Events Around Dorset

Take a step back in time this summer holidays to the English Civil War (1642 - 1651), where a journey of discovery and intrigue awaits. Discover the secrets of musketry and gunpowder and maybe even test your skills on our musket range.

Forest Schoolers will learn to live from nature as their guides show them how to make bows or spears, share tracking techniques and construct teepees and shelters. Expect fun games and challenges within a nurturing, natural environment, in a practical session that ends with campfire cooking and storytelling.

This summer discover the how the women of the house enjoyed the summer holidays with their children and families. This is part of Kingston Lacy’s ’Beyond the Portrait’ portray four key women in the history of the estate. This summer connect with these sto. Booking Not Needed.

Join us for a summer holiday full of free family activities. Enjoy a wide range of trails including our nature rubbing, tree climbing and coastal creatures trail. Go on a mini beast safari* and get stuck in with games*, crafts* and colouring in the Visitor Centre.

For more than 60 years master modeller Philip Warren has been painstakingly creating an armada of every Royal Navy warship afloat, in service or setting sail since the Second World War ... out of matchsticks and wooden matchboxes. The models are based on drawings, plans and photographs of the real ships.

A long running annual exhibition for local Dorset artists, professional and amateur alike to showcase their work. The exhibition will be larger than ever this year and include an exhibition by Blandford School students and works by busary winner Ella O’Loughlan.

Together parents and their toddlers can enjoy making some marvellous minibeasts, starting off with delicious homemade bread caterpillars!

Meet Craig, the friendly Forest Ranger and resident tree expert. It’s his job to make sure the woods are a peaceful and happy place, but he’s having a tough time of it today!

Get hands on with history this summer and take a step back in time to the English Civil War (1642-1651), where a journey of discovery and intrigue awaits. Check the website for more details, dogs on leads are welcome.

A lavish family home built to resemble an Italian Palace. There’s plenty to see, from grand, beautifully detailed carvings, to intimate family souvenirs. Book your timed ticket for the house. Normal admission applies. Both members and non-members must have a timed house entry ticket.

Enjoy a one hour taster stand up paddleboard lesson followed by fish and chips at Knoll Beach Caf. Minimum age of 10 years if accompanied with an adult. Booking Essential. Phone: 01929 450500.

BECOME A SEA LIFE JUNIOR DIVER THIS SUMMER AND ENTER TO WIN A FAMILY TRIP TO LEGOLAND FLORIDA Discover curious creatures of the deep in this new adventure as you navigate a trail to find hidden LEGO pieces in the mystery tanks.

Come on a guided walk and help our Rangers set up moth traps in the evening. Camp overnight in the campsite and then get up early to see which incredible moths live on Brownsea.

Go on a guided walk and camp overnight. Help our Rangers set up moths traps, camp overnight at the campsite and then get up early to see which incredible moths live on the island. Booking Essential. Phone: 0344 2491895.

Meet Craig, the friendly Forest Ranger and resident tree expert. It’s his job to make sure the woods are a peaceful and happy place, but he’s having a tough time of it today!

The ’Ragged Victorians – ‘The Great Unwashed’ are an award winning living history group, re-enacting the lower classes of Victorian England, c1851.

Exotic garden full of bananas, palms and lush tropical planting, the garden is filled to the brim with unusual and rare plants, many seldom seen in British gardens.

Alan Titchmarsh described this amusingly creative garden as one of the best 10 private gardens in Britain. The ingenious use of unusual plants complements the imaginative treasure trove of garden objects dart. The enchanting house is also open.

Join the Rangers and a host of local experts to see how many plant and animal species we can record. Start at 6am with a bird walk. For the details of all the events during the day, visit our Facebook page or phone 01202 451548.

¾ acre walled garden for all seasons. Garden seating throughout the diverse planting areas, incl Mediterranean courtyard garden and wisteria pergola. Walk up slope beside rill and bog garden to raised bed vegetable garden. Return through shrubbery and rockery back to waterfall cascading into a pebble beach.

Forest Schoolers will learn to live from nature as their guides show them how to make bows or spears, share tracking techniques and construct teepees and shelters. Expect fun games and challenges within a nurturing, natural environment, in a practical session that ends with campfire cooking and storytelling.

Enjoy the opportunity to experience Kingston Lacy park and estate, including some areas not normally accessible, before the grounds open to the public. The walks will be a gentle stroll of approximately 3 miles starting from the main Kingston Lacy car park. Finish in time for a coffee with the group in the caf.

There is Only Light. Dorset Independent Photographers have looked to writer John Fowles for the title of their annual exhibition.

The garden centre group, Haskins, is putting finishing touches to plans for its very own Bulb Market, which takes place from Monday August 20 to Monday November 19, across all four of its centres. More than 250 bulb varieties will be available at Haskins’ Bulb Market, as well as a showcase of rare and unusual bulbs.