Things to do in Dorset over half term

Half term is almost upon us, so we thought we’d share a few suggestions for things to do to keep everyone busy and entertained during half term week.

On 13th February Artsreach presents Travels with Granddad by Pickled Image puppetry, at the Memorial Hall, Sturminster Marshall at 3.30pm. “Meet Granddad, eccentric traveller and storyteller extraordinaire. Enter his battered Bedouin tent to hear magical tales of adventure in real and imaginary worlds. Evocative sound, light and exquisite puppetry create a classic performance, enthralling and delighting the whole family. Additional dates and locations in February are available for this show.

13th to 16th February - Half-term activities at Highcliffe Castle (aimed at Primary School aged children) Fun Victorian themed crafts to keep the children amused during half term. The activities take place between 11am and 4pm daily in the Castle's Wintergarden. There is no need to book, just pop in during those times. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Plus you can have a go at the Country House Trail, an entertaining free trail around the Castle rooms.

Each day the following crafts will be on offer:

Monday - Peg Characters

Tuesday – Mini Puppet Theatres

Wednesday – Jack in the Boxes

Thursday – Paper People

Adult Admission to the Castle is £3, plus £2 per craft.

14th to 18th February - Lyme Regis Pantomime Society’s “Little Red Riding Hood” at the Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis. With panto jokes galore, and a chorus that sings and dances its way through the story, helped along by the small dancers from the ‘Lyme School of Ballet’, this is a fun show for all the family. 7.30pm on the 14th to 17th February. 2.30pm and 7.30pm on Saturday 18th February. Tickets cost£7.50 (Concessions £4.00).

15th to 17th February - Go wild this half term with Dorset Wildlife Trust’s nature-based activities at Lorton Meadows and Kingcombe. At Kingcombe, children can go on a sensory walk to gather colours, textures and impressions to create something to wear, play with or simply gaze at, using techniques such as weaving, braiding, whittling or feltmaking. Parents are encouraged to join in too. At Lorton Meadows, children will make their very own mini nature reserve or discover how birds make their nests, plus take part in games, art and craft.

17th February - Make and create a puppet show creative workshop, at the Dorchester Arts Centre, lead by professional puppeteers from Bridport company Stuff and Nonsense Theatre Company. Discover how they create the puppets used in their shows, make your own unique puppet and learn the skills to bring it to life in this one-day workshop. All materials will be provided. 10am - 3pm. Please bring packed lunches. Tickets cost £20 / £23 with a ticket for the show Muttnik – The First Dog in Space. To book phone: 01305 266926.

Visit Oceanarium aquarium in Bournemouth. There’s lots to see, including sharks, turtles, otters, stingrays, octopus, piranhas, clownfish, and puffer fish. Oceanarium is open daily from 10am.

Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre, Wareham, Dorset, assists governments around the world to stop the smuggling of primates from the wild. At the Centre refugees of this illegal trade, as well as those that have suffered abuse or neglect, are rehabilitated into natural living groups. You can see and learn about orang-utangs, chimpanzees, gibbons, marmosets, lemurs, woolly monkeys, and more.

For a child friendly and eco-friendly holiday in the UK over half term, please see our website for more information about our bed and breakfast and self-catering accommodation. And don’t forget we’re offering three nights for the price of two for new enquiries during February (Sunday to Thursday inclusive). We look forward to welcoming you and your family here.