonfleet Adventure Sail TrainingPortlandSandworldWeymouthSticks & BonesWeymouthSymondsbury EstateBridportWeymouth PavilionWeymouth