Your Guide to February Half Term Fun in Dorset
Your Guide to February Half Term Fun in Dorset
As February half term approaches, it's time to plan some exciting adventures for the whole family. If you're in Dorset or planning a visit, you're in luck! Our beautiful county is brimming with fantastic activities, from snowdrop spotting to visiting the skull of a 150-million-year-old sea monster, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained.
Let's dive into fun events at top attractions, low-cost days out, beach walks and family-friendly dining spots across the stunning landscapes of Dorset. Whether you're a local looking for inspiration or a visitor eager to explore, make sure you save this guide and start filling up your calendar.
Attractions
Durlston Country Park, Swanage – 8th-18th February
The country park is hosting a range of fun activities throughout February half term, including a Dinosaur Discover Trail, Wild Wednesday and a kids drawing workshop.
Upton Country Park, Poole – 10th-18th February
The park is hosting free family activity trails throughout half term. The Winter Wildlife Adventure Trail (14th February) will feature nature-based activities run by the RSPB, Dorset Bat Group and the Urban Heaths Partnership.
Shaftesbury Snowdrop Festival – 10th-17th February
This popular festival celebrates the town's reputation as the first snowdrop town in Dorset. Visitors can explore wheelchair and pushchair-friendly snowdrop walks for free at Pine Walk, Trinity Centre, Swans Yard and Library Garden, where rare and unusual Galanthus species bloom from late January to mid-March.
Additionally, ticketed children's lantern making workshops will be held at the Trinity Centre Bimport, followed by an evening lantern procession through the town and Park Walk, featuring dances by Steps in Time and live music.
Cool Coast Ice Rink, Bournemouth – until 18th February
If you didn’t get round to ice skating over the festive season, you still can! The indoor ice rink at the Bournemouth International Centre runs sessions seven days a week. Little ones can ease into it on the mini rink or use a penguin skate mate. Stop by the Alpine Terrace Café after for a warming drink.
Museums
Lyme Regis Museum – 10th-16th February
From a pliosaur creative clay workshop and fossil polishing to a Mary Anning interactive tour, visiting this museum is a must for fossil fans.
The Tank Museum, Bovington – 10th-18th February
This February half term, The Tank Museum are celebrating women in warfare with family activities that explore the huge range of roles that women have had from World War One to the modern day.
From 10th-11th February, the museum plays host to the biggest model show in the South West, featuring an impressive collection of model tanks, planes, ships and trains.
Museum of East Dorset, Wimborne – 13th February
Space loving kids can get stuck into designing a spaceship, making R2-D2 and creating a planet at the museum’s Little Explorers: Star Wars & Galaxies event.
Low-Cost Days Out
Wareham Forest is a fantastic place for a family walk with well-marked trails suitable for different abilities. Look out for winter wildlife and consider bringing a packed lunch for a budget-friendly day out.
Explore Thorncombe Woods near Dorchester, which is part of the Hardy's Cottage estate. You can take a walk through ancient woodlands and enjoy the serene surroundings. While Hardy's Cottage has an admission fee, it’s free to wander the surrounding trails and pond.
Cranborne Chase, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, has a variety of walking trails. Check for downloadable maps or pick them up at local information centres. The Chase Trails provide a mix of woodlands and open spaces.
Avon Heath Country Park near Ringwood is known for its heathland and wildlife. The park has well-maintained trails suitable for families and there are often activities or events during school holidays.
Visiting the historic market town of Sherborne offers a delightful and budget-friendly day out. Wander through the charming town centre, visit the beautiful Sherborne Abbey and take a leisurely stroll around the picturesque Sherborne Castle grounds. Explore the town's rich history at Sherborne Museum and consider packing a picnic to tuck into in a local park.
Portland Bill is an iconic landmark on the Jurassic Coast. While there’s a fee for entering the lighthouse, you can still explore the surrounding cliffs and quarries. Gaze at breath-taking panoramic sea views while watching giant waves crashing against the rocks.
Winter Beach Walks and Fossil Hunting
Winter walks along Dorset's beautiful beaches offer a peaceful and energising experience, with the added benefit of avoiding the summer crowds. The UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast is renowned for its fossil-rich cliffs and beaches.
Famous for its historical connections to Mary Anning, Lyme Regis is well-known for fossil hunting. Take part in a guided fossil walk organised by a local expert or stroll along the beach and The Cobb sea wall, admiring the stunning coastal views.
Charmouth is another popular spot for fossil hunting. Head to the Heritage Coast Centre for information and guided fossil walks.
Kimmeridge Bay is known for its unique geology and shale formations – the rocky ledges are a haven for fossil hunters. Head to the Etches Collection to see the 150-million-year-old skull of a colossal pliosaur that was recently unearthed from the nearby cliffs.
Swanage Beach has a beautiful sandy beach with views of the Isle of Wight. Enjoy a walk along the promenade, explore the Victorian pier and visit the town's many shops and cafes.
West Bay in Bridport is known for its towering sandstone cliffs and bustling harbour. Stroll along the beach, wander around the harbour and enjoy fresh seafood at one of the local eateries.
Hengistbury Head, near Christchurch, offers a mix of beach, nature reserve and scenic views. Take a winter walk along the sandy shoreline towards Mudeford Spit and explore the surrounding heathland. Look out for a variety of birdlife along the way.
When fossil hunting, remember to check tide times, look out for warning signs, wear appropriate footwear and follow fossil collecting guidelines.
Family-Friendly Pubs
The Springhead, Weymouth
Situated in the idyllic village of Sutton Poyntz, kids will love feeding the ducks on the pond opposite. The chef sources high-quality fresh ingredients from local suppliers, providing a variety of family-friendly homemade dishes. The garden at the back of the pub has two wooden play areas with climbing frames and slides.
Trumpet Major, Dorchester
Popular with locals, this friendly pub boasts a spacious garden with wooden play equipment, slides and a climbing frame to keep kids occupied for hours. The ‘Little Monster Menu’ features a wide range of children’s meals to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
The Old Thatch, Wimborne
This 17th century pub in Stapehill is a community hub for families. The Bear Island Woodland area is a kids play haven with a newly built play tower, bouncy castle and giant chess. There’s a children’s menu and colouring kits to keep them entertained while they wait. By night, the woodland comes alive with musical talent and the pub provides an outdoor bar and pizza oven.
The World’s End, Blandford
The World’s End pub offers an ideal outdoor escape for families with its large patio dining terrace and play park amongst acres of meadow. Children (and dogs!) can race around and play games while parents relax with a hot drink. When it comes to eating, there’s a kids’ menu and colouring activities to keep little ones occupied.
If you find yourself captivated by Dorset’s charming villages, rugged coastline and picturesque countryside, get in touch with Dorset Property to find your dream home. From country cottages to modern flats for renting or buying, we have an array of properties to suit every lifestyle and budget. We look forward to hearing from you!
Added: 28th January 2024
