So, April is here and we’re keeping our fingers tightly crossed for more of the lovely weather we had in March. Enough rain to keep the countryside looking green and lovely would be perfect, but not a month of April Showers thank you very much. At Chesil Beach Lodge we’re also looking forward to welcoming our visitors for the Easter holidays.
As always for the beginning of a new month we have a few suggestions for things to do in Dorset in April. Coming up later in the month we have tips for how to have an eco-friendly Easter and some examples of Dorset’s unusual place names.4th April Easter Family Fun Day at Lyme Regis Museum. Get creative with Alison Bowskill. From Easter chicks to first swallows, birds will be everywhere! Drop into the museum to make and decorate your own Easter bird to take and hang up at home. Free admission for adults and children, and free art materials. Suitable for children ages 5 to 10 years. 11am to 3pm
6th to 9th April: a family day out on the Easter Trail at Highcliffe Castle. “Find the Easter chicks hidden in the Castle grounds, answer the questions and win an Easter egg prize: fun way to spend your Easter weekend and enjoy the Castle’s beautiful grounds whilst you search for the Easter chicks. 11am to 4pm daily. £1 per trail.6th to 9th April Kingston Maurward Easter Egg-stravaganza at Kingston Maurward Gardens and Animal Park. This annual Easter Egg Hunt is set to be full of egg-citement again this year with fun for all the family. Search for clues around the Animal Park to claim your chocolate egg prize. Visit the Easter chicks and bunnies in the animal park, have fun feeding the sheep and goats, get up close to alpacas, and meet all the farmyard friends.The Animal Park has recently become a member of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. Bring a picnic, take a walk through the beautiful gardens, and relax by the lake. Gates are open from 10am-4pm.7th April – celebrate 40 years of “making waves” at the Greenpeace 40th Birthday Gig, at the Corn Exchange, Dorchester, with Thomas and the Mock Ups, plus DJ Mixed Bag and DJ Uncle Allen. There will also be foyer films on 40 years of Inspiring Action. 8pm to midnight .Tickets are £4: available from Dorchester TIC. All proceeds go to Greenpeace. Telephone 01305 267992 or 01305 262908 for more details.
8th April Pirate Day at the Nothe Fort, Weymouth. Treasure Trails, Pirate Ghost Walk, Face Painting, Cannon Firing, Crafts and Fancy Dress Competition. There will also be a mock battle between the Nothe Fort Artillery and the pirates with lots of smoke, gun fire and shouting. £5 for everyone, including activities (Under 3's Free) 10 am to 4.30pm.
21st April to 10th June The Romantic Landscape Exhibition, Sladers Yard, West Bay, Bridport: new work by artists who find a kind of truth in the beauty and poetry of the contemporary landscape.
28th April Magic Drum Workshop at Dorchester Arts Centre. “A drum circle is an improvised musical journey skillfully facilitated by Ralph Cree and Glyn Bush of Magic Drum. This musical event is suitable for all ages and abilities, and is aimed at bringing the community together. It’s not just for drummers - it’s open to anyone who would like to have a day creating music. Drums and percussion are provided, but if you have a drum or some percussion instrument please bring it with you.These activities and events are just a small sample from the many that Dorset has to offer in April. If you plan to visit Dorset, don’t forget to book accommodation in Dorset as soon as possible. At Chesil Beach Lodge you can be sure of superb accommodation with amazing views, and a friendly welcome. We look forward to hearing from you.
